Fantasy Films About Isekai: A Journey Through Other Worlds

Description: Dorothy Gale is swept away from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. This timeless classic is one of the earliest examples of isekai, where a young girl's journey to find her way home is filled with wonder and peril.

Fact: Judy Garland's iconic ruby slippers were originally silver in the book, but changed to ruby for the film to take advantage of Technicolor.

Description: Bastian, a lonely boy, finds himself in the pages of a magical book, entering the world of Fantasia to save it from destruction. This film is a beautiful example of how stories can transport us to other worlds.

Fact: The film's theme song, "The NeverEnding Story," became a hit in several countries.

Description: Buttercup, a farm girl, is kidnapped and taken to a fantastical land where she must be rescued by her true love, Westley. This film blends romance, adventure, and comedy, making it a unique entry in the isekai genre.

Fact: The film was initially considered a flop but has since become a cult classic.

Description: Harry Potter, an ordinary boy, discovers he's a wizard and is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This film marks the beginning of a legendary journey, where Harry navigates a world of magic, friendship, and danger.

Fact: The film's director, Chris Columbus, initially wanted to use real owls for the scenes with Hedwig, but they were too difficult to train.

Description: Four siblings stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the enchanting land of Narnia, where they must help a lion named Aslan defeat the White Witch. This film is a quintessential isekai tale, blending British charm with epic fantasy.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, the same location used for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, giving it a similar majestic feel.

Description: Tristan Thorn ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, only to find the star is a young woman. This film captures the essence of isekai with its blend of romance, adventure, and a touch of British humor.

Fact: The film's director, Matthew Vaughn, also directed "Kick-Ass" and "X-Men: First Class."

Description: Alice Kingsleigh falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world inhabited by peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures. Tim Burton's take on this classic tale adds a darker twist to the whimsical journey of a girl in a strange land.

Fact: Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter was inspired by his own childhood experiences with insomnia.

Description: Jen, a Gelfling, must restore balance to his world by finding a shard of the Dark Crystal. This film, with its intricate puppetry and dark fantasy setting, offers a unique isekai experience.

Fact: Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, co-directed this film, showcasing his range in fantasy storytelling.

Description: Sarah must navigate a fantastical maze to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. This film, with its imaginative world and memorable characters, is a quintessential isekai adventure.

Fact: David Bowie wrote and performed five songs for the film's soundtrack.

Description: Arrietty, a tiny borrower, lives beneath the floorboards of a human house. When she's discovered by a human boy, their friendship leads to an adventure in a world much larger than her own. This Studio Ghibli film offers a gentle, yet profound, isekai narrative.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton, which has inspired numerous adaptations.