10 Fantasy Films Set in Manhattan

Description: Although not exclusively set in Manhattan, the film starts with the protagonist in the city before he embarks on a fantastical journey through a magical tollbooth.

Fact: The film is based on the beloved children's book by Norton Juster. It blends live-action with animation, a pioneering technique at the time.

Description: This classic comedy blends humor with the supernatural, featuring a team of paranormal investigators in Manhattan. The film's iconic scenes, like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man rampaging through the city, make it a standout in fantasy cinema.

Fact: The famous firehouse used as the Ghostbusters' headquarters is an actual fire station in Tribeca, New York. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time, earning it an Academy Award nomination.

Description: While not entirely set in Manhattan, the film's beginning and end showcase the city's transformation over time, blending time travel with fantasy elements.

Fact: The film features a scene where the protagonist travels through time, witnessing the evolution of Manhattan from the 19th century to the distant future.

Description: While not entirely set in Manhattan, the film begins with the family moving to a mysterious estate in the city, where they discover a magical world.

Fact: The film was shot in Montreal, but the story's opening scenes are set in Manhattan, providing a contrast between urban life and the fantastical elements of the Spiderwick estate.

Description: A fairy tale princess from an animated world finds herself in the real world of Manhattan, where she must navigate the complexities of modern life while facing an evil queen.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for "Happy Working Song." The Central Park scenes were filmed in the actual park, blending animation with live-action seamlessly.

Description: Set in modern-day Manhattan, this film follows a young sorcerer learning the ropes from his master, with magical battles and spells cast amidst the city's landmarks.

Fact: The film includes a scene where the Brooklyn Bridge is animated, showcasing the magical potential of Manhattan's architecture. Nicolas Cage plays the role of the sorcerer Balthazar Blake.

Description: This surreal fantasy film, directed by Terry Gilliam, uses Manhattan as one of its settings where a traveling theater troupe offers audiences a journey into the imagination.

Fact: Following 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.

Description: This film explores the concept of fate and free will, with Manhattan's cityscape serving as a labyrinth where agents of destiny manipulate human lives.

Fact: The film was inspired by a Philip K. Dick short story. The iconic scene where the protagonist runs through the streets of Manhattan was filmed in one continuous shot.

Description: Set in a hidden world of shadowhunters and demons, Manhattan's landmarks become battlegrounds in this adaptation of Cassandra Clare's novel.

Fact: The film features scenes shot in iconic New York locations like the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It was intended to be the first in a series, but plans for sequels were canceled.

Description: Based on Stephen King's epic series, this film features a gunslinger from another dimension who arrives in Manhattan to stop an evil force from destroying the universe.

Fact: The film's production was troubled, with multiple directors and script changes. Idris Elba plays the iconic role of Roland Deschain, the gunslinger.