Epic Fantasy Space War Films You Must Watch

Description: While more science fiction than fantasy, the film features a cosmic entity threatening Earth, requiring the Enterprise crew to engage in a battle of wits and technology, with elements of the unknown and mystical.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a TV series pilot, but it was expanded into a feature film due to the success of "Star Wars."

Description: This campy classic features Flash Gordon battling the evil Ming the Merciless to save Earth from destruction, with a mix of fantasy, adventure, and space opera elements.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed by Queen, and the song "Flash" became a hit, adding to the film's cult status.

Description: Based on Frank Herbert's novel, "Dune" explores the politics, religion, and ecology of the desert planet Arrakis, with interstellar conflicts over the spice melange, a substance vital to space travel.

Fact: The film's production was so troubled that David Lynch, the director, disowned the final cut, and it was later re-edited by another director.

Description: Set in the 23rd century, this film involves a cosmic battle over the survival of Earth, with elements of fantasy like the divine Leeloo and the ancient prophecy of the Fifth Element.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a comic book, and its script was written by Luc Besson and Pierre Christin, the latter being the co-creator of the original comic.

Description: Riddick, a fugitive, finds himself caught in a cosmic war between the Necromongers and the remaining free planets. Its fantasy elements, like the prophecy of the "Furyan" and the mystical Underverse, enrich the space war narrative.

Fact: Vin Diesel, who plays Riddick, also contributed to the screenplay and has a deep personal connection to the character.

Description: Transported to Mars, John Carter finds himself in the middle of a war between the planet's inhabitants, with fantasy elements like telepathic communication and ancient prophecies.

Fact: The film was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' "A Princess of Mars," published in 1912, making it one of the earliest examples of space fantasy.

Description: While not strictly a space war film, "Avatar" features a conflict on the lush alien world of Pandora, involving interstellar travel and a battle for resources, making it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film was the first to be released in 3D that was not originally filmed in 3D, and it set numerous box office records.

Description: This film blends fantasy with space opera, featuring a ragtag team of misfits who band together to save the universe from a cosmic threat. Its inclusion in this list is justified by its vibrant universe, quirky characters, and the epic battle for the galaxy.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, "Awesome Mix Vol. 1," became a cultural phenomenon, and the character Groot, who can only say "I am Groot," was voiced by Vin Diesel.

Description: This film, based on the French comic series, features space agents Valerian and Laureline on a mission to save Alpha, a space station city, from a cosmic threat. Its visual spectacle and imaginative world-building make it a standout in fantasy space war films.

Fact: The film's director, Luc Besson, had been dreaming of making this movie since he was 10 years old.

Description: The film that started it all, "A New Hope" introduces us to the Rebel Alliance's fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. Its fantasy elements, like the Force, and the epic space battles make it a cornerstone of this genre.

Fact: The iconic sound of lightsabers was created by combining the hum of an old projector with the buzz of an old television set.