10 Fantasy Films Set in the 20th Century

Description: Although not strictly set in the 20th century, its steampunk aesthetic and themes of science gone awry fit well within the era's imagination of the future. It's a dark, whimsical tale of a mad scientist stealing children's dreams.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, who later directed "Amélie."

Description: This family-friendly fantasy film is set in the 20th century, where tiny people live hidden in the walls of a house, borrowing items from the "human beans" to survive.

Fact: The film features a young Tom Felton, who later played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series.

Description: Although set in a magical world, the film's timeline overlaps with the 20th century, offering a glimpse into how magic might have coexisted with our history. The story follows young Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage and battles against dark forces.

Fact: The film's set for Hogwarts was so detailed that it was used for all eight movies in the series. The Great Hall was built to scale, with real food served during filming.

Description: This film adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic novel features a time traveler journeying from the late 19th century into the distant future, but the story begins in the 20th century, blending science fiction with fantasy elements.

Fact: The film's time machine prop was designed by the same team that created the iconic DeLorean for "Back to the Future."

Description: While Narnia exists outside of our world, the children enter it through a wardrobe in 1940s England, making it a fantasy film set in the 20th century. It's a tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the crew built a 100-foot-long wardrobe for the iconic scene where the children enter Narnia.

Description: This lesser-known gem is set in the early 20th century, where a young girl inherits an estate and uncovers a magical world beneath it, fighting against ancient curses.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge, which also inspired J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series.

Description: Set in the early 20th century, this film blends historical drama with elements of magic and illusion, telling the story of a magician who uses his skills to win back his childhood love.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Steven Millhauser, and its visual style was influenced by the works of Georges Méliès.

Description: While rooted in historical events, this film delves into the world of magic and obsession in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring the lengths to which two rival magicians will go for the perfect trick.

Fact: The film features a real-life magician, Ricky Jay, who also served as a consultant for the magic tricks shown in the movie.

Description: Set in the early 20th century, this film tells the story of a young man who ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star, blending historical settings with fantasy adventure.

Fact: The film's director, Matthew Vaughn, was inspired by the book's blend of fantasy and romance, aiming to create a modern fairy tale.

Description: This film, set in contemporary times, explores a fantastical world within the mind of an immortal storyteller, offering a unique take on 20th-century fantasy.

Fact: After Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character in the Imaginarium.