Fantasy Films to Watch During Quarantine

Description: Bastian's journey into the world of Fantasia through a book provides an escape from his own troubles, mirroring our need for escapism during lockdown.

Fact: The film's iconic theme song was performed by Limahl, who was also part of the band Kajagoogoo.

Description: This fairy tale adventure, told through the lens of a grandfather reading to his sick grandson, offers a whimsical escape from reality, perfect for those feeling confined by quarantine.

Fact: The film has a cult following and is often quoted for its memorable lines.

Description: Harry Potter's journey begins at Hogwarts, a place of refuge and adventure for him, much like how we seek escapism in films during lockdown. The film captures the essence of finding a new world when one's own feels too small.

Fact: The film's sets were so detailed that they were reused in subsequent Harry Potter movies.

Description: Coraline discovers an alternate version of her life behind a secret door, where her "Other Mother" seems perfect but hides a dark secret. This stop-motion animated film captures the feeling of being trapped and the desire to escape one's reality, themes resonant during quarantine.

Fact: The film was the first ever to be released in stereoscopic 3D.

Description: Four siblings enter the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe, finding themselves in a world at war, where they must help defeat the White Witch. The theme of children escaping into another world during a time of crisis mirrors the escapism we seek during quarantine.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Makeup and Best Sound Mixing.

Description: Set in post-Civil War Spain, Ofelia's exploration of a dark fantasy world offers a stark contrast to her oppressive reality, providing a narrative of escape and resilience during times of confinement.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with many scenes filmed in real locations to enhance the authenticity of the setting.

Description: This adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale follows Mary Lennox, who discovers a hidden, magical garden while confined to her uncle's estate. It's a perfect film for quarantine as it explores themes of isolation, healing, and the redemptive power of nature.

Fact: The film was shot in Yorkshire, England, where the story is set, providing an authentic backdrop to the magical tale.

Description: Sarah's journey through the Labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King is a tale of personal growth and overcoming isolation, themes that resonate deeply in quarantine times.

Fact: David Bowie's costume as Jareth was so tight that he had to be sewn into it each day.

Description: Chihiro's adventure in a magical bathhouse for spirits explores themes of isolation, transformation, and the search for identity, making it a poignant watch during quarantine.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, the first non-English language film to do so.

Description: Based on Roald Dahl's book, this film tells the story of a young boy and his grandmother who encounter a coven of witches during a quarantine-like retreat. The film's themes of isolation and the battle against evil make it a fitting watch.

Fact: Anne Hathaway, who plays the Grand High Witch, was digitally altered to make her look even more menacing.