10 Fantasy Films Featuring Portals to Other Worlds

Description: Dorothy is whisked away to the magical land of Oz by a tornado, which serves as a portal from her mundane life to a world of color and adventure.

Fact: Judy Garland's iconic ruby slippers were originally silver in the book. The film was one of the first to use Technicolor, making the transition from Kansas to Oz visually stunning.

Description: Bastian reads a magical book that transports him into the world of Fantasia, where he becomes part of the story. The book itself acts as a portal to this fantastical realm.

Fact: The film's theme song became an international hit, and the movie was one of the first to use extensive special effects for its time.

Description: While not strictly a portal, the magical platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station serves as a gateway to the wizarding world, making it an essential part of this fantasy saga.

Fact: The film's director, Chris Columbus, was chosen because he had experience with child actors from his work on "Home Alone." The Hogwarts Express is actually a real steam locomotive, the GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall.

Description: Coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life, where everything seems perfect but harbors dark secrets. The door is the portal to this eerie parallel world.

Fact: The film was the first ever to be shot entirely in stereoscopic 3D. The Other Mother's design was inspired by the look of a praying mantis.

Description: This film introduces us to the Pevensie children, who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that leads them into the enchanting world of Narnia. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, with a portal that's as iconic as they come.

Fact: The wardrobe was inspired by a real piece of furniture in C.S. Lewis's home. The film's production used over 5,000 extras for the battle scenes.

Description: Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth that leads her into a dark fantasy world where she must complete three tasks to prove her royal heritage. The labyrinth is a portal to a realm of myth and magic.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with many scenes filmed in actual locations from the Spanish Civil War. The faun's design was inspired by the works of Arthur Rackham.

Description: Tim Burton's take on Lewis Carroll's classic sees Alice tumbling down a rabbit hole into a world of peculiar creatures and mad tea parties. The rabbit hole is the portal that sets the stage for this surreal adventure.

Fact: Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter was inspired by his own childhood experiences. The film was shot in 3D, enhancing the otherworldly feel of Wonderland.

Description: In this Jim Henson creation, Jen, a Gelfling, must heal the Dark Crystal to restore balance to the world. The portal here is more metaphorical, as Jen's journey through the world itself is a passage to understanding and growth.

Fact: The film was shot entirely with puppets, with no CGI. The voice of Aughra was provided by Frank Oz, who also voiced Yoda in Star Wars.

Description: Sarah wishes her baby brother away to the Goblin King, only to enter a labyrinth to rescue him. The labyrinth itself is a complex portal to various fantastical realms.

Fact: David Bowie wrote and performed several songs for the film. The film was a commercial disappointment upon release but has since become a cult classic.

Description: Chihiro enters a magical bathhouse for spirits after her parents are turned into pigs. The tunnel she passes through acts as a portal to this spirit world.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the first non-English-language animated film to do so. Hayao Miyazaki was inspired by his own experiences with his daughter's childhood.