- The Last Unicorn (1982)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- The Witches (1990)
- The City of Lost Children (1995)
- The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- The Dark Crystal (1982)
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
Fancy a bit of magic with your mystery? This curated list of fantasy films delves into the thrilling world where crime scenes are not just about fingerprints and DNA, but also about spells, mythical creatures, and enchanted evidence. Whether you're a fan of whodunits or just love a good fantasy yarn, these films offer a unique twist on the classic crime-solving narrative, making for an enchanting viewing experience.

The Last Unicorn (1982)
Description: While not explicitly a crime scene film, the quest of the last unicorn to find her kind involves solving the mystery of their disappearance, which can be seen as a fantastical crime investigation.
Fact: The film features voice acting by Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, and Alan Arkin, and its soundtrack includes songs by America.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: While primarily a fairy tale, the film includes elements of crime-solving as Westley, the Dread Pirate Roberts, investigates the kidnapping of his true love, Buttercup.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay, and it has become a cult classic with numerous memorable quotes.


The Witches (1990)
Description: A young boy and his grandmother uncover a convention of witches plotting to turn children into mice, making it a blend of fantasy and crime-solving.
Fact: The film was directed by Nicolas Roeg and features a memorable performance by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch.


The City of Lost Children (1995)
Description: In this surreal fantasy, a former scientist kidnaps children to steal their dreams, and a young girl, Miette, along with a circus strongman, embark on a quest to solve the mystery and save the children.
Fact: The film was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, known for their visually distinctive style, and it won the César Award for Best Film.


The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Description: The Grace children discover a guide to the magical world around them and must solve the mystery of their great-great-uncle's disappearance, blending fantasy with detective work.
Fact: The film features a variety of CGI creatures, with the goblins being particularly memorable for their design and animation.


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Description: In this magical adventure, Harry and Dumbledore investigate the mysterious past of Tom Riddle, uncovering clues to his dark transformation into Voldemort. The film blends the intrigue of a crime scene investigation with the magical elements of the wizarding world.
Fact: The film was the first in the series to be released in IMAX theaters. It also features a scene where Harry uses the Sectumsempra spell, which was improvised by Daniel Radcliffe.


The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Description: The Pevensie children return to Narnia to solve the mystery of Prince Caspian's disappearance and the dark forces at play, blending fantasy with a quest for justice.
Fact: The film features a scene where Aslan returns, which was a pivotal moment in the story, and the CGI for the creatures was praised for its realism.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: While not a traditional crime scene film, the investigation of the Lonely Mountain's secrets by Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves can be seen as a fantastical quest to uncover the 'crime' of Smaug's theft of the mountain's treasure.
Fact: The film used motion capture technology to bring Smaug to life, with Benedict Cumberbatch providing both the voice and the physical performance for the dragon.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: In this dark fantasy, Jen, a Gelfling, must solve the mystery of the Dark Crystal's shattering and restore balance to the world, making it a unique blend of fantasy and crime-solving.
Fact: The film was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, and all the characters were portrayed by puppets, requiring a massive effort in puppetry and animatronics.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: This animated film tells the story of Brendan, a young boy in ancient Ireland, who must solve the mystery of the Book of Kells, which involves mythical creatures and dark forces.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, showcasing its unique visual style inspired by Celtic art.
