40 years ago, a fantasy film was released in cinemas, in which a small creature with a powerful magic item embarked on a perilous journey to defeat evil and save his world. This epic excursion can also be found on Netflix. But it is not about The Lord of the Rings, but about The Dark Crystal.
From because of children’s film: The Fantasy of The Dark Crystal on Netflix is like The Lord of the Rings
Jim Henson is best known as the Muppet Show’s puppet dad, but his little marvel, The Dark Crystal, is also iconic. And not just because it was the first live-action puppet feature film. Anyone who has felt put off by a Netflix visit to this “too childish” fantasy world should reconsider their views. Because this partly really dark fantasy adventures is by no means a flawless family film.
Before you visit Netflix, watch the fantasy trailer of The Dark Crystal
The Dark Crystal – Trailer (English)
Because when little Gelfling Jen (as one of the last of his kind) leaves Netflix to heal the eponymous dark crystal with a lost splinter, it’s no coincidence Similarities to Frodo’s Hero’s Journey in The Lord of the Rings. Again, the goal of the fantasy enterprise is that end of a reign of terror (the Skekse instead of Sauron’s). Magical helpers and courageous companions are at his side, even if he doesn’t always know who to really trust.
When the scheming, grisly villains outplay each other while innocent beings are being tortured out of their souls, it should be clear to everyone that the uncanny facets of the story take their fantasy world “Thra” deadly seriously. If you were able to accept the puppet characters in the first Star Wars trilogy and The Neverending Story movies, you certainly can. (And not just because the sometimes one-eyed, oddball astronomer Aughra is also brought to life here by Frank Oz aka Master Yoda.)
Creature love abounds in this fantasy adventure on Netflix
Anyone who gets involved with The Dark Crystal on Netflix cannot help but love the fantasy material for their different, imaginative beings to celebrate: Be it the four-armed magicians of the Uru or the elf-like Gelflings. Plus, an evil skek’s menacing bird-lizard hybrid makes for a veritable one grotesque nightmare figurewhich guaranteed to have given many children sleepless nights after 1982.
©Universal
The Dark Crystal: Villain of Skekse
Luckily, to compensate, there are also a few fluffy and dearest beings in the fantasy film: Self in the days of Baby Yoda The plump podia and the yapping ball of fur named Fizzgig don’t have to hide their cuteness. Anyone who has seen the countless fantastic figures with their convincing gestures and head positions will never again call dolls expressionless.
In short: the dark crystal still knows 40 years after its appearance Fantasy adventures with their own voice and creative ideas to inspire and bring along epic Lord of the Rings feelings. Once you get hooked, you can also watch the Era of Resistance series, which was released three years ago on Netflix.
Fantasy Movies Podcast: 10 Streaming Tips on Amazon, Netflix and Disney+
If you want to discover other extraordinary worlds, characters and stories in addition to Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, here are 10 strong streaming recommendations for fantasy films that are currently available on Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.
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Whether it’s a classic, an animated film, a blockbuster or an insider’s tip: the streaming services are guaranteed to have something for every fantasy fan’s taste. Dragons, Polymorphs, Stardust, Epic Journeys and Sorcery included.
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Do you know The Dark Crystal on Netflix? Did the doll adventure inspire you too?