This is the second in a three-article installment of Top Dark Fantasy Films You Haven’t Seen. Additional articles can be found below.
The Dark Fantasy Films subgenre typically resides within the Fantasy, Horror and Drama Genres. Due to the number of Dark Fantasy Films over the last 5 decades, we created lists of Top Films with different periods:
- Top Dark Fantasy Film You Haven’t Seen 1970 – 1989
- Top Dark Fantasy Film You Haven’t Seen 1990 – 2009
- Top Dark Fantasy Film You Haven’t Seen 2010 – 2022
Films in the Dark Fantasy subgenre often feature other subgenres and microgenres including Films About Vampires, Films About Werewolves, Films About The Occult & Witches, Films About Psychic Powers, Films About The Paranormal, Hauntings and Ghosts, Films About Mythology, Films About Folk Horror and Films About Gothic Horror.
From 1990 – 2009, The Dark Fantasy subgenre saw certain themes continue from the 1980’s and also saw the birth of multiple Dark Fantasy film franchises. On the film franchise front, Hellraiser (1987) saw a multitude of sequels released (with decreasing quality) in Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth (1992), Hellraiser IV: Bloodline (1996), Hellraiser V: Inferno (2000), Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002), Hellraiser VII: Deader (2005) and Hellraiser VIII: Hellworld (2005). Underworld (2003) combined two popular subgenre themes of Vampires and Werewolves (Lycans) with successful franchise installments in Underworld: Evolution (2006) and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009). And Wishmaster (1997) launched a franchise around the evil Djinn granting warped wishes with sequels Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999), Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001) and Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled (2002).
On the theme front, Dark Fantasy continued to be dominated by Films About Werewolves and Films About Vampires. However, the Comic Book and Superhero film subgenre also saw a rise with many Dark Fantasy-themed films. Notable Dark Fantasy films about Werewolves from 1990 – 2009 included Ginger Snaps (2000), Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) and Kibakichi (2004). Classic Vampire films from the time period included Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Interview with the Vampire (1994), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Daybreakers (2009).
The Comic Book and Superhero subgenre saw the greatest increase of Dark Fantasy subgenre films with Darkman (1990), The Crow (1994), Spawn (1997), Blade (1998), Blade II (2002), Constantine (2005), Special (2006), Ghost Rider (2007) and The Spirit (2008).
Other classic and notable Dark Fantasy films from 1990 – 2009 included Nightbreed (1990), The Addams Family (1991), Highway to Hell (1992), Mortal Kombat (1995), The Frighteners (1996), Princess Mononoke (1997), Dark City (1998), What Dreams May Come (1998), Being John Malkovich (1999), Sleepy Hollow (1999), What Lies Beneath (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), The Fall (2006) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006).
Our list of Dark Fantasy Films includes over 284+ films from 1931 – 2022. Our list primarily includes Dark Fantasy films in the Horror, Fantasy and Drama genres.
Classic, must-see Dark Fantasy Films from 1990 – 2009: Nightbreed (1990), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)), The Crow (1994), Interview with the Vampire (1994), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Dark City (1998), Being John Malkovich (1999), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Donnie Darko (2001), Blade II (2002), Underworld (2003), The Fall (2006), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and Daybreakers (2009).
Lesser-known Dark Fantasy Films from 1990 – 2009 that didn’t make our list: The Guardian (1990), Warlock: The Armageddon (1993), Nadja (1994), Witch Hunt (1994), Shadow Zone: The Undead Express (1996), Ginger Snaps (2000), Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), The Devil’s Backbone (2001), Little Otik (2001), Cinderella (2006) and Idiots and Angels (2008).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Dark Fantasy Films You Haven’t Seen 1990 – 2009 and more details on these films can be found in the list below.. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
The Hole
Plot: Teenager, his brother and their neighbor inadvertently open a secret portal in their new home’s basement unleashing an evil force.
KBZ’s Take: Joe Dante has had a storied career in the Dark Fantasy subgenre and while this film doesn’t measure up to his greatest directorial efforts like Gremlins (1984) and Innerspace (1987), it’s still a fun film to watch. You’ll see elements of his past films in this especially with the evil Jester doll that the evil force inhabits. Recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WfwaHZ
#9
Dorian Gray
Plot: In late nineteenth century London, a vain playboy offers his soul in exchange for eternal beauty.
KBZ’s Take: There have been multiple film versions of Oscar Wilde’s famous novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, with The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) being the most well-known and critically praised. However, we feel this version is better adapted for modern audiences with great performances from both Ben Barnes (as Dorian Gray) and Colin Firth (as Lord Henry Wotton). While the film won’t replace the greatness of the novel, the film is still a great entry point for younger generations to get acclimated with the classic tale of vanity and immorality.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3GMKmlU
Plot: As the 15th anniversary of a fatal high school shooting approaches, former pupil Diana is haunted by memories of the tragedy.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the more unique Dark Fantasy films as it blends contemporary tragedy with supernatural undertones. While most viewers outside of the U.S. won’t fully grasp the unfortunate era of gun violence at U.S. schools, U.S viewers (especially younger generations dealing with this new reality) will fully understand the unique U.S. problem (as a result of America’s own policies that enable the shootings). It’s a difficult film to watch as both the real and supernatural tragedy will resonate with you days after viewing.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ZE58Nl
Plot: A 14-year-old girl who was murdered, balances her thirst for revenge with her desire for her family to heal.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of Peter Jackson’s most underrated films which was razed by critics yet was a minor box office hit. Trying to adapt any complex novel is already a huge undertaking for any film, but the strength of this film comes from Jackson’s direction and an amazing performance from Saoirse Ronan (as the main character Susie Salmon). If you haven’t had a chance to check this film out yet, we highly recommend it for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3GOq63D
#6
Dark Floors
Plot: A man, his autistic daughter and three strangers find themselves trapped in a hospital with devilish monsters.
KBZ’s Take: There’s different variations of Dark Fantasy ranging from more innocent fare like Gremlins (1984) to more extreme fare like Hellraiser (1987). If Hellraiser fits more within your Dark Fantasy wheelhouse, then you will likely enjoy this Finnish (though English language) film. The plot is straightforward but its unique monster designs rival those of the Cenobites from most of the Hellraiser films. Recommended for fans of Dark Fantasy.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3w5iFjx
#5
Daybreakers
Plot: Vampires and humans live side-by-side and the vampires are running out of food…
KBZ’s Take: This film is where I Am Legend (2007) might have ended up with a previous screenwriter (hint: vampires harvest humans like cattle for food.) Somehow this film has flown under the radar for a lot of top Vampire lists which is understandable given it’s more Sci-fi than Horror (with a touch of Dark Fantasy thrown in). But it’s original and inventive nonetheless with great worldbuilding and realistic societal situations (in a world where vampires actually exist and are at the top of the food chain.)
Additional Lists: Top Vampire Films You Haven’t Seen #1
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Plot: A man’s bride-to-be is kidnapped by an undead demon and taken to Satan to be his new bride.
KBZ’s Take: This is a film that should be much better well-known than it is. Though its low budget, it has a great concept, sense of humor and even better cameos. The concept itself is great as our hero needs to race the undead demon to win his wife back. The film doesn’t take it seriously and there are many funny moments throughout – especially the ‘seductive’ demon. Finally, there are many great performances in this film from Chad Lowe, Kristy Swanson and Patrick Bergin. You even get some funny cameos from Ben Stiller, Jerry Stiller, Lita Ford and Gilbert Gottfried. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3CSXJ37
#3
The Prophecy
Plot: The angel Gabriel comes to Earth to collect a soul which will end the stalemated war in Heaven, and only a former priest and a little girl can stop him.
KBZ’s Take: This film had us the moment Christopher Walken appeared as the angel Gabriel. Though a minor hit in the mid-90’s, it’s a film that has been lost to time despite cult film status. So, we’re doing our best to help shed some light on this great film. Yes, the plot can be convoluted at times, but it has a unique premise and is one of the better religious apocalypse movies out there. It has some great performances from Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz and Walken…but the kicker is Viggo Mortensen as Lucifer. Don’t miss out on this gem of a film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XD3Fou
#2
The Fall
Plot: In 1920’s Los Angeles, an injured stuntman tells a mythical tale to a little girl with a broken arm.
KBZ’s Take: If you’re familiar with Tarsem Singh (The Cell (2000), Immortals (2011)) then you know what you’re in for with his films – amazing visual style over substance. But, with The Fall, Singh brings out the best of both worlds with his usual, stunning visual style and a great fairy tale-like story. It’s a film that can’t really be put into words, so it’s best if you take the time to check out this film – you won’t regret it. Highly recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3GNFXz5
#1
Wishmaster
Plot: A woman released a Djinn from his ancient prison, and he seeks to capture the soul of the woman who discovered him.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of our guilty pleasures from the 1990’s and it’s one of the better Dark Fantasy film franchises. Like Hellraiser, this film isn’t for kids and is on the much darker spectrum of the subgenre. However, it’s a horror / fantasy film with a dark sense of humor. What we love about this film franchise are the various ways the Djinn grants people’s wishes with a twisted and sometimes ridiculous outcome. The film is worth watching for all the unique and twisted ways a wish could go wrong. However, the main reason to see this film is for Andrew Divoff’s embodiment of the Djinn character. Like Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger or Tony Todd as Candyman, Divoff is The Djinn and makes it an iconic character of both horror and dark fantasy worlds. Unfortunately, Divoff is the Djinn in only the first two films of the franchise, and thus are the only films of the franchise worth checking out. However, don’t miss out on this film as its one of the best of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3H7jVcc
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