The American Film Institute defines “fantasy” as a genre where live-action characters inhabit imagined settings and/or experience situations that transcend the rules of the natural world.

1. The Wizard of Oz

AFI has previously recognized this as $6 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #43 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #3 on its 100 Years…100 Musicals, #26 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #2 on its 100 Years…100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

I’m guessing that AFI has named The Fellowship Of The Ring to represent the whole Lord Of The Rings trilogy. That being said, The Fellowship Of The Ring is the best of the three films. AFI has previously recognized this as #50 on its 100 Years…100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. It’s A Wonderful Life

Timeless classic that airs every year near Christmas. AFI has previously named this #11 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #8 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #6 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #20 on its 100 Years…100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. King Kong

One of the first and most memorable special effects spectacles, the original King Kong showed us that no matter how amazing the effects can be, a good story will always remain king. AFI has previously recognized this as #43 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #12 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #24 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #84 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #13 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Scores and #41 on its 100 Years…100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition.

5. Miracle on 34th Street

Another perennial holiday classic, Hollywood has fantasies now of producing another movie as enduring as this one. AFI has previously named this #9 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

6. Field of Dreams

If you build it, they will come… to watch this movie over and over again. The magic of this movie is how it tugs at the heart. AFI has previously honored this as #28 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list and #39 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

7. Harvey

James Stewart and an imaginary rabbit. What’s not to like? If you haven’t seen this gem, go rent it. You won’t be disappointed. AFI has previously recognized this as #35 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

8. Groundhog Day

This movie reminds me of how I feel about the majority of movies that Hollywood makes now. I keep going back to see the same movie over and over again hoping that someone will make something original. This movie is Bill Murray at his best. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

9. The Thief of Bagdad

The Moose has never seen this movie. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

10. Big

An above average body swapping movie that earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Is it good? Yes. Does it deserve to be on this list? No. AFI has previously recognized this as #42 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

COMMENTS

This is one of AFI’s stranger lists. When you think of a fantasy film, you usually think of a movies like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy or Clash of the Titansor even Labyrinth, not human dramas with a dream sequence or figments of the imagination. I think the AFI really dropped the ball on this particular list.

If it were up to the Moose, I would throw out the more human dramas in favor of more fantastical films. My top 10 list would probably include The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Princess Bride, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Rosemary’s Baby, Mary Poppins, Superman II, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Dark Crystal, and one of my favorites (and probably a controversial pick) Big Trouble in Little China.

Other great movies that fall under AFI’s broad definition of this genre would include: Beetlejuice, Conan the Barbarian, Clash of the Titans, and The Ten Commandments.

And always, feel free to leave your thoughts and comments They are always appreciated.

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