- The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
- The Green Mile (1999)
- The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
- The Illusionist (2006)
- The Prestige (2006)
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Alternative Entry) (2009)
- The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Imagine stepping into a bar where the cocktails are not just drinks but gateways to fantastical realms. This curated list of fantasy films featuring bartenders takes you on a journey through time, space, and imagination. From enchanted taverns to mystical speakeasies, these films blend the art of mixology with the magic of storytelling, offering a unique cinematic experience for those who appreciate both fantasy and the art of bartending.

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Description: This film features a bar scene where the three witches meet Daryl Van Horne, who later becomes their lover and antagonist. The bar is where the magical elements of the story begin to unfold.
Fact: Jack Nicholson, who plays Daryl, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in this film.


The Green Mile (1999)
Description: While not about bartending, this film includes a scene in a bar where the supernatural abilities of John Coffey are first hinted at. The bar setting provides a backdrop for this pivotal moment, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary.
Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novel, and the character John Coffey was inspired by King's own experiences with a childhood friend who was wrongfully accused.


The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film features a bar scene where the mystical caddy, Bagger Vance, first appears to the protagonist, Rannulph Junuh. The bar setting is where the magical elements of the story are introduced.
Fact: The film was inspired by the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, with Bagger Vance representing a spiritual guide.


The Illusionist (2006)
Description: While not strictly about bartending, the film includes a scene in a bar where Eisenheim, the magician, performs a trick that sets the stage for his later, more elaborate illusions. The bar is a setting for the beginning of his magical journey.
Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" by Steven Millhauser.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film about rival magicians includes a scene where one of the characters, Alfred Borden, works as a bartender to gather information. The bar setting adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.
Fact: The film was directed by Christopher Nolan, who also directed "Inception" and "Interstellar."


The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Description: In this modern take on the classic tale, a young sorcerer-in-training, Dave, works in a bar where he first encounters his mentor, Balthazar. The bar setting is where magic and reality intertwine.
Fact: The film features a scene where Dave uses magic to animate a mop, reminiscent of the famous "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment from Fantasia.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: In this visually stunning film, a bartender named Tony (played by multiple actors due to Heath Ledger's untimely death) helps a traveling showman navigate through a magical mirror into an alternate reality. The bar serves as a gateway to the Imaginarium, where the bartender's role is pivotal in the unfolding narrative.
Fact: The film was Heath Ledger's last project, and after his death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Alternative Entry) (2009)
Description: This film is included again due to its unique narrative structure where the bar serves as a portal to an alternate reality, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.
Fact: The film's director, Terry Gilliam, had to adapt the script after Heath Ledger's death, incorporating the idea of multiple actors playing the same character.


The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film features a bar scene where the protagonist, David, meets a mysterious man who reveals the existence of a secret organization controlling human destiny. The bar setting is crucial for this revelation, making it a unique entry in our list.
Fact: The film is based on a Philip K. Dick short story, and the bar scene was shot in a real New York City bar called The Ear Inn.


The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: Although primarily a comedy-drama, the film features a memorable scene in a bar where the legendary concierge, Gustave H., and his lobby boy, Zero, share a moment of camaraderie. The bar setting adds a touch of fantasy to the film's whimsical narrative.
Fact: The film's color palette was inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt and the pastel colors of old European postcards.
