Top 10 Fantasy Films Exploring Greed

Description: The film touches on themes of greed through the character of King Haggard, who keeps unicorns in his castle out of a selfish desire for beauty and power, leading to a quest to free them.

Fact: The film features a memorable score by Jimmy Webb, and Mia Farrow provided the voice for the unicorn.

Description: The film explores themes of survival and the quest for knowledge, where greed for power and control over nature's secrets drives the plot forward.

Fact: This was Don Bluth's first feature film after leaving Disney, marking a significant moment in animation history.

Description: While not directly about greed, the film explores themes of loss and the desire to escape reality, which can be seen as a form of greed for a different life. The Nothing, which threatens Fantasia, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the emptiness caused by greed.

Fact: The film's iconic theme song was performed by Limahl, and the movie was a major influence on fantasy cinema.

Description: While not solely about greed, the character of Prince Humperdinck embodies greed for power and control, leading to a series of fantastical events. His pursuit of Buttercup, not for love but for political gain, showcases greed in a different light.

Fact: The film was initially considered a flop but has since become a cult classic. The famous line, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," was improvised by Mandy Patinkin.

Description: The Grand High Witch's greed for power and her desire to eliminate all children to maintain her control over the witches' world showcases greed in a fantastical setting.

Fact: Anjelica Huston, who played the Grand High Witch, was so convincing in her role that she scared children on set.

Description: Here, greed manifests through the desire for power and immortality. The villain, Maxim Horvath, seeks to harness ancient magic for his own gain, leading to a battle of wits and magic.

Fact: The film includes a scene where the protagonist, Dave Stutler, uses magic to animate a broomstick, directly referencing the famous segment from Disney's Fantasia.

Description: This film follows Bilbo Baggins and the Company of Thorin Oakenshield as they delve into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim the Dwarves' treasure from the dragon Smaug. The theme of greed is central as Thorin's obsession with the treasure leads to his downfall, echoing the dangers of avarice.

Fact: Smaug was voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, who also provided motion capture for the dragon's movements. The film's depiction of Smaug was inspired by the artwork of Tolkien himself.

Description: The Skeksis, the film's antagonists, are driven by greed for power and immortality, leading to the exploitation of the Crystal of Truth. Their avarice sets the stage for the film's epic quest.

Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz created all the creatures using puppetry, making it one of the most ambitious puppet films ever made.

Description: Although the film's production was tumultuous, it features a thief whose greed leads him into a fantastical world, showcasing the perils of avarice in a visually stunning narrative.

Fact: The film was originally conceived by Richard Williams, who worked on it for over 28 years, making it one of the longest film productions in history.

Description: This lesser-known animated film features a princess whose greed for wealth and power leads her to make a pact with a dark sorcerer, resulting in a magical adventure to restore balance.

Fact: The film was released directly to video, making it a hidden gem for fantasy enthusiasts.