For as long as I can remember, urban fantasy movies have held a special place in my heart, long before the term was even coined. Enthralling audiences with their magical blend of contemporary settings and fantastical elements, these films have shaped the genre and paved the way for the urban fantasy stories we know and love today.

Though the term “urban fantasy” wasn’t solidified until the 1980s, works fitting this description have existed for decades, often categorized as “fantasy” or “dark fantasy.” Pioneering authors like Charles De Lint, Emma Bull, Neil Gaiman, and Clive Barker revolutionized the genre with their distinct urban flavor, making “urban fantasy” a household name.

In this post, I’ll take you on a retrospective journey through the past few decades, highlighting movies that embody the essence of urban fantasy. Many of these films may be better known as horror movies, but that’s no surprise, as horror often plays a significant role in urban fantasy, blurring the lines between the two genres.

For those unfamiliar with urban fantasy, I encourage you to explore this TV Tropes page for a comprehensive breakdown. You’ll soon discover that the tropes mentioned can be found to varying degrees in each movie listed below. Also check out this extremely comprehensive post I wrote on the subject.

In curating this list, I’ve stayed true to the genre while also being mindful of quality. As a result, some notable films may be absent, either because they don’t fit the true spirit of urban fantasy or simply because they didn’t meet the mark. Consequently, you won’t find Harry Potter, Twilight, or the infamous Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure here. Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments!

Now, let’s embark on a cinematic adventure through the best urban fantasy movies by decade. If you feel I’ve overlooked any hidden gems, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 1950’s

There were a fair few fantasy movies released in this decade, including Alice In Wonderland, Beauty And The Devil and The Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad, but very few that could be classed as urban fantasy, so I’ve only chosen two for this decade, which are:

The Seventh Seal

Inger Bergman’s Swedish historical fantasy film tells the story of a medieval knight who comes to play a game of chess with the personification of death. It is widely considered one of the best films ever made. I include it here mainly because of the death character, the movie’s dark tone and it’s themes of religion which can often be found in a lot of urban fantasy works.

Darby O’Gill And The Little People

A classic from my childhood, starring a young Sean Connery. The movie is set in my home country of Ireland and features Leprechauns and Banshee’s in abundance. Pure UF, if light-hearted in tone.

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 1960’s

Quite a few fantasy movies were released in this decade–including Sword In The Stone, Asterix The Gaul and Jack The Giant Killer, but not too many that could be labelled as urban fantasy. Here are my UF picks for the 60’s.

Jason And The Argonauts

A classic movie from my childhood that could be construed as high fantasy but definitely hits many of the UF tropes. It also features effects from the great Ray Harryhausen that are still awesome to this day.

She

Featuring a lead character who is a beautiful immortal queen and high priestess, this movie is full of occult themes and has urban fantasy written all over it.

Vengeance Of The She

Sequel to the aforementioned She, this movie features magic, ancient Magi, city settings and lots of psychic powers on display. Plus, check out that cover, featuring a quintessential UF kickass babe!

Witchfinder General

This 1968 classic stars the great Vincent Price as Matthew Hopkins (“Witchfinder!”), and while many will argue the movie is horror, I see it more as urban fantasy, albeit a rather nasty version of it 🙂

The Devil Rides Out

Satanism and black magic feature in this classic based on the infamous book by Dennis Wheatley, also starring the great Christopher Lee.

Urban Fantasy Movies of the 1970’s

The decade that gave us Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Charlotte’s Web, Jabberwocky and many other great fantasy films, including these urban fantasy efforts…

The Omen

An absolute classic and known more as a horror movie, though it does have urban fantasy tropes. As I said earlier, the lines between the two genres blur.

Susperia

Another occult themed classic from the 70’s, featuring an evil witch and girls in peril, not to mention stunning direction and cinematography from Dario Argento, and a rocking soundtrack from Goblin.

The Night Stalker

Different take on the vampire genre, featuring an occult detective who went on to star in the TV series of the same name.

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 1980’s

Now we get to the decade where urban fantasy movies started to come into their own and the tropes became more apparent. Here are the best UF movies of that classic decade.

Big Trouble In Little China

An all-time classic from the great John Carpenter, featuring one of many collaborations with Kurt Russell.

An American Werewolf In London

One of my all-time favorite movies. Funny and scary at the same time, featuring amazing effects from Rick Baker.

The Lost Boys

One of the most overtly urban fantasy movies of this decade, and a serious classic of the genre.

Cat People

Slightly weird remake of an earlier movie from the forties, but definitely worth the watch.

The Hunger

Classic vampire movie starring David Bowie. Unsettling and unconventional.

Ghostbusters

Y’all know it. Classic UF. Nuff said.

Q The Winged Serpent

An off-beat fantasy film by Larry Cohen with a great city setting.

Hellraiser

Straddles the line between horror and fantasy, as does all of Clive Barker’s work. A seminal movie that spawned a franchise that is still going to this day.

The Golden Child

Yep, Eddie Murphy. Sure, it’s a comedy, but it’s also pure urban fantasy. Enjoyable at the time.

Silver Bullet

Based on Cycle of the Werewolf by horror mistro Stephen King, this movie is well made and very enjoyable.

Witches Of Eastwick

Another 80’s classic and pure urban fantasy, with a great turn by Jack Nicholson as the devil.

Lair Of The White Worm

Underrated classic by Ken Russell based on the story by Bram Stoker, with a ravishing turn by Amanda Donohoe.

The Dead Zone

Based on the book by Stephen King, this movie comes across like a horror thriller, but it has urban fantasy written all over it as well. Plus, Christopher Walken!

Videodrome

A body horror classic from David Cronenberg, but has a very dark UF feel to it.

Scanners

Psychic abilities and exploding heads!

Beetlejuice

Classic UF. Need I say more?

Highlander

An undisputed classic urban fantasy movie.

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 1990’s

The 90’s saw the arrival of urban fantasy as a force to be reckoned with, both in literature and film, and this is none more true than in our first pick of the decade…

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The movie was released to little fan fare at the time, considered to be not much more than a quirky comedy-fantasy movie. I enjoyed it, however, and so did a lot of other people. Thankfully a TV series was spawned from it, a show which went on to pave the way for a whole slew of UF shows that came after.

Nightbreed

A Clive Barker movie based on his book, Cabal, and directed by Cronenberg, who also plays the psychotic psychologist. The movie introduces us to the world of Midian, which is populated by Fae-type creatures. I’m just sorry they never turned this into a franchise like Hellraiser, for it’s probably more deserving of it.

The Prophecy

This is an excellent fantasy thriller starring Christopher Walken as the angel Gabriel. It spawned four sequels, all of them very watchable.

The Crow

A dark fantasy classic loved by many and famous for being Brandon Lee’s last ever movie. Sequels were spawned, none of them very good. The original, however, is a UF classic.

Dark City

A very dark movie, visually and also in terms of content. Has a really dark atmosphere that has influenced many urban fantasy movies and books since.

Darkman

A criminally overlooked and underrated movie starring Liam Neeson as a vengeful scientist with special powers. Very UF in tone.

Blade

The classic with Wesley Snipes as the vampire…vampire hunter. Sequels are pretty decent as well. Coincidentally Snipes has just published his own urban fantasy novel.

Spawn

Based on the comic, this dark classic has much in common with urban fantasy. Famous at the time for its groundbreaking special effects.

Lord Of Illusions

Featuring Clive Barker’s occult detective, this is a must see urban fantasy classic.

Constantine

Probably not as good as the recent TV adaptation, but still a great movie I think.

The Addiction

Another Christopher Walken movie, this one an off-beat take on the vampire genre directed by Bad Lieutenant director Abel Ferrara.

From Dusk Till Dawn

Quentin Tarintino’s vampire movie starring George Clooney. Awesome and slightly insane. Eventually spawned an even better TV series of the same name.

The Craft

A coven of witches cause havoc which results in murder in this teen urban fantasy classic.

Near Dark

Another often overlooked classic by Katherine Bigelow and starring the late great Bill Paxton. Dark and entertaining.

Ginger Snaps

One of my favorite ever werewolf movies, this is pure urban fantasy with an original twist on the genre. Sequels are excellent as well.

Nadja

An alternative take on the Dracula mythos, produced by David Lynch.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Billed as a horror movie, this is probably more urban fantasy than horror. Either way, it’s pretty good.

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 2000’s

This decade saw a slowing down of urban fantasy releases, but there was still a few of note.

Hellboy

Based on the comic, Hellboy is brilliantly played by Ron Perlman. Excellent urban fantasy adventure. Really looking forward to the new movie coming out soon.

Brotherhood Of The Wolf

A rarely mentioned film, but excellent nonetheless. This movie has everything: action, suspense, magic, monsters and a touch of romance. Brilliant.

Donnie Darko

Critically acclaimed and considered something of an offbeat masterpiece at the time, this is a dark and weird slice of urban fantasy that although excellent, doesn’t hold up to repeat viewings.

Van Helsing

Effects laden urban fantasy adventure. Enjoyable!

Underworld

Another much-loved film by urban fantasy fans, and also hated by many as well. It’s well made, entertaining and hits every urban fantasy trope there is. What more do you want?

Pan’s Labyrinth

Well-written, dark and slightly twisted urban fantasy movie from Guilleromo del Toro.

Nightwatch/Daywatch

Not my favorite movies but good efforts nonetheless, and pure urban fantasy.

Urban Fantasy Movies Of The 2010’s

And now we arrive at the current decade. Let’s see what’s about UF-wise, shall we?

Bright

Love it or hate it (and most seem to hate it), this movie is pure urban fantasy and enjoyable to boot. Now when are they going to turn it into a TV series?

Sucker Punch

Not strictly an urban fantasy movie as there’s no real magic in it, but it certainly has that dark UF feel to it, so it’s going on the list.

A Monster Calls

Different and deeply emotional take on the urban fantasy genre. Had me in bits by the end.

Doctor Strange

Very entertaining take on UF from Marvel, starring the fantastic Benedict Cumberbatch.

That’s All Folks… For Now

Phew, that was a long list! I have no doubt that I’ve missed a lot of movies here, so if you can think of any urban fantasy movies other than the ones mentioned here, let me know in the comments.