If you loved the quirky, medieval absurdity of Jabberwocky (1977), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similarly offbeat films and shows that blend dark humor, surreal fantasy, and chaotic adventure. Whether you're a fan of Terry Gilliam's signature style or just crave more bizarre tales, these picks will satisfy your appetite for the wonderfully weird.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Description: This film shares a whimsical and surreal approach to storytelling, blending absurd humor with fantastical elements. Its playful subversion of traditional medieval and fantasy tropes creates a unique, dreamlike atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget, which is why the 'horses' are actually coconuts being clapped together. The famous 'Black Knight' scene was improvised on the spot.


Time Bandits (1981)
Description: A fantastical adventure that mixes historical and mythical elements with a childlike sense of wonder. The episodic structure and surreal visuals create a dreamy, unpredictable journey.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a children's story, but its dark humor and themes made it appeal to adults as well. The dwarf actors were cast specifically to emphasize the film's fairy-tale quality.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: A dark yet enchanting fantasy that relies entirely on puppetry and practical effects to create its mystical world. Its eerie beauty and mythic storytelling evoke a sense of ancient fairy tales.
Fact: All characters are puppets—no humans appear in the film. The Skeksis' voices were created by slowing down recordings of the actors' voices to make them sound more grotesque.


The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Description: A magical tale that explores the power of imagination, blending real-world and fantasy sequences. Its grand visuals and emotional depth create a dreamy, immersive experience.
Fact: The film only covers the first half of the original novel. The iconic 'Falkor' puppet required multiple operators to bring to life, making it one of the most complex animatronics of its time.


Labyrinth (1986)
Description: A visually rich fantasy that blends puppetry, music, and surreal landscapes to create a dreamlike quest. Its themes of growing up and overcoming challenges are wrapped in a whimsical, otherworldly package.
Fact: David Bowie's songs were written specifically for the film, and his tight pants caused controversy during production. The 'Helping Hands' scene was one of the most technically challenging to film.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: A fairy-tale adventure that balances humor, romance, and fantasy with a self-aware, storybook charm. Its playful tone and imaginative world-building evoke a sense of timeless wonder.
Fact: The film was initially a modest box-office success but gained a massive cult following through home video. The famous sword fight between Westley and Inigo took months of rigorous training to perfect.


Willow (1988)
Description: A classic hero's journey set in a richly imagined fantasy world, blending humor, adventure, and magic. Its practical effects and creature designs contribute to a tactile, immersive experience.
Fact: George Lucas conceived the story as a way to create a fantasy film with a protagonist who wasn't a traditional hero. The baby in the film was played by twins, as labor laws limited filming time with infants.


Erik the Viking (1989)
Description: A comedic yet epic Viking adventure that mixes mythology with absurd humor. Its playful tone and fantastical quest structure make it feel like a fable brought to life.
Fact: The film was a passion project for its director, who also wrote the original novel. The giant 'Hyndla' puppet was so large it had to be operated by multiple people hidden inside.


The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Description: A darkly whimsical take on fairy tales, blending historical fiction with supernatural elements. Its gothic visuals and twisted folklore create a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in the Czech Republic, using many of the same locations as other famous fantasy films. The 'Mirror Queen' character was inspired by various European folk tales.


Stardust (2007)
Description: A romantic fantasy adventure that combines swashbuckling action with fairy-tale charm. Its lush visuals and playful storytelling evoke a sense of timeless magic.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Neil Gaiman, who initially wrote it as a prose version of a fairy tale. The sky pirate ship was a fully functional set, built to scale and suspended from wires.
