Yes. Never Ending Story and A Princess Bride are both worthy. 💯
Discussion
WTF happened to fantasy?
It might make me sound old, but I think modern VFX don't have the charm that older practical effects did. There have been some newer movies like this but they feel less "real", and weren't as popular. Actual sets and creatures grounded the fantasy in reality.
Yes. This. The physical costumes/makeup and sets are sooooo magical.
I think too that the rough edges left your imagination to fill in the gaps. You were more of a participant in the movie in a way maybe?
I feel the same way about old video games as well. But maybe I'm just being nostalgic.
For me, it was the characters; the audience got to experience the fantasy world through someone who saw the wonder of it, not a badass from the very beginning. The whole Hero’s Journey starts with someone who is, by definition, not a hero yet, and through their struggles, becomes one.
I agree on the physical props (and the nostalgia glasses 😎). Much less glam and much more texture back then.