- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
- The Secret of Moonacre (2008)
- The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
- The Illusionist (2006)
- The Prestige (2006)
- Hugo (2011)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
- The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Step into a world where magic intertwines with the dawn of the modern era. This curated list of fantasy films set in the early 20th century offers a unique blend of historical settings with fantastical elements, providing viewers with an escape into times where the past meets the mystical. Whether you're a history buff or a fantasy enthusiast, these films promise to transport you to an era where the extraordinary was just a spell away.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Description: This film brings together literary characters from the Victorian era into a team to combat a global threat, offering a steampunk twist on historical fantasy.
Fact: The film was based on a comic book series by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the adaptation.


The Secret of Moonacre (2008)
Description: Set in the early 20th century, this film follows a young girl who inherits an estate and discovers its magical secrets, blending fantasy with a coming-of-age story.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge, which was also a favorite of J.K. Rowling.


The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Description: Although set in modern times, the film's magical elements and creatures feel like they could have been imagined in the early 20th century, providing a timeless fantasy adventure.
Fact: The film features a blend of practical effects and CGI to bring the fantastical creatures to life.


The Illusionist (2006)
Description: Set in early 20th-century Vienna, this film tells the story of a magician whose illusions are so convincing they seem like magic, blending romance with the mystique of stage magic.
Fact: The film was shot in Prague, which was transformed to resemble Vienna of the era. Edward Norton learned magic tricks for his role.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film delves into the world of rival magicians in Victorian London, exploring themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the supernatural elements of magic.
Fact: The film was inspired by a novel by Christopher Priest and features a real-life magician, Ricky Jay, as an advisor for the magic tricks.


Hugo (2011)
Description: Set in 1930s Paris, this film follows an orphan boy who lives in a train station and discovers a mysterious automaton, blending the magic of cinema with a touch of fantasy.
Fact: The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, known for his dramatic films, making this a unique entry in his filmography. It also features a cameo by Georges Méliès, the pioneer of early cinema.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: Set in contemporary London but with a timeless feel, this film explores a fantastical world through a magical mirror, reflecting the early 20th-century fascination with the unknown.
Fact: After Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.


The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)
Description: Set in 1912 Paris, this film follows a daring young woman on a quest involving ancient Egyptian curses and prehistoric creatures, blending historical settings with fantasy.
Fact: The film was directed by Luc Besson, known for his visually stunning films, and features a mix of live-action and CGI to bring the fantastical elements to life.


The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Description: This film reimagines the classic tale in a setting that evokes the grandeur of the early 20th century, with a magical world behind a toy soldier.
Fact: The film was inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" and features a score by James Newton Howard.


Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Description: This film transports viewers to 1943 Wales, where a boy discovers a hidden home for children with extraordinary abilities, blending time travel with fantasy.
Fact: Tim Burton directed this adaptation of Ransom Riggs' novel, bringing his signature gothic aesthetic to the story.
