10 Epic Fantasy Movies You Probably Haven't Seen
9. The Great Adventure Of Horus, Prince Of The Sun
It wouldn't be a stretch to say Studio Ghibli has a monopoly on epic fantasy anime. From Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke, their fluid animation and sincere storylines have captured the hearts of animation-lovers globally, with Hayao Miyazaki considered the company's primary driving force.
But everyone has to start from somewhere, so if you want to see Miyazaki's blossoming animation style and fantasy setting influences, then you need not look further than The Great Adventure Of Horus.
The film is Miyazaki's first significant work before Studio Ghibli's conception: a Nordic boy sets off on a heroic quest to save a village from the destructive magics of an evil ice devil. At the time, Toei Company was striving to contend with Disney, yet unfortunately did not see Horus' true potential, giving the fantasy epic a fatally brief theatrical release.
Horus is still a delightful watch with some genuinely exceptional visual effects, including gorgeous Nordic scenery and fiery colossus battles. While some scenes are clunky due to Toei Company's tight release schedule, Horus carries a surprisingly mature tale. The complex female character of Hilda could also be the inspiration for Ghibli's future brilliant heroines like Howl's Sophie and the Mononoke's San.