It sounds like Max has a fantastic lineup for fantasy fans! With the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Studio Ghibli films, you’ll have a great mix of epic adventures and whimsical charm. The Harry Potter series is a classic, and the DC comic book blockbusters are sure to offer some thrilling action.
Plus, if you’re open to discovering new gems or cult classics, it sounds like there’s a lot to explore. Anything in particular you’re excited to watch?
7. The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Lord of the Rings is a masterclass in adapting beloved books to screen and weaving multiple stories together into one cohesive narrative. All the fantasy tropes are here: elves, dwarves, wizards, orcs and more. But the Lord of the Rings elevates them to new heights with its sweeping cinematography, shockingly immersive costuming, and powerful performances.
To put it another way: This trilogy won 17 Academy Awards, including 11 wins on 11 nominations for Return of the King. If you’ve been holding out, now’s the time to watch, and if you’ve seen them before, there’s never a bad time for a rewatch — especially with the extended editions available on Max.
6. Wonder Woman (2017)
One of DC’s strongest superhero films in the past decade, Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot as Diana, the princess of Themyscira. Her peaceful life is upended when fighter pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash lands on her secluded island.
The film follows Diana as she leaves her home paradise to attempt to put an end to World War I. Director Patty Jenkins pits Wonder Woman’s hope against a world in despair.
5. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
A classic fantasy movie, The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy as she’s transported out of Kansas into a land of witches, wizards, living scarecrows, and more. Judy Garland shines in her most iconic role as the lost-but-determined Dorothy.
It’s a great early film for kids, who will enjoy the colorful characters and musical numbers, and adults might appreciate a glimpse into how movies were made 80 years ago.
4. Spirited Away (2001)
This movie about transformation genuinely left me feeling transformed the first time I watched it. No other movie has affected me the way this one did. Arguably the best movie from a director responsible for many excellent movies, Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro, a little girl who gets lost in a spirit world as her family moves across Japan.
The animation is spectacular, and director Hayao Miyazaki’s careful pacing gives every character the perfect amount of time and space, delivering one of the most unique and compelling fantasy movies ever made.
3. Stardust (2007)
“Stardust” follows a young man named Tristan who ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. In the fantasy world, he discovers the star is actually a woman named Yvaine. As they seek to return to their world, they face various challenges, including a wicked witch and a group of princes seeking the star for immortality.
Tristan learns about his own magical heritage and grows into his ultimate destiny. Through trials and adventures, love and courage become central to the journey. The story blends romance, fantasy, and adventure into a captivating tale.
2. Last Night in Soho (2021)
Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright dabbles in psychological horror, with several plunges into a young girl’s fantasy. Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) is a young fashion student who travels to the Swinging Sixties at night.
She observes the life of another young woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) aspiring to achieve her dreams. But Last Night in Soho is no Midnight in Paris — prepare for unsolved mysteries and a few ghoulish scares.
1. Godzilla (2014)
The 2014 reboot of the towering terror of Tokyo is underloved and underappreciated. No Godzilla movie before or since has done as much to sell the truly awesome scale of the monster. Yes, the movie takes a slow burn approach to reveal Godzilla, but the time it spends in the build-up makes the payoff that much sweeter.
While some might not like the movie spending more time on the humans following Godzilla, those characters add emotional stakes to the carnage. You can also find the sequels King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong on Max (along with the ’54 original), but this is Godzilla’s best showing.
