10 Movies & Shows Like The Golden Child

Description: A visually stunning fantasy world populated entirely by puppets, following a hero's journey to restore balance. The story is rich in mythology and features a clear battle between good and evil.

Fact: All characters were performed by puppeteers without any human actors. The film was groundbreaking for its use of animatronics and practical effects, setting a new standard for fantasy filmmaking.

Description: A sci-fi/fantasy hybrid featuring a prince's quest to rescue his bride from an alien fortress. The story combines medieval weaponry with futuristic elements and mystical artifacts.

Fact: The film's iconic weapon, the Glaive, was inspired by a shuriken but designed to look more fantastical. Despite its mixed reception, it has developed a strong cult following over the years.

Description: A young protagonist embarks on a magical journey to save a fantastical world from destruction. The story explores themes of courage, imagination, and the power of belief.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany and features elaborate practical effects and puppetry. The theme song became a major hit and is still widely recognized today.

Description: A group of kids embark on a treasure hunt filled with booby traps, pirates, and supernatural elements. The adventure is both thrilling and humorous, with a strong sense of camaraderie.

Fact: The underground pirate ship set was built full-scale and remains one of the largest practical sets ever constructed. Steven Spielberg wrote the story specifically for a younger cast.

Description: Combines martial arts action with a lighthearted tone and a quest for personal growth. The protagonist's journey involves mastering inner strength and facing off against both physical and spiritual adversaries.

Fact: The film features an iconic villain named Sho'Nuff who claims to be the 'Shogun of Harlem.' The soundtrack includes several hit songs, including the theme 'The Last Dragon' by DeBarge.

Description: A dark fairy tale filled with mythical creatures, a battle between light and darkness, and a quest to restore balance. The visual style is lush and dreamlike, emphasizing fantasy aesthetics.

Fact: The film exists in two versions with different soundtracks: one by Tangerine Dream and another by Jerry Goldsmith. Tim Curry's performance as Darkness required hours of makeup application.

Description: Blends action, comedy, and fantasy elements with a strong emphasis on martial arts and mystical forces. The story revolves around an ordinary protagonist thrust into an extraordinary world filled with supernatural threats and ancient prophecies.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a Western before being reworked into its final urban fantasy setting. It has since gained a cult following despite its initial box office underperformance.

Description: Centers on an immortal warrior engaged in an ancient battle, blending swordplay with supernatural elements. The story mixes historical flashbacks with contemporary settings, creating a mythic tone.

Fact: The famous tagline 'There can be only one' has become deeply ingrained in pop culture. The film's soundtrack was composed and performed entirely by the rock band Queen.

Description: Follows a young girl's journey through a fantastical maze to rescue her brother, encountering bizarre creatures and solving puzzles. The tone balances whimsy with underlying darkness.

Fact: Jim Henson directed the film, which features intricate puppetry and animatronics. David Bowie's musical performances were integrated directly into the story.

Description: A fantasy adventure featuring an unlikely hero tasked with protecting a special child from dark forces. The narrative includes magical creatures, epic battles, and a blend of humor and drama.

Fact: George Lucas conceived the story, which was originally intended to be part of the 'Star Wars' universe. The film pioneered early CGI effects, particularly in the morphing sequence.