Top 10 Fantasy Films About Criminal Masterminds

Description: While primarily a fairy tale, the film features Vizzini, a criminal mastermind who kidnaps Princess Buttercup, showcasing his cunning and villainy.

Fact: The film has become a cult classic, with many of its lines becoming iconic in popular culture.

Description: Although primarily a children's film, it features a coven of witches led by a Grand High Witch, who are essentially criminal masterminds plotting to turn all children into mice.

Fact: Roald Dahl, the author of the book, was unhappy with the film adaptation, particularly with the ending.

Description: This film brings together iconic literary characters to form a team of Victorian-era superheroes, including Mina Harker, Captain Nemo, and Allan Quatermain, who are recruited by a mysterious figure to thwart a criminal mastermind.

Fact: The film was based on the comic book series by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the adaptation.

Description: While not directly about crime bosses, the film's protagonist, Eisenheim, uses his magical abilities to manipulate events, including a plot to overthrow the corrupt Crown Prince.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Steven Millhauser, but the plot was significantly altered for the screen.

Description: This film explores the rivalry between two magicians, one of whom uses his craft to commit crimes, showcasing the darker side of magic and ambition.

Fact: The film was adapted from Christopher Priest's novel of the same name, with significant changes to the plot.

Description: This modern take on the classic tale features a sorcerer and his apprentice who must stop an ancient evil from rising, with elements of crime and power struggles.

Fact: The film includes a scene inspired by the famous "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment from Disney's Fantasia.

Description: The film features Smaug, a dragon who hoards treasure and essentially acts as a criminal overlord, manipulating events to maintain his wealth.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch provided both the voice and motion capture for Smaug.

Description: While not strictly fantasy, Guy Ritchie's film features a world where the criminal elite operate with a certain magical flair, making it a perfect fit for this list. The film follows Mickey Pearson, an American expatriate who built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London.

Fact: The film was initially intended to be a sequel to Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" but evolved into its own unique story.

Description: In this fantasy world, the Skeksis, a race of vulture-like creatures, rule with an iron fist, engaging in criminal activities to maintain their power.

Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz used advanced puppetry techniques to bring the world of Thra to life.

Description: A fantastical tale where a traveling theatre troupe led by the immortal Doctor Parnassus battles a devilish figure for the soul of his daughter, with a criminal twist involving a mysterious man named Tony.

Fact: Heath Ledger's role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell after his untimely death.