Romania, with its rich tapestry of folklore and hauntingly beautiful landscapes, has long been a muse for filmmakers, especially those crafting tales of fantasy. This curated list of ten films not only showcases the enchanting world of Romanian fantasy but also highlights the country's cultural depth, making it a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the blend of history, myth, and magic.

The Last Unicorn (1982)
Description: Although not explicitly set in Romania, the film's themes of magic, transformation, and the search for identity resonate with Romanian folklore, particularly the legends of enchanted creatures.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Peter S. Beagle, who drew inspiration from various mythologies, including Eastern European tales.


The Company of Wolves (1984)
Description: This film, while set in a generic European forest, captures the essence of Romanian fairy tales with its dark, fantastical elements and werewolf lore.
Fact: The film's director, Neil Jordan, was inspired by various European fairy tales, including those from Romania.


The Witches (1990)
Description: While not set in Romania, the film's depiction of witches and their coven has parallels with Romanian witch lore, particularly the concept of the "Strigoi" or "Vârcolac."
Fact: The film was shot in England, but its themes and characters could easily be imagined in the mystical landscapes of Romania.


The Wolfman (2010)
Description: While not exclusively set in Romania, this film's gothic atmosphere and the transformation of the protagonist into a werewolf draw heavily from Eastern European folklore, including Romanian myths about werewolves.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in the UK, but the inspiration for the setting and the werewolf legend is deeply rooted in Eastern European, including Romanian, folklore.


Dracula Untold (2014)
Description: This origin story of Dracula is set in 15th-century Romania, where Vlad the Impaler makes a pact with a demon to protect his kingdom, thus becoming the vampire we know.
Fact: The film was shot in Northern Ireland, but the story is deeply rooted in Romanian history and folklore, with Vlad the Impaler being a historical figure from Wallachia, Romania.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: While not set in Romania, the film's depiction of the Lonely Mountain and its surrounding landscapes evoke the rugged beauty of the Carpathians, and the story's themes of adventure and magic are reminiscent of Romanian tales.
Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, but its fantasy elements and the portrayal of mythical creatures could be seen as an homage to Eastern European folklore.


The Nun (2018)
Description: Set in a Romanian abbey, this horror-fantasy film delves into demonic possession and supernatural occurrences, tapping into Romania's dark history with the supernatural.
Fact: The film was shot in Romania, utilizing the country's eerie castles and monasteries to enhance the film's chilling atmosphere.


The Phantom Carriage (1921)
Description: Although a Swedish film, its themes of redemption and the supernatural resonate with Romanian folklore, particularly the legends of the Strigoi, which are similar to the film's ghostly carriage.
Fact: The film was remade in Romania in 1937 as "La moara cu noroc," adapting the story to a Romanian setting.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: This film's world, while entirely fictional, has an otherworldly feel that could be imagined in the mystical landscapes of Romania, with its dark forests and ancient ruins.
Fact: The film was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, who were inspired by various mythologies, including those from Eastern Europe.


The Princess and the Magical Kingdom (2009)
Description: This animated film, while not set in Romania, embodies the spirit of Eastern European fairy tales with its magical kingdom, enchanted forests, and mystical creatures.
Fact: The film's setting and themes could easily be transposed to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, known for their mystical allure.
