Best Fantasy Romance

David Lynch’s *Mulholland Drive* explores fractured memories and identity within the Los Angeles landscape. This 2001 film weaves together a mystery surrounding an aspiring actress, a woman suffering from amnesia, and a filmmaker entangled in criminal activity. Its unconventional narrative structure...

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy film about a television weatherman who repeatedly experiences February 2nd after becoming stuck in a time loop near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The story involves Bill Murray as the central character navigating this cyclical situation with Andie MacDowell and Chris Ell...

In February 1999, a string of murders has Shiki Ryougi and Mikiya Kokutou on edge. These crimes share a disturbing resemblance to a similar set of homicides from 1995, when Shiki and Mikiya first met, and awaken a dark, murderous desire that has laid dormant within Shiki's soul ever since then. With...

In November 1998, a double homicide occurs at the newly constructed Ogawa apartment complex in the heart of Mifune City. The murderer, Tomoe Enjou, has fled in a panic. To his astonishment, he is not pursued by the police and news of the incident has not been reported through media outlets. After Sh...

The Shape of Water is a 2017 dark fantasy film set in Baltimore, 1962, focusing on a mute woman who develops a relationship with an amphibious creature held captive within a government laboratory. The story centers around her efforts to liberate the creature from his confinement and the ensuing conf...

After a stern yet compelling speech by Otto Suwen, Subaru Natsuki solemnly swears that he will successfully make it through this timeline and save everyone he can along the way. The first step toward achieving this goal is to help Emilia work through her past; however, that is easier said than done....

Beauty and the Beast is a classic animated film from Disney. The story centers on Belle’s unexpected romance with an enchanted prince transformed into a fearsome beast. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of inner beauty and acceptance. It resonates particularly with families and those who a...

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 wuxia film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, and Zhang Ziyi. The film had a limited theatrical release beginning December 3rd, 2004, in New York City and Los Angeles, expanding to other US locations shortly after. It achieved notable...

On her way to school one day, Suzume Iwato stumbles upon Souta Munakata, a young man searching for abandoned areas. The high school girl directs Souta to a nearby ruin, but out of pure curiosity, she herself decides to head to the same destination. Once there, Suzume discovers an isolated door with...

Wicked is a 2024 musical fantasy film adapting the first act of Stephen Schwartz’s stage musical. The story centers on Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland's developing relationship within the Land of Oz prior to *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. Supporting cast members include Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh...

Maquia is a member of a special race called the Iorph—mystical beings who can live for hundreds of years and remain separate from the lives and daily troubles of mankind. However, Maquia has always felt lonely despite being surrounded by her people, as she was orphaned from a young age. She daydream...

Black Orpheus is a 1959 romantic tragedy directed by Marcel Camus. Based on Vinicius de Moraes’ play, the film reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice within a contemporary Rio de Janeiro favela during Carnival. It was produced as an international co-production between Brazil, France, and Italy.

When Subaru Natsuki leaves the convenience store, the last thing he expects is to be wrenched from his everyday life and dropped into a fantasy world. Things are not looking good for the bewildered teenager; however, not long after his arrival, he is attacked by some thugs. Armed with only a bag of...

All of Us Strangers is a 2023 romantic fantasy film centered on a screenwriter’s connection with a new neighbor. The story involves him exploring personal recollections alongside encounters with deceased family members, adapting loosely from Taichi Yamada's novel. It marks a second cinematic adaptat...

Edward Scissorhands depicts an isolated, artificially created individual with scissor-like appendages integrating into a suburban community. The film centers on his relationship with a young woman from the neighborhood following his introduction to their lives. It features a cast including Johnny De...

At the turn of the millennium, Ginei Studio's dilapidated buildings are set to be demolished. Ex-employee and filmmaker Genya Tachibana decides to honor this occasion with a commemorative documentary about the company's star actress: Chiyoko Fujiwara, the reclusive sweetheart of Shouwa Era cinema. H...

Cinderella is a 2015 fantasy film adapting the beloved fairytale. The movie offers a modern interpretation of the classic story with performances by Lily James and a supporting cast including Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden. It’s notable for its lavish production design and reimagined narrative, a...

Holo is a powerful wolf deity who is revered in the small town of Pasloe for blessing the annual harvest. Yet as years go by and the villagers become more self-sufficient, Holo has been reduced to a mere folktale. When a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence stops at the settlement, Holo offers to...

In a fairy tale come to life, the clumsy, sweet, and gentle Ahiru seems like an unlikely protagonist. In reality, Ahiru is just as magical as the talking cats and crocodiles that inhabit her town—for Ahiru really is a duck! Transformed by the mysterious Drosselmeyer into a human girl, Ahiru soon lea...

The film centers around Barbie and Ken’s unexpected journey to Barbieland after experiencing a shared existential crisis. Their adventure explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships within this fantastical world. The story unfolds through interactions wi...

Aladdin is a 2019 live-action adaptation of the 1992 animated film based on a Middle Eastern folk tale. The story centers on Aladdin, an Arabian street urchin who finds a genie within a magic lamp and attempts to win the princess’s affection while contending with a scheming vizier. Will Smith stars...

In ancient Disboard, Riku is an angry, young warrior intent on saving humanity from the warring Exceed, the 16 sentient species, fighting to establish the One True God among the Old Deus. In a lawless land, humanity's lack of magic and weak bodies have made them easy targets for the other Exceed, le...

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a 1947 American fantasy romance drama film. Gene Tierney plays a young widow who discovers the spirit of a deceased sea captain, played by Rex Harrison, residing in her inherited seaside cottage. The movie explores themes of love, loss, and unconventional relationships thr...

The Illusionist is a 2006 film set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, centered on a magician named Eisenheim and his rekindled romance with a woman from a higher social class. The narrative incorporates a reimagining of the Mayerling incident alongside the central love story. It stars Edward Norton, Pau...

Thwarted again by Naraku, Inuyasha, Kagome Higurashi, and their friends must continue their hunt for the few remaining Shikon Jewel shards, lest they fully form into a corrupted jewel at the hands of Naraku. But Naraku has plans of his own to acquire them, and will destroy anyone and anything standi...

Shirayuki and Zen Wistalia have finally confirmed their romantic feelings for each other, and everyone has resumed their daily lives. Shirayuki remains an apprentice court herbalist at the royal palace of Clarines, and Zen continues his duties alongside his aides. However, their daily routines are d...

Let Me In is a 2010 horror drama exploring themes of isolation and connection. The film portrays a young vampire girl seeking refuge in 1980s Los Alamos alongside a lonely boy. Its notable aspect lies in its nuanced examination of identity, vulnerability, and the complexities of an unexpected friend...

The Little Mermaid is a 2023 live-action adaptation of the 1989 animated film and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. The story centers on Ariel, a mermaid princess who desires to experience the human world, leading her to an agreement with Ursula. This arrangement involves a transformation allowi...

Long ago, all humans lived beneath the sea. However, some people preferred the surface and abandoned living underwater permanently. As a consequence, they were stripped of their god-given protection called "Ena" which allowed them to breathe underwater. Over time, the rift between the denizens of th...