The 1970s saw a wonderfully weird explosion infantasycinema.

The Phantom Tollboothis a great movie based on an even better book.

This whimsical childrens adventure follows Milo, a listless boy living in a San Francisco apartment.

Elijah Wood as Frodo accidentally putting on the ring in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Milos mission in this world is to rescue the Princesses of Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason.

This lesser-known movie got mixed reviews, but it is well worth a watch for fantasy enthusiasts.

This rendersJabberwocky’s skewering of incompetence and self-interest nuanced and insightful, as well as hilarious.

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki as Dean and Sam Winchester in Supernatural and KJ Apa as Archie in Riverdale

This is because it was given a major restoration in 1996, reviving it for the next generation.

It is a live-action fantasy move with elements of animation based on two works by Mary Norton.

Their initial escape attempt is thwarted by a magical revelation: their caretaker is learning witchcraft.

Lord Of The Rings - Arwen

In exchange for their silence, she offers them a means of magical transportation - a charmed bedknob.

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels.

The very existence and success of Jackson’s later films were likely bolstered by Bakshi’s earlier attempt.

10-Fantasy-Movies-From-The-1970s-That-You-Probably-Haven’t-Seen

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon

A 2022 TV series starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bill Nighy continued the story of the 1976 film.

Even if you find the plot disjointed, you will love the power of its atmosphere and Bowies performance.

Bresson deliberately focused on the psychological and spiritual consequences of the characters' actions.

The Phantom Tollbooth - Poster

The Phantom Tollbooth is an animated fantasy film based on Norton Juster’s novel. It follows Milo, a bored young boy who receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to a whimsical world. There, he embarks on a journey through various fantastical lands, each representing different aspects of knowledge and learning, and meets a host of peculiar characters who challenge his perspective on life and education.

This unique approach, reminiscent of French New Wave techniques, highlighted theunderlying tragedy of the Arthurian mythos.

Its a great watch for those seeking more than mere swashbuckling adventure.

Scenes like the plesiosaur attack showcased real creative ambition.

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Overall, this somewhat cheesy but earnest and unironic movie satiates a desire for pure, unadulterated fantasy.

Ralph Bakshi’s 1977 animated feature,Wizards, boldly blends post-apocalyptic science fiction with traditional magic.

Even the seemingly out-of-place 1970s disco soundtrack contributes to its offbeat appeal.

Jabberwocky - Poster

Jabberwocky, directed by Terry Gilliam, is a medieval comedy following the journey of Dennis Cooper, who ventures into a kingdom plagued by the fearsome creature known as the Jabberwocky. As Dennis seeks his fortune, he encounters a series of humorous adventures, reflecting the film’s Pythonesque style.

The film explores themes of class division and human evolution within a surreal and complex narrative.

It’s not a straightforward space adventure.

Boorman made the movie after his plans to adaptThe Lord of the Ringsfell through.

Headhsot Of Michael Palin

The strangeness ofZardozextended to its soundtrack, for which Boorman surprisingly enlisted early music expert David Munrow.

Bucking sci-fi norms, Munrow layered medieval instruments like flutes and bells.

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During World War II, three orphaned siblings are sent to live with Miss Eglantine Price, a somewhat clumsy witch-in-training. When they discover her magical bed knob, which allows her bed to travel anywhere, they embark on a fantastical journey to find the missing spell that will aid in the war effort for their homeland.

Headshot Of Angela Lansbury

The Lord of the Rings 1978 Poster

The Lord of the Rings is an animated film based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels. Directed by Ralph Bakshi, The Lord of the Rings adapts The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, following a group of hobbits attempting to destroy a magical ring created by Sauron.

The Man Who Fell to Earth 1976 Film Poster

The Man Who Fell to Earth is a sci-fi movie where David Bowie stars as an alien who comes to find a way to save his dying planet, but uses his advanced knowledge to create a global business empire and eventually  loses sight of his original mission. A 2022 TV series starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bill Nighy continued the story of the 1976 film.

Headshot OF Rip Torn

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When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, released in 1970, portrays an ancient tribe’s ritual involving Sanna, a young woman marked as a sacrifice to the Sun god amid a dinosaur-infested world. Tara, a member of a different tribe, rescues Sanna, setting off a series of events woven through prehistoric landscapes.

Wizards (1977) - Poster

Wizards is an animated post-apocalyptic science fiction fantasy film directed by Ralph Bakshi, released in 1977. The story is set in a future where magic has re-emerged after a nuclear war and follows the battle between two wizard brothers, one representing good and the other evil. Featuring voice talent such as Bob Holt and Jesse Welles, the film combines traditional animation with live-action footage and explores themes of technology versus nature.

Zardoz - Poster

Zardoz, directed by John Boorman, is a 1974 science fiction film set in a dystopian future. Sean Connery stars as Zed, an exterminator who uncovers the truth about the god-like entity Zardoz, who controls his society. The film explores themes of class division and human evolution within a surreal and complex narrative.

Headshot Of Sean Connery In The 35th Annual AFI Life Achievement

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The Land That Time Forgot, released in 1974, follows a German U-boat during World War I that mistakenly navigates to Caprona, a mysterious land inhabited by dinosaurs and Neanderthals, after taking survivors from a sunken British ship on board.

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