Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland offers a visually distinct, albeit somewhat familiar, take on Lewis Carroll's classic. It continues the story of Alice as a young woman returning to Underland, now a much darker and more war-torn realm. The film's strength lies in its fantastical creature designs and the performances of its star-studded cast, particularly Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. While it leans into the whimsical, its darker aesthetic and the conflict within Underland give it a place in the broader dark fantasy spectrum, presenting a more mature and action-oriented version of the beloved tale.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brings C.S. Lewis's classic tale to the big screen with impressive visual effects. While primarily a family fantasy, it delves into darker themes of war, sacrifice, and betrayal, particularly with the ominous presence of the White Witch. The film introduces viewers to the magical world of Narnia through the eyes of the Pevensie children, complete with talking animals and mythical beings. It's a well-loved adaptation that captures the epic scope and moral complexities of the original story.

Stardust is a charming and adventurous fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman's novel. While it leans more towards lighthearted fantasy, it still contains elements of darkness and danger, particularly with its witches and treacherous characters. The film is packed with a stellar cast, including Robert De Niro in a surprisingly comedic role as a sky pirate captain. It's a feel-good adventure with a touch of magic, exploring themes of destiny and love in a world filled with stars, witches, and mythical creatures. It's a delightful journey that manages to balance its lighter tone with genuine peril.

The Brothers Grimm, directed by Terry Gilliam, offers a whimsical and often dark take on the famous folklorists. The film reimagines Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm as con artists who stumble upon real magical creatures and curses. Gilliam's distinctive visual flair is evident throughout, creating a world that is both fantastical and a little twisted. It's a fun adventure that plays with classic fairy tale tropes, adding a layer of dark humor and imaginative creature design. While it might not be a pure dark fantasy, its elements certainly lean into the genre's darker aspects.

Dark City is a neo-noir science fiction film with strong dark fantasy undertones, known for its striking visual style and mind-bending plot. The film's perpetual night and shifting architecture create an oppressive and mysterious atmosphere. It explores themes of identity, memory, and control, as its protagonist tries to unravel the truth about his existence in a city where reality itself seems to be manipulated. The film's unique aesthetic and compelling mystery have earned it a dedicated cult following, often cited for its influence on other dystopian sci-fi works.

Guillermo del Toro brings his signature style to the comic book adaptation of Hellboy. This film perfectly captures the essence of Mike Mignola's character, blending supernatural action with a gritty, dark fantasy aesthetic. Ron Perlman embodies Hellboy with a perfect mix of gruffness and vulnerability, and the creature designs are, as expected from del Toro, fantastic. It's a fun and action-packed ride that explores themes of destiny and identity within a world populated by demons, monsters, and an occult-fighting team. It's a great example of how to adapt a beloved comic book with respect for its source material.

Tarsem Singh's The Fall is a visual feast, renowned for its stunning cinematography and practical locations shot across 20 countries. The film intertwines a fantastical tale told by a bedridden stuntman with the grim reality of his hospital stay. The imaginative story within the story is brought to life with breathtaking visuals that are often surreal and always captivating. It's a film that prioritizes aesthetic beauty and emotional depth, creating a unique dark fantasy experience that is as much about the power of storytelling as it is about its fantastical elements.

From the visionary minds of Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, The City of Lost Children is a visually stunning and darkly whimsical French film. Its steampunk aesthetic and grotesque characters create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. The story, centered around a scientist who steals children's dreams, is both bizarre and captivating, blending elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and a touch of the macabre. The film's production design is incredibly detailed, immersing viewers in its unique and unsettling world. It's a cult classic for good reason, offering a truly original cinematic experience.

MirrorMask, a collaboration between Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean, is a truly unique visual experience. McKean's distinctive artistic style, blending live-action with intricate digital animation, creates a dreamlike and often surreal world. The story follows a young girl who finds herself trapped in a fantastical realm, needing to find the 'MirrorMask' to escape. It's a film that thrives on its artistic ambition and imaginative world-building, offering a different kind of dark fantasy that leans heavily into abstract visuals and symbolic storytelling.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion classic that perfectly blends the macabre with the festive. Its unique visual style, spearheaded by Henry Selick, creates a world that is both spooky and charming. The songs, written by Danny Elfman, are incredibly catchy and perfectly capture the eccentric personalities of Halloween Town's residents. It's a holiday film unlike any other, celebrating the joy of both Halloween and Christmas through a darkly whimsical lens. The character of Jack Skellington has become an icon, symbolizing the film's enduring appeal.

Ridley Scott's Legend is a visually opulent dark fantasy that transports viewers to a world of faeries, unicorns, and the ultimate embodiment of evil, Darkness, played with chilling intensity by Tim Curry. The film's aesthetic is pure 80s fantasy gold, with stunning sets and creature designs that are both beautiful and menacing. The unicorn sequence, in particular, is breathtaking. While its initial release saw mixed reactions, it has since gained a cult following, appreciated for its bold imagery and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a true cinematic journey into a mythical realm.

The Dark Crystal is a groundbreaking achievement in puppetry and world-building, a true testament to Jim Henson's boundless imagination. Released in 1982, it dared to create a fantasy world entirely populated by puppets, without a single human actor, a feat rarely attempted since. The designs for the Mystics and the Skeksis are iconic, representing the duality of good and evil within the film's rich mythology. While perhaps not as widely known as some other fantasy films, its influence on creature design and practical effects is undeniable, making it a must-see for any dark fantasy enthusiast.

Coraline is a stop-motion marvel that brilliantly captures the unsettling nature of Neil Gaiman's original novella. Laika's animation is simply stunning, creating a world that is both whimsical and deeply creepy. The attention to detail in every frame is extraordinary, from Coraline's expressive hair to the intricate sets of the Other World. The film perfectly balances its dark fantasy elements with a compelling coming-of-age story, making it a favorite for both children and adults who appreciate a good scare. It's a visual feast with a wonderfully eerie atmosphere.

Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth is a breathtaking masterpiece that intertwines the brutal realities of post-Civil War Spain with a fantastical, yet terrifying, fairy tale. The film's practical effects, particularly for creatures like the Pale Man, are truly unsettling and showcase del Toro's incredible vision. It's a poignant exploration of innocence, escape, and the darkness that lies both within and outside the human world. The score by Javier Navarrete is hauntingly beautiful, amplifying the emotional weight of every scene. This isn't just a film; it's an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.