Underrated Fantasy Books/Films

[The Ellipsis Writer]

As I have asked with horror films/books, I also wonder who knows of any underrated fantasy books/films. Fantasy is personally my favorite genre and I have devoted myself to creating works of fantasy of my own because of it. Therefore, if there are any works out there within the fantasy realm (please, no science fiction) that are sadly unknown, gems under a rock, or simply not given it's due credit, please list them here!

Unlike with horror, action, comedy books/films and so on, fantasy is a genre that-being so naturally expansive and detailed-is seen rather rarely in the media. Unless it is science fiction, which people tend to lump together with fantasy all too much, then fantasy is mostly known as such works by C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, or George R.R. Martin. That is fine and all, but certainly there is more to this genre than what is most popular in the media, no?

Please, any works of fantasy that you consider underrated in any sort of way, list them here and explain what about it is so special.

Excelsior!

The Ellipsis Writer

[greywalker]

Granted, the series is YA technically, but Susan Cooper's "The Dark Is Rising" sequence definitely fits the bill. It's been around longer than a lot of the "trendy" YA stuff and tends to get overlooked. But the level of characterization is impressive as well as the "shades of grey" good/evil dichotomy. The line between good and evil is not so clearly drawn here, and it is left up to the reader to decide for themselves. It also deals with timeless mythological archetypes that never get dated and are forever repeating themselves as well as questions about destiny, fate, and free will. The series is satisfying while at the same time being slightly uncomfortable because, like fairytales before they were Disneyfied, nothing is perfectly resolved in this series.

Here's a listing of the books. The author is Susan Cooper.

Over Sea, Under Stone
The Dark Is Rising
Greenwitch
The Grey King
Silver on the Tree

I recommend starting with "The Dark Is Rising" and then going back and reading "Over Sea, Under Stone" next. The books will make more sense that way.

[The Ellipsis Writer]

Granted, the series is YA technically, but Susan Cooper's "The Dark Is Rising" sequence definitely fits the bill. It's been around longer than a lot of the "trendy" YA stuff and tends to get overlooked. But the level of characterization is impressive as well as the "shades of grey" good/evil dichotomy. The line between good and evil is not so clearly drawn here, and it is left up to the reader to decide for themselves. It also deals with timeless mythological archetypes that never get dated and are forever repeating themselves as well as questions about destiny, fate, and free will. The series is satisfying while at the same time being slightly uncomfortable because, like fairytales before they were Disneyfied, nothing is perfectly resolved in this series.

Here's a listing of the books. The author is Susan Cooper.

Over Sea, Under Stone
The Dark Is Rising
Greenwitch
The Grey King
Silver on the Tree

I recommend starting with "The Dark Is Rising" and then going back and reading "Over Sea, Under Stone" next. The books will make more sense that way.

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I have read The Dark Is Rising once before when I was much younger, but barely remember it. I have been considering going back to read it once more, but hesitated because I was not sure it was worth my time. However, based on what you say about it, I will enjoy it very much now that I am older and I will not be reading it for an old school project. Next time I get the chance I will definitely read the entire series.

And thank you as well for suggesting beginning with the second book and then going back. The clearer the books are for me, the better.

[jhmende]

One fantasy novel that I find extremely underrated is "Till We Have Faces" by C. S. Lewis. It's well-written and a lot darker and more adult than his Narnia stories, and it brings up a lot of questions about faith, love, and codependency.

[The Ellipsis Writer]

One fantasy novel that I find extremely underrated is "Till We Have Faces" by C. S. Lewis. It's well-written and a lot darker and more adult than his Narnia stories, and it brings up a lot of questions about faith, love, and codependency.

Interesting. I've never heard of this novel by one of the most famous fantasy authors. I will definitely check it out! Thanks for the suggestion!

[Angela Stripes]

The first thing I thought of in response, was the movie Dragon Heart. It's not the most well-done film (and granted its been ages since I've seen it), but it was a clean fantasy and felt unique for such a trope ridden genre.

I'm not sure if this falls under Sci-fi, because I wouldn't put it there, but Pendragon by D.J MacHale is fantastic. Well, one of my favorites, so I'm bias. Its a 10-book series about a teenage boy traveling through realities and worlds to save... the world(s) ;D. If you enjoyed Narnia, I can confidently recommend them to you. The first one is The Merchant of Death.

[juliusotinyo]

Hi,
I've been drawn to James Dashner's post-acopolyptic maze runner series. Especially the first film. The suspense, environment and characters are pretty intense. I've seen the first 2 films so far, I've not read any of the books.

[Emie Cuevas]

[quote="Angela Stripes"]The first thing I thought of in response, was the movie Dragon Heart. It's not the most well-done film (and granted its been ages since I've seen it), but it was a clean fantasy and felt unique for such a trope ridden genre. [quote]
I too loved Dragonheart. Though I really thought the two sequels should never have been made.

[Angela Stripes]

The first thing I thought of in response, was the movie Dragon Heart. It's not the most well-done film (and granted its been ages since I've seen it), but it was a clean fantasy and felt unique for such a trope ridden genre.

I too loved Dragonheart. Though I really thought the two sequels should never have been made.

Right?! Such a shame when they squeeze the life out of a great original idea, just to make some more money.

[Nick Rones]

I quite liked the Magicians TV series. They changed the story-line somewhat in the end of the first season, but I really loved it.

[Harmony Hills]

I think Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series was underrated but i do feel it was a genius. Some just don't appreciate it though. :/

[Letora]

A lot of people hate the Dungeons and Dragons movie from 2000. Personally, I loved it! I used to watch it all the time when it first came out.

[NicholsC97]

The Labrynth was and always will be my favorite but the tv series Beauty and the Beast is one that didn't get a lot of love but was awesome.

[Rachael S 1]

One of my favorite book series is the Black Magician series by Trudi Cavanan. It is detailed and an exciting read. I was beyond excited to discover a few years after I finished the trilogy, she wrote not just a prequel book, but another trilogy after the first! It finished off the storyline and was amazing! I would LOVE for this to be picked up for a movie or TV series.