If you loved the whimsical charm and magical adventures of 'Five Children and It' (1991), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same enchanting spirit, blending fantasy, family-friendly storytelling, and heartwarming moments. Whether you're a fan of magical creatures, time-traveling escapades, or nostalgic childhood tales, these picks will transport you to worlds just as captivating as the one in 'Five Children and It.'
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Description: A boy escapes into a magical book where he becomes part of an epic fantasy adventure, emphasizing the power of imagination and storytelling.
Fact: The film's iconic luckdragon, Falkor, was operated by a team of puppeteers. The movie only covers the first half of the original German novel.
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The Witches (1990)
Description: A darkly whimsical tale about a boy who uncovers a secret society of witches, blending fantasy with suspense and a child's perspective.
Fact: The witches' makeup and prosthetics took hours to apply each day. Roald Dahl, the author, initially disliked the film's ending.
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The Secret Garden (1993)
Description: Centers around a child discovering a hidden, magical garden that becomes a place of healing and transformation, much like a secret world of wonder.
Fact: The garden set was created in London's Pinewood Studios and took months to cultivate. The robin in the film was trained to follow specific cues.
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A Little Princess (1995)
Description: Features a young girl who uses her vivid imagination to cope with hardship, creating magical stories that blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, Canada, and the elaborate sets were designed to resemble 19th-century New York. The story was originally a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
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James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Description: A young boy's journey inside a giant peach with insect friends combines stop-motion animation and live-action for a surreal, imaginative adventure.
Fact: The peach itself was a 10-foot-tall model. The film was produced by Tim Burton and features music by Randy Newman.
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Matilda (1996)
Description: A gifted child with a vivid imagination and telekinetic powers navigates a world of cruel adults, showcasing resilience and magical realism.
Fact: The chocolate cake scene required 16 takes, and the young actress actually ate the cake each time. The film was directed by Danny DeVito.
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The Borrowers (1997)
Description: Tiny people living secretly in a human household embark on big adventures, highlighting themes of resourcefulness and hidden worlds within our own.
Fact: The film was shot in England and used forced perspective to make the Borrowers appear small. The story was based on a popular children's book series.
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Description: This film shares themes of children discovering a magical world hidden within their everyday reality, filled with fantastical creatures and moral lessons.
Fact: The movie was filmed in New Zealand, the same location as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The White Witch's castle was built entirely out of ice for the film.
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Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Description: A story about children who create an imaginary kingdom to escape their real-life struggles, blending fantasy with deep emotional storytelling.
Fact: The author wrote the book as a way to cope with the death of her son's best friend. The film's title location, Terabithia, was inspired by the Narnia series.
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The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Description: Follows siblings who uncover a hidden world of fairies and magical creatures after moving into an old family estate, blending adventure with family bonds.
Fact: The book series was inspired by the author's own childhood experiences exploring the woods. The film used a mix of practical effects and CGI for the creatures.
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