Fantasy movies and the film industry

As a cinematic genre, fantasy has traditionally not been regarded as highly as the related genre of science fiction film. Undoubtedly, the fact that until recently fantasy films often suffered from the "Sword and Sandal" afflictions of inferior production values, over-the-top acting and decidedly poor special effects was a significant factor in fantasy film's low regard. Even 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, which did much to improve the genre's reputation in public as well critical circles, was still derided in some quarters because of its comic book-like action sequences and tongue in cheek comedy.

Since the late 1990s, however, the genre has gained new respectability, driven principally by the successful adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is particularly notable due to its ambitious scope, serious tone and thematic complexity. These pictures achieved phenomenal commercial and critical success, and the third installment of the trilogy became the first fantasy film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Following the success of these ventures, Hollywood studios have greenlighted additional big-budget productions in the genre. These have included successful adaptations of the first book in C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series and the cult novel Eragon, as well as an upcoming adaptation of Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising.

Fantasy movies in recent years, such as 2005's Narnia and 2006's Eragon adaptations, have most often been released in November and December. This is in contrast to science fiction films, which are often released during the summer.

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