10 Fantasy Films with Portals to Other Worlds

Description: Dorothy Gale is whisked away to the magical land of Oz via a tornado, which serves as her portal. Her journey through Oz is a quest to return home, teaching her valuable lessons along the way.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use Technicolor, and Judy Garland's ruby slippers were made from sequins, not glass.

Description: In this Jim Henson classic, a Gelfling named Jen must restore the Crystal of Truth through a portal to the world of Thra, where he encounters various creatures and learns about his destiny.

Fact: The film was a pioneer in puppetry and animatronics, with over 70 puppeteers involved. It took five years to complete.

Description: Bastian reads a magical book that transports him into the world of Fantasia, where he must help a young warrior named Atreyu save the land from the Nothing through a portal of imagination.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany, and the famous flying scene with Falkor was done with a combination of practical effects and early CGI.

Description: While not explicitly a portal, the story within the story transports us to a world of adventure, romance, and fantasy, where characters navigate through various realms to find true love.

Fact: The film was adapted from William Goldman's novel, and the famous line "As you wish" became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Harry Potter's journey begins when he discovers he's a wizard and enters the magical world through Platform 9¾, a portal to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Fact: The film was shot at various locations in the UK, including Alnwick Castle, which served as Hogwarts. The train scenes were filmed on the real-life Jacobite steam train.

Description: Coraline Jones discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life where everything seems perfect. But as she explores, she realizes the dark truth behind this seemingly idyllic world.

Fact: The film was directed by Henry Selick, who also directed "The Nightmare Before Christmas." The stop-motion animation took over three years to complete.

Description: This film introduces us to the Pevensie siblings who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that leads them to Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter by the White Witch. Their journey through this portal becomes a quest to save Narnia and themselves.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, the same location used for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The wardrobe was inspired by a real piece of furniture in C.S. Lewis's home.

Description: Jess and Leslie create a magical kingdom in the woods, accessible through a rope swing, where they rule as king and queen. This imaginative portal helps them escape the challenges of their real lives.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the story was based on a novel by Katherine Paterson, inspired by the tragic loss of her son's friend.

Description: Ofelia discovers a labyrinth that leads her into a dark, fantastical world where she must complete three tasks to prove her royal lineage. This portal to another world is both a literal and metaphorical escape from her harsh reality.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, and the creatures were designed by the same artist who worked on "Hellboy."

Description: Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland through a rabbit hole, where she must help the White Queen defeat the Red Queen. This portal not only changes her physical location but also her perspective on life.

Fact: Tim Burton's version was the first live-action adaptation of the book since the 1933 film. The film used a mix of live-action and CGI to bring Wonderland to life.