- The Darkest Hour (2011)
- The Snow Queen (2012)
- The Witch (2015)
- The Black Lightning (2009)
- The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1976)
- The Ugly Swans (2006)
- The Last Warrior (2017)
- The Master and Margarita (2005)
- The Return of the Musketeers, or The Treasures of Cardinal Mazarin (2009)
- The Dragon Syndrome (2012)
Moscow, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has often been a backdrop for films, but when it comes to fantasy, the city truly comes alive in ways you wouldn't expect. This curated list of 10 fantasy films set in Moscow not only showcases the city's magical allure but also provides a unique perspective on its folklore, architecture, and the mystical elements that could only be imagined in such a setting. Whether you're a fan of Russian cinema or simply love the genre of fantasy, these films will transport you to a Moscow where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

The Darkest Hour (2011)
Description: While not strictly fantasy, this sci-fi thriller features an alien invasion in Moscow, where survivors must navigate through an invisible enemy. The city's iconic Red Square becomes a battleground, adding a fantastical element to the setting.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Moscow, showcasing the city's beauty and its lesser-known areas. It also features a diverse international cast.


The Snow Queen (2012)
Description: This animated fantasy film, based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale, uses Moscow as a backdrop for its story of love, courage, and adventure. The city's winter landscapes are beautifully integrated into the film's visual style.
Fact: The film was Russia's first 3D animated feature to be released in IMAX, and it was nominated for several awards at international film festivals.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Although not set in Moscow, this film's story of witchcraft and dark magic resonates with the mystical elements often associated with Russian folklore, making it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: The film was critically acclaimed for its atmospheric tension and was praised for its authentic portrayal of 17th-century New England, which parallels the eerie atmosphere of old Moscow.


The Black Lightning (2009)
Description: In this superhero fantasy, Moscow becomes the stage for a retired superhero who must return to action to save the city from a new threat. The film's use of Moscow's landmarks as settings for action sequences is particularly noteworthy.
Fact: The film was inspired by the Soviet comic book series of the same name, and it's one of the few Russian superhero films with a significant budget.


The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1976)
Description: While primarily a romantic comedy, this film includes elements of magical realism, with Moscow's uniform apartment blocks playing a central role in the plot, creating a fantastical situation.
Fact: The film has become a New Year's tradition in Russia, and its setting in Moscow's identical apartment buildings is a humorous commentary on Soviet urban planning.


The Ugly Swans (2006)
Description: This dystopian fantasy film, based on the novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, uses Moscow as a backdrop for a story about a society on the brink of collapse, with elements of magic and prophecy.
Fact: The film was directed by Konstantin Lopushansky, known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, and it explores themes of societal decay and rebirth.


The Last Warrior (2017)
Description: This Russian fantasy film takes the audience on a journey through time, where a modern-day Moscow man finds himself in a medieval fantasy world, all while trying to return to his own time. The film's setting in Moscow adds a unique twist to the classic fish-out-of-water tale.
Fact: The film was a box office hit in Russia, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of


The Master and Margarita (2005)
Description: Based on Mikhail Bulgakov's novel, this film brings to life the fantastical elements of Moscow in the 1930s, where the devil and his entourage visit the city, causing chaos and magic.
Fact: The film was shot in Moscow, capturing the essence of the city during the Soviet era, and it features a complex narrative structure true to the novel.


The Return of the Musketeers, or The Treasures of Cardinal Mazarin (2009)
Description: This Russian adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic tale brings the musketeers to Moscow, blending historical fiction with fantasy elements in a unique setting.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Moscow, including the Kremlin, to give an authentic feel to the musketeers' adventures.


The Dragon Syndrome (2012)
Description: A modern take on the classic Russian fairy tale, this film uses Moscow's contemporary setting to explore themes of identity and transformation through a fantastical lens.
Fact: The film features a blend of live-action and CGI, showcasing Moscow's modern architecture alongside mythical creatures.
