When I think back to my childhood, two films immediately come to mind that shaped my love for fantasy, whimsy, and magic: Labyrinth and Legend. Both are pure escapism, taking you on a journey through dreamlike landscapes filled with strange creatures, brave heroes, and mysterious villains.
Labyrinth, released in 1986, is a film I’ve always cherished. Starring the incomparable David Bowie as the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, the young girl trying to navigate her way through a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother, it’s a film that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The entire setting feels like a world plucked from a dream, filled with peculiar characters and strange, otherworldly landscapes. The costumes, especially Bowie’s as Jareth, the Goblin King, still stand out to me as iconic — a perfect mix of glamour and mysticism. But beyond the fantastical imagery, it was the timeless theme of self-discovery and bravery that resonated with me then, and still does now.
Legend, another gem from the ‘80s, brings its own unique magic. With Tom Cruise as Jack, a hero out to save Princess Lili (played by Mia Sara) and the world from the Dark Lord, played by the ever-enigmatic Tim Curry, Legend is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a classic tale of good versus evil. The enchanted forest, the magical unicorns, and the darkly beautiful landscapes are a visual treat, but it’s Tim Curry’s portrayal of the villain that truly made Legend unforgettable for me. His menacing yet oddly captivating performance as the Dark Lord made him one of my favourite fantasy villains to this day.
Both of these films had a way of drawing me into their worlds, filled with magic, mystery, and imagination. The combination of fantasy creatures, beautiful sets, and strong, relatable characters made them stand out in my mind as two of the most influential fantasy films of my youth. They ignited a love for all things mystical and magical, which has stayed with me throughout my life. In a way, Labyrinth and Legend were my gateways to a world beyond the ordinary, where anything seemed possible and the boundaries of reality were stretched as far as my imagination could go.
These two films continue to hold a special place in my heart and, over the years, they’ve become timeless classics in the fantasy genre. Whether it’s the mischievous whimsy of Labyrinth or the dark, otherworldly beauty of Legend, these movies will always be a part of my love for magical, imaginative storytelling.
