What Are The Fantasy Movies Released In The 90s

Ghost (1990)

The film that gave us that iconic sexy pottery scene! Sam and Molly are madly in love but tragedy strikes when Sam is murdered by thugs. With Molly’s life still in danger he comes back from the grave through psychic Oda Mae Brown to protect her. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore give outstanding performances as the ill fated lovers and Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as psychic Oda Mae won her an oscar.

Jumanji (1995)

A magical board game unleashes a world of adventure on young boy and girl siblings, Peter and Judy Shepherd. While exploring an old mansion, the youngsters find a curious, jungle-themed game called Jumanji in the attic. When they start playing, they free Alan Parrish, who’s been stuck in the game’s inner world for decades. If they win Jumanji, the kids can free Alan for good — but that means braving giant bugs, ill-mannered monkeys and even stampeding rhinos!

This is a fantasy adventure that was based loosely on the picture book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Reviews were a little mixed but the movie was a huge box office hit and a whole franchise was spawned. This included an animated TV series and two non related sequels in 2017 and 2019. With a fantastic performance from the late Robin Williams, if you haven’t yet seen this movie somehow then it isn’t just one that’s for the kids!

Princess Mononoke

In the 14th century, the harmony that humans, animals and gods have enjoyed begins to crumble. The protagonist, young Ashitaka – infected by an animal attack, seeks a cure from the deer-like god Shishigami. In his travels, he sees humans ravaging the earth, bringing down the wrath of wolf god Moro and his human companion Princess Mononoke. His attempts to broker peace between her and the humans brings only conflict.

This is an animated epic historical fantasy movie from acclaimed Studio Ghibli. Upon its release it was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest grossing film of 1997 in Japan. Princess Mononoke is also regarded as being the movie that raised the profile of Studio Ghibli around the world. This movie has been widely lauded and has inspired many other projects. This is an absolute must see movie!

Edwards Scissorhands (1990)

Vincent Price is a talented scientist who builds an animated human being. The gentle Edward, played by Jonny Depp. Tragically the scientist dies before he can complete his creation. This leaves the young man with a freakish appearance and scissors for hands. Kind and caring Avon sales lady Peg (Dianne West) comes across Edward while calling at the castle hoping to sell her cosmetics. Peg takes pity on Edward and takes him to her home. Peg’s teen daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) finds a connection with Edward and the two grow close.

Initially the neighbourhood takes to Edward as he helps them by hedge trimming, dog grooming and eventually hairdressing. However, despite his kindness and artistic talent, Edward’s hands still make him an outcast. This movie is something of a gothic modern fairy tale and it is the first collaboration of Tim Burton and Jonny Depp, if you haven’t seen this movie then you don’t know what you are missing!

Pleasantville (1998)

Impressed by high school student David’s devotion to a 1950s family TV show, a mysterious television repairman provides him with a means to escape into the black-and-white program with his sister, Jennifer. While David initially takes to the simplistic, corny world of the show, Jennifer sets about jolting the characters with doses of reality that unexpectedly bring a little color into their drab existence.

This is a teen fantasy comedy drama. The movie was something of a box office flop despite being praised critically. So despite not doing well commercially this is still a film well worth a watch.

The Addams Family (1991)

When a man claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams , arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia begins to suspect the man is a fraud, since he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford, Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester.

This supernatural black comedy is based on the comic series from Charles Addams and the TV series from 1964. The Horror Hall Of Fame awarded the movie Best Horror Film of the year in 1991. So what more reason do you need to watch!

The Fifth Element (1997)

In the 23rd century, a New York City cabbie, Korben Dallas, finds the fate of the world in his hands when Leeloo falls into his cab. Leeloo will need to combine with four other elements in order to keep the approaching Great Evil from destroying the world.

The Fifth Element is a sci fi fantasy action movie and it stars Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Milla Jovovich. Reactions to the movie were quite polarising but ultimately reviews were mostly positive. The movie won several awards, such as from the British Academy Film Awards, the César Awards, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Lumières Awards. Alternatively the movie also received nominations at the Golden Raspberry and Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. So the conclusion is that you need to watch this movie and make up your mind for yourself!

The Mummy (1999)

The Mummy is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert in 1925. Stumbling upon an ancient tomb, the hunters unwittingly set loose a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror, which is embodied in the vengeful reincarnation of an Egyptian priest who had been sentenced to an eternity as one of the living dead.

This action adventure fantasy is a remake of the 1932 movie of the same name. Although critical reception was mixed the movie was a box office hit and a whole franchise was spawned. This included sequel movies, spin offs and an animated TV show. This is definitely a fun romp of a movie!

The Green Mile (1999)

Paul Edgecomb walked the mile with a variety of cons. He had never encountered someone like John Coffey, a massive black man convicted of brutally killing a pair of young sisters. Coffey had the size and strength to kill anyone, but not the demeanor. Beyond his simple, naive nature and a deathly fear of the dark, Coffey seemed to possess a prodigious, supernatural gift. Paul began to question whether Coffey was truly guilty of murdering the two girls.

This fantasy drama is based on the book of the same name from Stephen King. Critics loved this movie and it was also a commercial success with the cast performances particularly being praised. This is something of a behemoth of a movie in terms of run time, coming in at a whopping 3 hours 9 minutes. So if the epic length doesn’t put you off then give this movie a view. You might need to keep the tissues handy!

Hocus Pocus (1993)

After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

This fantasy comedy horror was both a box office flop and wasn’t a hit with the critics either. Though the movie has since risen in popularity and has become a Halloween cult classic. But if you haven’t seen this movie then you don’t even have to wait until next Halloween to watch this though.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1997)

The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

This stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy is directed by Tim Burton. This movie was a huge commercial and critical success upon its release. And it has since become a much loved cult classic. With beautiful animation, a fantastic score and outstanding cast performance this is seriously a 90s movie not to miss!

Practical Magic (1998)

Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a magical family, have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves. But when Gillian’s vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies unexpectedly, the Owens sisters give themselves a crash course in hard magic. With police officer Gary Hallet growing suspicious, the girls struggle to resurrect Angelov — and unwittingly inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line.

This is a fantasy romantic comedy based on the book of the same name by Alice Hoffman. Again this movie didn’t receive the best reviews and was also a box office bomb. But it has since risen to become a cult classic so especially if you like romance then catch this movie!

The Craft (1996)

After transferring to a Los Angeles high school, Sarah finds that her telekinetic gift appeals to a group of three wannabe witches, who happen to be seeking a fourth member for their rituals. Bonnie, Rochelle and Nancy, like Sarah herself, all have troubled backgrounds, which combined with their nascent powers lead to dangerous consequences. When a minor spell causes a fellow student to lose her hair, the girls grow power-mad.

This is a teen supernatural horror film that was a surprise box office hit. Although reviews have been mixed this is another movie on this list that is considered to be a cult classic.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Set in 1799, “Sleepy Hollow” is based on Washington Irving’s classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Faithful to the dreamy custom-bound world that Irving paints in his story, the film mixes horror, fantasy and romance and features an extraordinary cast of characters that dabble in the supernatural.

This supernatural gothic fantasy movie is based on the short story, The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow from Washington Irving.

Batman Returns (1992)

The monstrous Penguin, who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle, finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.

This superhero movie is directed by Tim Burton and is based on the DC comic book character Batman (sorry for pointing out the obvious!). The movie was a massive box office hit and was praised for its acting performances, the score (from Danny Elfman), effects, villains and action sequences. So if you are a Batman fan or not this film is most definitely worth a watch!

Casper (1995)

Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

This is a dark fantasy comedy drama featuring Casper The Friendly Ghost from the cartoon series. This was the first movie to feature a CGI character in the main role. This animated feature received mixed reviews but was praised for staying faithful to its source material. Not one to miss!

The Secret Garden (1993)

When Mary Lennox’s parents suddenly die, she is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, on his remote country estate deep in the Yorkshire moors. While exploring, she discovers a hidden magical garden.

This is a fantasy drama based on the book of the same name from Frances Hodgson Burnett. The movie was a huge commercial and critical success and it does have darker themes so this isn’t just one for the kids!

The Crow (1994)

The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven and his fiancée are brutally murdered by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and assumes the gothic mantle of the Crow, a supernatural avenger. Tracking down the thugs responsible for the crimes and mercilessly murdering them, Eric eventually confronts head gangster Top Dollar to complete his macabre mission.

This is a supernatural superhero movie based on the graphic novel of the same name from James O’Barr. Following the tragic on-set death of Brandon Lee Paramount Pictures opted out of distributing the movie. It was picked up by Miramax who oversaw its completion. The movie was a huge critical and commercial success and has gained a cult following. With an excellent tone and visuals along with a strong performance from the cast, particularly Brandon Lee. The soundtrack is also amazing. This movie is definitely a must watch!

Death Becomes Her (1992)

When a novelist loses her man to a movie star and former friend, she winds up in a psychiatric hospital. Years later, she returns home to confront the now-married couple, looking radiant. Her ex-husband’s new wife wants to know her secret, and discovers that she has been taking a mysterious drug which grants eternal life to the person who drinks it. The actress follows suit, but discovers that immortality has a price.

This is a satirical black comedy fantasy movie. This movie was released to mixed reviews but it was a huge commercial success. It has since gained a cult following so if you haven’t seen this movie then rectify that now!

Jurassic Park (1993)

Paleontologists Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, along with mathematician Ian Malcolm, are among a select group chosen to tour an island theme park. The park is populated with dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. But various ferocious predators have broken free to go on the hunt.

Jurassic Park is a science fiction action film directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Sam Neill, Lauren Dern and Jeff Goldblum. It is based on the book of the same name from author Michael Crichton. This movie was the highest grossing film of 1993 and was also a critical success, being praised for its score, acting performances, special effects and directing. Jurassic Park has since become a huge franchise with further movies, video games and merchandise. The latest movie is out this year so if somehow you have never seen the original then please do so now!

Alien 3 (1992)

Ellen Ripley is the only survivor when she crash lands on Fiorina 161. It’s a bleak wasteland inhabited by former inmates of the planet’s max security prison. However, there is an alien that is hunting down the prisoners and guards. Without weapons or modern technology, Ripley leads the men into battle.

This is a science fiction horror movie, the third in the Alien franchise and has Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ellen Ripley. This movie did underperform to expectations and is regarded as being inferior to the first two movies in the series but if you have watched those then you should still watch this!