Have you watched the Harry Potter films so many times you can practically recite every spell? While nothing can truly replace Hogwarts’ magic, there are underrated fantasy movies like the Harry Potter series that offer a similar sense of wonder, adventure, and heart. From hidden fantasy gems to charming tales of friendship and bravery, here are twelve movies like Harry Potter to transport you to new worlds.

1. The House with a Clock in Its Walls 

This whimsical adventure stars Jack Black and Cate Blanchett in a world full of magic, mystery, and ticking time bombs. When young Lewis moves in with his eccentric uncle, he discovers a secret magical clock that could end the world. It’s darkly funny, a bit spooky, and packed with the kind of spellbinding energy you’d expect from a wizarding tale.

You can watch it on Hulu.

2. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children 

Think of it as Hogwarts but with even quirkier residents. Directed by Tim Burton, this film follows Jake, who discovers a school for “peculiar” children with magical abilities. From invisibility to controlling time, the kids are fascinating, and the visuals are pure Burton brilliance.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

3. The Golden Compass 

Based on Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, this film is criminally underrated. Set in a parallel universe, it follows Lyra, a brave young girl with a magical compass, as she uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving kidnapped children. The world-building is stunning, with animal companions (daemons) that are basically your soul in furry form.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

4. A Monster Calls 

Need a dose of magic and feels? This emotional rollercoaster of a film tells the story of Conor, a boy who befriends a giant tree-like creature as he struggles with grief. It’s more heart-wrenching than wand-waving, but the enchanting visuals and deep storytelling will leave you mesmerised.

You can watch it on Apple TV or rent it on YouTube.

5. The Spiderwick Chronicles

This is one of those films that slipped under the radar but deserves so much more love. When the Grace family moves into a mysterious old house, the kids discover a book detailing the secret world of magical creatures. It’s packed with fairies, goblins, and plenty of adventure, all wrapped up in a story about family and courage.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

6. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 

While it might not have made waves like Harry Potter, this modern-day magical adventure starring Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel has a charm of its own. Think wizards in New York City, a reluctant apprentice, and plenty of spell-casting action. It’s fun, light-hearted, and surprisingly entertaining.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.

7. Inkheart 

Imagine a world where the characters from books come to life. That’s the premise of this enchanting film, where Brendan Fraser plays a “Silvertongue” who can bring stories to life by reading them aloud. When a villain escapes from a book, it’s up to him and his daughter to set things right.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

8. The Secret of Moonacre 

This whimsical tale follows Maria Merryweather, a young girl who inherits a mysterious estate with magical secrets. A cursed valley, magical creatures, and Maria’s mission to save her family’s legacy come together to make this fairy tale.

You can watch it on Apple TV.

9. City of Ember 

In this dystopian fantasy, two teenagers living in an underground city uncover clues about how to escape before their world runs out of power. The film is brimming with adventure and has a touch of that magical realism that fans of Harry Potter will adore.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

10. Eragon 

Before Game of Thrones popularised dragons, there was Eragon. This story of a farm boy discovering a dragon egg and fulfilling his destiny as a Dragon Rider might not have received glowing reviews, but it’s a hidden gem for fantasy lovers.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.

11. Bridge to Terabithia

This heartwarming and heart-wrenching film follows two kids who create an imaginary magical kingdom in the woods. While it’s more grounded in reality than Harry Potter, the sense of wonder, friendship, and creativity will hit all the right notes.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.

12. Ella Enchanted 

While this might sound like just another Cinderella adaptation, Ella Enchanted is a charming and quirky take on the fairy tale. Anne Hathaway plays Ella, a girl cursed with obedience who sets out on a magical adventure to break the spell.

You can watch it on Netflix.

Whether you’re in the mood for whimsical fairy tales, epic adventures, or stories that tug at your heartstrings, these hidden gems will keep the magic alive long after the credits roll.

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