If you’re a fan of the enchanting Harry Potter films, you’ve probably wished you could attend Hogwarts, befriend magical creatures, and embark on epic adventures just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. While we may not be able to apparate into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, there are plenty of other fantastic movies that capture a similar sense of wonder, friendship, and heroism.
From classic ’80s adventures to modern epics based on beloved books, these 20 films are perfect for Potterheads seeking new realms to explore when you need a break from re-reading the series or re-watching the movies for the umpteenth time. So grab your wand (or remote control) and get ready for a movie marathon more magical than a ride on the Hogwarts Express!
1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
The most obvious choice for Harry Potter fans is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a spin-off/prequel written by J.K. Rowling herself. Set in 1920s New York, the film follows quirky “magizoologist” Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) as he tries to round up a menagerie of mythical creatures escaped from his enchanted suitcase.
With plenty of Easter eggs and references to the Harry Potter books and films, Fantastic Beasts gives us a glimpse into the American Wizarding World and lays the groundwork for a new franchise that will eventually tie into the stories we know and love. Highlights include the adorable Niffler, a treasure-hunting platypus-like creature, and Newt’s budding friendship/rivalry with a No-Maj (aka Muggle) named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler).
Best for: Fans of Newt Scamander’s textbook and the Harry Potter expanded universe
Where to watch: HBO Max
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the beloved novels by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia shares several key similarities with Harry Potter. Both feature young British siblings who discover a hidden magical world, are chosen for an important destiny, and must battle against an evil sorcerer with the help of wise mentor figures.
In The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, the four Pevensie children are sent to the countryside during World War II, where they find a portal to the kingdom of Narnia inside a spare room wardrobe. There they meet magical creatures like friendly fauns and talking beavers, and take on the White Witch with the aid of the majestic lion Aslan. The Christian allegory is strong with this one, but the film is full of awe-inspiring visuals, epic battles, and heartwarming moments that will delight fantasy fans of all ages.
Best for: Fans of classic British children’s literature and magical creatures
Where to watch: Disney+
3. A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Like Harry, the three Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with an eccentric relative after their parents die under mysterious circumstances. Unfortunately for Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, their new guardian Count Olaf (played by a heavily made-up Jim Carrey) is only after their enormous inheritance, and will stop at nothing to get his hands on their fortune.
Based on the darkly humorous children’s novels by Lemony Snicket, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events combines clever wordplay and literary references with outrageous characters and increasingly bizarre situations as the Baudelaires try to evade Count Olaf’s schemes. With its Burton-esque aesthetics and delightfully macabre sensibilities, it’s like Harry Potter meets The Addams Family.
Best for: Fans of clever wordplay, dark humor, and scenery-chewing villains
Where to watch: Paramount+
4. Stardust (2007)
Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, Stardust is a romantic fantasy adventure about a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) who ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his unrequited love. The star turns out to be a young woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes), and the two must outwit an evil witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) and a ruthless prince (Mark Strong) who seek Yvaine’s powers.
With its tongue-in-cheek humor, swashbuckling action, and sweet love story, Stardust is like a fairy tale for grown-ups. The all-star cast also includes Robert De Niro as a cross-dressing sky pirate and narration by Ian McKellen. If you love the whimsy and world-building of Harry Potter but want something a bit more mature, Stardust will sweep you off your feet.
Best for: Fans of The Princess Bride and fairy tales with a twist
Where to watch: Showtime
5. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
When the Grace family moves into an old Victorian house, twins Jared and Simon and their sister Mallory discover an ancient field guide to faeries written by their great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Soon they find themselves thrust into an unseen world of goblins, trolls, and other magical creatures, and must protect the powerful book from falling into the wrong hands.
Based on the children’s books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, The Spiderwick Chronicles has a spooky Gothic vibe and impressive creature effects that bring the faerie world to life. Like the Harry Potter films, it balances wonder and whimsy with darker themes and real stakes, making it a good choice for older kids and adults who still believe in magic.
Best for: Fans of faerie folklore and practical creature effects
Where to watch: Starz
6. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
From visionary director Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children follows teenager Jake as he travels to a mysterious island off the coast of Wales and discovers an abandoned orphanage that was once home to children with extraordinary abilities, such as super-strength, invisibility, and the power to control fire. As Jake learns more about the “peculiars” and their headmistress Miss Peregrine, he realizes he may have a special destiny of his own.
Based on the novel by Ransom Riggs, the film shares some DNA with the X-Men franchise but with Burton’s signature style and a time-travel twist. The peculiar children are a memorable bunch, from the girl who has to wear lead shoes to keep from floating away to the boy with bees living inside him. It’s a must-see for Burton fans and anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
Best for: Fans of Tim Burton’s gothic whimsy and misunderstood outcasts
Where to watch: Disney+
7. Inkheart (2008)
Based on the German fantasy novel by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart centers on 12-year-old Meggie and her bookbinder father Mo, who has the ability to bring characters out of stories simply by reading aloud. But when he accidentally reads the villain Capricorn out of a book called “Inkheart”, Mo must find a way to send the evil ruler and his henchmen back to the pages before they cause chaos in the real world.
With its love of literature and literally larger-than-life characters, Inkheart feels like a cousin to the Harry Potter films, which also feature a special connection between readers and the stories that shape them. Brendan Fraser brings his usual charm as Mo, while Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent chew the scenery as the fictional characters brought to life. Paul Bettany also shines as the fire-juggler Dustfinger, who longs to return to his own story.
Best for: Fans of metafiction and the power of storytelling
Where to watch: Starz
8. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia follows two outsider tweens, Jess and Leslie, who create an imaginary kingdom in the woods called Terabithia, where they reign as king and queen and escape the troubles of the real world. But when tragedy strikes, Jess must find the courage to carry on without his best friend.
While Bridge to Terabithia is more grounded in reality than Harry Potter, it shares similar themes of friendship, imagination, and coping with loss. The fantasy sequences in Terabithia are beautifully realized, but the film’s real magic comes from the touching performances by Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb as Jess and Leslie. Keep some tissues handy for this one.
Best for: Fans of bittersweet coming-of-age stories
Where to watch: Disney+
9. Eragon (2006)
Based on the first book in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, Eragon tells the story of a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a legendary Dragon Rider, destined to fight against an evil king and restore peace to the land of Alagaësia. With the help of his mentor Brom and a beautiful elf named Arya, Eragon must learn to harness his newfound powers and protect the dragon hatchling Saphira.
While the film was not well-received by critics or fans of the book series, it still offers plenty of dragon-riding action, sword-and-sorcery adventure, and Jeremy Irons being his usual intense self as Brom. The special effects may not hold up compared to the Harry Potter films, but Eragon scratches a similar itch for epic fantasy on a grand scale.
Best for: Fans of high fantasy and dragon-riders
Where to watch: HBO Max
10. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Inspired by the classic Mickey Mouse sequence from Fantasia, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice stars Jay Baruchel as Dave Stutler, a physics student who becomes the reluctant protégé of sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage). Together they must defend New York City from Blake’s arch-nemesis Maxim Horvath and his army of evil sorcerers.
While the plot is pretty formulaic, the film makes up for it with some impressive visual effects and the always-entertaining Cage hamming it up as only he can. The wizard training sequences are particularly fun, as Dave learns to control his powers and create cool gadgets like a Tesla coil that shoots lightning bolts. It may not be a masterpiece, but The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a solid choice for a family movie night.
Best for: Fans of Nicolas Cage and magic-meets-science hijinks
Where to watch: Disney+
11. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Based on the first book in Rick Riordan’s bestselling series, The Lightning Thief introduces us to 12-year-old Percy Jackson, a demigod son of Poseidon who discovers his true identity and sets off on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. Along the way he battles mythological monsters, makes new friends, and learns to embrace his destiny as a hero.
Like Harry Potter, Percy is a relatable underdog who must navigate a hidden world of magic and mythology while also dealing with typical teenage struggles. The film condenses a lot of the book’s plot and takes some liberties with the characters, but it’s still a fun adventure with plenty of humor, heart, and cool creature effects. Plus it features an all-star cast including Uma Thurman as Medusa and Pierce Brosnan as centaur Chiron.
Best for: Fans of Greek mythology and snarky teen heroes
Where to watch: Disney+
12. Seventh Son (2014)
In an alternate 18th century, young Tom Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, which gives him the ability to see supernatural creatures and makes him a valuable apprentice to the local “Spook” who fights evil spirits. But when the powerful witch Mother Malkin escapes from prison, Tom must finish his training and fulfill his destiny as the one prophesied to defeat her.
Loosely based on The Spook’s Apprentice by Joseph Delaney, Seventh Son is a serviceable supernatural action flick elevated by its impressive cast, which includes Jeff Bridges as the grizzled Spook, Julianne Moore vamping it up as Mother Malkin, and Ben Barnes as Tom. The world-building is intriguing if a bit underdeveloped, but the film delivers some cool monster designs and magical battles.
Best for: Fans of Jeff Bridges being a badass and witches vs. witch-hunters
Where to watch: Showtime
13. The Neverending Story (1984)
A beloved ’80s classic based on the German novel by Michael Ende, The Neverending Story follows shy bookworm Bastian as he discovers a magical book about the land of Fantasia, which is being consumed by a malevolent force called “The Nothing”. As Bastian reads about the hero Atreyu‘s quest to save Fantasia and its ruler the Childlike Empress, he realizes that he himself has a crucial role to play in the story.
With its imaginative creatures, memorable theme song, and meta storytelling, The Neverending Story has captivated generations of fans young and old. The practical effects and puppetry still hold up today, from the luckdragon Falkor to the adorable rock-biter. And Bastian’s journey from passive reader to active participant in the story is sure to resonate with any fan of portal fantasy like the Harry Potter series.
Best for: Fans of ’80s fantasy nostalgia and the power of imagination
Where to watch: HBO Max
14. Willow (1988)
Produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, Willow is a classic fantasy adventure about an aspiring sorcerer named Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) who must protect a prophesied baby from an evil queen. Aided by a roguish swordsman (Val Kilmer) and a pair of brownies, Willow embarks on a perilous journey to deliver the child to safety and fulfill his own heroic destiny.
With its mix of humor, heart, and groundbreaking visual effects, Willow was ahead of its time in many ways and has only grown in popularity over the years. The world-building is rich with detail, from the different races and creatures to the intricate system of magic. And Willow himself is an unlikely but endearing hero, proving that even the smallest person can make a big difference.
Best for: Fans of epic quests and unlikely heroes
Where to watch: Disney+
15. Labyrinth (1986)
Directed by Jim Henson and executive produced by George Lucas, Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl who must navigate a magical maze to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King Jareth, played by David Bowie in a truly iconic performance. Along the way she encounters a cast of colorful creatures brought to life by Henson’s signature puppetry.
With its dark fairy tale atmosphere, memorable songs, and coming-of-age themes, Labyrinth has become a cult classic and a touchstone for many fantasy fans. Sarah’s journey through the labyrinth serves as a metaphor for growing up and taking responsibility, while also celebrating the power of imagination and friendship. And Bowie’s Jareth is the ultimate charismatic villain, equal parts alluring and terrifying.
Best for: Fans of Jim Henson’s creature creations and David Bowie’s tight pants
Where to watch: Netflix
16. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Another masterpiece from Jim Henson, The Dark Crystal is a dark fantasy epic set in the world of Thra, where a race of cruel reptilian creatures called the Skeksis rule over the gentle elf-like Gelflings. When the Gelfling Jen is tasked with restoring a missing shard to the titular Crystal and fulfilling an ancient prophecy, he sets off on a dangerous quest that will decide the fate of his world.
Henson and his team created an entirely original fantasy universe for the film, with its own mythology, species, and languages. The puppet characters are wonderfully expressive and the world-building is immersive, drawing you into a story that feels both alien and emotionally resonant. Like the Harry Potter films, The Dark Crystal trusts its young audience to handle weighty themes and scary moments, making it a great choice for kids ready to graduate from lighter fare.
Best for: Fans of immersive world-building and philosophical fantasy
Where to watch: Netflix
17. Coraline (2009)
Based on the novella by Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a stop-motion animated film about a young girl who discovers a parallel version of her life where everything seems better at first – her parents are more attentive, her toys are more fun, even the food is tastier. But she soon realizes that this other world hides a dark secret, and she must use her wits and courage to save her real family and herself.
Directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Coraline is a visually stunning and delightfully creepy film that captures the unsettling tone of Gaiman’s story while also expanding on its world and characters. The voice cast is excellent, with Dakota Fanning as the plucky Coraline and Teri Hatcher pulling double duty as both her real mother and her too-good-to-be-true “Other Mother”. Like the best Harry Potter films, Coraline balances whimsy and darkness, offering a compelling fantasy that doesn’t talk down to its young audience.
Best for: Fans of stop-motion animation and creepy parallel worlds
Where to watch: Netflix
18. The Secret of Kells (2009)
An Irish animated film that flew under the radar for many, The Secret of Kells is a beautifully crafted fantasy adventure inspired by the history and folklore surrounding the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century. Set in a remote abbey, the story follows 12-year-old Brendan as he helps the master illuminator Aidan complete the legendary book while also protecting his home from Viking invaders.
With its gorgeous hand-drawn animation and intricate designs inspired by Celtic art, The Secret of Kells is a feast for the eyes as well as the imagination. The voice cast includes Brendan Gleeson as Abbot Cellach and Mick Lally in his final role as Aidan, and the score by Bruno Coulais is hauntingly beautiful. Like the Harry Potter films, it celebrates the power of art and storytelling to inspire courage and hope in dark times.
Best for: Fans of Celtic folklore and unique animation styles
Where to watch: Hoopla
19. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
From the acclaimed studio Laika, Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animated fantasy set in ancient Japan, following a young boy named Kubo who must locate a magical suit of armor to defeat the vengeful Moon King. Aided by a talking monkey and a beetle samurai, Kubo embarks on an epic quest filled with magic, monsters, and the power of storytelling.
With its stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and poignant themes of loss and legacy, Kubo and the Two Strings is a masterful blend of Japanese mythology and classic hero’s journey storytelling. The voice cast is superb, with Art Parkinson as Kubo, Charlize Theron as Monkey, and Ralph Fiennes as the Moon King. And like the Harry Potter films, it doesn’t shy away from darker elements while still maintaining a sense of wonder and hope.
Best for: Fans of epic quests and the power of storytelling
Where to watch: Netflix
20. The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning fairy tale for adults may not seem like an obvious choice for a list of Harry Potter-esque films, but hear me out. Set in the 1960s, The Shape of Water follows a mute janitor named Elisa who forms a bond with a mysterious aquatic creature being held captive in the government lab where she works. As she falls in love with the creature and hatches a plan to set him free, Elisa must outwit the cruel colonel in charge of the project and his ruthless henchman.
While more mature in its themes and content than the Harry Potter films, The Shape of Water shares a similar sense of magic realism, hidden worlds, and misunderstood monsters. The production design is impeccable, creating a lush underwater realm and a period-perfect vision of Cold War-era America. And at its heart is a beauty-and-the-beast love story that celebrates the power of empathy and the outsider. It’s a gorgeous, genre-defying film that will enchant fans of adult fairy tales.
Best for: Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy romances
Where to watch: Hulu
So there you have it – 20 magical movies to fill the Harry Potter-shaped hole in your heart. Whether you’re in the mood for epic fantasy adventures, dark fairy tales, or family-friendly classics, there’s something on this list for every witch, wizard, and muggle. So grab some popcorn, cast a cozy spell on your couch, and let the movie magic begin!
