Top 10 Fantasy Films About Cities

Description: The Emerald City stands as a beacon of hope and mystery in this classic film. Its vibrant, green-hued metropolis is a pivotal setting in Dorothy's journey through Oz.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use Technicolor, making the Emerald City's scenes particularly striking.

Description: This animated gem follows a boy who travels through a magical tollbooth into the Kingdom of Wisdom, where cities like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis represent different aspects of knowledge. The urban settings are whimsical and full of wordplay.

Fact: The film is based on Norton Juster's beloved children's book. It features voice work by Mel Blanc, who was famous for voicing many of the Looney Tunes characters.

Description: While not exclusively about a city, the film features the Ivory Tower, a city-like structure where the Childlike Empress resides. This fantastical urban setting is central to the story's climax.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany, with the Ivory Tower scenes filmed at the Bavaria Film Studios. The movie's theme song became a hit in several countries.

Description: This film takes us to a surreal, steampunk city where a mad scientist kidnaps children to steal their dreams. The city itself is a character, with its dark, industrial aesthetic and a sense of perpetual twilight.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, who are known for their unique visual style. The city was inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Fritz Lang's "Metropolis".

Description: In this neo-noir sci-fi thriller, a man wakes up with no memory in a city where reality shifts at night. The city's architecture and atmosphere are ever-changing, creating a labyrinthine urban environment that's both beautiful and unsettling.

Fact: The film's director, Alex Proyas, was influenced by German Expressionism, particularly "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari". The city was built entirely on soundstages, allowing for the surreal transformations.

Description: Cair Paravel, the castle-city of Narnia, is a key location in this adaptation, symbolizing the heart of Narnian civilization and the seat of power.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, with Cair Paravel's scenes filmed at the picturesque Lake Pukaki.

Description: While Hogwarts itself isn't a city, the film explores Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, magical urban areas that play significant roles in the wizarding world's society.

Fact: The film introduced new sets for Diagon Alley, expanding on the magical shopping district seen in previous films.

Description: Although primarily set in a vast, mystical world, the film includes the Castle of the Skeksis, which serves as a dark, foreboding city. This castle-city is integral to the film's narrative and atmosphere.

Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz created this film using advanced puppetry techniques, with no human characters appearing on screen.

Description: While not a city in the traditional sense, the Labyrinth itself is an urban maze with its own rules and inhabitants, creating a city-like environment where adventure unfolds.

Fact: David Bowie, who played Jareth the Goblin King, wrote and performed several songs for the film's soundtrack.

Description: Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film features a traveling theatre troupe with a magical mirror that leads into fantastical cities. Each city reflects the imagination of those who enter, showcasing a variety of urban landscapes.

Fact: Heath Ledger, who played the lead, passed away during filming. His role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character in the Imaginarium.