- The Princess Bride (1987)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- Ella Enchanted (2004)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- Stardust (2007)
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
- The Princess of Montpensier (2010)
- The King's Daughter (2019)
Fantasy films often transport us to worlds where magic and wonder reign supreme, but what happens when these fantastical settings are used to explore themes of ambition, success, and personal growth? This curated list of fantasy films showcases characters who, through their determination, wit, or magical prowess, rise to prominence and achieve their dreams. These stories not only entertain but also inspire, offering a unique blend of escapism and motivation for those who dream big.

The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: Westley, a farmhand, transforms into the Dread Pirate Roberts to rescue his true love, Buttercup, showcasing his journey from humble beginnings to heroic success.
Fact: The film has gained a cult following over the years, with its memorable lines and characters.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: Harry Potter, an orphan living with his cruel relatives, learns he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he becomes a celebrated hero.
Fact: The film's sets were so detailed that they were reused for all the subsequent Harry Potter movies.


The Princess Diaries (2001)
Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary high school student, discovers she's the princess of a small European country. Her journey from obscurity to royalty is a tale of personal growth and success against all odds.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Meg Cabot, and Julie Andrews, who plays the Queen, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role.


Ella Enchanted (2004)
Description: Ella, cursed with obedience, embarks on a quest to break her spell, meeting various characters and ultimately finding her own path to success and independence.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features songs by Kelly Clarkson, Raven-Symoné, and Jesse McCartney.


The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Description: Four siblings enter the magical land of Narnia, where they become key figures in a battle against the White Witch, ultimately leading to their rise as heroes.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Makeup and Best Sound Mixing.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: Brendan, a young monk, helps complete the Book of Kells, a masterpiece that brings him recognition and success in his monastic community.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.


Stardust (2007)
Description: Tristan Thorn ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star, only to find it's a woman named Yvaine, and together they navigate through adventures to achieve their dreams.
Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, and Robert De Niro's role as Captain Shakespeare was a surprise to many fans.


The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Description: Dave Stutler, a physics student, discovers he's the apprentice of a powerful sorcerer, Balthazar Blake, and must harness his newfound magical abilities to save the world.
Fact: The film's plot is loosely based on the segment from Disney's Fantasia.


The Princess of Montpensier (2010)
Description: Marie de Mézières, a young noblewoman, navigates love, politics, and war in 16th-century France, ultimately finding her own path to success.
Fact: The film was adapted from a short story by Madame de La Fayette.


The King's Daughter (2019)
Description: Marie-Josèphe, the illegitimate daughter of King Louis XIV, discovers her royal lineage and uses her newfound status to influence the court, showcasing her rise to power.
Fact: The film features a mix of historical drama and fantasy elements, including a mermaid.
