How Harry Potter and Toothless Brought Me Back to Jesus

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Finding Faith Again Through the Magic of Fantasy

Have you ever finished watching a fantasy movie - one so magical, so real in your heart, and felt that strange ache afterward? That heavy sigh. That deep, silent wish that you could live in that world instead?

That was me.

After watching How to Train Your Dragon, I felt it again. That pang of longing. I wanted to be like Hiccup. I wanted a life filled with meaning, adventure, wonder, and a loyal dragon by my side. But once the screen faded to black, I was just me again. Small. Stuck. Drifting through everyday life with a quiet ache I didn’t know how to name.

I didn’t know it then, but fantasy was quietly leading me back to faith.

 

When Fantasy Feels More Real Than Life

I’ve always loved fantasy. Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Chronicles of Narnia: they pulled me in with worlds that were richer, fuller, truer than the one I was living in.

I know that sounds strange. But maybe you’ve felt it too, that strange withdrawal after watching something that stirs your soul. That “I wish I lived there” feeling. The longing that won’t quite go away.

And here’s what I’ve realised:
That ache? It’s not a weakness.
It’s a whisper.

 


 

The Deep Ache Was Never About Dragons or Wands

What I didn’t understand at first is that the longing I felt after fantasy movies wasn’t just about magic or dragons, it was about meaning. I wasn’t craving spells. I was craving purpose. I wasn’t wishing for a wand. I was wishing for a mission. I wasn’t missing Hogwarts. I was missing home, a deeper kind of home.

And that homesickness?
It wasn’t for a fictional world.
It was for God.

 

Why Fantasy Points to a Deeper Reality

Fantasy has a strange way of opening your heart to what’s real. It exaggerates reality to reveal truth. When you see characters risking their lives for good, standing up against evil, discovering who they really are; doesn’t something stir inside you?

It’s because we were made for that kind of story.
We were born into a war between light and dark.
We were made for courage, wonder, and sacrificial love.
And yes, we were made to belong to a kingdom.

Not a fictional one.

A real one.

 

 

What Helped Me Heal from Fantasy Withdrawal

For the longest time, I thought something was wrong with me for feeling so empty after fantasy movies. But now I see, I wasn’t escaping life through fantasy. I was actually trying to remember something my soul already knew.

Here’s what helped me start healing that ache:

  1. Turning to Scripture like it was my fantasy book
    I stopped reading the Bible like a textbook and started reading it like the adventure it truly is - with chosen heroes, dark forces, hidden identity, ultimate redemption. It’s the greatest story ever told.

  2. Letting worship stir the same wonder
    I realised the goosebumps I got during certain scenes in movies, I could feel that same awe in worship. And it wasn’t pretend. It was real.

  3. Talking to God about my longings
    I told Him the truth: “God, I wish my life had more wonder. I wish I had something to fight for.” And slowly, He started showing me. I do.

 

The Truth: We’re Already Living in the Greatest Story

I still love fantasy. But now, I see it differently.

Fantasy is beautiful because it reminds us that there must be more. That evil won’t win. That love is stronger than death. That the weak can be chosen. That we can belong.

Those truths aren’t fiction.

They’re faith.

And if you’ve been aching after fantasy, just know:
You’re not crazy.
You’re not too emotional.
You’re not being childish.

Your soul just remembers where it came from.
And it’s reaching for home.

 

 

FAQs

Q: Is fantasy okay for Christians?

A: Yes, fantasy can be okay for Christians when approached with discernment and a grounded faith. Stories like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings were written by Christians and are full of biblical truth, sacrifice, and redemption. Fantasy often reflects deeper spiritual realities, helping us understand courage, evil, identity, and hope in ways that feel tangible and emotionally resonant.

That said, not all fantasy is spiritually healthy. Some stories glorify darkness, rebellion, or spiritual confusion, so it’s important to ask, “Is this feeding my faith or numbing it?” If the story stirs up wonder, longing, or moral clarity, it can point your heart toward the Kingdom. But if it leads to obsession, escapism, or spiritual compromise, it may be time to step back and ask God for wisdom.

Q: Why am I so emotional after watching a movie?

A: Feeling emotional after a movie is completely normal and even meaningful. Movies tap into the deep parts of our hearts: our longings, losses, dreams, and fears. When a story mirrors something you’ve been through (or wish you could experience), it can unlock real, raw feelings that you didn’t even realise were sitting quietly inside.

God designed us with tender hearts and rich imaginations so when a film brushes against our core desires for love, purpose, or belonging, it’s natural to feel a wave of emotion. Instead of pushing it away, try asking: “What is this feeling trying to tell me?” Often, God uses stories to stir something deeper in us: a hunger for more than this world can give.

Q: Can fantasy actually help grow my faith?

A: Yes, fantasy can actually deepen your faith when it points your heart toward truth. Many fantasy stories reflect powerful biblical themes: good vs evil, chosen identity, sacrificial love, and the hope of a coming kingdom. When you engage with these stories through a spiritual lens, they can stir up wonder, courage, and longing for something greater; all of which God can use to draw you closer to Him.

Fantasy doesn’t have to be an escape; it can be a mirror. The ache you feel for magical worlds or heroic journeys might actually be your soul remembering that you were made for more. For a real Kingdom, a real battle, and a real Savior. When used well, fantasy can awaken your spirit and remind you of the greatest story ever told: the gospel.


Relevant Reads

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💬 Let's Talk

Have you ever experienced fantasy withdrawal too? What movies have stirred something deep in you? Comment below or message me - I’d love to hear your story.

And if this post blessed you, share it with a fellow fantasy lover who’s looking for more than just another story.

You might just help them find their way back to The Story.

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