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Subgenre Sampler

 
EncantoEncanto (2021) Recommended
Dir. Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Colourful Disney musical following a multi–generational Colombian family who recieve magical gifts that help them serve their rural community,…
Raya and the Last DragonRaya and the Last Dragon (2021) Recommended
Dir. Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada
A sophisticated Disney animated feature set in a re–imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization known as Kumandra, where a feisty…
Love and MonstersLove and Monsters (2020)
Dir. Michael Matthews
Feat. Dylan O’Brien, Michael Rooker, Jessica Henwick
After a Monsterpocalypse forces humans into underground colonies, a young man decides against all logic to brave the surface and face the monsters…
OnwardOnward (2020) Recommended
Dir. Dan Scanlon
Slick animated fantasy adventure following two elf brothers who go on a quest to find a magic magic gem that will bring their deceased father. A…
Witches, TheWitches, The (2020)
Dir. Robert Zemeckis
Feat. Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci
Robert Zemeckis' re–imagining of Roald Dahl’s beloved story that tells the darkly humorous yet heartwarming tale of a young orphaned boy who,…
CatsCats (2019)
Dir. Tom Hooper
Feat. James Corden, Judi Dench, Idris Elba
Vilified remake of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about a group of cats competing at an elaborate ceremony to decide who will be reincarnated. A…
Children of the SeaChildren of the Sea (2019) Recommended
Dir. Ayumu Watanabe
Powerfully resonant Japanese animated adventure reflecting on the connections between humanity and the natural world. Centered around a troubled…
DumboDumbo (2019)
Dir. Tim Burton
Feat. Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny De Vito
Tim Burton's colourful live–action reboot of the beloved Disney classic set in a travelling circus where a family discovers that a baby…
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden WorldHow to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (How to Train Your Dragon 3) (2019)
Dir. Dean Deblois
The beloved Dreamworks series comes to a fitting close with this third delightful fantasy film following the adventures of Hiccup, who has…
Jumanji: The Next LevelJumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Dir. Jake Kasdan
Feat. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan
The cast of the successful, enjoyable reboot return for more jungle fantasy adventure, this time to rescue one of their own through braving parts…
Maleficent: Mistress of EvilMaleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Dir. Joachim Roenning
Feat. Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Harris Dickinson
Sequel to the 2014 Disney fantasy, with Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and her goddaughter Aurora (Elle Fanning) returning to new adventures, this time…
PinocchioPinocchio (2019)
Dir. Matteo Garrone
Feat. Federico Lelapi, Roberto Benigni, Rocco Papaleo
A new, live–action imagining of the iconic fairytale that focuses on the authentic roots of the Carlo Collodi story. Shot in stunning Italian…
A Wrinkle in TimeA Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Dir. Ava DuVernay
Feat. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Storm Reid
High–pitched Disney fantasy that follows a young woman and friends through space in search of her missing father who is held in the clutches of…
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of GrindelwaldFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler
Second installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, following Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore as they go up against the dark wizard Gellert…
Goosebumps 2: Haunted HalloweenGoosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)
Dir. Ari Sandel
Feat. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Madison Iseman
Following on from the popular 2015 big screen adaptation, two young boys accidentally unleash a cacophony of monsters and demons after they open an…
House With the Clock in its Walls, TheHouse With the Clock in its Walls, The (2018)
Dir. Eli Roth
Feat. Jack Black, Cate Blanchett
Gore maestro Eli Roth changes pace with this kids fantasy horror about a young orphan who teams up with his magical Uncle to find a clock that could…
Jurassic World: Fallen KingdomJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
Dir. Juan Antonio Bayona
Feat. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rafe Spall
Sequel to JURASSIC WORLD (2015) and part of a planned trilogy, this creature feature blockbuster keeps the franchise alive with a fun, if…
Mary Poppins ReturnsMary Poppins Returns (2018)
Dir. Rob Marshall
Feat. Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw
Emily Blunt couldn't be more perfectly cast as the delightful Mary Poppins in this sequel that proves it's worth. Set in 1930's London, 25 years…
MiraiMirai (2018)
Dir. Mamoru Hosoda
Gorgeous anime from director Mamoru Hosoda (SUMMER WARS, WOLF CHILDREN) where a 4–year–old boy discovers he can travel through time to…
Nutcracker and the Four Realms, TheNutcracker and the Four Realms, The (2018)
Dir. Lasse Hallstrom, Joe Johnston
Feat. Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Eugenio Derbez
Lavish but hollow Disney retelling of E.T.A. Hoffmann's short story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" and Marius Petipa's "The Nutcracker" about a…
Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast (2017) Recommended
Dir. Bill Condon
Feat. Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans
A live–action re–telling of Disney's own animated classic which refashions the original French fairy tale for a contemporary audience,…
Changeover, TheChangeover, The (2017)
Dir. Stuart McKenzie, Miranda Harcourt
Feat. Erana James, Timothy Spall, Melanie Lynskey
Maragret Mahy's beloved fantasy romance novel is translated into a post–earthquake Christchurch setting, and marks an impressive debut from…
FireworksFireworks (Fireworks: Should We See It from the Side or The Bottom?) (2017)
Dir. Nobuyuki Takeuchi
Beautifully romantic Japanese anime set during a school summer vacation, based on Shunji Iwai’s 1993 TV series, “Fireworks”. Refreshingly…
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (TV Series)Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (TV Series) (2017)
Animated TV series created by Guillermo Del Toro, following the adventures of an ordinary teenager who becomes endowed as a Trollhunter after…
A Monster CallsA Monster Calls (2016) Recommended
Dir. Juan Antonio Bayona
Feat. Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones
A splendid and skillfully–told fantasy drama in which a 12–year–old boy faces his mother's terminal illness, his strict…
Alice Through the Looking GlassAlice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Dir. James Bobin
Feat. Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
Effects heavy sequel to Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND has Alice returning to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travelling back in time to help…
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) Recommended
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Eddie Redmayne, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler
This 1920's period fantasy adventure is the first in the HARRY POTTER universe to be adapted for the screen by J. K. Rowling herself. Eddie Redmayne…
MoanaMoana (2016) Recommended
Dir. John Musker, Ron Clements
Feat. Aulii Cravalho, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jemaine Clement
An epic CGI Disney adventure about a Polynesian girl who sets sail on a daring ocean voyage to find a home for her people. Features Kiwi voice…
Monster TrucksMonster Trucks (2016)
Dir. Chris Wedge
Feat. Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Amy Ryan
A truck–obsessed teen builds a monstrous vehicle out of spare parts in an attempt to escape his troubled small town existence.
Pete's DragonPete's Dragon (2016) Recommended
Dir. David Lowery
Feat. Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley
Inspired Disney remake vastly improves upon its own forgotten 70's adventure that tells the tale of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend…
April and the Extraordinary WorldApril and the Extraordinary World (2015) Recommended
Dir. Christian Desmares, Franck Ekinci
Feat. Marion Cotillard, Jean Rochefort, Olivier Gourmet
Steampunk–infused tale set in an alternate world where France is a country under the iron rule of Napoleon V, a young girl goes in search of…
CinderellaCinderella (2015) Recommended
Dir. Kenneth Branagh
Feat. Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden
Dir. Kenneth Branagh re–imagines the classic tale of young Ella who finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters, and…
GoosebumpsGoosebumps (2015) Recommended
Dir. Rob Letterman
Feat. Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush
Fantastical spin on the popular kidult horror series with Jack Black perfectly cast as horror maestro R.L. Stine whose imaginary demons come to life.
PanPan (2015)
Dir. Joe Wright
Feat. Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund
Visually dazzling but widely panned prequel to J.M. Barrie's classic tale has a young orphan spirited away to the magical world of Neverland to…
TomorrowlandTomorrowland (2015) Recommended
Dir. Brad Bird
Feat. George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie
Disney live–action adventure that allies a scientifically–curious teenage girl and a former boy–genius inventor (Clooney) who…
Barbie: The Pearl PrincessBarbie: The Pearl Princess (2014)
Dir. Ezekiel Norton
Entry into the Barbie film series where the fashion doll is a mermaid who has the power to change the colour of pearls and make them dance.
How to Train Your Dragon 2How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) Recommended
Dir. Dean Deblois
Feat. Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
Splendid sequel to the medieval animated hit about the ongoing mission of a pair of vikings to maintain the peace between dragons and men.
MaleficentMaleficent (2014)
Dir. Robert Stromberg
Feat. Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley
Angelina Jolie plays Sleeping Beauty's iconic villain in this visually striking update of the Disney animated classic.
Night at the Museum 3:Secret of the TombNight at the Museum 3:Secret of the Tomb (2014)
Dir. Shawn Levy
Feat. Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson
Concluding chapter in the trilogy has museum guard Stiller trying to decipher why the exhibits are behaving so erratically.
Song of the SeaSong of the Sea (2014) Recommended
Dir. Tomm Moore
From the director and production team behind THE SECRET OF KELLS comes another distinctive hand–made animated feature from Ireland that serves…
Adventurer, The - The Curse of the Midas BoxAdventurer, The - The Curse of the Midas Box (2013)
Dir. Jonathan Newman
Feat. Aneurin Barnard, Lena Headey, Sam Neill
Spiffy period adventure set in Victorian England about a teenager racing to find the eponymous 'Midas Box', a treasure which can turn any object to…
Jack the Giant SlayerJack the Giant Slayer (2013)
Dir. Bryan Singer
Feat. Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor
'Jack and the Beanstalk' is reimagined for the big screen in this hulking fantasy adventure about a naïve farm boy who attempts to rescue a…
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's ReturnLegends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (2013)
Dir. Will Finn
Feat. Lea Michele, Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi
A lightweight animated 'sequel' to the original Wizard of Oz film finds Dorothy returning to help her old friends Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man to…
Nowhere Boys (TV Series)Nowhere Boys (TV Series) (2013) Recommended
Feat. Darci McDonald, Dougie Baldwin, Joel Lok
Australian fantasy action–adventure series that follows four teenage boys who get lost in the forest and discover, when they return home, that…
Oz the Great and PowerfulOz the Great and Powerful (2013) Recommended
Dir. Sam Raimi
Feat. James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz
Sam Raimi directs this spectacular re–imagining of the Wizard of Oz legend for Disney studios – an origin story centred on the coming of…
Percy Jackson: Sea of MonstersPercy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)
Dir. Thor Freudenthal
Feat. Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Douglas Smith
Another young adult fantasy franchise rolls on, this time continuing the adventures of the titular Percy Jackson and his demigod friends as they race…
Journey 2: The Mysterious IslandJourney 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
Dir. Brad Peyton
Feat. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson
The Rock and friends return for this hammy, high–wire sequel to JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH, with the intrepid explorers taking on the…
Mirror MirrorMirror Mirror (2012)
Dir. Tarsem Singh
Feat. Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer
Supreme visualist Tarsem Singh (THE FALL) directs this striking adaptation of the Snow White fairytale, starring Julia Roberts as the iconic wicked…
Rise of the GuardiansRise of the Guardians (2012) Recommended
Dir. Peter Ramsey
Feat. Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law
An imaginative spin on childhood mythology, this excellent animated fantasy casts Jack Frost, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, The Sandman, and…
Wolf ChildrenWolf Children (2012) Aro Favourite
Dir. Mamoru Hosoda
This beautiful, serious–minded take on werewolf folklore focuses on a young woman and her struggle to raise two children of mixed…
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) Recommended
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane
This eighth and final Harry Potter installment concludes the boy wizard's epic journey from Hogswart apprentice to world savior.
Lost ChristmasLost Christmas (2011)
Dir. John Hay
Feat. Eddie Izzard, Jason Flemyng
BBC drama set in Manchester over two Christmases that shows a group of people who are brought together by a mysterious drifter who helps them find…
Neverland (TV Mini-series)Neverland (TV Mini-series) (2011)
Dir. Nick Willing
Feat. Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins
Clever prequel to "Peter Pan" from the producers of TIN MAN and ALICE that gives a fresh, alternative take on the origins of Peter Pan and Captain…
Witches of Oz, The (TV Mini-series)Witches of Oz, The (TV Mini-series) (2011)
Dir. Leigh Scott
Feat. Christopher Lloyd, Sean Astin, Ethan Embry
Disappointingly shoddy re–imagining in which Dorothy, now a best–selling children's book author discovers, upon moving to New York, that…
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland (2010)
Dir. Tim Burton
Feat. Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter
Dir. Tim Burton goes down the rabbit hole in this feverish retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic tale told with his customary visual brio. Bonham…
ArriettyArrietty (The Secret World of Arrietty) (2010) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Feat. Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki
Studio Ghibli's latest animated triumph respectfully borrows from the classic English children's tale of 'The Borrowers', about a family of tiny…
Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn TreaderChronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
Dir. Michael Apted
Feat. Ben Barnes, Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson
Rollicking third installment has the children returning to Narnia to join Prince Caspian for a voyage on the majestic royal vessel known as The Dawn…
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) Recommended
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane
Seventh and penultimate film in the H.K. Rowling–penned franchise now finds Harry and pals Ron and Hermione on the lam as Lord Voldemort…
How to Train Your DragonHow to Train Your Dragon (2010) Recommended
Dir. Dean Deblois, Chris Sanders
Feat. Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson
Top–flight animated feature about a hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons but becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself,…
Nanny McPhee and the Big BangNanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
Dir. Susanna White
Feat. Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Ewan McGregor
Emma Thompson again pens and stars in the second installment about the otherworldly nanny, accompanied again by a staggering array of British…
Percy Jackson: The Lightning ThiefPercy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (2010) Recommended
Dir. Chris Columbus
Feat. Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario
Striking fantasy that follows a gangly teenager who discovers that he's the son of Poseidon and has inherited some of Dad's powers. Percy soon finds…
Sorcerer's Apprentice, TheSorcerer's Apprentice, The (2010)
Dir. Jon Turteltaub
Feat. Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina, Jay Baruchel
Playing to type, Jay Baruchel is the average, unassuming new recruit of a master sorcerer (Nicholas Cage) who needs the help of a protégé to defeat…
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's AssistantCirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009)
Dir. Paul Weitz
Feat. Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly
Disjointed family friendly fright fest has a teenager accidentally trigger a war between two vampire factions. Despite an excellent cast and a great…
Coraline Coraline (2009) Aro Favourite
Dir. Henry Selick
Feat. Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders
The prodigious talents of fantasy writer Neil Gaiman and animator Henry Selick combine for this wonderful – though admittedly creepy –…
From Time to TimeFrom Time to Time (2009)
Dir. Julian Fellowes
Feat. Alex Etel, Timothy Spall, Maggie Smith
Charmingly old–fashioned family film set at the tail end of the second world war has a young boy discovering a portal back to 1805, where he…
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood PrinceHarry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009) Recommended
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Jim Broadbent
The epic sixth movie in the Harry Potter franchise sees Harry prepare for the final battle against his nemesis Voldemort while struggling with his…
Imagine ThatImagine That (2009)
Dir. Karey Kirkpatrick
Feat. Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Ronny Cox
A magic blankie transforms Eddie Murphy's prospects on the stock market in this pleasantly surprisingly family movie, recommended for its healthy…
Night At The Museum 2Night At The Museum 2 (Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) (2009)
Dir. Shawn Levy
Feat. Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson
Sequel to 2006 mega–hit NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM sees Ben Stiller return to his role as security guard, this time on a mission to infiltrate the…
Oblivion IslandOblivion Island (Haruka and the Magic Mirror) (2009) Recommended
Dir. Shinsuke Sato
Emulating Pixar's gold standard animation, this crowd pleasing 3D anime centres on a teenage girl who stumbles through a magical portal to a world…
Race To Witch MountainRace To Witch Mountain (2009)
Dir. Andy Fickman
Feat. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Tom Everett Scott, AnnaSophia Robb
A flashy but bland reboot of the 1975 Disney film ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN that sees Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson play a cab driver who inadvertently…
Tinkerbell and the Lost TreasureTinkerbell and the Lost Treasure (2009)
Feat. Kristin Chenoweth, Jesse McCartney, Anjelica Huston
Adequate sequel to 2008's TINKERBELL sees the feisty fairy and friends go on a journey to find the source of the Pixies mystical dust.The stellar…
Toys in the AtticToys in the Attic (2009-2012)
Dir. Vivian Schilling, Jirí Barta
Dark stop–motion animated fairytale following the adventures of a doll, a marionette, a teddy bear, a Mechanical Mouse and the plasticine…
Where the Wild Things AreWhere the Wild Things Are (2009) Aro Favourite
Dir. Spike Jonze
Feat. Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini
Expanding on the simple text of Maurice Sendak's modern children's classic, this glorious, visionary adaptation from director Spike Jonze and writer…
Wizards Of Waverly Place: The MovieWizards Of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
Dir. Lev L. Spiro
Feat. David Henrie, Selena Gomez, Jake T. Austin
Feature–length spin–off from popular Disney series THE WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE, focused around a family of…
Adventures Of Merlin, The (TV Series)Adventures Of Merlin, The (TV Series) (2008)
Feat. Colin Morgan, Angel Coulby, Bradley James
Ambitious drama series loosely based on the legend of King Arthur, following a young Merlin's arrival in Camelot where he must face great danger…
Bedtime StoriesBedtime Stories (2008) Recommended
Dir. Adam Shankman
Feat. Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Guy Pearce
Sure–fire Disney high–concept comedy starring Adam Sandler as a baby–sitting uncle whose bedtime stories start to influence his…
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince CaspianChronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Dir. Andrew Adamson
Feat. Tilda Swinton, Ben Barnes, Sergio Castellitto
This epic–leaning return to the fantasy world of Narnia finds the Pevensie children heading back through the wardrobe to help Prince Caspian…
City Of EmberCity Of Ember (2008)
Dir. Gil Kenan
Feat. Harry Treadaway, Saoirse Ronan, Tim Robbins
Dystopian children's fantasy set in an underground city of the future that is threatened by eternal darkness but whose leaders protect their citizens…
CJ7CJ7 (Cheung Gong 7 hou) (2008) Aro Favourite
Dir. Stephen Chow (Chiao)
Feat. Stephen Chow (Chiao)
Hong Kong superstar Stephen Chow turns his directing talents to the family–friendly fantasy, playing a dirt–poor father who surprises his…
Colour of Magic, The Colour of Magic, The (2008)
Dir. Vadim Jean
Feat. Sean Astin, Jeremy Irons, David Jason
A live–action return to Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld,' where an unfortunate wizard, enthusiastic tourist and fierce wooden box with legs must…
DelgoDelgo (2008)
Dir. Marc F. Adler, Jason Maurer
Feat. Freddie Prinze Jnr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Malcolm McDowell
Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt and others voice this fantasy animation about a magical world on the brink of destruction. Lacks subtely and…
Dragon HuntersDragon Hunters (2008)
Dir. Guillaume Ivernel, Arthur Qwak
Feat. Forest Whitaker, Vincent Lindon
French–produced animated tale of two dragon hunters in a world that has become infested with a terrible plague, with famished, mutant creatures…
InkheartInkheart (2008) Recommended
Dir. Iain Softley
Feat. Brendan Fraser, Sienna Guillory, Paul Bettany
An under–rated, imaginative rendering of German author Cornelia Funke's novel about a young girl and her father who have the ability to bring…
Journey to the Centre of the EarthJourney to the Centre of the Earth (2008)
Dir. Eric Brevig
Feat. Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem
A "rollercoaster" entertainment based very loosely on Jules Verne's famous novel, this version sees a contemporary trio embarking on an inadvertent…
Phoebe in WonderlandPhoebe in Wonderland (2008) Recommended
Dir. Daniel Barnz
Feat. Felicity Huffman, Patricia Clarkson, Elle Fanning
Affecting drama starring Elle Fanning (Dakota's little sister) as an gifted but unstable young girl who retreats into the fantastical world of Alice…
Pinocchio (TV Mini-series)Pinocchio (TV Mini-series) (2008)
Dir. Alberto Sironi
Feat. Robbie Kay , Alessandro Gassman, Bob Hoskins
Lengthy, live–action adaptation of the children's classic stars Kay as the boy made of wood and Hoskins as his gruff old father, Gepetto. Quite…
PonyoPonyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) (2008) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Feat. Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi
Utterly irresistible, Miyazaki’s latest animated triumph is one for all ages (even toddlers!); a Little Mermaid–inspired adventure of a…
Secret Of Moonacre, TheSecret Of Moonacre, The (2008)
Dir. Gabor Csupo
Feat. Dakota Blue Richards, Juliet Stevenson, Tim Curry
Orphaned teenager Maria Merryweather (Richards) discovers her new home, the foreboding Moonacre Estate, is under an ancient curse in this lushly…
Spiderwick Chronicles, TheSpiderwick Chronicles, The (2008) Recommended
Dir. Mark Waters
Feat. Freddie Highmore, Nick Nolte, Sarah Bolger
Enchanting fantasia in the Gothic tradition, centred around three children (including Freddie Highmore as twins!) who move into a dilapidated mansion…
Star Wars - The Clone WarsStar Wars - The Clone Wars (2008)
Dir. Dave Filoni
Watered down kids animation from the STAR WARS franchise, focusing on the Jedi Knights battle to retain peace in the galaxy during the…
Tinkerbell Tinkerbell (Tinker Bell Movie, The ) (2008)
Dir. Bradley Raymond
The feisty fairy from PETER PAN stars in her very own movie set in the land of 'Pixie Hollow,' where she must learn from her fairy friends how to…
Bridge to TerabithiaBridge to Terabithia (2007) Recommended
Dir. Gabor Csupo
Feat. Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
Faithful adaptation of a much–loved young–adult novel, which tells the story of two 10–year–olds creating a fantasy world to…
Doctor Strange - The Sorceror SupremeDoctor Strange - The Sorceror Supreme (2007)
Dir. Jay Oliva
Another popular comic book adaptation from the Marvel animated stable: here, the ‘Dr. Strange’ series makes for a fantastical world’s end…
Doctor Who (Animated TV Series)Doctor Who (Animated TV Series) (2007)
Feat. David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Anthony Head
Animated spin–offs that aim predominantly at a younger audience, but have enough well–crafted animation locations and clever technique to…
EnchantedEnchanted (2007) Aro Favourite
Dir. Kevin Lima
Feat. Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, James Marsden
Top–rating, truly charming family fantasy uses a clever mix of live action and animation to quite literally 'bring to life' a perfect, cartoon…
Golden Compass, TheGolden Compass, The (2007)
Dir. Chris Weitz
Feat. Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Ben Walker
Visually magnificent fantasy epic adapted from the first installment in Philip Pullman's controversial "His Dark Materials" trilogy traverses similar…
Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Recommended
Dir. David Yates
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Robbie Coltrane, Helena Bonham Carter
The fifth movie of the Harry Potter franchise finds the Wiz–kid struggling with adolescent hormones, a blind bureaucracy and most memorably,…
Mr. Magorium's Wonder EmporiumMr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)
Dir. Zach Helm
Feat. Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman
Elves–in–the–toyshop fantasy with Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium, the kindly, Wonka–esque, owner of a magical toy…
Secret of the Magic Gourd, The Secret of the Magic Gourd, The (Bao hu lu de mi mi) (2007)
Dir. John Chu, Frankie Chung
One of the first children's fantasies from mainland China to be formally released in the West tells the story of an imaginative under–achiever…
Seeker, The - The Dark is RisingSeeker, The - The Dark is Rising (2007)
Dir. David L Cunningham
Feat. Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, Christopher Eccleston
Choppy big screen adaptation of Susan Cooper's popular children's series, which pits a chosen young boy against Christopher Eccleston, Ian McShane,…
StardustStardust (2007) Aro Favourite
Dir. Matthew Vaughn
Feat. Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer
An elaborate and wildly entertaining fairytale adventure from the imagination of British fantasy maestro, Neil Gaiman (MIRROR MASK), this tones down…
Water Horse, The: Legend of the DeepWater Horse, The: Legend of the Deep (2007) Recommended
Dir. Jay Russell
Feat. Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, Emily Watson
NZ–filmed magical adventure inspired by the legend of Loch Ness in which a small boy secretly adopts a baby mythical creature that grows to…
Wizards of Waverly Place, The (TV Series) Wizards of Waverly Place, The (TV Series) (2007)
Feat. Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin
Bland cash–in on the HARRY POTTER series centers on the Russo children, three young wizards in training. Broad comedy with a 'twist' is…
AquamarineAquamarine (2006)
Dir. Elizabeth Allen
Feat. Emma Roberts, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque, Sara Paxton
Likeable 'tween' fantasy that’ll appeal especially to young girls, this swimmingly pairs two best friends with a teenaged mermaid who washes up on…
Arthur and the InvisiblesArthur and the Invisibles (Arthur et les Minimoys) (2006)
Dir. Luc Besson
Feat. Freddie Highmore, Mia Farrow, Jimmy Fallon
Blending animation and live–action, Luc Besson directs the tale of ‘Arthur and The Minimoys’ (translated to ‘Invisibles’ for English…
Azur & Asmar: The Princes' QuestAzur & Asmar: The Princes' Quest (2006)
Dir. Michel Ocelot
Exotic story–book style adventure set in the Arabic world and following childhood friends Azur and Asmar as they become rivals on a quest to…
Crusade: A March Through TimeCrusade: A March Through Time (Kruistocht in spijkerbroek) (2006)
Dir. Ben Sombogaart
Feat. Stephanie Leonidas, Joe Flynn, Emily Watson
From the popular Dutch children’s book, this biblical fantasy follows a young boy who accidentally travels through time back to the 13th Century,…
EragonEragon (2006) Recommended
Dir. Stefan Fangmeier
Feat. Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich
A child–friendly fire–breathing fantasy set in a land where dragons are almost extinct, and a farm boy named Eragon must meet his destiny…
Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The (2006) Recommended
Dir. Mamoru Hosoda
An enchanting, girl–centric 'anime', centred around a teenager’s ability to time travel and adjust the course of her social and romantic…
Merlin's ApprenticeMerlin's Apprentice (2006)
Feat. Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson
Fantastical sequel to the popular mini–series version of MERLIN, this also stars Sam Neill as the legendary wizard, now mentoring a young…
Night at the MuseumNight at the Museum (2006)
Dir. Shawn Levy
Feat. Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke
Rambuctious creature comedy starring Ben Stiller as a 'desperate dad' who takes the graveyard shift as a night guard for the Natural History Museum,…
Tales From EarthseaTales From Earthsea (Gedo senki) (2006)
Dir. Goro Miyazaki
The animated feature debut from Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao, based on Ursula K Le Guin's popular 'Earthsea' novels, this is a commendable addition to…
Thief Lord, TheThief Lord, The (2006) Recommended
Dir. Richard Claus
Feat. Jasper Harris, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jim Carter
A delightful HARRY POTTER–esque fantasy chronicling the adventures of two runaways who join a scalawag band of abandoned kids in search of a…
Tom's Midnight GardenTom's Midnight Garden (2006)
Dir. Willard Carroll
Feat. Greta Scacchi, James Wilby, Joan Plowright
A handsome screen version of children's novel by Phillipa Pearce, in which a young boy in the 1950s is sent to live with his aunt and uncle because…
Ultimate AvengersUltimate Avengers (2006)
Dir. Bob Richardson
Slim, cheerfully low–grade Marvel animated feature which unites six iconic superheroes (Captain America, The Hulk, etc.) in a fight against…
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The WardrobeChronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005) Recommended
Dir. Andrew Adamson
Feat. Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent
A splendid and meticulous vision of C.S. Lewis' classic children's fantasy novel in which a group of four young siblings – ensconced in an…
Great Yokai War, TheGreat Yokai War, The (Yôkai daisensô) (2005)
Dir. Takashi Miike
Feat. Chiaki Kuriyama
The latest cinematic mash–up from dir. Miike (AUDITION) is a family–orientated adventure in which a shy young boy from a broken family…
Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Recommended
Dir. Mike Newell
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman
The fourth chapter in the unfolding Harry Potter series marks a devastating plunge into raw suspense and truly epic adventure for the young wizard…
Nanny McPheeNanny McPhee (2005) Recommended
Dir. Kirk Jones
Feat. Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Kelly MacDonald
A well–bred British entertainment for children which fuses the traditional likes of MARY POPPINS with the current wave of gothic fantasy (Harry…
NeverwasNeverwas (2005)
Dir. Joshua Michael Stern
Feat. Ian McKellen, Aaron Eckhart, Brittany Murphy
Emotive, 'realist' fairytale concerns a psychiatrist (Eckhart) who discovers the magical world his deceased father (Nolte) wrote about in a Lewis…
Opal DreamOpal Dream (2005)
Dir. Peter Cattaneo
Feat. Vince Colosimo, Jacqueline McKenzie
Semi–precious gem of a family drama about a precocious 10–year–old girl in Australian 'opal country', who wreaks a cute brand of…
Snow Queen, TheSnow Queen, The (2005)
Dir. Julian Gibbs
Feat. Sydney White, Patrick Stewart
The classic Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, about a young girl who sets out to find a friend bewitched and abducted by an evil enchantress, here…
Bionicle 2Bionicle 2 (Legends of Metru Nui) (2004)
Prequel to MASK OF LIGHT, this casts back into the dark early history of Metru Nui, with six Metoran being given the task of recovering the powerful…
Dust Factory, TheDust Factory, The (2004)
Dir. Eric Small
Feat. Hayden Panettiere, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ryan Kelly
An interesting and moderately spooky family drama, in which a traumatised teen (Kelly) – who can't bring himself to speak after witnessing his…
Ella EnchantedElla Enchanted (2004)
Dir. Tommy O’Haver
Feat. Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes
Anne Hathaway (THE PRINCESS DIARIES) stars in this family fantasy as a princess who must travel to distant lands to offload her gift (curse) of…
Five Children and ItFive Children and It (2004) Recommended
Dir. John Stephenson
Feat. Freddie Highmore, Kenneth Branagh, Zoe Wanamaker
A fond adaptation of the E. Nesbit novel in which a group of children are befriended by a disenchanted green 'sand fairy' called 'It' (voiced by…
George and the DragonGeorge and the Dragon (2004)
Dir. Tom Reeve
Feat. James Purefoy, Piper Perabo, Patrick Swayze
Broadly entertaining revision of a medieval legend about the search for a captive princess and dragon in old–world England.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Recommended
Dir. Alfonso Cuaron
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane
Young Harry's troublesome education continues at Hogswarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry, in this increasingly confident series, here given a…
Howl's Moving CastleHowl's Moving Castle (2004) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Yet another miraculous animated odyssey from Hayao Miyazaki, who finds a perfect vehicle in the English fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, about a…
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate EventsLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) Aro Favourite
Dir. Brad Silberling
Feat. Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, Billy Connolly
Unfolding as a series of beautifully designed events, this Hollywood adaptation of the popular fantasy books fortunately doesn't water down the…
Shoebox Zoo (TV Series)Shoebox Zoo (TV Series) (2004)
Dir. Justin Molotnikov
Feat. Vivien Endicott Douglas, Jason Connery, Rik Mayall
An imaginative British fantasy series for children, has a Canadian exchange student (Douglas) living in Edinburgh inherit a box of toy animals, that…
StringsStrings (2004)
Dir. Anders Rønnow Klarlund
Feat. James McAvoy, Catherine McCormack, Derek Jacobi
An extraordinary Danish puppet fantasy epic about the course of kingdoms and warriors in an ancient world, which is distinguished by the integration…
Bionicle: Mask of LightBionicle: Mask of Light (2003)
Animated spectacular from the makers of 'Lego', set on a half–mystical/half–futuristic islands of Mata Nui. Subject to a devious plot…
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday (2003) Recommended
Dir. Mark Waters
Feat. Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon
Thoroughly updated and spunky version of Disney's 1977 original, one the best 'body–swap' comedies. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, play…
Shrek 3-D - The Story ContinuesShrek 3-D - The Story Continues (2003)
Dir. Simon J Smith
A bridging story between the first two SHREK feature–films, has the same great 'voice cast' return for a modest adventure in which Princess…
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven SeasSinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) Recommended
Dir. Patrick Gilmore, Tim Johnson
Feat. Brad Pitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Catherine Zeta-Jones
A traditionally–animated high sea adventure in which young rogue pirate Sinbad must cutlace his way out of the fine mess cooked up by the…
Dinotopia (TV Mini-series)Dinotopia (TV Mini-series) (2002)
Dir. Marco Brambilla
Feat. David Thewlis
Teledrama based on the popular, illustrative fantasy books by James Gurney, following two young brothers who survive a plane crash and wash up in a…
Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Recommended
Dir. Chris Columbus
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Kenneth Branagh, John Cleese
The second Harry Potter adaptation is better fun and more settled in its mingled tone of magic, fantasy and thriller. Daniel Radcliffe again plays…
Harry Potter Collection BoxsetHarry Potter Collection Boxset (2002-2011)
The complete collection of Harry Potter feature films in an attractive boxed set. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) Harry Potter…
Peter Pan 2 - Return to NeverlandPeter Pan 2 - Return to Neverland (2002)
Dir. Robin Budd, Donovan Cook
Bright and energetic sequel to Disney’s original animation from 1953, set around Jane’s (daughter of Wendy) journey to the enchanted…
PinocchioPinocchio (2002)
Dir. Roberto Benigni
Feat. Roberto Benigni
Pre–eminent Italian comic Roberto Benigni stages the greatest Italian fairytale as a prestige project, but belly–flops perhaps namely…
Spirited AwaySpirited Away (2002) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Feat. Miyu Hiragi, Miyu Irino
Animation visionary Hayao Miyazaki gets to fully unlock his boundless imagination through the otherworldly adventures of an innocent young girl that…
Back to the Secret GardenBack to the Secret Garden (2001)
Dir. Michael Tuchner
Feat. Joan Plowright, George Baker, Cherie Lunghi
Sequel to the 1993 enchanted family adventure THE SECRET GARDEN set years later with the original children Mary and Colin now married (yes, they are…
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) Recommended
Dir. Chris Columbus
Feat. Daniel Radcliffe, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman
Immensely popular, this star–studded adaptation of JK Rowling’s first book thankfully captures the essence of orphan Harry’s tale of…
Jack and the Beanstalk - The Real StoryJack and the Beanstalk - The Real Story (2001)
Dir. Brian Henson
Feat. Matthew Modine, Jon Voight, Vanessa Redgrave
TV sequel to the fairytale of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in which a descendant of Jack (Modine) must lift a family curse by returning the world of the…
Osmosis JonesOsmosis Jones (2001)
Dir. Pete Farrelly, Bob Farrelly
Feat. Bill Murray, Chris Rock, Laurence Fishburne
The Farrelly Bros (KINGPIN) take their comic fixation with bodily functions to extremes by setting this icky animation within the bowels of Bill…
Snow White - The Fairest of Them AllSnow White - The Fairest of Them All (2001)
Dir. Caroline Thompson
Feat. Miranda Richardson, Kristin Kreuk, Vera Farmiga
When baby Snow's father frees a bewitched djinn, he is granted three wishes: nourishment for his child, a kingdom in which to raise her, and a queen…
Tom ThumbTom Thumb (Le Petit Poucet) (2001) Recommended
Dir. Olivier Dahan
Feat. Nils Hugon, Catherine Deneuve, Said Taghmaoui
Ambitious, enjoyably dark rendering of Perrault’s classic fable, "Le Petit Poucet" told with trademark French twistedness and aplomb, kids will…
10th Kingdom, The (Mini-series)10th Kingdom, The (Mini-series) (2000)
Dir. David Carson, Herbert Wise
Feat. Kimberley Williams, Scott Cohen, John Larroquette
Elaborate, 7–hour fairy–tale extravaganza is engaging and imaginative family fare made under the 'Hallmark' television banner, and is…
Amazon (Amazone) (2000)
Dir. Phillipe De Broca
Feat. Jean-Paul Belmondo, Arielle Dombasle
Convoluted sci–fi adventure has jewel thief Belmondo stumbling upon an alien visitor in the guise of a twelve year old girl. Almost…
GeppettoGeppetto (2000)
Dir. Tom Moore
Feat. Drew Carey, Brent Spiner, Rene Auberjonois
Disney telemovie version of the much–filmed Italian fairytale, better known as 'Pinocchio', where the wooden toy wishes he were a real…
Grinch, TheGrinch, The (2000) Recommended
Dir. Ron Howard
Feat. Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor
Live–action version of the Dr Seuss classic that does some justice to the anarchic vision of the mean–spirited Grinch, who’s heart is…
Magic Pudding, TheMagic Pudding, The (2000)
Feat. Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, Hugo Weaving
Based on Norman Lindsay's hilarious classic book about Albert, a magic pudding and his three companions who must defend him against the Pudding…
Princes and PrincessesPrinces and Princesses (Princes et Princesses) (2000)
Dir. Michel Ocelot
Feat. Arlette Mirapeu, Philippe Cheytion, Yves Barsacq
French animation compilation made up of six episodes from director and animator Michel Ocelot's silhouette animation television series Ciné si. The…
Rat (2000)
Dir. Steve Barron
Feat. Pete Postlethwaite, Imelda Staunton
After a hard night at the pub, Pete Postlethwaite greets the day transformed into a white rat, giving a nicely surreal twist to this surprisingly…
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland (1999) Recommended
Dir. Nick Willing
Feat. Robbie Coltrane, Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Kingsley
The creators of the MERLIN TV–series pull–off another updating, this time Lewis Carroll's childrens' classic. Seamless special effects…
Fantasia 2000Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Dir. Various
Conceived for the IMAX giant screen, this eco–themed revision of Disney's 1940 milestone marries more classical music excerpts to whimsical…
Jack FrostJack Frost (1999)
Dir. Troy Miller
Feat. Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Mark Addy
After a fatal car accident, Michael Keaton returns to life as… a snowman in this rather slushy Christmas movie. Seeking to fulfil his neglected…
Sleepy HollowSleepy Hollow (1999)
Dir. Tim Burton
Feat. Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken
The oft–filmed short story 'Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is fashioned by illustrious iconoclast Tim Burton as the goriest, most…
Alice Through The Looking GlassAlice Through The Looking Glass (1998)
Dir. John Henderson
Feat. Kate Beckinsale, Jonathan Bailey, Steve Coogan
Impressively cast version of Lewis Carroll's second Alice book takes the unusual liberty of presenting Alice (Beckinsale) as a young adult woman.…
Borrowers, TheBorrowers, The (1998) Recommended
Dir. Peter Hewitt
Feat. John Goodman, Jim Broadbent
Inhabiting the wall and floor–spaces of our houses, colonies of tiny people eek out an existence 'borrowing' food–scraps and those items…
Ever AfterEver After (1998)
Dir. Andy Tennant
Feat. Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston
Update of the 'Cinderella' story tweaks the moral emphasis of the original Grimm fairy–tale. A brunette Drew Barrymore wrestles with an English…
Magic Sword: Quest for Camelot, TheMagic Sword: Quest for Camelot, The (1998)
Dir. Frederik Du Chau
When King Arthur's sword Excalibur disappears, teenage tearaway Kayley and her squire Garrett pursue the culprits through an animated fantasy world…
MerlinMerlin (1998)
Dir. Steve Barron
Feat. Sam Neill, Isabella Rossellini, Rutger Hauer
Playing the titular wizard, Sam Neill lends his talents to a well thought–out, monster–filled variation on the King Arthur cycle. Other…
Fairytale: A True StoryFairytale: A True Story (1997) Recommended
Dir. Charles Sturridge
Feat. Peter O'Toole, Harvey Keitel
An exquisite kidult flight–of–fancy based on one of the great popular myths of the 20th Century – the mysterious, allegedly…
FlubberFlubber (1997)
Dir. Les Mayfield
Feat. Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden
Robin Williams again gets the character–chemistry right in a reprise of the classic Absent–Minded Professor, the inadvertent inventor of…
MatildaMatilda (1997) Recommended
Dir. Danny De Vito
Feat. Mara Wilson, Danny De Vito, Rhea Perlman
An achingly funny and mischievous Roald Dahl story about a browbeaten nine–year–old girl who has the last laugh when bestowed with…
Mighty, TheMighty, The (Freak the Mighty) (1997) Aro Favourite
Dir. Peter Chelsom
Feat. Elden Henson, Kieran Culkin, Sharon Stone
Poignant, well–crafted story of two phenomenally mismatched boys who become perfectly complementary friends, escaping the slings and arrows of…
Simple Wish, ASimple Wish, A (1997)
Dir. Michael Ritchie
Feat. Mara Wilson, Martin Short, Kathleen Turner
Mara Wilson's (MATILDA) simple wish for a fairy–godmother upturns the blundering Martin Short, who helps/hinders her crusade to rescue her…
Adventures of Pinocchio, TheAdventures of Pinocchio, The (1996)
Dir. Steve Barron
Feat. Martin Landau, Jonathan Taylor Thomas
The beloved Carlo Coloddi story receives an enchanting treatment that mixes live–action and wondrous animatronic/CGI effects. Martin Landau…
GargoylesGargoyles (1996)
Mythical winged warriors who fight evil, the Gargoyles awaken after a thousand years in 21st century New York, to find there's still plenty of work…
Goosebumps (TV Series)Goosebumps (TV Series) (1996)
Ghoulish anthology series based on R. L. Stine's popular kidult horror novels. Bound to raise goosebumps on the younger ones. Season One Episodes:…
Loch NessLoch Ness (1996)
Dir. John Henderson
Feat. Ted Danson, Joely Richardson, Ian Holm
Setting out to trap the Loch Ness monster, Ted Danson is waylaid by the charms of his landlady Joely Richardson. The mystique of the legend is all…
Space JamSpace Jam (1996)
Dir. Joe Pytka
Feat. Michael Jordan, Bill Murray
Basketball star Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny slam dunk with other looney tunes and a host of midget aliens. Anarchic humour and a decent…
Sun, The Moon and the Stars, The (1996)
Dir. Geraldine Creed
Feat. Angie Dickinson, Jason Donovan, Elaine Cassidy
Angie Dickinson adds class to this well–mounted tale of the supernatural, as a woman suspected of witchcraft by two young girls when she…
To the Ends of Time (1996)
Dir. Markus Rothkranz
Feat. Joss Ackland, Christine Taylor
Elaborate fantasy–tale concerns a sorceress who tampers with Time, causing young hero Joss Ackland to prematurely age. While also keeping an…
Wind in the Willows, TheWind in the Willows, The (1996) Recommended
Dir. Terry Jones
Feat. Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Nicol Williamson
With the cream of British comic acting talent, this live–action adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic children's story is quite possibly the…
Wish Upon a StarWish Upon a Star (1996) Recommended
Dir. Blair Treu
Feat. Katherine Heigl, Danielle Harris
A little Disney magic is sprinkled on this fetching TV movie about a younger sister who wishes to switch places with her popular older sister (a very…
City of Lost ChildrenCity of Lost Children (1995) Aro Favourite
Dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Marc Caro
Feat. Ron Perlman, Daniel Emilfork, Judith Vittet
Visual wonderstuff from the unique genius pairing of the creators of DELICATESSEN, this is as good a follow up as one could wish for. While…
FlukeFluke (1995) Recommended
Dir. Carlo Carlei
Feat. Matthew Modine, Nancy Travis, Eric Stoltz
After a fatal car accident, Matthew Modine is reincarnated as a pooch that wanders home to find his best friend kindling a relationship with his…
Gulliver's TravelsGulliver's Travels (1995)
Dir. Charles Sturridge
Feat. Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Peter O'Toole
Epic, state–of–the–art version of Jonathan Swift's classic fairytale stars Ted Danson as the long–shipwrecked doctor who must…
Indian in the CupboardIndian in the Cupboard (1995)
Dir. Frank Oz
Feat. Hal Scardino, Litefoot , Lindsay Crouse
A young boy possesses a bedroom secret – a special cupboard that brings his miniature toys to life, chiefly a native Indian and a cowboy. High…
JumanjiJumanji (1995)
Dir. Joe Johnston
Feat. Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst
A pair of orphans roll the dice on a mysterious board game that brings the perils of the Amazon to virtual life. The spirited high–concept is…
Junkers Come HereJunkers Come Here (1995) Recommended
Dir. Junichi Sato
Nicely touching story about an 11–year old girl whose lonely life is relieved by the affections of a Schnauser dog, who has the ability to talk…
Kid in King Arthur's Court, AKid in King Arthur's Court, A (1995)
Dir. Michael Gottlieb
Feat. Kate Winslet, Daniel Craig, Art Malik
Handsome if inessential Disney spin on the Camelot legend, in which a young boy journeys back in time to help King Arthur overcome an evil villain.…
Little Princess, ALittle Princess, A (1995) Aro Favourite
Dir. Alfonso Cuaron
Feat. Liesel Matthews, Vanessa Lee Chester
From the quill that inked THE SECRET GARDEN, this is an equally exotic tale of an Indian–rasied girl who escapes the formality of a boarding…
Magic in the WaterMagic in the Water (1995)
Dir. Rick Stevenson
Feat. Mark Harmon, Joshua Jackson, Harley Jane Kozak
Loch Ness–monster concept is ably transposed to the Canadian lakeside hamlet of Glenorky, which has its own 'Orky' mystery. Thrills ensue for…
Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
Dir. Bryan Spicer
Feat. Paul Freeman
Homogenised big–screen translation of controversial kids TV show in which six Californian teens morph into Japanese superheroes to battle evil.…
Whisper of the HeartWhisper of the Heart (1995) Recommended
Dir. Yoshifumi Kondo
A bookish, teenage girl grows into maturity through her love for a lad who wishes to be an Italian–trained violin–maker. With only…
Beanstalk (1994)
Dir. Michael Paul Davis
Feat. Margot Kidder
A modern retelling of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk yarn, made for small screen and younger viewers. Mad scientist Margot Kidder plants the…
Hocus PocusHocus Pocus (1994) Recommended
Dir. Kenny Ortega
Feat. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
Wild witches conjured up from Salem set out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth, but the 300–year–old trio must first…
Neverending Story 3, The (1994)
Dir. Peter MacDonald
Feat. Jason James Richter, Jack Black
"Fantasia" comes to Earth in this third installment, and get chaotic in when the magical book "Never Ending Story" falls into the hands of the…
North (1994)
Dir. Rob Reiner
Feat. Elijah Wood, Bruce Willis, Scarlett Johansson
Perfect 11–year–old Elijah Wood 'divorces' his unappreciative ordinary parents an embarks on a journey across apple–pie America in…
Secret of Roan Inish, TheSecret of Roan Inish, The (1994) Recommended
Dir. John Sayles
Feat. Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally
A young girl is sent to live with her grandmother at a coastal town in Ireland, 1949, and makes an unexpected connection with its mystical history…
Borrowers, The (TV Series)Borrowers, The (TV Series) (1993) Aro Favourite
Dir. John Henderson
Feat. Ian Holm, Rebecca Callard
First–class BBC serial about a family that live under the floorboards and 'borrow' everything they need from the 'giant' family who reside in…
Super Mario BrothersSuper Mario Brothers (1993)
Dir. Rocky Morton, Annabel Jankel
Feat. Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Samantha Mathis
Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo are incarnated as the vid–game characters – plumbers who slip in saving the world between odd jobs. Will…
ToysToys (1993)
Dir. Barry Levinson
Feat. Robin Williams, Michael Gambon, Joan Cusack
Even Robin Williams' enormous talent and inspired art direction fail to enliven this comic fantasy. It plays more like a bad dream from which you…
Honey, I Blew Up the KidHoney, I Blew Up the Kid (1992)
Dir. Randal Kleiser
Feat. Rick Moranis, Lloyd Bridges, John Shea
Sequel to HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS sees prof Rick Moranis turn his infant into what fast becomes an Empire State Human!…
Polar Bear King, The (1992)
Dir. Ola Solum
Splendid Scandanavian fairy–tale about a noble King who has been cursed with an evil spell making him a Polar bear by day and human unable to…
Radio FlyerRadio Flyer (1992)
Dir. Richard Donner
Feat. Lorraine Bracco, John Heard, Adam Baldwin
Bittersweet story of two young brothers who free themselves from their wicked stepfather by transforming a red wagon into a fantastical flying…
Are You Afraid of the Dark? (TV Series)Are You Afraid of the Dark? (TV Series) (1991)
13 episodes of the first season of this 90's Nickelodeon show following the escapades of the "Midnight Society", a group of teen horror aficionados.
Drop Dead FredDrop Dead Fred (1991) Recommended
Dir. Ate De Jong
Feat. Rik Mayall, Phoebe Cates, Marsha Mason
Rik Mayall extends his hyperactive 'Young Ones' persona as the imaginary childhood friend of a grown–up Phoebe Cates. The silly stuff is offset…
Edward ScissorhandsEdward Scissorhands (1991) Aro Favourite
Dir. Tim Burton
Feat. Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Vincent Price
This inspired contemporary fairy–tale posits Johnny Depp as a boy endowed with sharp appendages, a mixed blessing when it comes to fitting into…
GrampireGrampire (Moonrise) (1991)
Dir. David Blyth
Feat. Al Lewis
The Munsters' Al Lewis turns up on our shores to star in a ghoulish comedy as the blood–sucking but well–meaning grandfather of a…
HookHook (1991)
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Feat. Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts
Spielberg's big–budget rendition of the magical fairy tale. Robin Williams stars as a grown–up Peter Pan enticed to Neverland to reclaim…
Chronicles of Narnia - The Silver ChairChronicles of Narnia - The Silver Chair (1990)
Dir. Alex Kirby
Feat. David Thwaites, Camilla Power, Tom Baker
Fine BBC production of the C.S. Lewis fantasy tale. This final part of the saga sees Jill, Eustace, Aslan and King Caspian search for the lost Prince…
Neverending Story 2, TheNeverending Story 2, The (1990)
Dir. George Miller
A young boy escapes from his drab reality in a storybook land called Fantasia where a child empress (Alexandra Johnes) is in danger. Some cute animal…
Storyteller: Greek Myths, TheStoryteller: Greek Myths, The (1990)
Feat. Michael Gambon
Another excellently produced run of Jim Henson's STORYTELLER tales, this time focusing on the Greek myths of "Daedalus and Icarus", "Orpheus and…
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Dir. Steve Barron
Now something of relic from a fad gone by, but it remains an entertaining, if fairly violent slice of '90s pop culture. Jim Henson's creature shop…
What the Moon Saw (1990)
Dir. Pino Amenta
Feat. Pat Evison
A family delight from across the Tasman about a young boy who attends a pantomime of Sinbad's Last Adventure, and finds himself caught up in a wild…
Witches, TheWitches, The (1990) Recommended
Dir. Nicolas Roeg
Feat. Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
Anjelica Huston is a scream as the grotesque Queen of witches who plots to rid the nation's children by turning them into mice! Marvellously macabre…
Chronicles of Narnia - Prince CaspianChronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian (1989)
Dir. Alex Kirby
Feat. Richard Dempsey, Johnathon R. Scott, Sophie Cook
Fine BBC production of the C.S. Lewis fantasy tale. This second part of the saga sees Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy return to the enchanted land of…
Chronicles of Narnia - Voyage of the Dawn TreaderChronicles of Narnia - Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989)
Dir. Alex Kirby
Feat. Richard Dempsey, Johnathon R. Scott, Sophie Cook
Fine BBC production of the C.S. Lewis fantasy tale. This third part of the saga sees Edmund, Lucy and their cousin Eustace search with King Caspian…
George's IslandGeorge's Island (1989)
Dir. Paul Donovan
Feat. Ian Bannen, Sheila McCarthy, Maury Chaykin
Fleeing his nasty foster parents, 10–year old George goes in search of Captain Kidd's buried treasure, having to outwit, among other adults,…
Ghostbusters 2Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Dir. Ivan Reitman
Feat. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
A cash–in for sure, but as much fun as the original, with the paranormal pests here thriving on all the "bad vibes" of grumpy Manhattanites.…
Honey, I Shrunk the KidsHoney, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Dir. Joe Johnston
Feat. Rick Moranis
An inventor inadvertently reduces his and the neighbour's kids to a grasshopper's knee–height. With the help of FX wizardry, they fend for…
Kiki's Delivery ServiceKiki's Delivery Service (1989) Recommended
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Feat. Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Matthew Lawrence
A magical animation from the masterful Japanese dir. Miyazaki, which delivers a contemporary fairytale with strong characters, rich visuals and a…
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1989) Aro Favourite
Dir. Robert Zemeckis
Feat. Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy
A staggering blend of live–action and brillaint animation conjures up a believable world where people and cartoons…
Chronicles of Narnia - Collector's EditionChronicles of Narnia - Collector's Edition (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair) (1988-1990)
The complete set of BBC adaptations of CS Lewis' classic books.
Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The WardrobeChronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (1988) Recommended
Dir. Marilyn Fox
Feat. Richard Dempsey, Sophie Cook, Johnathon R. Scott
Fine BBC production of the C.S. Lewis fantasy tale. This first part of the saga sees Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy travel through the wardrobe into…
My Neighbour TotoroMy Neighbour Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) (1988) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Dir. Miyazaki’s first huge hit in Japan is a model family film: realistic characters responding to realistic crises in a realistic way, though…
Tommy Tricker and the Stamp TravellerTommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988)
Dir. Michael Rubbo
Tommy Tricker is a crafty lad who discovers how to shrink oneself onto postage stamps and thus be mailed anywhere in the world. Quality,…
WillowWillow (1988) Recommended
Dir. Ron Howard
Feat. Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley–Kilmer employ swords against sorcery to protect a young baby from the powers of evil. A…
Lionheart (1987)
Dir. Franklin J. Schaffner
Feat. Eric Stoltz, Gabriel Byrne, Nicholas Clay
Young knight Eric Stoltz and a band of medieval tykes join King Richard II's crusade to defeat the Black Prince.
Princess Bride, ThePrincess Bride, The (1987) Aro Favourite
Dir. Rob Reiner
Feat. Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin
An elaborate and whimsical fairytale told to a bedridden young boy conjures up images of good versus evil in a world of monsters, giants and…
Castle in the SkyCastle in the Sky (Laputa) (1986) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Feat. Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman
A triumph of craft and narrative sophistication, this is an epic, supremely imaginative feature from master animator/storyteller Miyazaki that will…
Flight of the NavigatorFlight of the Navigator (1986)
Dir. Randal Kleiser
Feat. Joey Cramer, Veronica Cartwright, Cliff De Young
An ordinary boy is thrown behind the wheel of a fantastic flying machine, accompanied by an assortment of bizarre aliens. A fun–filled odyssey…
LabyrinthLabyrinth (1986) Aro Favourite
Dir. Jim Henson
Feat. David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly goes in search of her baby brother, kidnapped by the Goblin King (David Bowie). An entourage of creatures from Jim Henson highlight…
Baby: Secret of the Lost LegendBaby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)
Dir. Bill L. Norton
Feat. William Katt, Sean Young, Patrick McGoohan
Adventure fantasy film about a paleontologist and her husband who discover a mother and baby brontosaurus in Africa, and try to protect them from a…
Explorers, TheExplorers, The (1985) Recommended
Dir. Joe Dante
Feat. Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix
Imaginative space adventure film also has enormous fun at the expense of American popular culture. Among the explorers are a very baby–faced…
Goonies, TheGoonies, The (1985)
Dir. Richard Donner
Feat. Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton
Junior edition of 'Indiana Jones', from a Steven Speilberg story, has seven bored kids on the Oregon coast hunting for pirate booty after they…
Return to OzReturn to Oz (1985) Recommended
Dir. Walter Murch
Feat. Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh
This unusually–conceived sequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ is almost too scary for kids, with a disturbed Dorothy (Fairuza Balk) blown by a storm from…
Dream One (Nemo) (1984)
Dir. Arnaud Sélignac
Feat. Jason Connery, Harvey Keitel, Mathilda May
Very strange, tonally confused but often fascinating fantasia, a very loose adaptation of Winsor McKay's 1920s comic strip Little Nemo – itself…
GhostbustersGhostbusters (1984) Recommended
Dir. Ivan Reitman
Feat. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
Blockbuster supernatural comedy follows the lives of three flaky paranormal investigators who find themselves in countless gooey situations. The…
Neverending Story, TheNeverending Story, The (1984) Recommended
Dir. Wolfgang Petersen
Feat. Barret Oliver, Gerald McRaney, Moses Gunn
A boy escapes the neighbourhood bullies by retreating into a mysterious book, where fantasical and exhilirating adventures take flight. Visually…
Star Wars Ewok Adventures Star Wars Ewok Adventures (Caravan of Courage / The Battle for Endor) (1984-1985)
Feat. Wilford Brimley, Warwick Davis, Aubree Miller
George Lucas–created fantasies especially for younger STAR WARS admirers, following further adventures of the creatures so fondly remembered in…
Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the JediStar Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi (1983) Recommended
Dir. Richard Marquand
Feat. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford
Final installment in George Lucas' space–trilogy sees the conclusion of the galactic war between the Empire and the 'Rebel forces'. Mark…
Dark Crystal, TheDark Crystal, The (1982) Aro Favourite
Dir. Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Feat. Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw
Wonderful fantasy from the Muppet main–man about a cute Gelfling who is must return light to a dark world by restoring the Crystal. With an…
E.T.E.T. (E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial) (1982) Aro Favourite
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Feat. Dee Wallace Stone, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote
Steven Spielberg cemented his genius with this, possibly the best live–action family film ever made. It's the moving tale of a benign alien who…
Last Unicorn, TheLast Unicorn, The (1982) Recommended
Dir. Arthur Rankin Jnr, Jules Bass
Feat. Alan Arkin, Christopher Lee, Mia Farrow
Underrated (and under–known) animated gem, concerns the quest of the world’s last unicorn to find the rest of the unicorn herd. Strongly…
Grendel Grendel GrendelGrendel Grendel Grendel (1981)
Dir. Alexander Stitt
Feat. Peter Ustinov, Keith Michell, Arthur Dignam
Lively animated version of the Beowulf legend, but this time told from the perspective of the monster.
Collected Works of Hayao MiyazakiCollected Works of Hayao Miyazaki (1979-2013)
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Featuring collected Studio Ghibli movies of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Contains: Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) …
Worzel Gummidge (TV Series)Worzel Gummidge (TV Series) (1979-1981) Recommended
Feat. Jon Pertwee, Una Stubbs, Geoffrey Bayldon
Oddball and much–loved children's TV series about a living, grubby and rather bad–tempered scarecrow (Pertwee) who muddles through life…
Lord of the RingsLord of the Rings (1978)
Dir. Ralph Bakshi
Likable animation of JRR Tolkien's fantasy classic, admirably captures the personalities of the novel's horde of eccentric characters and…
Return From Witch MountainReturn From Witch Mountain (1978)
Dir. John Hough
Feat. Bette Davis, Christopher Lee
Above–average sequel to ESCAPE FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN reprises the story of two runaway orphans with supernatural powers, adding the star presence…
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday (1977) Recommended
Dir. Gary Nelson
Feat. Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris
Barbara Harris and a 13–year–old Jodie Foster are mother and daughter who miraculosly swap personalities for a day. Plenty of fun here.
People That Time Forgot, ThePeople That Time Forgot, The (1977)
Dir. Kevin Connor
Feat. Patrick Wayne
Sequel to THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT, sees Patrick Wayne return to the monster–ridden island in search of lost colleagues.
Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977)
Dir. Sam Wanamaker
Feat. Patrick Wayne, Jane Seymour, Patrick Troughton
The last of Ray Harryhausen's 'Sinbad' series and probably the weakest as hero sails to break a spell that has turned a prince into a baboon. Some…
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Aro Favourite
Dir. George Lucas
Feat. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford
George Lucas' epic trilogy of space adventure begins "long ago and far far away", with the life of Luke Skywalker being disturbed by the galactic war…
Wonder Woman, The New Adventures of (TV Series)Wonder Woman, The New Adventures of (TV Series) (1977-1979)
Feat. Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner
Charles Moulon’s 1940s comic strip updated to the feminist 70s, his superheroine fighting terrorist and subversive elements for undercover…
PinocchioPinocchio (1976)
Feat. Danny Kaye
Bright and energetic musical adaptation of the beloved children's fable, framed around the story of a young theater girl's desire to study and work…
Shaggy D.A., TheShaggy D.A., The (1976)
Dir. Robert Stevenson
Feat. Dean Jones, Tim Conway, Suzanne Pleshette
Extremely shaggy later Disney live–actioner, with Dean Jones playing a District Attorney who finds himself repeatedly turning into a dog.…
Escape to Witch MountainEscape to Witch Mountain (1975) Recommended
Dir. John Hough
Feat. Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence
One of Disney's best live–action telemovies, where two orphans with mysterious telekinetic powers flee the attentions of a shifty entrepeneur.…
Land That Time Forgot, TheLand That Time Forgot, The (1974)
Dir. Kevin Conner
Feat. Doug McClure, John McEnery, Susan Penhaligon
After ending up on a German submarine in WWI several Americans stumble across an undiscovered South American island, which holds adventure in the…
Little Prince, TheLittle Prince, The (1974)
Dir. Stanley Donen
Feat. Richard Kiley, Bob Fosse, Gene Wilder
The classic childern's story by aviator Antoine de Saint–Exupery is here translated with whimsy and wit intact. A pilot is stranded in a desert…
Golden Voyage of Sinbad, The (1973)
Dir. Gordon Hessler
Feat. John Phillip Law, Caroline Munro, Tom Baker
Arabian Nightish saga with Tom Baker (Dr Who) as Sinbad's adversary. The swordplay of a six–armed statue is but one of the Harryhausen FX…
Sigmund and the Seamonsters (TV Series)Sigmund and the Seamonsters (TV Series) (1973-1975)
Sid and Marty Krofft's low–budget kids sitcom about two brothers, Johnny and Scott, who harbour a friendly sea monster named Sigmund in their…
Alice's Adventures in WonderlandAlice's Adventures in Wonderland (1972) Recommended
Dir. William Sterling
Feat. Michael Crawford, Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore
Star–packed, centennial adaptation of Lewis Carroll's masterpiece follows young Alice (Fullerton) down the rabbithole and on to her adventures…
Bedknobs and BroomsticksBedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Dir. Robert Stevenson
Feat. Angela Lansbury
An apprentice witch wants to use her powers to contribute to the English war effort against the Nazis, plus a trip to the cartoon Island of…
Lidsville (TV Series)Lidsville (TV Series) (1971) Aro Favourite
Feat. Charles Nelson Reilly, Butch Patrick, Billie Hayes
Kookiest and perhaps the most hilarious of the Sid & Marty Krofft children's productions about a teenager who gets lost in a fantasy world of…
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate FactoryWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) (1971) Recommended
Dir. Mel Stuart
Feat. Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson
Roald Dahl adapts his own book for this lively, almost psychedelic musical adaptation about a boy's desire to see inside a chocolate factory run by…
Donkey SkinDonkey Skin (Peau d'âne) (1970) Recommended
Dir. Jacques Demy
Feat. Catherine Deneuve, Jean Marais, Delphine Seyrig
A vibrant, whimsical and genuinely fantastic adaptation of Perrault's classic 17th century fairy tale in which a Princess (Deneuve) disguises herself…
World of Sid & Marty Krofft, TheWorld of Sid & Marty Krofft, The (1969-1984) Aro Favourite
Excellent sampler of the children’s television productions made by the Krofft brothers, whose most famous hit was perhaps 'H.R. Pufnstuf', but who…
Blackbeard's GhostBlackbeard's Ghost (1968)
Dir. Robert Stevenson
Feat. Peter Ustinov
Peter Ustinov applies his comic talents to playing the ghost of the notorious pirate, conjured into the present by Disney Studios, to rescue a high…
Chitty Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Aro Favourite
Dir. Ken Hughes
Feat. Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries
Dick Van Dyke stars as eccentric inventor and who gives a run–down race car a magical new lease of life. This musical comedy masterpiece…
Herculoids, The (TV Series)Herculoids, The (TV Series) (1967)
Dir. Joseph Barbera, William Hanna
Saturday–morning cartoon from Hanna–Barbera in the late 60's, following a space barbarian family and their giant pets the Herculoids…
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland (1966) Recommended
Dir. Jonathan Miller
Feat. Peter Cook, Michael Redgrave, Peter Sellers
Cult BBC version of Lewis Carroll's classic children's book, in which drowsing Alice enters the dreamscape of 'Wonderland'. Influenced by the…
How the Grinch Stole ChristmasHow the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Recommended
Dir. Chuck Jones
A classic Warner Bros cartoon, puts an animated spring into Dr Seuss's tale of the vicious Grinch who tries to steal Christmas from the folk at…
Mary PoppinsMary Poppins (1964) Aro Favourite
Dir. Robert Stevenson
Feat. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke
Disney's beloved live–action feature is a timeless, dazzling musical with Julie Andrews as an enchanted London nanny. Dick Van Dyke…
Jason and the ArgonautsJason and the Argonauts (1963) Aro Favourite
Dir. Don Chaffey
Feat. Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack
Masterpiece of fantasy based on Greek mythology features the best stop–motion animation work from Ray Harryhausen. The skeleton…
Jack the Giant Killer (1962)
Dir. Nathan Juran
Feat. Kerwin Mathews, Judi Meredith, Torin Thatcher
From the same stable as Sinbad, comes another fantasy using wonderful stop–motion animation. Jack, against all odds, fights the evil Pendragon…
Three Worlds of Gulliver (1960)
Dir. Jack Sher
Feat. Kerwin Mathews, Jo Morrow, June Thorburn
Gulliver's travels bring him to the lands of the giants and the tiny in this adaptation of Johnathan Swift's classic. The then break–through…
Shaggy Dog, TheShaggy Dog, The (1959)
Dir. Charles Barton
Feat. Fred MacMurray, Jean Hagen, Tommy Kirk
Fred MacMurray excels in this Disney live–actioner, playing a postman whose son accidentally transforms himself into a talking sheepdog with…
Seventh Voyage of SinbadSeventh Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
Dir. Nathan Juran
Feat. Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant (Crosby), Richard Eyer
In his first and most engaging adventure, Sinbad convincingly duels the Cyclops, a dragon and a hyperactive skeleton without any computer assistance,…
Sinbad Collector's EditionSinbad Collector's Edition (Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger) (1958-1977)
Feat. Kerwin Mathews, John Phillip Law, Patrick Wayne
5000 Fingers of Dr. T5000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953) Recommended
Dir. Roy Rowland
Feat. Tommy Rettig, Hans Conried
From the genius of Dr. Seuss comes this live–action fantasy worthy of his wondrous imagination. A nine–year–old boy's daydreams of…
Peter PanPeter Pan (1953) Recommended
Dir. Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Walt's version of the J M Barrie classic, animated with consummate skill by his army of inhouse artisans. The flying imp Peter Pan leads Wendy and…
Secret Garden, TheSecret Garden, The (1949)
Dir. Fred M. Wilcox
Feat. Margaret O'Brien, Herbert Marshall, Dean Stockwell
Story about an orphan who discovers a secret garden at her Uncle's Victorian manor continues to fascinate young and old. Colour sequences give the…
Secret Life of Walter MittySecret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)
Dir. Norman Z. McLeod
Feat. Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Boris Karloff
Danny Kaye shines in this delightful family film as a quiet day–dreamer whose real life catches up with his elaborate adventure fantasies.
Wonder ManWonder Man (1945)
Dir. Bruce Humberstone
Feat. Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Vera-Ellen
A typically zany fairy–tale for Danny Kaye, as a mild–mannered student persuaded by the ghost of his dead twin to seek out his murderer.…
FantasiaFantasia (1940) Aro Favourite
Dir. Ben Sharpsteen
Glorious Disney musical fantasy set to a rousing classical score. Highlights include Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's apprentice and the hippos and…
Little Nellie KellyLittle Nellie Kelly (1940)
Dir. Norman Taurog
Feat. Judy Garland, George Murphy
Filmed version of the hit Broadway musical comedy from 1922 about Irish–American immigrants starring Judy Garland, who was fresh to…
Thief of Bagdad, TheThief of Bagdad, The (1940) Aro Favourite
Dir. Michael Powell, Ludwig Berger, Tim Whelan
Feat. Sabu, Conrad Veidt, June Duprez
Sabu stars in this magical, intoxicating vision of the Arabian Nights, some twenty years before the genre was revived in SINBAD. Romance, tragedy,…
Wizard of Oz, TheWizard of Oz, The (1939) Aro Favourite
Dir. Victor Fleming, King Vidor
Feat. Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
The world's best loved film down through and across the generations, and a key cultural icon. MGM pulled out all the stops to realise L. Frank…
March of the Wooden SoldiersMarch of the Wooden Soldiers (Babes In Toyland) (1934) Recommended
Dir. Gus Meins, Charles R. Rogers
Feat. Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy
Imaginative musical fantasia also makes the most of Laurel and Hardy's comic genius – as dim–witted toymakers whose mistaken order for…
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland (1933)
Dir. Norman Z. McLeod
Feat. Charlotte Henry, Edward Everett Horton, W.C. Fields
Extravagant early version of the Lewis Carroll classic was a box office bomb in its day, but age has been kind, and if Charlotte Henry is a little…
Rik Mayall's Grimm TalesRik Mayall's Grimm Tales
Feat. Rik Mayall
Television's most famous Young One, Rik Mayall channels his raucous exuberance into narrating and performing a series of Grimm fables for your young…

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