Fantasy Films That Celebrate the Courage of Ill Children

Description: While not strictly about illness, the film features themes of loss and resilience, with Sarah Crewe's imaginative world helping her cope with her father's absence during the Boer War.

Fact: This film was directed by Walter Lang and features Shirley Temple in one of her most beloved roles. It was nominated for three Academy Awards.

Description: Mary Lennox, a sickly and sour child, discovers a hidden garden that not only brings her back to health but also helps her cousin Colin, who is bedridden with a mysterious illness.

Fact: This adaptation is considered one of the most faithful to Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel. The garden was created in real life at Fountains Hall in Yorkshire, England.

Description: Maria Merryweather, a young girl, inherits an estate and discovers a magical world where she must heal a curse affecting the land and its people, including those suffering from various ailments.

Fact: The film is based on "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge, and it was the last film role for Tim Curry before his retirement from acting.

Description: Jess and Leslie create an imaginary kingdom where they can escape their troubles, including Jess's sister's illness. The film beautifully captures the power of imagination in dealing with real-life challenges.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the fantasy sequences were inspired by the landscapes there. It's based on Katherine Paterson's novel, which was influenced by a real-life tragedy in her family.

Description: This animated film features Despereaux, a brave mouse who embarks on a quest to save a princess, with themes of illness and healing woven into the narrative.

Fact: The film was based on Kate DiCamillo's novel, and the animation style was influenced by the illustrations in the book. It features a voice cast including Matthew Broderick and Emma Watson.

Description: Although set during WWII, the film has a fantastical element in the innocence and friendship between Bruno and Shmuel, with Bruno's naivety creating a surreal, almost magical narrative around the horrors of the Holocaust.

Fact: The film was adapted from John Boyne's novel, which was initially intended to be a short story. It was shot in Hungary, with the concentration camp scenes filmed at a former military base.

Description: This film tells the story of Conor, a young boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness, who is visited by a giant tree monster that helps him cope through storytelling. It's a poignant blend of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of grief and acceptance.

Fact: The film was adapted from Patrick Ness's novel, which was inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, who passed away before she could write it. The film's visual effects were nominated for an Academy Award.

Description: A story of friendship between two boys, one of whom has AIDS. While not strictly fantasy, their adventures and the way they deal with the illness have a magical, almost fantastical quality.

Fact: The film was inspired by a true story, and the director, Peter Horton, was deeply moved by the subject matter, leading to a very personal and heartfelt film.

Description: Angus, a lonely boy during WWII, finds a mysterious egg that hatches into a water horse. The creature's growth and the boy's adventures help him deal with his father's absence and the war's impact on his family.

Fact: The film was inspired by Dick King-Smith's book, and the water horse was created using both CGI and animatronics. It was filmed in New Zealand and Scotland.

Description: A young princess, suffering from a mysterious illness, embarks on a journey to find a cure, encountering magical creatures and learning about her own strength along the way.

Fact: This lesser-known film was produced by a small studio in the UK, focusing on traditional animation techniques. It was released directly to DVD.