The fantasy genre is a popular medium amongst those who want to escape the shackles of the hum-drum reality and briefly set forth on an epic quest or adventure. Since they’re the most magical company on the planet, Disney has more than their fair share of epic fantasy films for us to enjoy.
The question is, from which kingdom do we begin our quest? Fortunately, Disney+ has a more than adequate selection of films to scratch that adventurous itch. So, if you’re jonesing for swords, sorcery, and all manner of magical creatures, have a look at these ten epic fantasies you can find on Disney+.
The Sword in the Stone
Before we get to the epic battles and duels between good and evil, let’s cover the basics first. We can think of no better place to start than with The Sword in the Stone, with its knights, squires, and, of course, the madness and magic of Merlin the Magician. It definitely covers the foundations of the genre.
As one of the last films with Walt Disney’s personal touch, The Sword in the Stone should be mandatory for any Disney fan. This unique and user-friendly tale of a young King Arthur is equal parts magical and marvelous and should meet the criteria for most fantasy junkies.
Robin Hood
Though it’s battles aren’t as grand as something out of Lord of the Rings, Disney’s version of Robin Hood is perhaps the most beloved and favored version out there. When it comes to swashbuckling adventures, this sly fox holds the championship belt. It’s got action, it’s got romance, it’s got a castle siege, what more could you need?
It’s films like Robin Hood that helped shape the genre, giving us films like The Princess Bride and A Knight’s Tale. With its wit, humor, and slapstick-inspired action sequences, it’s easy to see where some of our favorite flicks in the genre got some of their inspiration.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
In the famous words of the Monty Python crew, “and now for something completely different.” To some, Bedknobs and Broomsticks might appear to be just the magical leftovers from Mary Poppins, but we adamantly and wholeheartedly disagree. There’s definitely stranger magic at work in this film.
What kind of magic would that be? Nothing out of the ordinary, save for witchcraft used to bring suits of armor to life to fight off Nazi invaders. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is one of those films that just has to be watched to be believed. Plus, it had some rather impressive effects for something released in the 70s.
Aladdin
Now we’re getting into some more classic Disney goodness, and, although the film lacks knights, chivalry, and flying broomsticks, the sands of Agrabah still have enough swords and sorcery to satisfy. Throw in a little extra humor to drive the whole thing home, wrap it up in a magic carpet, and you’ve got a solid flick.
Aladdin was one of the studio’s best films during the Disney Renaissance. It had gorgeous animation, lovable characters, and some of the best humor the Disney name had ever produced, mainly due to the late great Robin Williams. So, come on down, stop on by, hop on a carpet and fly to another Arabian Night.
Return to Oz
The Wizard of Oz isn’t just an MGM title featuring Judy Garland, but it’s one of a rather strange and unusual fantasy series by L. Frank Baum. Return to Oz is Disney’s sequel to the film, but it uses the weird and even scary elements that were present in the original books. The result is definitely one of the most out-there films you will ever see.
With clockwork soldiers, talking couches, and pumpkin-headed companions, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. Return to Oz is definitely one of the darkest films in Disney+’s library, and we highly recommend it for those looking for something a bit wilder than your average adventure.
Willow
When a young sorcerer discovers a baby mentioned in a magical prophecy, he must venture across a fantasy realm to keep her out of the clutches of an evil queen. With help from a daring swordsman and a pair of imps, Willow must protect his infant charge to save the kingdom.
Definitely one of the many famous fantasy films that flooded the 80s, Willow blends the movie magic of Ron Howard with the impressive imagination of George Lucas. The film’s use of fairytale elements and enchanting adventure are more than enough to earn it a spot on our list.
Pirates of the Caribbean Series
Though its focus is on pirates and plundering, you can’t deny that for all intents and purposes, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is, in fact, a sword and sorcery series. Think about it, it’s got a party of heroes out on some sort of quest, magic spells, curses, and enchanted creatures. Change the setting and you’ve got a D&D campaign.
Though the overall narrative reaches rigamarole status towards the third film, there’s definitely a lot to love in this sea-sailing adventure. The question is, are you worthy to serve under the flag of Captain Jack Sparrow?
Doctor Strange
Definitely the most magical entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange is an epic fantasy with a touch of magical realism thrown in to keep things interesting. The titular Sorcerer Supreme might as well be a wizard who never got his Hogwarts letter and is forced to train himself in the mystical arts, no sorting hat required.
Joking aside, this film has everything a wizardry enthusiast could possibly desire. With ancient spells, enchanted artifacts, and magical monstrosities to overcome, it’s a fantastic fantasy flick meshed among the heroic tales of Marvel. Dare you take a trip to the Dark Dimension?
The Black Cauldron
It might not be the most successful Disney flick, but it’s possibly their most infamous cult film and darkest entry in their animated library. Based on the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander, The Black Cauldron is Disney’s attempt at a Dungeons and Dragons-styled adventure.
Though it’s not nearly as complete as the film we should have received—thanks, Katzenberg—there’s still some merit to this dark fantasy. For one thing, this film is probably the least-Disney thing to come out of the studio, and it’s absolutely dripping with gruesome and ghastly imagery. Don’t take our word for it, see it for yourself!
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the most beloved fantasy series to ever be put to paper, and Disney is responsible for perhaps the most imaginative film adaptations of the books. Essentially the studio’s answer to The Lord of the Rings series, Narnia is a beautiful fantasy realm we could live in forever.
With a legion of enchanting characters, a mystical and magical realm of fauns, sprites, and witches, and a large-scale epic battle between good and evil, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is Disney’s epic fantasy that would make C.S. Lewis ecstatically proud.
