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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.