The 10 Most Underrated Fantasy Movie Performances of All Time

While blockbuster fantasy movies often steal the spotlight, a realm of underrated performances has woven their magic into the tapestry of the genre.

Step into the mystical world of cinema, where dragons roam and spells come to life. While blockbuster fantasy movies often steal the spotlight, a realm of underrated performances has woven their magic into the tapestry of the genre. Some actors' talents transported audiences to realms of the unknown, yet somehow they remained in the shadows themselves. From unsung heroes to enchanting anti-heroes, these performances remind everyone that in the fantastical, the art of acting is what truly makes the impossible, possible.

10 PHOTOS

10. Julianne Moore - Seventh Son (2014)

Seventh Son follows Thomas Ward, the seventh son, who is chosen to be the apprentice of a Spook, a mystical warrior who fights dark supernatural forces. The central conflict arises when the powerful witch Mother Malkin, portrayed by Julianne Moore, escapes from captivity and gathers her dark forces to seek revenge.

Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Mother Malkin is undeniably the film’s standout performance. Moore’s ability to seamlessly transition between elegance and malevolence makes her character utterly captivating. Her ability to convey the character’s multifaceted nature allows viewers to glimpse the vulnerability beneath the exterior of a formidable villain.

9. Milla Jovovich - Monster Hunter (2020)

Inspired by the game series of the same name, Monster Hunter centers on Captain Natalie, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, and her team, of soldiers, who are transported from their world into a mysterious and dangerous realm inhabited by massive and deadly creatures.

Milla Jovovich, known for her role in Resident Evil, takes on the lead character, once again portraying a dynamic action hero. Jovovich brings her trademark intensity and physicality to the role, effectively conveying the character’s transformation from a determined leader to a survivor in the unfamiliar world. Her chemistry with co-star Tony Jaa adds depth to the film’s central dynamic.

8. Michelle Pfeiffer - Stardust (2007)

Stardust is set in a fictional Victorian-era English village called Wall. The plot revolves around a young man, Tristan Thorn, who ventures into a magical realm known as the Faerie to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved Victoria Forester. To Tristan’s surprise, the fallen star is not a piece of rock, but a celestial being named Yvaine.

The journey of Tristan and Yvaine is disrupted by the antagonistic witch Lamia, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer’s character shines out as the most underappreciated and captivating performance of the movie. Pfeiffer’s nuanced portrayal captures the essence of a complex character driven by the desire for eternal youth and power.

7. Dylan O’Brien - Love and Monsters (2020)

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where enormous creatures have overrun the surface of the Earth and driven surviving underground colonies. The film follows the journey of Joel Dawson, played by Dylan O’Brien, a young man who embarks on a daring quest to reunite with his high school sweetheart, Aimee, portrayed by Jessica Henwick, who is in another colony located 85 miles away.

Known for his roles in Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner trilogy, Dylan O’Brien embraces a unique twist in Love and Monsters. As Joel, he maximizes his endearing, dorky underdog energy. O’Brien’s impeccable comic timing and physicality shine, making Joel both clumsy and relatable. His ability to seamlessly blend slapstick humor and genuine vulnerability aligns perfectly with the film’s tone.

6. Lewis MacDougall - A Monster Calls (2016)

This heartfelt fantasy drama revolves around a young boy named Conor O’Malley, played by Lewis MacDougall, who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness and the bullying he faces at school. His life takes a turn when a towering, ancient yew tree near his house comes to life as a monstrous creature (voiced by Liam Neeson).

MacDougall’s ability to convey the complex emotional turmoil of a young boy grappling with grief and inner conflict is nothing short of remarkable. His performance not only carries the emotional weight of the film but also provides a relatable and empathetic anchor for the viewers. MacDougall’s spectacular performance makes the movie a heartfelt watch for the audience.

5. James Purefoy - Solomon Kane (2009)

James Purefoy plays the character Soloman Kane, based on the character created by Robert E. Howard. He is a 17th-century English Puritan and former ruthless mercenary who is seeking redemption for his past sins. The film is set in a grim and supernatural-infested world where evil forces roam the land.

Solomon Kane weaves together elements of sorcery and dark fantasy, creating a gritty tale. James Purefoy’s portrayal of the titular character is the film’s highlight and strength. Purefoy’s brooding presence and commanding delivery infuse Kane with a sense of gravitas, anchoring the movie’s dark and supernatural narrative in a relatable human struggle.

4. Ben Stiller - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Adapted from James Thurber’s 1939 story, Ben Stiller portrays Walter Mitty, a timid LIFE Magazine photojournalist. Tasked with finding missing material for the final issue, Mitty teams up with famed photographer Sean O'Connell. When O’Connell disappears, Mitty’s daydreams turn into real action as he embarks on a transformative adventure.

Renowned as a prominent comedic actor, Ben Stiller has showcased his directorial prowess alongside his on-screen talent. Among his ambitious projects, he excels in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, assuming dual roles as actor and filmmaker. Stiller effortlessly balances the movie’s comedic and dramatic elements, authentically embodying the character of Walter.

3. Luke Evans - Dracula Untold (2014)

2014's Dracula Untold took a fresh approach by revisiting the historical background of Stoker’s original character. Departing from the traditional horror villain trope, the movie instead focuses on Vlad the Impaler (Luke Evans) during his human life as a protective leader. Facing the threat of Sultan Mehmed II, Vlad accepts a curse from the Master Vampire (Charles Dance) to safeguard his people.

Luke Evans delivers an intense and brooding performance in the movie, infusing depth and complexity into Vlad’s character. His chemistry with Sarah Gadon, who portrays his wife, is evident, resulting in emotionally charged, tender scenes. Evan’s role in Dracula Untold remains remarkable, enriching the film’s exploration of the legendary vampire’s origin.

2. Jim Carrey - Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Based on Handler's book series, the motion picture recounts the exploits of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after their parents die in a fire. The orphans are placed under the care of the sinister Count Olaf, played by Jim Carrey, who is after their substantial inheritance.

Jim Carrey’s performance as Count Olaf in the film surpasses his previous roles. Despite the heavy prosthetics, Carrey’s darkly comedic approach aligns better with the material. The movie’s eerie and compelling tone showcases Carrey’s talents without excessive ad-libbing. Carrey, who typically avoids sequels, surprisingly admitted that he wouldn't mind taking part in a sequel, however, he has no idea for now.

1. David Harbour - Hellboy (2019)

This movie is a reboot of the film series based on the comic book. The movie follows the story of Hellboy, a demon who works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense to battle supernatural threats. Hellboy, played by David Harbour, is sent to England to prevent the resurrection of the ancient sorceress Nimue.

David Harbour brings a rugged and tormented quality to Hellboy, effectively capturing the character’s inner conflict between his demonic nature and his desire to do well. Harbour’s charismatic presence lends depth to Hellboy’s emotional struggles, and his witty delivery adds a layer of dark humor that complements the film’s tone.