10 Fantasy Films That Tackle Phobias

Description: This fantasy film explores the phobia of being alone and the fear of a world without balance, as two Gelflings must restore the crystal to save their world from darkness.

Fact: The film was a pioneering work in puppetry, with over 80 puppeteers involved, and it was the first feature film to use a completely digital soundtrack.

Description: Sarah's journey through the Labyrinth to rescue her brother touches on the fear of growing up, losing childhood innocence, and the fear of the unknown, all wrapped in a fantastical adventure.

Fact: David Bowie wrote and performed five songs for the film, and the film's sets were so large that they were built on a soundstage originally constructed for the film "Cleopatra."

Description: While primarily a holiday film, it delves into Jack Skellington's existential crisis, touching on the fear of not belonging and the dread of monotony, wrapped in a whimsical fantasy setting.

Fact: Tim Burton did not direct the film but was heavily involved as a producer, and the film was initially released under Disney's Touchstone Pictures due to its dark themes.

Description: This psychological horror film uses elements of fantasy to delve into the fear of the unknown and the fear of death, as a woman living in a dark, old house with her photosensitive children encounters mysterious presences.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, and the twist ending was kept secret from the actors until the last day of shooting.

Description: This stop-motion animated film explores the phobia of being trapped and the fear of losing one's identity as Coraline discovers a parallel world that seems perfect but hides dark secrets.

Fact: The film took over three years to complete, and the Other Mother's design was inspired by the concept of a spider, reflecting the theme of entrapment.

Description: This film blends fantasy with horror to explore the fear of losing one's mind and the dread of the supernatural, as a hospice nurse uncovers dark secrets in a Louisiana plantation.

Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and the house used for filming was said to be haunted, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Description: This dark fantasy film intertwines the real horrors of post-Civil War Spain with a girl's escape into a fantastical world, where her fears of reality and the unknown are personified by mythical creatures.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the emotional journey of the young actress, and the faun's design was inspired by the works of Hieronymus Bosch.

Description: This Australian horror film uses elements of fantasy to explore the phobia of losing control and the fear of the unknown, as a widow and her son are haunted by a sinister children's book character.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its intense themes, and the Babadook has become a symbol for mental health awareness.

Description: This horror-fantasy film explores the fear of the unknown and the dread of the supernatural as a father and son perform an autopsy on a mysterious body, uncovering dark secrets.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its chilling authenticity, and the body of Jane Doe was created by a special effects artist known for his work on "The Walking Dead."

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film uses historical fantasy to explore the fear of isolation, witchcraft, and the unknown, as a family's faith is tested by supernatural forces.

Fact: The film's dialogue is entirely in period-appropriate English, and the goat named Black Phillip became an internet meme.