Best Fantasy Movies Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Fans Should Watch

This article contains spoilers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

There have already been plenty of lists made of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for fans who are in search of those same vibes. Fans who aren’t necessarily looking for a new game, though, have some fantastic movies that deal with similar themes to choose from. Tackling themes like death and dealing with one’s own mortality can be difficult, but these five films do a wonderful job of capturing the complexities of what it means to be human.

The Fall Dives Into Loss and the Healing Power of Storytelling

• Director: Tarsem Singh
• Release date: 2006

The Fall is a movie that a lot of people have probably seen on lists of films that are hidden gems. That’s definitely true, as The Fall is still deeply underrated. The movie follows a paralyzed stuntman named Roy who befriends a young girl named Alexandria who is staying at the same hospital as he is. He begins telling Alexandria stories, and his tales come to life via Alexandria’s imagination. The film bounces back and forth from reality to what’s happening in Alexandria’s mind, and it’s a wonderful balance that brings forth just as much awe as it does emotion. One of the main themes that The Fall deals with is the pain of loss, which is very reminiscent of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s story. Roy uses storytelling as an escape and a way to process his pain, highlighting how storytelling can be incredibly healing.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Fans Need to Watch The Fall for Its Visuals Alone

Even if the story isn’t something that grabs you, The Fall‘s visuals are still some of the best. Even 20 years later, the movie’s art direction holds up incredibly well. It’s a feast for the eyes that fans of Expedition 33‘s level design will definitely appreciate. Tarsem Singh’s fantasy tale about healing and trauma stands the test of time, and it would make a great addition to one’s watch list.

The Neverending Story Explores the Dangers of Giving Into Despair

• Director: Wolfgang Petersen
• Release date: 1984

This one is a classic. Even if you’ve never seen The Neverending Story, there is a good chance you’ve at least heard of it or seen brief clips or pictures from the film. It even got put back in the pop culture spotlight a few years ago when the main theme song was used in one of the best Stranger Things moments. For a kids’ movie, The Neverending Story deals with very heavy themes, with the main focus being on the danger of giving into despair. In The Neverending Story, a force called The Nothing is destroying the land of Fantasia. Apathy gives The Nothing power, turning the story into a cautionary tale about what happens when people lose hope. Like The Fall, The Neverending Story is also filled with wildly beautiful imagery that is bound to pique the interest of many Expedition 33 fans.

The Fountain is a Mind-Bending Trip Through Grief and Human Mortality

• Director: Darren Aronofsky
• Release date: 2006

Darren Aronofsky films often deal with heavy themes. The Fountain may be one of his most profound and underrated, though. Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan have been his more mainstream hits, but The Fountain is a hidden gem in his resume. Starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, The Fountain follows their characters through three different eras, as the two are bonded across space and time. It’s one of the trippiest love stories out there, and it isn’t afraid to face grief and the struggle of coming to terms with one’s mortality head-on.

Parallels to One of Expedition 33’s Most Tragic Subplots

For fans who were particularly moved by Gustave and Sophie’s story in Expedition 33, The Fountain may be a great choice. In addition to grief and mortality, it’s also about the power of love and how it isn’t bound to time. The film’s non-linear approach to storytelling may be a bit jarring at first for some, but it’s well worth the watch.

The City of Lost Children Follows a Villain Trying to Escape Death

• Director: Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet
• Release date: 1995

This is kind of a flip on Expedition 33‘s story. Instead of trying to stop Expedition 33‘s Paintress from causing death, The City of Lost Children‘s antagonist is the one who is trying to fight against his impending doom. Krank has lost the ability to dream, which causes him to rapidly age. In order to stop this, he kidnaps children and steals their dreams. It’s a dark and twisted story that plays into the anxieties of growing older while a bleakly unique steampunk city serves as the film’s backdrop. The City of Lost Children is both nightmarish and strangely beautiful, blending fantasy with disturbing themes and imagery.

Pan’s Labyrinth Showcases the Strength of Sacrifice

• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Release date: 2006

Pan’s Labyrinth is seen by many as one of the best fantasy films of the 21st century. As is the case with many Guillermo del Toro movies, Pan’s Labyrinth‘s use of practical effects and visuals help make its dark fantasy world feel more real. The story follows a girl named Ofelia trying to survive during the Spanish Civil War. She escapes into a fantasy world to flee from the growing presence of fascism in her life.

One of Pan’s Labyrinth‘s underlying themes is how powerful self-sacrifice can be. Those who were particularly moved by Gutave’s death in Expedition 33 might find Pan’s Labyrinth to be just as emotionally impactful. Whether it’s the visuals or using fantasy to explore deep and complex subjects, Expedition 33 fans will want to check out Pan’s Labyrinth.

Released

April 24, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Developer(s)

Sandfall Interactive

Publisher(s)

Kepler Interactive