15 Best Dark Fantasy Movies Of All Time
11. Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
Speaking of dark fantasy films aimed at children, Where the Wild Things Are from 2009 is a more mature fantasy film for the younger generation. Directed by Spike Jonze, and based on the 1963 book by Maurice Sendak, the film is a poignant tale about the struggles of growing up and facing your fears - in similar vain to A Monster Calls.
The film follows young boy Max who runs away from home and sails to a magical land where he becomes King to great, intimidating beasts. Where the Wild Things Are, although lacking a traditional Gothic setting, still falls into the dark fantasy category through its wonderful creature design and classic coming-of-age tale.
In creating the massive 'Wild Things,' the film perfectly blends a mixture of live action, practical costumes, animatronics, and computer effects.
Where the Wild Things Are was critically acclaimed, receiving mainly positive reviews, and has a 73% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the film performed underwhelming at the box office having only grossed just shy of $100 million against a similar production budget.
Where the Wild Things Are deserved more buzz. It's an emotional film that examines what it means to grow up in an unfair world while also highlighting the importance of one's imagination.