Fantasy Films About Mechanics

Description: This French film features a mad scientist who kidnaps children to steal their dreams. The steampunk setting with its mechanical contraptions and bizarre inventions perfectly captures the theme of fantasy mechanics.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, who are known for their visually stunning and surreal films. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: This animated film tells the story of a boy who befriends a giant robot with a heart, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the mechanics of emotion in a fantastical setting.

Fact: The film was a commercial disappointment upon release but has since gained a cult following. It was directed by Brad Bird, who later directed "The Incredibles."

Description: This film brings together characters from Victorian literature into a steampunk world, where they use advanced technology and mechanical devices to battle a common enemy.

Fact: The film was based on the comic book series by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the adaptation. It features an early role for Sean Connery, who later retired from acting.

Description: This Japanese animated film is set in an alternate 19th century where steam power has advanced technology dramatically. It follows a young inventor who must use his mechanical skills to prevent a catastrophe.

Fact: "Steamboy" was the most expensive Japanese animated film ever made at the time of its release. It was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, known for "Akira."

Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film delves into the world of illusion and the mechanics behind magic tricks, with a focus on the rivalry between two magicians and their use of technology to perform the impossible.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Christopher Priest. The Tesla machine in the movie was inspired by real-life inventor Nikola Tesla's experiments.

Description: Set in 1930s Paris, this film follows an orphan boy who lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks and uncovering a mystery involving a mechanical man. Its intricate clockwork and steampunk elements make it a perfect fit for this collection.

Fact: The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, known for his work in very different genres, making this a unique entry in his filmography. The movie was also shot in 3D, enhancing the mechanical details.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a rag doll with a soul, named 9, awakens to find himself in a world where machines rule. The film explores themes of creation, destruction, and the mechanics of life itself.

Fact: The film was directed by Shane Acker, who also created the original short film on which it was based. It features voice acting by Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, and Jennifer Connelly.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world where cities move on giant wheels, a young woman seeks to stop the predatory city of London. The film's setting is rich with mechanical marvels and steampunk aesthetics.

Fact: The film was based on the first book in Philip Reeve's series. It was a box office disappointment but has been praised for its visual effects and world-building.

Description: Terry Gilliam's dystopian satire features a world where bureaucracy reigns supreme, and the protagonist, a lowly clerk, dreams of escape through fantastical mechanical contraptions and surreal adventures.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version in the US, leading to a dispute between Gilliam and Universal Studios. It has since been restored to its original vision.

Description: A fantastical tale about a traveling theatre troupe whose leader, Doctor Parnassus, has made a deal with the Devil. The film features a magical mirror that transports people into a world of imagination, filled with mechanical wonders.

Fact: This was the final film of Heath Ledger, with his role completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell after his untimely death. The film's visual effects were done by the same team behind "Harry Potter."