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5 Classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films Turning 20 in 2025

It’s now been two whole decades since 2005, so why not look back at a few movies turning 20 this year? Whether popular hit or cult classic, these sci-fi and fantasy films have officially stood the test of time and definitely deserve a revisit.

A drawing showing characters from the five films discussed in this article, standing around a birthday cake with the number 20 on it.
Image Credit: Lauren Bodenschatz

It’s now been two whole decades since 2005, so why not look back at a few movies turning 20 this year? Whether popular hit or cult classic, these sci-fi and fantasy films have officially stood the test of time and definitely deserve a revisit.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

“Anything you’d like to eat?”

“Turkish delight.”

It’s hard to believe this Gen Z childhood classic has officially been around for 20 years. Starring William Moseley, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, and Anna Popplewell as the four Pevensie siblings, the first film adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia premiered on December 9th, 2005. The film was a near-instant success, becoming the fourth most popular film of the year according to domestic box office earnings.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was nominated for three Oscars at the 2006 academy awards, and ended up winning for Best Achievement in Makeup. The film also won the 2006 Critics Choice Award for Best Family Film.

Though the Narnia films have slightly fallen out of the zeitgeist over time, not quite retaining the long-term popularity of other early-2000s fantasy hits like Harry Potter, they certainly warrant a rewatch. Cozy, sentimental, and full of special effects that still hold up, a viewing of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe could bring some much-needed whimsy into 2025.

IMDb: 6.9/10

Where to Watch: Disney Plus

4. Corpse Bride

“With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.”

For those looking for a bit of a darker throwback, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride has got you covered. This film showcases the beautiful stop-motion style characteristic of Burton’s animated fantasy horror — seen also in creepy classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Frankenweenie (2012). Set in Victorian England, Corpse Bride is grounded in a real-life historical period, though its supernatural elements allow it to feel gothically timeless.

The movie has always occupied a somewhat odd niche. While it’s marketed as a family film — and the animated medium may have led initial audiences to assume it was more lightheartedCorpse Bride‘s color palette and overall atmosphere is grim and dreary.

That’s not to say it’s an entirely depressing film. Though the backstory of Emily (the corpse bride herself) involves a tragic murder, the darker moments in this tale are frequently offset by humor and whimsy. Victor, the protagonist, is endearingly awkward and clumsy, and the singing, dancing skeletons from the Land of the Dead are endlessly fun to watch.

The final scene of Corpse Bride features some memorably magical animation, which won’t be spoiled here. For those who haven’t yet seen it, this one is a great dark fantasy watch, particularly on Halloween.

IMDb: 7.4/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV

3. Serenity

“I am a leaf on the wind, watch how I soar.”

This film comes with a bit of a caveat — you have to watch the show Firefly (2002) before seeing Serenity. Though Serenity does work as a self-contained story, the cast of characters and their individual storylines all carry over from the original TV show.

Longtime fans of Firefly won’t need to be convinced to give this a rewatch, but why should those unfamiliar with the series check out this 23-year-old show and its 20-year-old film sequel?

Often credited with reviving the Space Western genre, Firefly certainly qualifies as a sci-fi show. However, it’s not sleek-tech-and-robots sci-fi. It’s gritty, realistic sci-fi. As realistic as a show about spaceships can be, anyway.

Creator Joss Whedon (known also for Buffy the Vampire Slayer) showcases a world of space travel in which the social and political struggles of today still exist, exacerbated, not solved, by technology.

The protagonists are a group of outlaws and smugglers who fight with pistols rather than ray-guns. Though they frequently travel to other planets, the people on these planets are often face poverty and systemic oppression. This mixture of classic “Old West” imagery and a futuristic galaxy-encompassing setting gives the series a uniquely intriguing aesthetic.

Firefly consists of only 14 total episodes, so it’s easy to get into. And Serenity is an excellent continuation of and conclusion to this show, which was canceled far too soon.

IMDb: 7.8/10

Where to Watch: Apple TV

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

“In the beginning the universe was created. This made a lot of people angry and has widely been considered as a bad move.”

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams was first published in 1979. On April 20, 2005, this witty sci-fi satire finally hit the big screen, with an equally big cast.

Stephen Fry narrates the film, often speaking lines straight from Adams’ original novel. Yasiin Bey (aka rapper Mos Def) plays alien-in-disguise Ford Prefect. Alan Rickman voices Marvin, the deadpan, depressed robot. Zooey Deschanel portrays Trillian, the human love interest of protagonist Arthur Dent. And Arthur himself is played by Martin Freeman, jumpstarting Freeman’s streak of roles in which he acts as the stereotypical everyman unwillingly thrown into a wacky new world (see The Hobbit or Black Panther for further examples).

Even more quirky characters join this ensemble throughout the course of the movie as Arthur and his friends navigate the galaxy and discover the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

If you’re looking for a sci-fi story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Hitchhiker’s Guide is definitely worth a watch. And if you find yourself laughing at any of the jokes in the film, check out the book and its sequels too. They’re even more jam-packed with Douglas Adams’ unique sense of humor.

IMDb: 6.7/10

Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime

1. V for Vendetta

Remember remember the 5th of November.”

The final film on this list is notably darker than the rest, though it’s no less worth checking out. V for Vendetta is a dystopia story, set in a fascist United Kingdom.

Though it was released on December 11, 2005, November 5th is the date to remember with regards to this film. V, the vigilante hero who dares to oppose his oppressive government wears the infamous Guy Fawkes mask. He plans to destroy Britain’s tyrannical Norsefire party in a way that echoes the historic Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (which occurred on November 5th of that year). Does V succeed where Guy Fawkes failed? You’ll have to see the film for yourself to find out.

Based on a comic series of the same name, V for Vendetta has a powerhouse of a cast. Hugo Weaving stars as V, with Natalie Portman playing the heroine, Evey. Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, and John Hurt also appear is supporting roles.

V for Vendetta is no light action movie, and its politics are especially important to examine today. It harshly condemns nationalism, propaganda, xenophobia, and homophobia. Through V, the film speaks an overt moral to its audience: “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

IMDb: 8.1/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Conclusion

These five sci-fi and fantasy films, which range from popular classics to hidden gems, all merit a viewing (or re-viewing) this year as they celebrate their 20th birthdays. If you haven’t seen one or all of them, there’s never been a better time to dive in.

Whether you’re into high fantasy, space westerns, horror, comedy, or dystopia, this list surely has something that sci-fi and fantasy fans can all enjoy in 2025.

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I'm a senior at Smith College and a double major in Art History and Italian Studies. I'm also a college radio DJ and an aspiring professional writer. I love alternative music and fantasy films.

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