If you're a fan of both the fantastical and the industrial, this curated list of fantasy films with factories is just the ticket. These movies blend the magical with the mechanical, offering a unique viewing experience where imagination meets industry. From whimsical chocolate factories to dark, steampunk settings, these films will transport you to worlds where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
Description: This animated film features a journey through a fantastical world where Milo visits the Doldrums, a place where nothing happens, and later encounters a factory of words. It's a whimsical exploration of language and imagination.
Fact: The film was produced by Chuck Jones, known for his work on Looney Tunes. Also, it was one of the first animated films to use a combination of live-action and animation.


Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Description: This classic film introduces us to the enigmatic Willy Wonka, whose chocolate factory is a marvel of magical production lines and fantastical sweets. It's the perfect blend of fantasy and factory life, where every room is a new adventure.
Fact: The film was shot in Munich, Germany, where the sets were so large that they had to be built in a former aircraft hangar. Also, the Oompa-Loompas were played by actors of different heights, with the tallest being just over 4 feet.


The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Description: While not exclusively about a factory, this Disney classic features a memorable scene in a toy factory where the villain, Ratigan, plans his nefarious deeds. The film showcases the ingenuity of Victorian-era machinery in a fantastical setting.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Basil of Baker Street" after the main character, but was changed to avoid confusion with Sherlock Holmes. Also, it was one of the last Disney films to use hand-painted cels.


The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Description: This Terry Gilliam film includes scenes in a fantastical factory where the Baron's adventures begin. The film's setting is a blend of historical and fantastical elements, with a touch of the industrial revolution.
Fact: The film was a notorious production, going over budget and schedule, but it's now considered a cult classic. Also, it features an all-star cast including John Neville, Eric Idle, and Uma Thurman.


The Witches (1990)
Description: While not about a factory per se, the witches' convention in this film takes place in a grand hotel, where they concoct their evil plans, reminiscent of a factory of mischief. The film blends dark fantasy with a touch of the industrial.
Fact: Anjelica Huston, who played the Grand High Witch, was initially hesitant to take the role due to the extensive makeup process. Also, the film was adapted from Roald Dahl's book.


The City of Lost Children (1995)
Description: This French film features a mad scientist, Krank, who lives in an offshore oil rig turned into a bizarre factory of dreams. The setting is a mix of steampunk and surrealism, with a dark, fantastical edge.
Fact: The film was shot in Belgium, with sets built to create a unique, otherworldly atmosphere. Also, it was co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, known for their visually striking films.


The Iron Giant (1999)
Description: This animated gem features a factory where the Iron Giant is created, blending themes of technology, humanity, and the Cold War era. The factory scenes are pivotal to the story's exploration of creation and destruction.
Fact: Brad Bird, the director, fought to keep the film's ending, which was darker than typical Disney fare. Also, the film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Description: Tim Burton's reimagining of Roald Dahl's tale brings a darker, more whimsical edge to the factory setting, with Johnny Depp as the eccentric Willy Wonka. The factory here is a visual feast of surrealism and fantasy.
Fact: The chocolate river was made from 192,000 gallons of water, 1,200 gallons of chocolate syrup, and 800 pounds of cocoa powder. Also, the film used over 400 costumes for the Oompa-Loompas alone.


Hugo (2011)
Description: Set in the 1930s, this film by Martin Scorsese features a young boy living in a Paris train station, which acts as a sort of factory for human stories. The film delves into the magic of cinema and the mechanical wonders of the time.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, with Scorsese embracing the technology to enhance the film's visual storytelling. Also, it was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: While not directly about a factory, the film's world includes the Chamber of Life, where the Skeksis use a machine to drain the essence of creatures, akin to a dark, industrial process. The film's setting is a blend of fantasy and dystopian machinery.
Fact: The film was a pioneering effort in puppetry and animatronics, with Jim Henson and Frank Oz creating a fully realized world. Also, it took over five years to complete.
