This Collider opinion piece argues that three fantasy films surpass The Lord of the Rings, challenging the widely held view of Peter Jackson's trilogy as the untouchable pinnacle of the genre. The author contends that films offering more morally complex characters, unconventional structures and grounded emotional stakes can outdo LOTR's traditional battle between clear-cut good and evil, making the case for reassessing what makes fantasy storytelling truly effective.

The article highlights Spirited Away (2001), praised for abandoning traditional villains in favour of personal, psychological conflict as Chihiro navigates an unpredictable spirit world. It also cites Pan's Labyrinth (2006), which embeds its fantasy elements within the brutal reality of post-Civil War Spain, with young Ofelia's defiance against her fascist stepfather driving a raw and tragic narrative. The piece states there are three films in total, though only these two are detailed in the excerpt provided.

– Spirited Away praised for ditching clear villains for personal, psychological storytelling.
– Pan's Labyrinth blends fantasy with brutal historical reality for emotional impact.
– Article argues these films beat LOTR through richer character arcs and endings.