- The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
- The NeverEnding Story (1984)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
- The Witches (1990)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
- Stardust (2007)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
In this curated list, we delve into the enchanting world of fantasy films where the theme of money takes centre stage. These films not only entertain with their magical elements but also offer a unique perspective on wealth, greed, and the value of currency in fantastical settings. Whether it's a quest for gold, a magical economy, or a critique of capitalism, these movies provide a rich tapestry of storytelling that will captivate fans of both fantasy and financial intrigue.

The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
Description: This animated fantasy involves a boy who travels through a magical land where words and numbers have tangible value, exploring themes of knowledge and wealth.
Fact: The film was based on Norton Juster's novel, which was initially conceived as a book about cities.


The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Description: While not directly about money, the film features a magical book that can create wealth and power, illustrating the value of imagination over material wealth.
Fact: The film was shot in Germany, with many of the fantastical creatures created through practical effects.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: While primarily a fairy tale, the film includes a subplot involving the Dread Pirate Roberts, who is known for his wealth, making it a unique addition to this list. The story intertwines romance, adventure, and the pursuit of riches.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the story's whimsical tone was preserved.


The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Description: This film features the legendary Baron Munchausen, whose tales often involve extravagant wealth and fantastical adventures, showcasing the allure of riches in storytelling.
Fact: The film was directed by Terry Gilliam, known for his visually rich and imaginative films, and was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.


The Witches (1990)
Description: This dark fantasy involves a boy who discovers a coven of witches planning to turn children into mice, with a subplot involving the witches' wealth and their disdain for human currency.
Fact: Roald Dahl, the author of the original book, was unhappy with the film's ending, which differed from his novel.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: In this magical world, Gringotts Wizarding Bank plays a crucial role, showcasing the wizarding economy and the importance of wealth in the magical community.
Fact: The vaults in Gringotts were designed to look like they were made of gold, but they were actually constructed from wood and painted.


Stardust (2007)
Description: This film features a quest for a fallen star, which turns out to be a woman, and the pursuit of wealth through magical means, highlighting the allure and dangers of riches.
Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, which itself was inspired by the Victorian fairy tale tradition.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: This epic fantasy adventure follows Bilbo Baggins and his companions as they seek to reclaim the treasure hoarded by the dragon Smaug. The film explores themes of greed, wealth, and the consequences of avarice in a fantastical setting.
Fact: The Lonely Mountain was digitally created, and the entire set was built to scale, showcasing the grandeur of Smaug's treasure hoard.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: This animated film explores the creation of the Book of Kells, a manuscript of immense cultural and spiritual value, symbolizing wealth in a non-monetary sense.
Fact: The film uses a unique visual style inspired by Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: Terry Gilliam's surreal fantasy involves a magical theatre where the audience's imagination can create wealth, exploring themes of creativity, choice, and the cost of dreams.
Fact: After Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.
