- The Last Unicorn (1982)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- The Witches (1990)
- The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- Stardust (2007)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
This curated list of fantasy films delves into the intriguing intersection of magic and crime, where characters become unexpected witnesses to criminal acts. These movies offer a unique blend of fantastical elements with the suspense and intrigue of crime narratives, providing viewers with a captivating cinematic experience that explores themes of justice, morality, and the supernatural.

The Last Unicorn (1982)
Description: The unicorn witnesses the crimes of King Haggard, who has imprisoned all the unicorns, blending fantasy with themes of captivity and justice.
Fact: The film features the voice talents of Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, and Alan Arkin.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: While primarily a fairy tale, the film includes elements of crime as characters witness kidnappings and murders, all wrapped in a fantasy setting.
Fact: The film was adapted from William Goldman's novel, which itself was a "good parts" version of a fictional book.


The Witches (1990)
Description: A young boy witnesses the witches' plan to turn all children into mice, blending fantasy with the crime of attempted mass transformation.
Fact: The film was directed by Nicolas Roeg and features Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch.


The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Description: The Grace children witness the crimes of goblins and other magical creatures, combining fantasy with the mystery of a hidden world.
Fact: The film was based on a series of books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Description: In this installment, Harry witnesses the aftermath of Voldemort's return and the crimes committed by Death Eaters, blending fantasy with the darker aspects of crime and justice.
Fact: The film features the first on-screen appearance of the Horcruxes, which are central to the plot of the series.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: Brendan witnesses the Viking raids on Kells, combining historical crime with fantasy elements of Celtic mythology.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.


Stardust (2007)
Description: Tristan witnesses various crimes in his quest to retrieve a fallen star, involving fantasy elements like witches and magical beings.
Fact: The film features Robert De Niro in a rare comedic role as Captain Shakespeare.


The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Description: The Pevensie children witness the usurpation of the Narnian throne by Miraz, blending fantasy with political intrigue and crime.
Fact: This film marks the first time the Pevensies return to Narnia since their initial adventure.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves witness the crimes of Smaug, the dragon, against the people of Lake-town, combining fantasy with the theme of witnessing a crime.
Fact: The film introduces the character of Bard the Bowman, who plays a crucial role in the battle against Smaug.


The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Description: While not a film, this series involves Gelflings witnessing the Skeksis' crimes against their world, offering a fantasy setting with crime elements.
Fact: It's a prequel to the original 1982 film, expanding the universe with new characters and storylines.
