20th Century Fantasy Films: A Magical Journey Through Time

Description: While not strictly set in the 20th century, its steampunk aesthetic and themes of science gone awry resonate with the era's fascination with technology and progress. It's a dark, surreal fantasy about a mad scientist stealing children's dreams.

Fact: The film was a French production, but it has been dubbed into English, and its visual style influenced many subsequent fantasy films.

Description: This family-friendly film, set in the 20th century, introduces us to a family of tiny people living beneath the floorboards of a house. It's a whimsical tale of adventure and the magic of everyday life.

Fact: The film was shot in the UK, and the sets were built to scale to make the Borrowers appear small.

Description: While the story itself is set in a magical world, the film's release in the early 21st century captures the essence of the late 20th century's fascination with fantasy. It's a tale of a young wizard's journey, set against the backdrop of a modern, yet magical, England.

Fact: The film was shot at several locations in the UK, including Alnwick Castle, which served as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Description: Set in the late 19th century but with a strong 20th-century feel, this film brings together iconic literary characters to form a team to combat a global threat. It's a steampunk adventure that captures the spirit of the era.

Fact: The film was based on a comic book series by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the movie adaptation.

Description: This film tells the story of a father's fantastical tales, set in various times of the 20th century. It's a magical realism journey through the life of Edward Bloom, whose stories are larger than life, blending reality with myth.

Fact: The town of Spectre in the film was built from scratch in Alabama, and the set was so convincing that locals would often stop by to visit.

Description: This lesser-known gem is set in the early 20th century and follows a young girl who inherits a magical estate. It's a story of family secrets, ancient curses, and the power of imagination.

Fact: The film was based on the book "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge, which also inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Description: Set in the early 20th century, this film tells the story of a magician whose illusions are so convincing they seem like magic. It's a tale of love, deception, and the power of illusion in a time of great change.

Fact: The film was shot in Prague, which stood in for Vienna, and the magic tricks were performed by real magicians.

Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film delves into the world of magic and illusion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It explores the rivalry between two magicians, blending historical accuracy with a touch of the supernatural.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life magicians, and the Tesla machine used in the film was actually built by the special effects team.

Description: This enchanting tale, based on Neil Gaiman's novel, takes place in the 19th century but has a timeless feel, blending historical settings with fantasy elements. It's a story of adventure, love, and magic, set in a world where the 20th century's influence is just beginning to be felt.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Neil Gaiman himself, and the character of Captain Shakespeare was originally named Captain Alberic, but was changed to avoid confusion with a real-life historical figure.

Description: This film, set in modern-day London, follows a travelling theatre troupe led by the enigmatic Doctor Parnassus, who can grant wishes through his magical mirror. It's a whimsical journey through time and imagination, perfectly blending fantasy with the 20th century's urban landscape.

Fact: Heath Ledger's last role was in this film, and after his untimely death, his character was played by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.