Top 10 Underrated Fantasy Movie Characters

Dragonheart (1996)

The voice of Sir Sean Connery is immediately recognizable, whether hes portraying 007 or doing character work for films such as 1996s Dragonheart. Connery brings to life Draco the Dragon, the last of a dying breed. The tragedy of Dracos backstory earns the viewers sympathy, while at the same time celebrating (and commenting upon) fatalist tropes that work within fantasy films, as well as in classic westerns. Dracos willingness to give up half of his own heart to save another character, and that characters betrayal of his promise to Draco, makes him a character that deserves to be better known and appreciated by fantasy fans.

The Dark Crystal (1982)

Fan attention has, perhaps for obvious reasons, largely fallen on The Skeksis when it comes to the wonderful characters found within 1982s The Dark Crystal. Yet these memorable antagonists arent the only imaginative creatures emanating from the fertile creative minds of Jim Henson and his crew. Aughra, Keeper of Secrets is seen early on in the film, when she assists Jen with information, via her oracular powers. Her puppetry design is extravagant and wonderful to behold, while her peculiar, somewhat ornery personality is full of charm. Aughra also returns for the films climax, assisting Jen once again, and saving the adorable Fizzgig for good measure!

Pans Labyrinth (2006)

Its difficult to single out one particular sequence or scene from Guillermo del Toros Pans Labyrinth; the film is frankly an embarrassment of creative riches. That said, del Toros film probably wouldnt have been the same without the physical performance of Doug Jones as both The Pale Man and The Faun. In fact, some critical analysis of Pans Labyrinth has stated that the two characters may, in fact, be opposing sides of the same coin. That said, Jones Faun takes from the mythological source material and creates a very subtle malevolence. The audience is never one hundred percent sure The Faun is on the up-and-up, and its this moral ambiguity that helps make his scenes absolutely unmissable.

Time Bandits (1981)

Writer-director Terry Gilliams filmography is unlike any other, thanks to his unfettered imagination and his skewed way of looking at the world. Time Bandits is gloriously chaotic, and immensely fun, thanks largely to its ensemble cast. The titular bandits travel throughout history and time, as the film leaps from one extravagant set piece to another. Sure, the idea of dwarven heroes feels very Tolkien-esque, but make no mistake: Time Bandits is a cinematic journey that practically dares its audience to hang on for the ride. In doing so, Gilliam and his cast give that audience the movie-going experience of a lifetime.

The Lord of the Rings franchise (2001-03)

Theres a reason why J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings is considered by many to be the greatest fantasy epic, full stop. Theres a treasure trove of fascinating cult characters, from Treebeard to Éomer to our pick, Galadriel. The fact that shes played by the immensely talented Cate Blanchett certainly doesnt hurt. The journey to meet Galadriel in Lothlórien is a milestone during The Fellowship of the Ring and points up the characters importance. Its also the Elf Queen who underlines the importance of Frodo Baggins mission, and the potential for chaos if he should fail. And shes even strong enough to refuse temptation from the One Ring!

The Princess Bride (1987)

Two themes converge during the climax of 1987s The Princess Bride: true loveand revenge. This is where Count Tyrone Rugen, the six fingered man, comes into play. We the audience are naturally hoping that all works out for Buttercup and her sweet Westley. Yet, theres just something captivating about the journey of Inigo Montoya, as he ascends from drunken depression to an emotionally-charged confrontation with Rugen. Christopher Guest portrays the murdering Count in an understated manner, and this quiet malevolence makes Rugen all the more dangerous. His final sword fight with Inigo is the stuff of movie legend, and it took the talent of both actors to bring this moment to life.

The Black Cauldron (1982)

Much has been said over the years about how unapologetically dark Disney went with 1982s The Black Cauldron. This decision nearly bankrupted the companys animation division, but the film has been reappraised by fans over the years. The Horned King is one of the most harrowing Disney villains, full stop, but wed also like to take this time to defend little Gurgi. This tiny little monster is actually a bosom companion in the source material, and this loyalty is at least hinted at in the scene where Gurgi offers himself as a sacrifice to The Black Cauldron. John Byners voice acting decisions for Gurgi may be divisive, but theres no denying the characters place within this imaginative fantasy world.

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

It is the cinematic death that has traumatized children for decades. We dont think weve ever wept over an animals cinematic demise the way we bawled our eyes out when Artax the Horse fell in The Swamps of Sadness. Of course, it helps that the musical score from cult synthesizer pioneer Giorgio Moroder and jazz legend Klaus Doldinger created the properly melancholic mood. The soundtrack cue that we hear during Artaxs death is burned into our memories forever. The horses miraculous resurrection at the end of The NeverEnding Story is more than welcome but didnt help our little hearts recover from the thrashing they took earlier in the film.

Its fitting that one of the original taglines for Ridley Scotts 1985 film Legend was there may never be another dawn. This ties in nicely with the films central antagonist, Darkness, played by a frankly unrecognizable Tim Curry. The makeup here is on another level, bringing Darkness to life as some sort of Satanic overlord of the underworld. Its actually implied in the film that Darkness may not, in fact, be the actual Devil, since he calls out to his father for help near the films climax. What we do know, however, is how Currys charisma, and the film crews amazing special effects work, made Darkness one of 80s fantasy cinemas most memorable villains.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Divine Lion from the World of C.S. Lewis

A Brave, Chivalrous & Diminutive Knight

Jean Marsh Brings Ferocity to this Villainous Role

Sinister Sorcerer & Leader of the Serpent Cult

There Can Be Only One Winner & The Kurgan Stands in Your Way

Harry Potter franchise (2001-11)

Fans of the Harry Potter film series, just like Tolkien fanatics, often gravitate toward a favorite minor character. Luna Lovegood is a great choice, too, since her faith-based approach to the world around her makes her easy to like, and her film appearances are quite memorable. Irish actress Evanna Lynch brings a precociousness to the role, as well as an earnestness that highlights her loyalty and friendship. Lynchs performance breathes life into Luna Lovegood, making the character spring from the pages of J.K. Rowlings fiction into a cult cinematic life.

Which fantasy film character do you think deserves more visibility? Let us know in the comments!