Fantasy Films Set in the Pacific Ocean

Description: This swashbuckling adventure, while set in the Caribbean, captures the spirit of the Pacific with its tales of piracy, romance, and the quest for freedom. The film's fantasy elements come from its larger-than-life characters and the mythical aura surrounding the sea.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use Technicolor, giving it a vibrant, almost magical look. Also, it was loosely based on the novel by Rafael Sabatini, which inspired many pirate films to come.

Description: This film, while not strictly fantasy, includes elements of magical realism with its portrayal of the bond between a boy and a wild horse. The shipwreck scene at the beginning sets the stage for an adventure that feels like a fantasy tale, with the ocean playing a crucial role in the story.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations, including the Mediterranean Sea, but its themes of survival and connection with nature resonate with the Pacific Ocean's vastness. Also, the horse used in the film, Cass Ole, was the same one used in the TV series "Mr. Ed."

Description: This New Zealand film tells the story of a group of medieval villagers who travel through time to modern-day New Zealand, with the Pacific Ocean playing a significant role in their journey. The film's fantasy elements include time travel, mythical creatures, and the mystical connection between the land and the sea.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, with only the final scenes in color, symbolizing the transition from the past to the present. Also, it was one of the first films to use digital compositing for its special effects.

Description: This James Cameron film, while primarily set in the Atlantic, explores the depths of the ocean, where the crew encounters an alien intelligence. The film's fantasy elements include underwater creatures and the exploration of an unknown underwater world, making it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The film was shot in a specially constructed tank in South Carolina, with some scenes filmed in the actual ocean. Also, the underwater scenes were so realistic that they were used to train Navy SEALs.

Description: While not set in the Pacific Ocean, this Disney classic features an underwater world that could easily be imagined in any vast ocean. Ariel's adventures, her fascination with the human world, and her journey to find love and freedom make this film a timeless fantasy tale with oceanic themes.

Fact: The film was the first Disney animated feature to be released on video while it was still being shown in theaters. Also, it was the last Disney film to use traditional hand-painted cels.

Description: This lesser-known gem tells the story of Fiona, who discovers her family's connection to the sea and the selkies, mythical creatures that can transform from seals into humans. Set off the coast of Ireland, the film's connection to the Pacific comes through its exploration of the ocean's mysteries and the folklore of the sea.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Ireland, with many scenes filmed on the actual island of Roan Inish. Also, it was one of the last films to be hand-painted for color correction.

Description: Set in a future where the polar ice caps have melted, covering the Earth in water, this post-apocalyptic fantasy film features a world where the Pacific Ocean is the only remaining land. The Mariner, played by Kevin Costner, navigates this waterlogged world, encountering mythical creatures and a quest for dry land.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, with a budget of $175 million. Also, the set for the film was so large that it was visible from space.

Description: While not exclusively set in the Pacific, this film includes scenes in the Congo Basin, but its connection to the ocean comes through Tarzan's journey to Africa, which involves a sea voyage. The film's fantasy elements include Tarzan's superhuman abilities and his interactions with mythical creatures, making it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: Alexander Skarsgård underwent an intense physical transformation to portray Tarzan, gaining over 25 pounds of muscle. Also, the film was shot in various locations, including Gabon, to capture the authentic jungle atmosphere.

Description: This installment in the beloved franchise takes Captain Jack Sparrow on a quest for the Fountain of Youth, which involves sailing across the Caribbean Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean. The film's fantasy elements include mermaids, mythical creatures, and magical artifacts, making it a thrilling addition to this collection.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most expensive movie ever made, with a budget of over $370 million. Also, it was the first film in the series to be released in IMAX 3D.

Description: This animated masterpiece from Disney takes us on a journey with Moana, a Polynesian princess, who sets sail across the Pacific Ocean to save her island from a blight. With its stunning visuals and a story deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, Moana brings the ocean to life as a character itself, making it a perfect fit for this fantasy ocean-themed collection.

Fact: The film's ocean was animated with a unique technology that allowed the water to act as a character, interacting with Moana in a lifelike manner. Also, the film's soundtrack, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, won the Grammy for Best Soundtrack for Visual Media.