Fantasy as a genre is almost always crossed over with action and adventure. Epic stories of valiant people spanning decades and acres are the most commonly made kind of fantasy films. Of course, this blueprint has many exceptions, and over the years, the diversification has grown as horror and sci-fi have also been crossed over with fantasy. Moreover, the genre itself has evolved to encompass all scales of storytelling, from major sagas to personal romances. However, action is still the most common genre that’s blended with fantasy.
For instance, many fantasy movies are not great but super entertaining because of their memorable action sequences. Some fantasy movies go off the rails with their world-building and action choreography, but their weirdness can complement goofy action. Moreover, there has been a recent surge in aesthetically beautiful fantasy movies, and the gorgeous visuals in them are accompanied by action scenes that suit the tone. However, some fantasy movies stand out for their excellent action scenes that are a cut above the others in the genre.
10
The Mummy (1999)
Directed by Stephen Sommers
Few movies from Hollywood depict Egypt accurately, and while Stephen Sommers’ The Mummy isn’t entirely lacking in inaccuracies, it’s one of the better movies set in Egypt. The fantasy elements surrounding the mummies and the pyramids are far-fetched, and the representation of Egyptian culture can seem conveniently selective to suit the film, but it doesn’t play fast and loose with folklore.
Related
10 Perfect Non-Animated Action Movies To Watch With Your Kids
Action movies are often inappropriate for children, unless animated, but there are enough live-action action movies that can be enjoyed as a family.
The best part of The Mummy isn’t its setting or the mythological elements, though, as the biggest appeal comes from the action and the chemistry between the two leads. With a good amount of exposition that feels necessary but not overwhelming, The Mummy sets us up for elaborate action sequences. Brendan Fraser performs the stunts in some of these elaborate set pieces involving guns, dark corridors, mummies, creatures of mythology, a vengeful priest, coffins, and Fraser as the hero.
9
Nimona (2023)
Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Nimona
9/10
- Release Date
-
June 30, 2023
With a fascinating mixture of sci-fi and medievalist design, Nimona is set in a world where an order of knights uses futuristic technology to safeguard a kingdom from external threats. The social order is clearly based on traditional fantasy storytelling, with a feudal system that creates the hierarchy among citizens. However, the world’s design has its roots in sci-fi with flying vehicles, death rays, holograms, and surveillance systems in use.
Nimona is based on a web comic series by ND Stevenson, and retains the chaotic charm of its source material with its fluid and colorful animation.
So, as expected from such a mix, there are set pieces characterized by energetic fight scenes that are buoyed by an infectiously peppy soundtrack. The titular Nimona is a shapeshifter and constantly morphs into creatures of various sizes, and the other protagonist is a skilled knight, particularly good with his sword. Nimona is an action movie that shockingly far exceeds expectations with its emotionally charged story, vibrant color palette, imaginative worldbuilding, and chaotic action sequences.
8
Bahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Directed by S. S. Rajamouli
S. S. Rajamouli has directed some of the grandest Indian movies in recent years, including RRR, which is one of the best Indian movies of the past decade. However, few tell as expansive a story as the Bahubali duology, following the titular Bahubali, a larger-than-life hero with supernatural abilities. Both films are characterized by elaborate action set pieces where the protagonist is gloriously showing off his powers and skills as a warrior, and achieving unbelievable feats that earn him the reputation of a local hero.
Of the two, Bahubali 2: The Conclusion is easily the more epic, as it does away with what little grounding the narrative has in the first movie. Leaning into the excessive action-centric storytelling that suits a tale of such proportions, the film highlights Bahubali’s stature as a hero even more. Gorgeous visuals accompany the unbelievable action sequences that will have you clapping and cheering the hero on as he takes on one daunting task after the other, risking his life for the people he loves.
7
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Directed by David Yates
The Harry Potter franchise is known for its worldbuilding, with easy-to-root-for characters, and the high stakes surrounding the villain Voldemort that build up gradually over the course of seven movies. While there are memorable action sequences from Quidditch games and dragon chases to spell fights and duels, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is easily the most action-heavy entry in the entire franchise.
Neville Longbottom’s best [scene] in the franchise [is] where he slices Voldemort’s pet snake with the Sword of Gryffindor.
The Battle of Hogwarts includes fascinating stunts and visually stunning action sequences, including one of Neville Longbottom’s best scenes in the franchise, where he slices Voldemort’s pet snake with the Sword of Gryffindor. Due to the special effects, the sight of spells flying around the place during the battle lights up the gloomy and emotionally heavy scene. While there isn’t much choreography, the busy scenes occurring in multiple locations during the war will keep you invested in the amazing action sequences.
6
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Directed by Robert Minkoff
The Forbidden Kingdom
- Release Date
-
August 29, 2008
- Runtime
-
104 minutes
Both Jet Li and Jackie Chan are legends in the action genre, with brilliant mastery of the martial arts, who have given us some of the greatest action scenes in the history of the genre. So, The Forbidden Kingdom is one of the most special films in the filmography of both veterans, as it’s the first time they share the screen. Unfortunately, the film itself isn’t that engaging, and doesn’t have much to offer beyond the action.
However, once you watch Li and Chan fight each other, you’ll never forget it. Even though the fantasy element is interesting, and the lore about kung fu is fascinating, the story in the film is modified to give both Chan and Li a similar amount of screen time. While this hurts the narrative coherence of the movie, it works wonders for the viewing experience as the joy of watching them share the screen makes the film worth watching.
5
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Dune
5/10
- Release Date
-
October 22, 2021
The world Frank Herbert designed in his Dune novels seamlessly blends fantasy and sci-fi. It is a world where a feudal order exists, but technology is futuristic and interplanetary travel is possible. There are supernatural elements that belong in a fantasy movie, with huge sandworms who are revered by the sand-dwellers. Moreover, religion plays a major part in the politics in both Dune movies, especially Dune: Part Two.
Related
10 Sci-Fi Movie Remakes That Are Actually Awesome
While it is rare for a remake to hold up to scrutiny, some sci-fi movie remakes are actually awesome, maybe even better than the original movies.
Dune: Part Two, alongside expanding on the political and religious aspects of worldbuilding, also gives us more memorable fight scenes. The scene where Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha, in one of the best 2024 movie costumes, shows off his combat skills has some of the most scary action choreography, especially because it’s in grayscale, highlighting the movements and facial expressions. The taming of the sandworm, the climactic duel, and the many death-defying stunts throughout the movie turn it into an action spectacle.
4
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
Directed by Gore Verbinski
The entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is filled with interesting and energetic action sequences with daring stunts and brilliant fight scenes. However, the action on the island in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest is among the best in the franchise. A trio of characters goes back and forth and each has his own agenda, but they’re all fighting with each other, switching sides and performing daring parkour while at it. Moreover, the film introduces Davy Jones, an important movie franchise character not in the first film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was the most expensive film made at the time of its release and became the third highest-grossing movie ever at that time, even winning the Best Visual Effects Oscar in 2007.
Jack Sparrow’s first scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, where he is targeted by a group of cannibals, who have also captured members of his crew, contain some hilarious action sequences. His trademark daring escapades are there throughout the film, and they get more exciting with time. Kluas Badelt and Hans Zimmer’s unmistakable soundtrack to Pirates of the Caribbean energetically buoys all these scenes and injects the audience with some of the chaotic energy that the characters have.
3
Willow (1988)
Directed by Ron Howard
Warwick Davis’ breakout role and one of Val Kilmer’s most iconic characters are the two protagonists of Ron Howard’s epic fantasy, Willow. The titular character, played by Davis, embarks on a daring journey to deliver an infant while she’s being targeted by the evil queen. He’s joined by the brave and valorous knight Madmartigan, played by Val Kilmer, who decides to help him face the dangers they’ll encounter on their journey.
The adventure through various lands in the world puts them in the path of dangerous creatures and beings. Their encounters turn into daring action set pieces with brilliant stunts and fight choreography. Willow has a lot of heart in it, and the beautiful characterization justifies the unbelievable action sequences to demonstrate the characters’ willingness to put themselves in the path of danger to protect the infant.
2
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Directed by Peter Jackson
One of the best action sequels, better than the original movies, is Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, which is largely focused on the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It follows an army trying to defend Helm’s Deep from the Uruk-hai, which sets up amazing stunts from the characters who pull off unbelievable combat maneuvers and keep themselves alive. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli get to showcase their skills up close, and it’s a memorable display of amazing action.
The adventures of Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, as they make their way into Mordor, also involve daring action sequences as they try to avoid dangers.
Apart from the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers expands on the lore from the previous film, with unforgettable action set pieces at various junctures. The adventures of Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, as they make their way into Mordor, also involve daring action sequences as they try to avoid dangers. Tolkien’s world has deeply written mythology with cultures, creatures, varied magical systems, and races of beings with complex politics, and Peter Jackson’s movies highlight the action in the stories as well.
1
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley
A good D&D live-action movie has been long overdue, and the 2023 movie finally delivered on the promise of capturing the magic of the famous TTRPG. It explores many of the most beloved elements from the game, in a world filled with magic and wonder where the supernatural and fantastic are simultaneously normalized and celebrated as extraordinary. The commonly played classes of characters come together in a team comprising a bard, a barbarian, a druid, and a sorcerer, with a cameo from a paladin.
Related
10 Movies From The Last Decade That Had Low Expectations & Turned Out Amazing
In the past decade, there have been many amazing movies that surprised viewers who had low expectations of them to begin with.
Amidst the charm of the expansive worldbuilding that explores some of the most iconic spells and actions from the game, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves also has infectiously energetic action sequences. The scene where the druid endlessly shifts from one animal to animal during a daring escape is particularly memorable. The climactic battle is also one of the best fantasy action scenes in recent years, highlighting the strengths of each character as they face off against the red witch to bring her down in a combat that celebrates teamwork.
