George R.R. Martin's Ultimate Fantasy List: 8 Movies You Must Check Out

George R.R. Martin created the main fantasy saga of the 21st century, A Song of Ice and Fire, approaching the cult status of The Lord of the Rings. Martin himself was and remains a huge fan of Tolkien.

However, Martin draws inspiration not only from fantasy novels but also from cinema. Martin shared his favorite fantasy films – we'll tell you what makes them special and why they occupy a place in the writer's heart.

1. 'The Princess Bride', 1987

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

A little boy listens as his grandfather reads him a story. Once upon a time, in a magical land, there lived a girl named Buttercup who fell in love with a young farmer named Westley.

He had to leave to find money for their wedding, and the lovers faced many hardships: pirates, bandits, and duels.

Martin says that this is an example of how to film a romantic fantasy. The writer praises the adaptation of William Goldman's novel, noting how director Rob Reiner managed to bring the charm of the original to the screen.

2. 'Pan's Labyrinth', 2006

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

In 1944, the main character, Ofelia, and her pregnant mother are under the iron fist of Captain Vidal, the leader of a punitive detachment.

Her cruel stepfather tries to discipline her, and a creepy faun begins to appear to Ofelia. He convinces her of the existence of a magical kingdom where she is a princess.

Martin highlights the unique faun and the eyeless Pale Man, who seem to have stepped out of the pages of a Clive Barker novel. They all fit perfectly into the movie, which combines elements of a political thriller, fantasy, and family drama.

3. 'Beauty and the Beast', 1946

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

Jean Cocteau's black-and-white fantasy is based on the famous fairy tale. A wealthy merchant loses his fortune but promises his daughters exquisite gifts. The most beautiful of them, Belle, asks for a rose.

Cocteau imbues the movie with surrealism, and Jean Marais plays three roles at once: Avenant, the Beast, and the prince.

Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast captivates Martin with its poetic imagery, such as smoke emanating from the Beast's hands after the hunt and human hands protruding from the castle walls. According to the writer, Jean Marais is the best Beast of them all.

4. 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', 1975

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

This is a legendary absurdist comedy from the most famous comedy troupe in cinema. Here, the English poke fun at their mythologized history. The plot consists of separate episodes about King Arthur, peasants, and others.

Martin likes fantasy comedies as well. Rather than offering detailed praise, Martin simply admits that he appreciates all the memes that entered popular culture after the release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

5. 'Dragonslayer', 1981

IMDb Score: 6.6/10

In a small country, the local ruler made a deal with the dragon Vermithrax. The dragon regularly devours virgins but leaves everyone else alone. The characters go to the old sorcerer Ulrich and his not very talented apprentice Galen for help.

Dragonslayer was a box office flop, but George Martin insists that the movie was greatly underrated. First, it is an exciting dark fantasy with good plot twists. Secondly, it features the best dragon in cinema history.

6. 'Dark City', 1998

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

Alex Proyas' movie both anticipated The Matrix and referenced German Expressionism. Main character Murdoch suffers from amnesia and a personality disorder and is pursued by a detective who suspects him of murder.

The action takes place in a city that is constantly plunged into darkness. At midnight, the clocks stop so that mysterious Strangers can alter the city's architecture and adjust people's memories.

George Martin appreciates that the movie succeeds at being many things at once – a noir, sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.

7. 'Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back', 1980

IMDb Score: 8.7/10

According to many critics, it is the best episode in the entire space saga. In Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker learns the secret of his origin, Han Solo is frozen in carbonite, and Yoda teaches the young Jedi the wisdom of the Force.

Of all the Star Wars movies, Martin prefers this one. Compared to A New Hope, much more screen time is devoted to Han Solo and Darth Vader here, and less to Luke.

8. 'The Wizard of Oz', 1939

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

The timeless classic The Wizard of Oz is based on Frank Baum's book. In it, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are transported to a fairy-tale land where local witches are wreaking havoc and the ruler of the Emerald City is hiding in his chambers.

Martin believes The Wizard of Oz is a classic. He is also surprised by how many phrases from the movies have become part of our lexicon.