- The NeverEnding Story (1984)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- Stardust (2007)
- Alice in Wonderland (2010)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- The Tourist (2010)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Fancy a bit of magic with your travel plans? Here's a curated list of 10 fantasy films where ordinary tourists stumble upon extraordinary adventures. These films not only provide a delightful escape but also inspire wanderlust with a twist of the fantastical. Whether you're dreaming of a holiday or just love a good yarn, these movies will whisk you away to lands where the impossible becomes possible.

The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Description: A boy discovers a magical book that transports him into the fantasy world of Fantasia, where he must help a young warrior save the land from destruction.
Fact: The film's iconic theme song, "The NeverEnding Story," was performed by Limahl, and it became a hit single in several countries.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: A story within a story, where a young boy is told a tale of adventure, romance, and fantasy, involving a farmhand turned pirate, a princess, and a host of fantastical characters.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, known for its quotable lines and its blend of romance, adventure, and humor.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: While not tourists in the traditional sense, Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a magical journey at Hogwarts, encountering fantastical creatures and magical adventures.
Fact: The film's sets were so detailed that they were reused for the entire series, with some sets like the Great Hall becoming permanent fixtures.


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, leading him to Iceland and other exotic locales, blending reality with fantasy.
Fact: The film was shot in real locations, including Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas, making the fantasy elements feel grounded in reality.


The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Description: Four siblings stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the enchanting world of Narnia, where they become embroiled in a battle against the White Witch.
Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, which provided the stunning landscapes for Narnia.


Stardust (2007)
Description: A young man ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star, only to find it's a woman, leading to a quest filled with witches, pirates, and magical beings.
Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, and its visual style was inspired by the illustrations of Charles Vess.


Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Description: Alice, now 19, returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland, where she must navigate through a land of wonders to save the realm from the Red Queen's tyranny.
Fact: Tim Burton's vision of Wonderland was inspired by the original illustrations by John Tenniel, but with a darker, more surreal twist.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: Bilbo Baggins, along with Gandalf and the Dwarves, continue their journey to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, encountering mythical creatures and landscapes.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D and 48 fps, providing a visually immersive experience that enhances the fantasy elements.


The Tourist (2010)
Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film features a tourist, Frank, who gets entangled in a thrilling adventure in Venice, where the line between reality and illusion blurs.
Fact: The film was originally set to star Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron, but after Cruise dropped out, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie took the lead roles.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: A travelling theatre troupe, led by the enigmatic Doctor Parnassus, offers tourists a chance to enter a fantastical world through a magical mirror, leading to unexpected adventures.
Fact: Following Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character in the Imaginarium.
