The Dark Crystal (1982)

Set on a different planet thousands of years ago, a powerful crystal cracks which causes two new races to appear, the gentle Mystics and the cruel Skeksis. As the Great Conjunction of the planet's three suns draws near,  the dying Mystic master (Sean Barrett) instructs a young boy (Stephen Garlick) of a near extinct race called Gelflings to heal the crystal by retrieving a missing shard from the crystal. Directed by Jim Henson (LABYRINTH) and Frank Oz (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS). Notable for its groundbreaking animatronics (for its time), this dark fantasy film received mixed reviews upon its original release but has since gone on to become a cult classic. I think it's a marvelous fantasy with Henson creating a captivating world of unique creatures and a compelling storyline. Perhaps a little too dark for younger children (the Skeksis may scare those under ten years old) but I'll take its epic high fantasy over the J.R.R. Tolkien output any day of the week. The gorgeous score is by Trevor Jones. With Billie Whitelaw, Barry Dennen and Lisa Maxwell.