10 Fantasy Films Where Hitchhiking Leads to Adventure

Description: Dorothy Gale's journey to Oz begins with a tornado, but her quest to return home involves hitchhiking with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, making it a quintessential fantasy hitchhiking tale.

Fact: Judy Garland's dress was actually pink and white, but it appeared blue on screen due to the Technicolor process. The film was one of the first to use color extensively.

Description: Jen, a Gelfling, embarks on a quest to restore balance to his world, hitchhiking with Kira, another Gelfling, through a world filled with mystical creatures and dark forces.

Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz created all the creatures using advanced puppetry techniques, making it a groundbreaking film in terms of special effects.

Description: Bastian Bux's adventure in Fantasia starts with him hitchhiking through the pages of a magical book, where he meets Atreyu, a young warrior on a quest to save the world.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany, and the flying Luck Dragon, Falkor, was a massive puppet operated by a team of puppeteers.

Description: Sarah's journey to save her brother from the Goblin King involves navigating through a labyrinth, where she encounters various characters who help or hinder her path, akin to hitchhiking through a fantastical world.

Fact: David Bowie's performance as Jareth, the Goblin King, was both mesmerizing and iconic, with his songs becoming cult classics.

Description: While not traditional hitchhiking, Westley's journey to rescue Buttercup involves traversing through various fantastical landscapes, often with the help of others, making it a spiritual cousin to hitchhiking adventures.

Fact: The film has become a cult classic, and its famous line "As you wish" has become synonymous with true love.

Description: Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer, takes on the role of protector to a special baby, hitchhiking through a world of magic and danger to return her to her destiny.

Fact: The film was directed by Ron Howard and was George Lucas's first major project after Star Wars.

Description: The Pevensie children's journey through the wardrobe to Narnia can be seen as a magical form of hitchhiking, where they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and a battle for the fate of a world.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, the same location used for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, enhancing its fantasy appeal.

Description: Arthur Dent, an ordinary Earthman, is saved by his alien friend Ford Prefect just before Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Their journey through space, hitchhiking on various alien vessels, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of cosmic travel.

Fact: The film was based on Douglas Adams' famous radio series and book. The guidebook in the movie was animated by Pixar's animators.

Description: Tristan Thorn's journey to retrieve a fallen star involves hitchhiking through magical lands, encountering witches, pirates, and princes, all in pursuit of love and adventure.

Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, and Robert De Niro's role as Captain Shakespeare was a surprising departure from his usual characters.

Description: Bilbo Baggins and his company of dwarves hitchhike through Middle-earth, facing numerous perils, including the dragon Smaug, in their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain.

Fact: The film was shot at 48 frames per second, which was controversial for its hyper-realistic visual effect.