Fantasy films have always captivated audiences with their ability to transport us to otherworldly realms where magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures abound. However, some of the most compelling stories within this genre revolve around themes of forbidden love. These tales explore the trials and tribulations of characters who fall in love against all odds, often facing societal, magical, or even cosmic barriers. This curated list of 10 fantasy films delves into the heart-wrenching and often magical journeys of love that dare to defy the rules, offering viewers a blend of romance, adventure, and the eternal struggle between duty and desire.

The Last Unicorn (1982)
Description: A unicorn sets out to find others of her kind, encountering a magician who falls in love with her, despite the magical and moral implications of their relationship.
Fact: The film features voice acting by Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, and Alan Arkin, and its score was composed by Jimmy Webb.


The Company of Wolves (1984)
Description: A surreal retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where a young girl's dreams are filled with wolves and forbidden love, exploring themes of innocence and temptation.
Fact: The film blends elements of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age, making it a unique entry in the fantasy genre.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: A fairy tale adventure where true love must overcome the obstacles of death, giants, and the most inconceivable of all, the separation of true love.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, known for its memorable lines and the concept of "inconceivable" becoming a catchphrase.


The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Description: A modern-day kung fu fan is transported to ancient China where he must help a Monkey King and a young maiden, whose love is forbidden by the laws of their world.
Fact: This film marked the first time Jackie Chan and Jet Li appeared together in a Hollywood production.


Twilight (2008)
Description: A modern-day love story between a human girl and a vampire, where their love is forbidden due to the inherent dangers of their worlds colliding.
Fact: The film was shot in Portland, Oregon, and Forks, Washington, to capture the gloomy atmosphere of the story. The soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, featuring artists like Paramore and Muse.


The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
Description: A young girl discovers she's part of a secret society of demon hunters, and her love for a fellow Shadowhunter is forbidden due to their different backgrounds.
Fact: The film was based on the first book of Cassandra Clare's best-selling series, which has a massive fan following.


A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Description: A young girl embarks on a cosmic journey to save her father, where she encounters a love that transcends time and space, defying the odds of their universe.
Fact: The film was directed by Ava DuVernay, making her the first African-American woman to direct a live-action film with a budget over $100 million.


Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Description: A tale as old as time, where a young woman falls in love with a cursed prince, whose love for her breaks the spell, despite the initial barriers of his monstrous appearance.
Fact: This live-action adaptation was the first Disney animated film to be remade into a live-action feature, and it featured a new song by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.


The Shape of Water (2017)
Description: A mute janitor forms an unusual bond with an amphibious creature held captive, leading to a love story that challenges societal norms and prejudices.
Fact: The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and was praised for its visual storytelling and the unique love story it portrayed.


The Princess and the Magical Kingdom (2019)
Description: A princess from a magical kingdom falls in love with a commoner, their love forbidden by the strict laws of her realm, leading to a quest for acceptance.
Fact: This animated film was inspired by classic fairy tales but with a modern twist on the theme of forbidden love.
