The Best Foreign Fantasy Movies

Ranker Film
Updated October 1, 2023 2.8K votes 334 voters
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Foreign Fantasy Movies
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Vote up your favorite foreign fantasy films produced outside of the U.S.

If you're a fantasy junkie looking to expand your perspective, why not check out some of the best foreign fantasy films? Fantasies have the ability to transport viewers to another world, one filled with magic, the supernatural, and the make believe. Foreign language fantasy movies are unique in that - while creating an imaginary universe - they can simultaneously introducing you to the culture and customs of other countries. From Chinese, German, and Spanish animated classics to live action adventures, there are plenty of good foreign fantasy films that will delight any viewer. 

 

What films will you find here? The Godzilla franchise found the monstrous title character wreaking havoc on the people of Japan. A futuristic city is the setting for the 1927 German classic Metropolis. Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro are iconic animated classics set in Japan. Other good movies featured on this top foreign fantasy films list include The City of Lost Children, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Stalker, and The Host. 

Which foreign film deserves the top spot on this list? Give your favorite movies a thumbs up and add anything you feel is missing. 

Ranked by
  • Pan's Labyrinth
    1

    Pan's Labyrinth

    Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero
    89 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
    In the hauntingly beautiful Pan's Labyrinth, a young girl, Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), steps into an eerie yet enchanting world of mythical creatures and perplexing tasks. A backdrop of post-Civil War Spain underpins her journey, as she navigates through Guillermo del Toro's fairytale-like universe to escape her grim reality with her sickly mother (Ariadna Gil) and brutal stepfather (Sergi López). The film, a masterful blend of fantasy and historical drama, won three Oscars and is widely lauded for its captivating visuals and compelling narrative.

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  • Spirited Away
    2

    Spirited Away

    Rumi Hîragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
    69 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
    In this animated feature by noted Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, 10-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents (Takashi Naitô, Yasuko Sawaguchi) stumble upon a seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs, Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku (Miyu Irino), who explains that the park is a resort for supernatural beings who need a break from their time spent in the earthly realm, and that she must work there to free herself and her parents.

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  • The NeverEnding Story
    3

    The NeverEnding Story

    Gerald McRaney, Limahl, Moses Gunn
    63 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
    In the heart of The NeverEnding Story, young Bastian Bux (Barret Oliver) stumbles upon a curious book that transports him into the fantastical world of Fantasia. Filled with an array of peculiar creatures and stunning landscapes, this realm is slowly being consumed by a malevolent force known as The Nothing. Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), a brave warrior chosen to confront this darkness, embarks on an epic quest. Alongside his loyal steed, Artax, and guided indirectly by Bastian's reading, Atreyu faces numerous trials in his mission to save Fantasia from oblivion. This film intertwines elements of fantasy and adventure, spinning a tale that reminds us of the enduring power of imagination and belief.

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  • Hero
    4

    Hero

    Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung
    24 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Yimou Zhang
    In this visually arresting martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter (Jet Li) is being honored for defeating three of the king's most dangerous enemies. When Nameless recounts his battles with the assassins -- Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi) -- the king begins to question some of the details. As Nameless goes on, the king challenges the tales, interjecting his own take on these perhaps suspect version of events.

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  • House of Flying Daggers
    5

    House of Flying Daggers

    Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi
    21 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Yimou Zhang
    In the visually stunning martial-arts epic House of Flying Daggers, set in 9th century China, a secret rebel organization, known as the House of Flying Daggers, wages war against the corrupt government. Two local deputies, Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau), are tasked with infiltrating this elusive group. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they meet the blind dancer Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is connected to the rebels. Amidst flourishing landscapes and breathtaking action sequences, the officers grapple with their duty to their rulers and their growing feelings for Mei. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film was nominated for Best Cinematography at the 2005 Academy Awards.

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  • Nosferatu
    6

    Nosferatu

    Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim
    18 votes
    • Released: 1922
    • Directed by: F.W. Murnau
    In the chilling silent film Nosferatu, Count Orlok (Max Schreck), a vampire, sets his sights on the beautiful, innocent Ellen (Greta Schroeder). Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), her husband, unwittingly brings the creature into their lives when he visits Orlok's castle. A sinister game of cat and mouse ensues, with Ellen's life hanging in the balance. The movie is a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema, captivating audiences with its eerie imagery and unnerving performances. This classic horror tale weaves an unforgettable narrative of fear, love, and sacrifice that remains impactful even today.

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