Fantasy inspires a wider understanding of reality. However, fantasy crafted without a strong sense of universal moral and philosophical principles easily slips into the realm of the absurd or even perverted.

True fantasy reflects reality and promotes the good, the true, and the beautiful, which can sometimes be distilled and magnified in fantasy and myth better than in other fictional works.

‘Cinderella’ (2015) Directed by Kenneth Branagh

The brilliance of Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of the timeless fairy tale is that Mr. Branagh resisted the temptation to do something “original” or “modern” in his retelling, a trap so many modern fairy tale films fall into. He simply retold the traditional story in a traditional way with dazzling visuals and pitch-perfect casting (much as he has done with Shakespeare adaptations). Lilly James embodies the innocence and kindness of Cinderella in a simple and believable way. Mr. Branagh has an eye for spectacle, and the sets, costumes, and landscapes beam gorgeously on screen. Most importantly, the production champions the virtues of courage, kindness, humility, and generosity—an astonishing characteristic for a major Hollywood picture produced in the past 10 years.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987) Directed by Rob Reiner

How many 1980s fairy tale movies do people still watch on repeat, with generation after generation joining the ranks of its fanbase? The fact that children raised in the 2000s and 2010s can not only name but extensively quote “The Princess Bride” stands as proof of its cult-classic status. What’s the magic ingredient that accounts for this wild success? In his tale of a young man who sets out to rescue his love from her uproariously awful fiancé, Mr. Reiner flawlessly blends several genres: comedy, romance, fantasy, and satire. In the words of film critic Brian Eggert, “Few films have ever walked the thin line between earnestness and irony so flawlessly.”

What are the other three great fantasy films? Read the full article on our site.