Midnight in Paris (2011)

"Midnight in Paris" is a charming romantic comedy that follows a young engaged couple, Inez and Gil, as they navigate their trip to the City of Lights with Inez's wealthy parents. While there for business, Gil, a struggling screenwriter, finds himself increasingly enchanted with Paris and longs for a life beyond his comfortable, yet unfulfilling, present. He begins to question the path he's on, particularly in comparison to the "golden age" of 1920s Paris, an era he romanticizes and feels a deep connection to. As they explore the city, the film subtly examines the allure of nostalgia and the tendency to idealize the past while highlighting the challenges of finding authentic connection in the present. What makes "Midnight in Paris" belong on a "Best Fantasy Movies" list is its delightful blend of realism and magical realism. Every night at midnight, Gil is transported back in time to 1920s Paris, encountering iconic figures like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Picasso. He lives out his fantasy of being a part of the artistic vanguard, a choice which gradually influences him as he begins to reconsider his life choices. The film's central conceit, this nightly trip through time, is undeniably fantastical, but it's used to explore universal themes of longing, identity, and the search for meaning, resulting in a truly enchanting cinematic experience.