Top 10 Fantasy Films Set in Europe

Description: While not directly set in Europe, the film's world-building and creature design draw from European folklore, especially in its depiction of ancient, mystical creatures.

Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz created all the creatures using animatronics and puppetry, making it a landmark in fantasy film technology.

Description: Though the story's setting is the fantastical land of Fantasia, its themes and creatures are reminiscent of European mythology, particularly from Germanic and Norse traditions.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany, and the iconic flying creature Falkor was a massive puppet, operated by several puppeteers.

Description: While not explicitly set in Europe, the film's medieval setting and fairy tale elements draw heavily from European folklore, making it a timeless fantasy classic.

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

Description: This film takes a playful approach to the lives of the famous German storytellers, blending their tales with a fantasy adventure set in a fictionalized version of 19th-century Germany.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Brothers Grimm but takes significant creative liberties with their story.

Description: The film's setting, Narnia, is inspired by European landscapes, particularly the British countryside, and its narrative reflects Christian allegories and European folklore.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, but the wardrobe was built in England, reflecting the story's British origins.

Description: Set in post-Civil War Spain, this dark fantasy intertwines the harsh realities of Francoist Spain with a fantastical underworld, reflecting the European tradition of fairy tales with a grim twist.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, and the labyrinth was constructed from scratch. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, for its stunning visuals.

Description: While the story begins in England, the magical kingdom of Stormhold is a fantasy realm with strong European influences, particularly from British folklore.

Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel and features a cast of notable British actors.

Description: Set in modern-day New York, the film's roots are in European folklore, particularly the tale of the sorcerer's apprentice from Goethe's poem, which inspired Disney's Fantasia.

Fact: The film features a magical battle in the New York Public Library, showcasing a blend of old-world magic with contemporary settings.

Description: This film takes us through the mythical landscapes of Middle-earth, which are inspired by European geography, particularly the English countryside. The journey through Mirkwood and the Lonely Mountain reflects the European fantasy of hidden realms and ancient creatures.

Fact: The movie was filmed in New Zealand, but its settings are heavily influenced by European folklore. The dragon Smaug was brought to life with motion capture technology, performed by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Description: Set in 17th-century New England, the film's themes and atmosphere are deeply rooted in European witch folklore and the Puritanical fear of the supernatural.

Fact: The film uses authentic language from the period, and all the animals in the movie were real, adding to the film's eerie realism.