This document outlines the history of fantasy films across four eras: 1) Early Years (1911-1940): Transition from silent to sound films, with notable films like The Wizard of Oz and King Kong. 2) "The Golden Era" (1941-1954): Supernatural films inspired by WWII fears, including The Jungle Book and Sinbad the Sailor. 3) "The Transition Era" (1955-1966): Impact of television led to emphasis on cinema audiences; Disney films like Mary Poppins drove animation. 4) "The Modern Era" (1980-present): Technological advances enabled re-releases and bigger-budget films; Tim Burton a notable recent director

1. Early Years
1911-1940: “The Silent Era” and the start of the “talkies”
Prominent fantasy films of this era included “The Wizard of Oz” and “King Kong.” It was through
this time that film saw the transition between silent films to ones that had sound. The 1920’s saw
feature length films becoming more common. Despite the economic depression of the 1930s films
still continued to have success, especially the fantasy genre as it mirrored people’s uncertainty of
the time.

2. “The Golden Era”
1941- 1954
Fantasy films of the era include “The Jungle Book” and “Sinbad the Sailor.” A lot of the films of the
time featured supernatural elements inspired by the fear around World War II. John Lounsbury
produced most of his most during this time directing Disney films such as “The Lady and the
Tramp” and “Peter Pan.”

3. “The Transition Era”
1955- 1966
Due to the arrival and popularity of television it was important for films to gain audiences in the
cinema even more than before. The development of animation used in fantasy films at this time can
be seen through the Disney films produced: the era was significant for Disney as many of their most
popular films like “Mary Poppins” were produced, all containing fantasy characteristics.

4. “The Silver Era”
1967- 1979
The higher budgets and bigger investments begin to become clear in the fantasy films of the period.
A notable director of the fantasy genre is Steven Spielberg whose work begins to come to surface
during this time, though not necessarily in the fantasy genre. The 1960’s as a whole were not a
popular time for fantasy film, but many were made in the 1970’s.

5. “The Modern Era”
1980-Present
The technological advancements used in films generally since the 1980s to now have been the most
influential and many fantasy films have been re-released after being digitally remastered and made
into 3D and new ones with bigger budgets than ever. Tim Burton is most recognisable director for
fantasy films in recent times.