Top 10 Fantasy Apocalypse Films

Description: Set in a future where the polar ice caps have melted, flooding the Earth, this film explores a world where land is a myth. The fantasy comes from the unique societies that have adapted to life on water, and the quest for a mythical dry land.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive ever made at the time, with a significant portion of the budget going towards creating the water-based sets. It also features a unique form of currency - dirt.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic America, a wandering man takes on the role of a postman, spreading hope through his letters. The film's fantasy elements come from the mythic status the postman achieves, symbolizing the rebirth of civilization.

Fact: Kevin Costner, who also directed, insisted on using real locations to capture the desolate beauty of the post-apocalyptic world. The film's ending was also changed to be more uplifting.

Description: Although not traditionally an apocalypse film, the Matrix presents a world where reality is an illusion, and humanity is enslaved by machines. The fantasy comes from the idea of a virtual reality that feels more real than the actual world.

Fact: The film's concept of 'bullet time' revolutionized action sequences in cinema. It also introduced philosophical questions about reality, choice, and destiny.

Description: In a dystopian future where emotions are outlawed, a law enforcement officer begins to question the regime. The film's fantasy elements are woven into the concept of 'sense-offenders' and the mystical nature of art and emotion.

Fact: The film was influenced by classics like 'Fahrenheit 451' and '1984', but added its unique twist with the 'Gun Kata' fighting style, which was developed specifically for the movie.

Description: In a world where dragons have awakened from hibernation, humanity faces extinction. This film blends fantasy with an apocalyptic setting, showcasing epic battles between humans and dragons, making it a thrilling addition to this list.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a much darker, R-rated movie, but was toned down to appeal to a broader audience. The dragons were created using a combination of CGI and animatronics.

Description: While primarily a disaster film, its apocalyptic setting and the fantastical elements of sudden, extreme weather changes create a world where survival is a fantasy in itself.

Fact: The film was inspired by real climate change theories, but exaggerated for dramatic effect. The scenes of New York City freezing over were created using a combination of CGI and practical effects.

Description: While not traditionally fantasy, this film's bleak, post-apocalyptic setting and the almost mythical journey of a father and son to find safety evoke a sense of fantasy through its surreal, dream-like sequences and the stark contrast between the desolate world and the hope they carry.

Fact: The film was shot in locations that were chosen for their natural beauty, which was then transformed to reflect a world after a cataclysmic event. The ending was also changed from the book to provide a more hopeful conclusion.

Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Eli, a lone wanderer, carries a sacred book that could save humanity. This film combines elements of fantasy with a gritty survival tale, where the power of belief and the quest for knowledge become the central themes.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from most of the cast and crew to preserve the surprise. Also, the book Eli protects is never fully shown on screen, leaving its contents to the viewer's imagination.

Description: In a world where witches are real and pose a threat to humanity, an immortal witch hunter must protect the world from an ancient evil. The film blends fantasy with an apocalyptic scenario where the balance between magic and humanity is at stake.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a much darker, R-rated movie, but was toned down to appeal to a broader audience. The dragons were created using a combination of CGI and animatronics.

Description: In this sci-fi fantasy, an alien invasion plunges Moscow into darkness, forcing survivors to navigate a city where light is deadly. The film blends elements of fantasy with the stark reality of an apocalyptic scenario, making it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film was shot in Moscow, utilizing real locations to enhance the eerie atmosphere. It also features a unique concept where aliens are invisible to the human eye, only detectable through their energy signatures.