'Harry Potter' To 'Nightbooks' - Binge These Shows Full Of Magic And Mystery

For times when all you want to do is escape from this big-bad-real world, fantasy films become the perfect escape route to it. Seeped in hitherto unknown realms, and taking you into a world where the impossible seems possible, such films are your refuge when all you want to do is lay back and enjoy the roller coaster playing on screen. Here are some popular films that have elements of magic, horror and fantasy, and have been able to cater to audience across age groups.

This Marathi language period horror film received an overwhelming response post its release. It is the story of Vinayak who is in search for a hidden treasure in Tumbbad, a remote village in Maharashtra. Through Vinayak’s narration we come to know of the intriguing story of Hastar, the beloved offspring of Goddess of Prosperity. 

From the makers of Chaipatti and Detective Boomrah, this one takes the legacy forward of the filmmakers making genre defying films. Currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, it is the story of three friends who find a magical Mani (precious stone) that can reveal the future. The vagabond who gave this Mani told them to just see the future and not meddle with it, but the friends do exactly that. 

Set in the backdrop of a real Indian family unit, dealing with the common man problems, 'Fireflies- Parth Aur Jugnu' is a story of a 14-year-old dispirited boy Parth who meets a mystical kid named Jugnu from the haunted forests of Bheem Mukhteshwar. 

Sudha Murty is renowned for her books for children. Rendering life lessons and insights into becoming successful despite all odds, Sudha Murty’s books have entertained and educated children of all age groups. 

The first in the trilogy, it is the story of a young man who is an orphan and discovers that he is an astra with the power to control fire. As part of a secret society of guardians he has to save the world. The film heavily draws inspiration from Hindu mythology and is a great watch with family and friends. This film has Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in lead roles.

Now streaming on Netflix, Notebooks is the story of Alex, a young boy who is obsessed with scary stores. This contemporary fantasy movie with elements of magic is set in New York City. The boy is entrapped by an evil witch. 

We have all loved Aladdin’s tale, with his magic lamp, the genie and the magical carpet. While there have been many animation films and shows based on this story, the latest live-action film swoons you thanks to the amazing musical renditions and great performances. In this one, Aladdin enters the palace as a prince after laying his hands on the genie. 

The franchise has managed to entertain and amuse generations over the past three decades as the Museum came to life at night. In this animated flick Nick Daley follows his father’s profession and becomes the night watchman at The American Museum of Natural History. 

Who would have missed Harry Potter’s epic saga as he traverses from being an 11-year-old who hardly knew about magic to finally accepting that it is he who can stop the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort.