Best Fantasy Movies on Tubi to Watch Right Now

If you’re looking for some truly dazzling, cinematic magic to lose yourself in, Tubi has you covered with its enormous library that offers something for every mood. The streaming service houses thousands of titles across genres like action, romance, sci-fi, and Westerns. It’s also the perfect place to go to when you’re in the mood to escape into fantastical worlds.

Buried within Tubi’s sparkling crevices is a treasure trove of fantasy movies that either make you nostalgic or leave you in complete awe. From classics that fueled our childhood imaginations to contemporary stories about the most impossible feats, the streamer has the very best fantasy movies currently available to stream for free. Of course, combing through so many options of adventures and quests and magic and mythologies is taxing, so we’ve narrowed your choices down to 10 fantasy movies to begin your session with.

13

‘Jumanji’ (1995)

The first installment in the Jumanji film series, which is followed by a spin-off and two sequels, Jumanji revolves around two children who come across a mysterious board game, get cursed, and are transported into the dangerous jungle it depicts. As they keep playing, they find themselves battling vicious creatures and navigating hostile terrain. At the same time, they are pursued by a big game hunter named Van Pelt.

Imaginative Take on Board Games

Back in the 1990s, fantasy board games were all the rage and Jumanji brought an incredible world to vibrant life. Under careful direction by Joe Johnson, it feels magical and realistic at the same time. Robin Williams shines as Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped in Jumanji for the past twenty-six years. He’s supported by Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst. The fast-paced action, unexpected threats, and humor are what make the movie a wild ride.

12

‘Penelope’ (2006)

Penelope

Release Date

March 1, 2006

Runtime

103 minutes

Director

Mark Palansky

Christina Ricci and James McAvoy appeared as star-crossed lovers in the quirky romantic comedy Penelope, in which the Yellowjackets alum portrays a young heiress who was born with the snout of a pig after a revenge-seeking witch placed a curse on her family’s bloodline. To overcome the spell, Penelope must find true love with “one of her own kind” as she’s swept off her feet by the charming romantic suitor Max Champion (McAvoy), who harbors mysterious motives.

Ricci & McAvoy Shine in a Modern-Day Fairy Tale

With the additional talents of famous faces like Catherine O’Hara, Peter Dinklage, and Reese Witherspoon, Penelope offers up a fun and whimsical take on the traditional rom-com and features captivating chemistry by its decorated lead stars. A romantic modern-day fairy tale, Penelope will leave you feeling uplifted as it encourages viewers to love themselves while also serving up a heaping dose of magic, humor, and countless heart-warming moments.

11

‘Dr. Dolittle’ (1998)

Doctor Dolittle

Release Date

June 26, 1998

Runtime

85 minutes

Director

Betty Thomas

Based on the children’s books of the same name, Dr. Dolittle stars comedian extraordinaire Eddie Murphy as the titular physician John Dolittle who regains his wondrous childhood ability to hear what animals are saying following a car accident, a special gift that causes hilarious hijinks in both his personal and professional life. When John’s erratic behavior worries his family and he’s sent to a mental institution, the good doctor must learn how to cope with his talent with the help of his furry friends.

Murphy Makes Magic at the Box Office

Dr. Dolittle serves up some wholesome family fun and showcases Murphy’s undeniable likability as a leading man, with the comedian’s zippy banter with his animal co-stars like Norm Macdonald and Chris Rock delighting audiences. The film went on to gross over $294 million and spawned a 2001 sequel with Murphy reprising his role, as well as three direct-to-video movies centering on Dolittle’s daughter Maya (Kyla Pratt), who inherits her father’s ability to communicate with animals.

10

‘Gretel & Hansel’ (2020)

Gretel & Hansel

Release Date

January 30, 2020

Runtime

87 minutes

Writers

Rob Hayes

Those wanting a little horror with their fantasy need not look further than Gretel & Hansel, an adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale that follows the siblings (Sophia Lillis & Sam Leakey) as they are forced to fend for themselves and find supplies and work after their mother descends into madness. When the iconic duo ventures into a dark and foreboding forest, they find themselves at the mercy of a terrifying witch who lures innocent children to their brutal deaths.

A Wickedly Spooky Take on a Brothers Grimm Classic

Directed by Osgood Perkins (son of horror icon Anthony Perkins), Gretel & Hansel is a slow-burn coming-of-age story that is jam-packed full of spellbinding visuals and unnerving suspense and includes a commanding performance by It star Lillis. Fans of all things gruesome and gory will love being immersed in the spooky world and will enjoy seeing the famous tale brought to the big screen as the siblings fight for their lives against the nefarious witch.

9

‘ParaNorman’ (2012)

ParaNorman

Release Date

September 13, 2012

Runtime

93minutes

Set in the small Massachusetts town of Blithe Hollow where 11-year-old outcast Norman Babcock spends his time communicating with the dead more than the living, ParaNorman follows the young boy as he discovers that only he has the power to prevent a centuries-old witch’s curse from plaguing the town. Norman and his equally eccentric best friend Neil must take on vengeful ghosts, zombies, and skeptical townsfolk as they try and stop the curse from destroying Blithe Hollow.

‘ParaNorman’ Becomes a Hit Among Moviegoers & Critics

Lauded for its stunning animation, riveting storyline, and winning blend of horror, humor, and fantasy elements, ParaNorman made cinema history when it became the first stop-motion film to use a 3-D color printer. It was nominated for numerous accolades, including Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, and became a certified hit with audiences both young, old, and everyone in between, as fans couldn’t help but find the plucky hero endearing as he embarked upon his courageous quest.

8

‘The Secret of NIMH’ (1982)

Based on Robert C. O’Brien’s children’s novel, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, this animated classic tells the story of a field mouse named Mrs. Brisby, who is preparing for her family to leave the farm as plowing season approaches. But when her youngest son falls dangerously ill, she turns to seek the aid of some super-intelligent lab rats who escaped the facility and put their extraordinary skills to good use by helping Mrs. Brisby with their survival mission.

Unmatched Animated Adventure

The Secret of NIMH was Don Bluth’s directorial debut, and he put all of his imagination into crafting a fantasy that entertains all ages. The intricate details, the blend of determination and vulnerability, and the utterly compelling character arcs transformed the story into one about empowerment and standing brave against impossible odds. Intriguing to young minds and rewarding to old minds, it still holds up.

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7

‘Somewhere in Time’ (1980)

Somewhere in Time

Release Date

October 2, 1980

Runtime

103 minutes

Director

Jeannot Szwarc

Richard Collier is a playwright living in Chicago in the 1980s. While on a relaxing retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, he comes across a vintage photograph of Elise McKenna, who was a stage actress back in her day, and becomes utterly transfixed. So much that he somehow time-travels to 1912 to meet her through self-hypnosis. He engrosses himself in a love affair with Elise, much to the dismay of her manager, William Fawcett Robinson.

Captivating and Time-Defying

Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour burn up the screen with their smoldering romance set against the backdrop of an elegant 20th-century resort. The lavish cinematography and the intangible melancholy are befitting their bittersweet romance as they shed light on the fleeting moments when the heart is pulled towards another, and it’s really hard to understand the how and why of it. Somewhere in Time underperformed at the box office but eventually rose as a classic.

6

‘Ladyhawke’ (1985)

Ladyhawke

Release Date

April 12, 1985

Runtime

121 Minutes

In medieval Italy, a clever, youthful, and slippery thief named Phillipe Gaston breaks out of a dungeon and encounters Capt. Navarre. He learns from Navarre about a curse that the evil Bishop of Aquila cast on former lovers – Navarre and his lover Lady Isabeau d’Anjou – which allows them to meet only once a year, at twilight, when each shape-shifts. Phillipe jumps to his aid and tries to break the Bishop’s evil enchantment.

A Satisfying Cult Classic

Combining elements of romance and adventure with fantasy, director Richard Donner pays tribute to classic swashbuckling tales with Ladyhawke. The visually arresting locations paired with the electrifying performances of Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer make every scene a delight to watch. Also, the star-crossed-lovers trope had fans in a spell. While imperfect and underrated, the movie pushed the boundaries of the fantasy genre.

5

‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (1947)

The Bishops Wife

Release Date

December 25, 1947

Runtime

109

Director

Henry Koster

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The Bishop’s Wife, a fantasy comedy, follows Bishop Henry Brougham, who is struggling with fundraising for the construction of a new cathedral. His marriage with his wife Julia and their young daughter Debby hits a rough patch due to his obsession. While praying, Henry unwittingly summons an angel named Dudley, who, instead of guiding Henry, tries to ease his troubles by awakening the spirituality of the people around him. But Dudley also falls for Julia, which strains his purpose.

Nothing Short of a Christmas Miracle

Prioritizing themes of faith, family, and service over lavish displays and materialism, The Bishop’s Wife has established itself as a holiday classic. Directed by Henry Kostner, its impact on cinema and viewers has been beautiful, particularly because of Cary Grant’s angelic intervention. David Niven and Loretta Young are just as charming in their roles, delivering optimistic messages on priorities and relationships, everyday interactions, and the wonders of nature.

4

‘Scrooge’ (1951)

Scrooge

Release Date

November 28, 1951

Runtime

86 minutes

Director

Brian Desmond Hurst

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  Alastair Sim

  Ebenezer Scrooge

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  Mervyn Johns

  Bob Cratchit

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  Glyn Dearman

  Tiny Tim Cratchit

• 

  George Cole

  Young Ebenezer Scrooge

• 

• 

Scrooge is one of the earliest adaptations of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. A musical retelling, it stars Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, an unfulfilled businessman with no desire to celebrate Christmas or contribute to the festive cheer. When he is visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future, Scrooge begins to see just how his cold-hearted ways impact those around him. He confronts his shortcomings and promises to change.

Hauntingly Beautiful Adaptation

As light-hearted as it may sound (and Scrooge is, for the most part), the classic fantasy also features some vivid visuals and haunting songs, like “I Saw Three Pines” and “Barbara Allen.” It features a complex and unsentimental protagonist who learns sincerity, hope, and love through the journey of a lifetime. With Brian Desmond Hurst’s dark Victorian setting and Alastair Tim’s soulful performance, Scrooge becomes a rare and timeless adaptation.