Fandom Rewind: 6 Cult Classic Fantasy Film Favorites

Originally published August 21, 2026. This article covers 5 of the most popular cult classic fantasy movies.

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If there’s any decade that has a claim on the best fantasy movies, it is undeniably the 1980s. Some of the most beloved, enduring fantasy films were released during this time period. Even if you’re not a huge fantasy nerd, many of these magical movies have left a big impact on pop culture. You’ve probably seen all of them!

During Sideshow’s Fandom Rewind, we’re dialing it back to the slightly grotesque, wonderfully weird world of ’80s fantasy, filled with practical effects and so many puppets. From Goblin Kings to flying luck dragons, here’s a selection of some of the biggest fantasy cult classics from the ’80s — is your favorite here?

• The Dark Crystal
• The Last Unicorn
• The NeverEnding Story
• Return to Oz
• Labyrinth
• The Princess Bride

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The Dark Crystal

“The Great Conjunction is the end of the world!” – Aughra

• Year Released: 1982
• Fantasy Fact: Brian Froud’s signature concept art and design would also be used later in Labyrinth.

It really doesn’t get more dark fantasy than this. From Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal is a groundbreaking work that utilized a cast composed completely of puppets and animatronics. With extraordinary creatures, elaborate machinery, and the titular amethyst, The Dark Crystal transports audiences to a world unlike any other.

All of the creatures found on Thra are a far cry from the silly, amiable Muppets that Henson was known for at the time — this film would mark a turning point in Henson’s career.

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The Last Unicorn

“If you had been waiting to see a unicorn, as long as I have...” – Molly Grue

• Year Released: 1982
• Fantasy Fact: Peter S. Beagle, the author of the novel that inspired the movie, also wrote the movie’s screenplay.

There’s a sweet melancholy to The Last Unicorn that has never been replicated in another fantasy tale. With its swirling animation and wistful soundtrack by America, The Last Unicorn explores how we treat objects of beauty. Do we covet their enchanting properties or do we admire them from afar? After all, not all beauty can be expected to keep its original form. Molly Grue’s heartbreaking meeting with the unicorn encapsulates every feeling there is about aging.

Plus, the film boasts a spectacular voice cast, including Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, Christopher Lee, and so many more.

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The NeverEnding Story

“Why don’t you do what you dream, Bastian?” – The Childlike Empress

• Year Released: 1984
• Fantasy Fact: Dustin Henderson sings “The NeverEnding Story” theme song in the final episode of Stranger Things season 3.

Every kid wishes that their dreams could become reality — but for Bastian Balthazar Bux, that wish is even more than he could have hoped for in The NeverEnding Story. While reading a magical book, Bastian gets caught up in saving Fantasia from The Nothing. All the inhabitants of Fantasia are incredibly unique and many are deceptively dangerous. Bastian learns how to be brave through his adventure and that imagination is one of the most powerful gifts of all.

Be warned, this children’s story is not for the faint of heart. Raise your hand if that scene with Atreyu and Artax in the Swamp of Sadness left you with deep emotional scars.

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Return to Oz

“Dorothy, where are those slippers now?” – Dr. Worley

• Year Released: 1985
• Fantasy Fact: Return to Oz was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

For all the glitz and Technicolor glamour of The Wizard of Oz (1939), there was still much more to the story after Dorothy Gale clicked her heels. Return to Oz casts a more realistic view on what happened in that wonderful journey to see the Wizard and how Dorothy was affected by her travels. At the same time, it delivers the fantastical elements of Oz that fans love, such as talking animals and enthralling villains.

In fact, many consider this film to be more true to L. Frank Baum’s books, and it takes inspiration from multiple stories like The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz. Move over Elphaba — Mombi goes headfirst into iconic witch territory.

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Labyrinth

“It’s only forever, not long at all.” – Jareth

• Year Released: 1986
• Movie Fact: Labyrinth was the last film directed by Jim Henson.

You can’t ask for a better fantasy soundtrack than Labyrinth. Led by David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, and starring Jennifer Connelly, this cult classic is mind-bendingly fun while still presenting a poignant coming-of-age story. With M.C. Escher-esque mazes and hundreds of chaotic, disgusting little goblins running amok, there’s nothing quite like Labyrinth.

Admit it — you always wanted to ballroom dance with Jareth, too.

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The Princess Bride

“Have fun stormin’ da castle.” – Miracle Max

• Year Released: 1987
• Movie Fact: All the fight choreography was done by Olympic fencer Bob Anderson, who also choreographed Lightsaber duels for Star Wars™.

As far as fairytale romances go, The Princess Bride takes the crown for the best of the best. Not only do Princess Buttercup and Westley share an epic romance together, but they also face untold dangers, swashbuckling peril, and a really, really horrific torture machine. There’s no shortage of memorable lines and characters in The Princess Bride, from Inigo Montoya’s oath of vengeance to Vizzini’s “Inconceivable!”

However, when all is said and done, only three words come to mind when thinking of revisiting Florin: As youuu wiiiiiish.

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Across the vast realm of retro fantasy, there are still so many other enchanting choices like Legend, Willow, and even the animated Lord of the Rings films. The ’80s were also a treasure trove of sword and sorcery films like Conan the Barbarian, Masters of the Universe, and Dragonslayer, all of which are undeniably linked to the epic artwork of Frank Frazetta.

Which film fantasy world do you go to when you need an escape? Join the conversation with other fantasy fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!