Fantasy movies are among the most delightful in the endlessly imaginative world of cinema.

These are stories that make audiences watch their wildest dreams come true right in front of their eyes.

They become special guests in worlds beyond the wildest corners of their imaginations.

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Image via New Line Cinema

It’s not uncommon for fantasy films to be visually striking, narratively engrossing, or technically commendable.

What’s much rarer but every bit as enjoyable is a fantasy movie that has outstanding acting.

The puppet performances are also all amazing, which should come as no surprise with Henson at the helm.

Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie dancing in Labyrinth

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

The story follows Craig, a puppeteer who discovers a portal that leads directly into the head ofJohn Malkovich.

It’s about a knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades.

Bengt Ekerot […] gives one of the most memorable portrayals of Death ever seen on film.

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Another one of the movie’s most crucial pillars is the performances, which have aged like fine wine.

This was particularly noticeable inDeathly Hallows Part 2.

There’s something inThe Princess Bridefor everyone.

John Malkovich as a waiter and a seductive young woman at a restaurant in Being John Malkovich

Image via USA Films

Standouts include leadsCary ElwesandRobin Wright, as well as secondary actors likeMandy PatinkinandWallace Shawn.

Today, one of the best is the Mexican auteurGuillermo del Toro, master of modern dark fantasy.

Tolkien’s legendary story about a crew journeying to destroy an evil tyrant’s greatest weapon.

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The star-studded cast of all three films is nothing short of impressive.

NEXT:The Best Fantasy Movies of All Time, Ranked

Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey pointing at Lionel Barrymore’s Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life

Image via RKO Pictures

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Death stands on a picturesque beach in The Seventh Seal

Image via AB Svensk Filmindustri

Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) and Bert (Dick Van Dyke) dancing in Mary Poppins.

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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Prince Edward (James Marsden) kneeling and looking up at Giselle (Amy Adams) in Enchanted

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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Hermoine, Ron, and Harry hiding behind a wall during the Battle of Hogwarts in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Image via Warner Bros.

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Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes) entering the Fire Swamp in ‘The Princess Bride’

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Ivana Baquero’s hugging Doug Jones’s Faun in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’

Image via New Line Cinema

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A still from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ of Sam (Sean Astin), Frodo (Elijah Wood), Pippin (Billy Boyd), and Merry (Dominic Monaghan) holding swords and looking determined.

Image via New Line Cinema

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The Lord of the Rings