10 Perfect Scenes From Fantasy Movies That Still Blow Us Away

Many scenes in fantasy movies are still incredible to watch, even years after their initial release. Franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are incredibly rewatchable due to the sheer amount of nostalgic moments and mind-blowing action scenes associated with them. Other fantasy movies, like Marvel’s X-Men, continue to be revisited because of their iconic characters and timeless storylines.

The best fantasy movies are the ones that evoke emotional responses from viewers — some of which last long after the credits roll. Whether it’s fear or excitement during a big battle or joy at a happy ending, such feelings make audiences want to return to these movies again and again. These perfect scenes continue to blow viewers away, whether they’re digging into a film for the first time or have seen it many times before.

10 Yvaine Realizes She’s In Love

Stardust (2007)

A lesser-known adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work, Stardust was turned into a film starring Charlie Cox and Claire Danes in 2007. Danes played Yvaine, the human incarnation of a fallen star who ends up traveling with a man named Tristan, played by Cox. When Tristan is turned into a mouse, an invisible Yvaine, believing that he can’t hear her, confesses that she loves him. Danes brings the emotions that Yvaine is feeling to life, as she only realizes that she’s in love as she’s saying it out loud. It’s a beautiful scene that never fails to stir the heart upon a rewatch.

9 Sarah Defeats The Goblin King

Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth begins with Sarah attempting to recite lines from a book called The Labyrinth. She becomes frustrated, as she can never remember one of the lines from the story: the one the Goblin King says in order to save the child and the kingdom. When Sarah finds herself facing down David Bowie’s real Goblin King, Jareth, in order to rescue her baby brother, she begins reciting those lines again. The scene is powerful, as Sarah realizes that she’s only in the labyrinth because of her belief in Jareth. Watching her finally remember the line and strip Jareth of his power is moving every time.

8 Ofelia Becomes Princess Moanna

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Pan’s Labyrinth is a visually stunning fantasy movie that takes place in Francoist Spain. Ofelia finds a strange labyrinth in her new house, where she meets a creature called the Faun, who believes she is Moanna, the missing princess of the underworld. This turns out to be true, and Ofelia is able to take her place in the underworld after she completes three tasks set for her by the Faun. The cinematography of this scene is beautiful, and the underworld is bright and colorful compared to the dullness of Ofelia’s previous life. Ofelia’s rebirth is also contrasted by her stepfather’s death, ending the movie poignantly.

7 Dumbledore Vs. Voldemort

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

The Harry Potter movies are full of scenes that never get old, but the duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is one of the most visually stunning. There is no dialogue as they cast nonverbal spells at each other, with Dumbledore eventually emerging victorious. The lack of spoken word in this scene is what makes it so cool, as the only sounds are pure magic flowing through the air. It showcases why Voldemort fears Dumbledore so much, and it provides a thrilling sequence that’s just as engaging upon a rewatch.

6 The Battle Of Beruna

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

In C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, everything leads up to the battle between the Pevensie children and the White Witch. The battle, known as the Battle of Beruna, is a chaotic scene that draws out the tension as the Pevensies’ army is pushed back by the White Witch’s forces until Aslan’s arrival. The scene does an excellent job at balancing out the battle. It perfectly captures the chaos of war, and having it interspersed with scenes of Aslan waking up the statues for reinforcements gives the audience hope. It’s an invigorating battle that makes audiences want to revisit it over and over.

5 Quicksilver Rescues Everyone In X-Mansion

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

In X-Men: Apocalypse, when an explosion occurs at the X-Mansion, Quicksilver uses his extraordinary speed to save those inside. To the tune of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These),” he moves shrapnel in the air and throws mutants out the window as the mansion explodes. The scene is brilliant, as it perfectly blends tension with humor. Quicksilver stops to save some fish whose tank exploded, mess up a boy’s hair, and rescue a dog who is stealing a slice of pizza. The effects are also spectacular, as they make everything seem real. It’s a cool scene that allows viewers to catch new things when rewatching it.

4 Ashitaka Is Saved By The Forest Spirit

Princess Mononoke (1997)

In Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, Ashitaka becomes embroiled in a conflict between the people of Iron Town and the wolf gods of the forest. San, a human girl who was raised by the wolves, attacks Iron Town and is saved by Ashitaka, who is injured in the fray. San leaves him in the forest, and Ashitaka’s wounds are healed by the Forest Spirit. The animation style makes this stunning scene so memorable. The strange yet natural image of the Forest Spirit leaves an impression on the audience. Miyazaki leans into the otherworldliness of nature by making the Forest Spirit eerily silent. It’s a scene that’s a joy to return to.

3 Jack Sparrow Betrays Barbossa

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Jack Sparrow’s betrayal of Barbossa is an iconic scene from The Curse of the Black Pearl. Not only does it include Jack’s iconic line about dishonest men, but it occurs at such a pivotal moment. The reveal that Jack stole a coin to make himself immortal like Barbossa comes as a shock to the villain, as he believes Jack is on his side. Once Will lifts the curse, Jack shoots Barbossa. The scene highlights the crux of Jack Sparrow’s character, which is his consistent inconsistency. It’s such a chaotic scene, but it plays perfectly with each of the character’s personalities and goals — and it’s really fun to watch.

2 Aragorn Bows To The Hobbits

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

At the end of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Aragorn is crowned king of Gondor. Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin try to bow to him out of respect for his new title, but Aragorn stops them. In what has become an iconic line, he tells the hobbits that they bow to no one and instead bows to them. Their shock tugs at the heartstrings, as they clearly don’t believe they deserve these accolades. It’s a heartwarming scene, especially after the struggles the Hobbits endure during their quest. It brings the Lord of the Rings trilogy to a satisfying conclusion that never gets any less emotional.

1 Inigo Finally Gets Revenge

The Princess Bride (1987)

Few lines have become as iconic and as quotable as Inigo Montoya’s vow of vengeance in The Princess Bride. Inigo says it so often that almost every character has heard it by the end. Inigo eventually learns that Count Rugen, Prince Humperdinck’s right-hand man, is his father’s killer and chases him down. The scene showcases Inigo’s perseverance, as well as his love for his father. Watching Inigo finally get his revenge is incredibly satisfying, especially as he shouts his promise over and over to give himself strength. It’s a powerful scene about love and revenge that will make everyone cheer repeatedly.