Welcome to the Fantasy 100 website where we are devoted to bringing you the very best in fantasy fiction. Here you will find Top 100 lists and short reviews of the all-time greatest fantasy books, films and TV shows. The lists are based on statical surveys of popular polls, award information and critical opinion.
The Book List A statistical survey of fantasy literary awards, noted critics and popular polls. To qualify a book or series has to be generally regarded as fantasy by credible sources and/or recognised as having historical significance to the development of the genre. CLICK HERE to view a complete listing of the most significant book series. (Updated 13 January 2010)
The Film List A statistical survey that includes data from noted critics and popular polls. The qualification rules are similar to those used for the books list and for statistical purposes films in a series are treated in tallies as stand-alones. The exception to this rule is Peter Jackson's outstanding Lord of the Rings trilogy. (Updated 26 December 2009)
The Television List Based on data gathered from a statistical survey and a direct poll of fantasy television experts - including critics, editors and website managers. Shows often classified under other genres but containing significant and notable fantasy content (e.g. The Avengers & The Wild, Wild West) qualify for inclusion on the list. (Updated 2 March 2010)
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher 2004 (Ace Books)
Ultimately Serviceable The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy by David Pringle 2008 (Carlton)
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The continuing success of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series ensures plenty more to come from this fun-loving author.
In a fantastical revision of the latter Roman Empire, the people of Alera draw their strength from their control of the elemental 'furies' - earth, air, fire, water and metal. Fifteen year old Tavi meanwhile is dealing with a few adolescent furycrafting growing pains. He gets drawn into some Imperial intrigue courtesy of a young female spy.
Although written with great wit and intelligence, those familiar with Butcher's Dresden Files series will find the humour toned-down here. He shows plenty of panache, however, with later volumes of Codex Alera scoring well on the New York Times Bestseller lists.
The eagerly anticipated sixth and final novel in the Codex Alera series - First Lord's Fury - is set for release in November 2009.
Noted editor David Pringle produces the best of slim pickings in a dearth of decent fantasy reference books.
While John Clute has always specialised in large info-packed speculative fiction encyclopedias, Pringle has typically opted for concise 'coffee table' style tomes full of eye-catching illustrations and design. This volume is no different and, thankfully, it still manages to hit the highlights of fantasy.
The book covers the genre's main authors and there are major entries focusing on key themes. Film and TV get plenty of space, with games also getting some warranted attention. Briefer rundowns of the more famous fantasy characters and places top things off nicely.
Pringle is sometimes accused of having a staunch British bias, but his critical scrutiny is usually frank and informative. As a good intro to fantasy this book fits the bill nicely.
Kids Classic
The Wizard of Oz 1939 (101m) MGM
Naturally Super
Supernatural - Fourth Season 2009 (22 episodes) Warner
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Seventy years old and still going strong, The Wizard of Oz remains a tantalizing musical treat for children of all ages.
Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto get swept away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. There she meets the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow as they follow the yellow brick road to the fulfilment of their wishes. A Wicked Witch causes a few hiccups along the way, but nothing too scary.
An early Technicolor film, the bookend scenes in Kansas were artistically filmed in black and white. In between there is a mesmerising display of full and, at times, somewhat surreal colour.
Recently released anniversary sets are loaded with extras - including cast interviews and some fascinating info on the technical side of the film's restoration. Still magic after all these many years.
Sam and Dean Winchester travel across America knocking off all manner of demons whenever opportunity arises.
As the show has progressed new premise twists have been added, the fourth season finding the brothers working with angels to try and stop the demon Lilith from setting Lucifer free. The show's main attraction are its two stars - Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki - who are a perfect fit on screen.
As its title suggests, this series deals with some ultra-dark subject matter and is not for faint of heart. Fortunately it is all done with heavy doses of humour and loads of classic head-banging rock and roll.
Already into its fifth season which - according to creator Eric Kripke - is set to be its last. Fans aren't so sure, however, as the lead actors are reportedly already signed on for a sixth season. Either way, this is a must for fans of urban supernatural fantasy.
2009 Awards - Novels The Top Performers *********************** The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Wins: Locus, Newbery Shortlists: Mythopoeic, World Fantasy, Hugo, BFA, GP
Bargain Movie Pack
Warriors Mill Creek Entertainment 2006 (74.4 hours; 13 discs)
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Mill Creek does it again with over 70 hours of the best 'so bad they're good' sword & sandal flicks ever made.
For those unfamiliar with these sets, the basic idea is to gather together 50 public domain movies based around a theme, cram them into a monster mega-pack and sell them at a 'can't go wrong' budget price.
The theme here is cheesy 'sword & sandal' flicks, most of them Italian, and pretty well all of them featuring plenty of beefcake and gorgeous women. There's a smorgasbord of Hercules and Sampson played by the likes of Steve Reeves, Mark Forest and Gordon Mitchell amongst others.
At this price don't expect high quality digital transfers, although most are OK. The double-sided discs are better suited to post-90s DVD players and PCs. Mill Creek DVDs are usually 'region-free' and can be played on just about anything.
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Lavinia by Ursula K Le Guin Wins: Locus Shortlists: Mythopoeic
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Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory Wins: Crawford Shortlists: Mythopoeic, World Fantasy, Shirley Jackson
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The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford Wins: World Fantasy, Shirley Jackson Shortlists: Locus
