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Top 10 Fantasy Movies of the 1990s: A Journey Through Enchanted Worlds

The 1990s were a wild decade! Full of unique movie choices for all fans. From big blockbusters to indie films, the Movies gave viewers a new taste of a lot of awesome ideas, blending magic with trends!

id="an-era-full-of-fantasy">An Era Full Of Fantasy:

The 1990s took the movie world to a different place! There were more gothic-style horrors, giving fans everything they wanted and some truly interesting ways of looking at fantasy. Some of these included:

  • supernatural events
  • Witches
  • A special twist of some interesting new creatures to keep people engaged.
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The Rise Of Animated Movies

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This time also saw the major evolution of a certain genre that audiences really love to watch!

If you were lucky enough to have watched these epic animation hits!

  • Disney Renaissance.
  • Studio Ghibli

These two iconic animation studio really changed how audiences saw things, with both bringing truly powerful Movies to movie theaters that people loved to enjoy. In some cases they've stood the test of time!

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The Most Important Movies from the 1990s:

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10- Mulan (1998):

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Fans are often captivated by Disney princesses, especially during this era! With amazing stories to tell. Mulan brought something completely different with her incredible story and was considered one of Disney’s most memorable movies ever! She is one of those Disney princesses that broke all the rules and it was incredible to watch.

  • This tale of a young warrior is super inspiring
  • It showed viewers, especially younger fans, that Hua Mulan was one of China's greatest heroes!

The animated features brought the coolest moments as well!

  • There were many amazing songs.
  • The animations were absolutely breathtaking!
  • The iconic voice of Eddie Murphy as the dragon Mushu. It really helps to bring in those elements of humor, as "Mulan" tells a heartfelt story and gave us so much insight! The movie also gave viewers so much insight, even more power as it tells an inspirational tale of a woman that didn't let expectations get in the way!
Also Read: 10 Disney Princess Movies That Could've Been

9- Edward Scissorhands (1990):

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This super special, gothic film from Tim Burton. What's truly magical about this classic film is that it introduces a unique and unforgettable character who takes center stage and captivates audiences in the most unusual ways. That is of course, Edward Scissorhands. Edward was so much more than just a spooky character from this fantastically creative director's movie, he became an iconic figure and it set the scene for some of Burton's future successes!

He really pushed boundaries.

  • Burton was able to make films after a big hit called "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (made in 1985). This new film helped Burton really give viewers a movie with a sense of his iconic art style that was sure to be a favorite.
  • He introduced Johnny Depp who's career blossomed from there. The movie features his talented and beloved character, Edward along with Winona Ryder, the talented actress. You may recognize her as Kim from this movie. "Edward Scissorhands also gives us a deeper, richer, and meaningful, take on those kinds of societal groups and shows us an authentic, creative film about being misunderstood.
id="8-jumanji-1995"> 8- Jumanji (1995): Logo-Apple TV (1) Image

If you love the movies that really took on big adventures! You're going to love "Jumanji". This epic 1995 movie gives fans one of those fantastic fantasy tales that always draws audiences! The movie really takes its story to new places with some unexpected adventures!

  • Robin Williams
  • Joe Johnston

The incredible star "Robin Williams", the legendary actor was such a massive star in his career but the movies he made were all heartfelt! For sure Jumanji will be on the top of the list!

  • "Jumanji" has this interesting, dynamic take. A magical, and unusual, jungle-themed board game comes alive for audiences. It's definitely a combo of everything amazing
  • There's so much to look at! Action!
  • Horror
  • Comedy
  • Adventure

You can really see why so many were captivated. This awesome game is taken from the world of a gameboard and brought to life.

id="7-the-crow-1994"> 7- The Crow (1994): Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png Image

It’s a revenge story with a twist!

  • It was based on a comic book, and one that set the scene for the film that was filled with cool, modern aesthetics.
  • It even set the scene for another awesome film franchise - "John Wick".
  • What's different is that The Crow brings an edge. The protagonist Eric Draven goes through some brutal experiences in his journey to overcome loss! It has such a lasting effect on fans!

Even more! The Crow also brings some cool fight sequences!

The star, Brandon Lee makes such an unforgettable impact. He had an awful accident, on set, but his performance gave a lasting and moving impression. Lee was a star who will be always remembered for his memorable character and performance in the 1990s

id="6-the-blair-witch-project-1999">6- The Blair Witch Project (1999): Max_Logo Image

If you've had your fill of creepy horror movies. What stands out about this 1999 film? The Blair Witch Project takes a super cool, distinct and unusual route when filming!

  • This is known to be one of the films that sparked an idea! This is also a style that became a massive hit!
  • The use of "found footage" in "The Blair Witch Project" was innovative and has since been copied! Fans of the film still debate, though, as to which version stands out the most!
  • The "documentary style is well-known and even more so because they put these missing characters right at the heart of this eerie storyline, leaving viewers on edge!

With a limited budget for this movie. The filmmakers were able to do something pretty spectacular, too! What gives it that added intrigue? The fact that the film takes on a truly gritty and mysterious tone and style. This helped The Blair Witch Project gain incredible acclaim, creating a truly memorable, unique, and inspiring experience, making everyone want more! It became a part of film history. What makes it more interesting is it even spawned several imitations

id="5-hook-1991">5- Hook (1991):Logo-Apple TV (1) Image

Another legendary actor gets added to the list and one of Stephen Spielberg's movies that takes on a classic, re-imagines it. You will find that Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg had a truly memorable dynamic in the film Hook. Fans who saw Peter Pan on stage, in plays and TV specials have really loved to experience Peter Pan again but in this unique style! This special movie also brings the magical world to a whole new level.

This special adaptation brings a really powerful point about growing up.

If you aren't familiar with the tale! We get to see how Peter Pan had a rough transition into being an adult. We even get a glimpse of how Peter might regret all the things he had to give up in childhood. What makes it even more compelling is his children are taken by the notorious Captain Hook. So this special hero must come back to reclaim all that he'd lost!

  • With "Hook" there is such an interesting juxtaposition! You get to see Peter Banning
  • Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, bringing an incredibly memorable, and villainous performance!
  • What's super cool as well, Julia Roberts plays Tinker Bell! You will be wowed by this cast! There was no shortage of amazing actors during this era!
id="4-the-craft-1996"> 4- The Craft (1996): Logo-Apple TV (1) Image

This teen witch horror film came out in the mid-1990s and may remind fans of some "Halloween" movies that gave viewers a great and eerie feeling, as well.

  • It's considered a true teen-centric movie.
  • "The Craft is about outcasts
  • What is more, there was some real toxicity around a group of these teen witches.

It might seem like these four girls could have their amazing talents go in an amazing direction, but they do an epic 180-degree turn as their acts of revenge make an incredible statement!

id="3-beauty-and-the-beast-1991"> 3- Beauty and the Beast (1991): Collage of Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and Batman Image

A timeless and remarkable Disney princess story from the Disney Renaissance!

  • This was a big movie! Belle and The Beast are so iconic. We also had the wonderful "Beauty and The Beast" musical, too! The tale was just as epic. You could always rely on Alan Menken for those fantastic soundtracks
  • This is such an interesting time as Disney was evolving. They began introducing characters who were so much more independent!
  • The animated movie brought in the incredible talent of Howard Ashman who is one of those special figures who made music for Disney. Belle, the princess from this story.
  • What really makes it remarkable! This iconic princess takes on both The Beast and a truly villainous Gaston! That also means that the princess gets to pick how things end!

This special world gives viewers an incredible setting!

  • The castle setting, was created to really transport the audience! Even with the special mix of art!
  • The music has stood the test of time and audiences will love to see these memorable elements, giving a unique feeling that doesn't feel dated!
id="2-princess-mononoke-1997"> 2- Princess Mononoke (1997):Jumanji Movie Poster 1995 Image

There is an important and epic anime film that came out during this decade that took on such an epic theme!

The "Princess Mononoke movie really gave people an incredible experience! One "Hayao Miyazaki" story was about environmental activism that took viewers into the hearts of ancient, mystical beings. They even had some amazing action in their storyline that took us through battles.

  • "Princess Mononoke features a warrior known as Ashitaka that tries to fight against the threats he is facing.
  • This makes an epic and compelling story!
  • "Ashitaka becomes a critical element in helping the forests!
  • "Ashitaka" takes on this journey through a struggle to protect the forests! He faces those who want to build up industries.
  • "Princess Mononoke is about so much more. You have those classic stories about the dangers to these environments, but also how this character, "San" was raised by wolves and how the forests were so important to them.
id="1-the-nightmare-before-christmas-1993">1- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): hulu_logo Image

For some of the best stop-motion animations, the movie industry can thank Tim Burton for giving the world some unique magic, and a truly memorable film! The Nightmare Before Christmas was a big hit in 1993, with those classic halloween themes!

One of the main stars in this show is "Jack Skellington," an incredibly talented character!

  • He's the one to take us into this epic holiday adventure!
  • "Jack gets caught in this world.
  • Jack is feeling restless and is also struggling with those common feelings.
  • Sally, a character from this amazing film.
  • You get a really inspiring tale of what it means to support and love those who you truly cherish. She's constantly creating!
  • "Danny Elfman, the movie's composer. Those melodies truly make this so unique!

There were so many cool aspects! A fantastic combo, in terms of animation, style and its timeless elements. What makes it a favorite and a big hit? This is one that brings those elements that audiences love, making a 1990s film that really makes a powerful and moving impression that has become a classic in its own right. For those who have watched "The Nightmare Before Christmas" you've gotten the feeling of this epic movie but maybe some interesting details you'd forgotten.

While these might be the Top 10 most beloved from the decade! There are a few others as well and it seems that this time, for those of us who were living in the 1990s, brought a slew of truly inspiring and awesome movies for all of its audience, with those amazing talents.

The world of cinema has come a long way! Yet, some of those early moments of moviemaking stand out, proving that fantasy was something fans have really loved and enjoyed over time, showing those times in our history were amazing, fun and truly compelling!

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