Top 10 Fantasy Films About Elite Societies

Description: In this fantasy epic, the Skeksis, an elite ruling class, control the world of Thra with their dark magic. The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the quest for balance as two Gelflings seek to restore the Crystal of Truth.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, and it took over five years to create all the puppets and sets. The Skeksis were inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

Description: This film blends romance, adventure, and fantasy, featuring an elite society where a beautiful princess is kidnapped, and her true love must navigate through various challenges to rescue her. It's a satirical take on fairy tales with a focus on the elite's often absurd customs.

Fact: The film was initially a flop at the box office but has since become a cult classic. The famous line "As you wish" was improvised by Cary Elwes.

Description: Set in the magical world of Hogwarts, this film introduces us to an elite society of wizards and witches. Harry Potter, an orphan, discovers he is part of this elite group and must navigate the complexities of magical society, including its politics and power structures.

Fact: The film was the highest-grossing movie of 2001, and the Hogwarts Express scenes were filmed on the real-life Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland.

Description: This film introduces us to Narnia, a magical land ruled by the White Witch, an elite figure who has cast the world into eternal winter. The Pevensie children, upon entering Narnia, become embroiled in a battle for the throne, highlighting the struggle between good and evil within an elite society.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the crew built a 100-foot-long wardrobe for the iconic scene where the children enter Narnia. Also, the White Witch's castle was inspired by the architecture of the Palace of Versailles.

Description: Set in a parallel universe, this film explores a world where the Magisterium, an elite religious authority, controls society. Lyra Belacqua's journey to save her friend and uncover the secrets of Dust delves into themes of power, control, and the fight against an oppressive elite.

Fact: The film's special effects team created over 100 different kinds of daemons, which are animal manifestations of human souls in this universe.

Description: In this fantasy epic, a young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, leading him into the world of the Dragon Riders, an elite group tasked with protecting the land from tyranny. The film delves into themes of destiny, power, and the rise of an unlikely hero within an elite society.

Fact: The film was shot in Hungary, and the CGI dragon, Saphira, was voiced by Rachel Weisz.

Description: This film follows a young man's quest to retrieve a fallen star, leading him into a magical kingdom where witches and princes vie for power. The elite society of Stormhold, with its royal succession, showcases themes of inheritance and power struggles.

Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, and the character of Captain Shakespeare was created specifically for the film to add depth to the story.

Description: In this Middle-earth adventure, Bilbo Baggins and his companions encounter the elite society of the Elves in Mirkwood, ruled by Thranduil, whose aloofness and isolationism reflect the themes of elitism and detachment from the world's struggles.

Fact: The film was shot at 48 frames per second, twice the standard rate, to enhance visual clarity, though it was controversial among some viewers. The dragon Smaug was voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Description: In a dystopian future, the Capitol, an elite society, controls the twelve districts by forcing them to send tributes to fight to the death in an annual event known as the Hunger Games. This film showcases the stark contrast between the opulence of the Capitol and the poverty of the districts, highlighting themes of class division and resistance.

Fact: The film's costume designer, Judianna Makovsky, was inspired by Alexander McQueen's fashion for the Capitol's extravagant outfits. Also, the film's director, Gary Ross, wrote the screenplay with Suzanne Collins, the author of the book series.

Description: Clary Fray discovers she is part of the Shadowhunter elite, a secret society of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. The film explores the hidden world of the elite Shadowhunters, their politics, and their battles against dark forces.

Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, Canada, and the set for the Institute was built in an old brewery.