The dark fantasy genre has been gaining massive popularity for the last three decades or so. More and more incredible films keep coming out and continue to be fan favorites every year. These films are a blend of gloomy dark tones with a sense of horror and dread, combined with various elements of fantasy. The dark magic, unsettling imagery, and several creatures are enough to give you an entertainment-filled movie that is both mind-bending and phenomenal. So, if you have been on a hunt for some great dark fantasy films, then keep reading this article because we are going to cover all the hit names in the cinema.
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Whether it is nostalgic dark fantasy or a modern twist on an infamous cult, the following list of movies covers all those intriguing themes.
1. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Cast: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken, Casper Van Dien, Lisa Marie, and many more.
No other movie can compare to this gothic supernatural horror film produced by Tim Burton. Sleepy Hollow continues to be everyone’s favorite even after all these years. From casting to the storyline and from the setting to the dialogues, this film keeps you entertained until the credits roll.
The movie is set in 1799, Ichabod Crane comes to Sleepy Hollow with the plan of finding out who could be behind the decapitations of three people. The investigation leads him to the legendary apparition, known as The Headless Horseman.
Famous Quote: Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue.”
2. El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006)
Cast: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo, and many more.
Pan’s Labyrinth is a Spanish-Mexican production by Guillermo del Toro, who is known for his Hellboy franchise. However, this one is truly a masterpiece, where the director pulls out all the stops to deliver a beautiful, overwhelming, emotional, and dramatic story.
Set in 1944, when the Allies have taken over the part of Europe which is held by the Nazis. The Allies are led by a man with sadistic capabilities named Capitan Vidal. He is accompanied by his new wife Carmen and a daughter of eleven years old from a previous marriage, named Ofelia. Ofelia keeps seeing the sadistic brutality of her stepfather which further draws her to Pan’s Labyrinth, a magical world.
Famous Quote: “A Long Time Ago, In The Underground Realm, Where There Are No Lies Or Pain, There Lived A Princess Who Dreamed Of The Human World…”
3. Coraline (2009)
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Keith David, Dawn French, and more.
Based on a novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, Coraline is primarily targeted toward children, however, the dark and horror elements present in this movie are the reason the movie made it to the list. It is more than just a movie, the story is beautifully crafted that makes you tear up.
This stop-motion animated movie follows a girl named Coraline, who discovers a secret door in her new home. Behind the door, she finds an alternate world that is exactly like the one she lives in. But here is the thing, the alternate world seems better than the real one. Everything begins to go south when her parallel family tries to keep her there forever.
Now, Coraline has to do everything to come back to her real family.
Famous Quote: “You probably think this world is a dream come true, but you’re wrong.”
4. Gretel & Hansel (2020)
Cast: Alice Krige, Jessica De Gouw, Samuel Leakey, Giulia Doherty, Beatrix Perkins, Charles Babalola, and many more.
Based on the German folklore tale “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm, the movie immediately pulls you in. The visuals and cinematography along with the whole imagery contribute immensely to giving the audience eerie vibes. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you think about what could happen next.
The film tells the story of siblings – Hansel and Gretel – who are left to look after themselves as their mother becomes mentally derailed. The siblings go into the dark woods and in hopes of finding shelter and food, they come across an isolated home, owned by a mysterious woman.
Soon enough, Hansel and Gretel start to see that there is more to her intentions than what meets the eye. Something sinister is brewing behind her plans.
Famous Quotes: You don’t have to see things to know that they’re there.
Wrapping Up
The genre of dark fantasy films is increasingly gaining massive popularity. If you have also been finding yourself interested in this particular category, then we recommend watching the movies mentioned above. These films give you the true essence of what this amazing genre brings to the table. So, don’t wait any longer, and start streaming!
Article by Born Realist