10 Fantasy Films That Confront Our Deepest Fears

Description: This fantasy epic explores the fear of losing imagination and the power of stories, as a young boy enters the magical world of Fantasia, facing his own fears and those of the characters he meets.

Fact: The film was based on Michael Ende's novel, but only the first half was adapted, leading to some dissatisfaction from the author. The iconic flying scene was done with practical effects.

Description: This beloved film, while comedic, explores fears of loss, betrayal, and the unknown, as characters navigate through a world of fantasy to find true love and overcome their fears.

Fact: The film was initially considered a flop but has since become a cult classic. The famous line "Inconceivable!" has become a popular meme.

Description: While primarily a stop-motion animation, this film touches on the fear of identity crisis and the unknown, as Jack Skellington attempts to take over Christmas, leading to both comedic and terrifying results.

Fact: Tim Burton did not direct the film but was heavily involved in its creation. The film's score was composed by Danny Elfman, who also voiced Jack Skellington.

Description: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this stop-motion animated film follows Coraline as she discovers an alternate world behind a secret door, where her deepest desires are met, but at a terrifying cost, exploring themes of fear of abandonment and the unknown.

Fact: The film required over 1,300 faces for the main character, each with different expressions. The Other Mother's design was inspired by the concept of a spider, symbolizing entrapment.

Description: This dark fantasy film by Guillermo del Toro intertwines the real horrors of post-Civil War Spain with a young girl's journey through a mythical labyrinth, where she must confront her fears to escape her oppressive reality.

Fact: The film was shot in English and Spanish, with the English version being dubbed by the original actors. The creature designs were inspired by Goya's paintings.

Description: A psychological horror with elements of fantasy, this film explores the fear of losing control and the manifestation of grief, as a mother and son confront a sinister presence from a children's book.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes. The Babadook has since become a symbol for depression and anxiety.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film delves into the fear of witchcraft and the unknown, as a family faces supernatural forces and their own paranoia, leading to a chilling exploration of isolation and fear.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue, making it both historically accurate and eerily unsettling. The goat, Black Phillip, became an internet sensation.

Description: Jim Henson's masterpiece, this film uses puppetry to create a world where the fear of darkness and the unknown is palpable, as two Gelflings seek to restore balance to their world.

Fact: The film required over 100 puppeteers and was one of the first films to use animatronics extensively. The Skeksis were designed to represent human vices.

Description: Another Jim Henson creation, this film delves into the fear of growing up and losing one's childhood, as Sarah navigates a fantastical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King.

Fact: David Bowie's performance as Jareth was both mesmerizing and a bit terrifying, especially for younger audiences. The film has since gained a cult following.

Description: This animated film, while visually stunning, touches on themes of fear of the unknown and the darkness, as young Brendan ventures into the forest to find a legendary book, confronting his fears along the way.

Fact: The film's art style is inspired by the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.