Dark fantasy is a beloved genre that captivates audiences with its shadowy tone, gothic scenery, otherworldly creatures, and chilling themes. While not purely horror, these films blend fantasy tropes and legendary monsters with horror elements, often exploring disturbing themes or adding a few spooky moments. Many are inspired by fairy tales, but they highlight their darkest twists. Interestingly, some popular directors — such as Guillermo del Toro and Tim Burton — have made their names work in this genre and are commonly associated with it to this day.
This list highlights some of the best dark fantasy movies, focusing on eerie and gloomy gothic atmospheres, fantastical creatures, and memorable thrills. While many great films could be classified as dark fantasy based on their settings, such as the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, we will focus on those that lean more heavily into horror elements rather than traditional adventure fantasy.
9 PHOTOS
1. The Wolfman
Not Acclaimed, But Effectively Entertaining
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Estimated budget: $150 million
- Rating: R
- Directed by: Joe Johnston
The Wolfman is a somewhat underappreciated movie that possesses a brilliant dark fantasy atmosphere, an exciting story, and plenty of thrills and spectacular scenes. Some of the more CGI-infused moments, like the notorious werewolf transformation scene, may not hold up as well today, but overall, this remake of the 1941 film The Wolf Man has more hits than misses, delivering one of the better werewolf films you can find.
Set in England in 1891, The Wolfman boasts an impeccable ominous mood, makeup, costumes, and decorations, making it a visual delight. The film also features great performances from a brilliant cast. Benicio del Toro is fantastic, and so are Hugo Weaving, Emily Blunt, and, of course, Anthony Hopkins. While The Wolfman may not offer as much food for thought as some other films on this list, it definitely shouldn't be overlooked by dark fantasy fans.
2. Gretel & Hansel
Dark Fantasy Fairy Tale Done Right
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Estimated budget: $5 million
- Rating: PG-13
- Directed by: Oz Perkins
One of the less expansive dark fantasy films on this list, Gretel & Hansel is a retelling of the classic fairy tale by the Grimm brothers about a young girl and her brother who discover a gingerbread house in the woods during a time of great hunger. Little did they know that they'd ended up in the hands of terrifying evil, as the witch, brilliantly portrayed by Alice Krige, is about to spring the trap.
Despite a very modest budget, Gretel & Hansel captures the needed chilling tone flawlessly, with rich, textured visuals, strong characters (Sophia Lillis is a gem), and a pair of unexpected twists up its sleeve. It's an eerie and genuinely unsettling genre exercise that fans of the dark fantasy shouldn't miss.
3. Van Helsing
Ultimate Entertainment For Fans Of Dark Fantasy Action Flicks
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Estimated budget: $160 million
- Rating: PG-13
- Directed by: Stephen Sommers
Set in 1887 Transylvania, with stunning scenery, gothic castles, and small villages, Van Helsing is dark fantasy action at its best. The film packs iconic monsters and tropes, such as Count Dracula and vampires, Dr. Frankenstein's monster, Mr. Hyde, and the werewolf curse. With great pacing and plenty of practical stunts sprinkled with over-the-top CGI, Van Helsing is a B-movie through and through, but it's probably the biggest and most expensive one you'll ever see.
The star-studded cast is another clear advantage of the movie. Richard Roxburgh delivers a cold and compelling Dracula, David Wenham is a perfect monk sidekick for the protagonist, and Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale share great chemistry and are involved in plenty of dynamic action. Everything you can imagine while reading the premise, Van Helsing will deliver multiplied, so fans of dark fantasy are in for one heck of a thrill ride with this film.
4. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
Simply The Best Hellboy We've Got
- Runtime: 2h
- Estimated budget: $85 million
- Rating: PG-13
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Probably the best adaptation of Mike Mignola's comic books fans have ever received Hellboy 2: The Golden Army showcases Guillermo del Toro at his strongest. With a story as twisted and ambiguous as it is exciting, as well as a great balance between pure action fun, strong character development, jokes, and horror elements, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army is an exemplary dark fantasy movie for different audiences, with outstanding makeup and fantasy creature portrayals.
Ron Perlman still delivers the best Hellboy performance to date, sharing great chemistry with Selma Blair, and their characters' relationship serves as the central element of the plot. Del Toro fans can expect plenty of unforgettable creatures and haunting entities, something the creator is known for. Perhaps the only drawback of this great movie is that fans never got the final chapter to follow up on this promising second Hellboy film.
5. The Witch
Small Scope And Budget Can Also Work Miracles
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Estimated budget: $4 million
- Rating: R
- Directed by: Robert Eggers
Another lesser-known film on this list, but impressive, The Witch (also The VVitch: A New-England Folktale) is a captivating journey into the inexplicable forces of witchcraft, dark magic, and human possession. Set in 1630s New England and anchored by Anya Taylor-Joy's magnificent performance, this horror fantasy tale will get under your skin, confusing your thoughts and expectations with every new turn.
Director Robert Eggers meticulously and convincingly delivers his vision, making The Witch a rare film debut that many established directors could still learn from. If you've seen The Lighthouse and The Northman, you probably think you know what to expect, but trust us: you don't.
6. Conan The Barbarian
A Cult Classic Still Worth Watching
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Estimated budget: $20 million
- Rating: R
- Directed by: John Milius
Set in the lands of Cimmeria and Zamora during the Hyborian Age, Conan The Barbarian stands out a bit from other films on this list, as it is probably closer to the epic sword and sorcery genre than true dark fantasy. However, it would be a mistake not to include this classic action flick featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his peak form. Based on the iconic characters created by Robert E. Howard, Conan The Barbarian paved the way for many dark fantasy action films that followed and is considered one of the first of its kind.
Today, John Milius' film is a tour of a past era of filmmaking, with recognizable tropes of a hero's journey, featuring an old-school vision for a dark fantasy world filled with sorcery, mystical cults, and mighty sword-wielding heroes. Another standout feature of this film is the music by Basil Poledouris, which carries you forward and tells a story with even more nuance than the visuals on screen.
8. Sleepy Hollow
Unmatched And Consistent Gothic Atmosphere
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Estimated budget: $80 million
- Rating: R
- Directed by: Tim Burton
Of all filmmakers, Tim Burton stands out when talking about the dark fantasy genre, responsible for plenty of iconic movies like Dark Shadows, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands. However, Sleepy Hollow, based on the classic tale by Washington Irving, is arguably his best. It boasts a thick gothic atmosphere, an arresting visual style, and an exciting plot centered on uncovering the truth about the legend of the Headless Horseman.
Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane is an unforgettable and unconventional protagonist, bringing life to even the most ordinary situations. Christina Ricci and Christopher Walken are equally magnificent in their roles. Burton's distinct and gloomy cinematic style perfectly complements the otherworldly mystery of the story, and with well-developed characters, every encounter is as terrifying as it is genuinely funny to watch.
9. Pan's Labyrinth
An Acclaimed, Emotional Dark Fantasy Masterpiece
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Estimated budget: $19 million
- Rating: R
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro is a true master of the dark fantasy genre, known for great films such as Crimson Peak, Pinocchio, and The Shape of Water. However, none of his works made as significant an impact as Pan's Labyrinth, often praised as his best. Set in Falangist, Spain, of 1944, the movie uses an eerie and captivating fantasy world and characters as a layer of escape for 11-year-old Ofelia, serving as an examination of a fairy tale's underbelly for mature audiences.
