Unicorns have captivated audiences for centuries, appearing in mythology, literature, and—of course—cinema. These mystical creatures symbolize purity, magic, dreams, and the unknown, often carrying deep metaphorical meaning in films. Whether they appear as literal magical beings or symbolic elements, unicorns play an intriguing role in storytelling.
In this article, we’ll explore 13 films that feature unicorns, their significance in each story, and what unicorns symbolize in cinema.
What Do Unicorns Symbolize in Film?
Unicorns represent different themes depending on the story and genre. Here are some of their most common symbolic meanings in film:
1. Purity & Innocence
Unicorns are often associated with untouched beauty, goodness, and moral perfection. They symbolize characters who are pure-hearted or untouched by corruption.
2. Magic & Fantasy
As creatures of legend, unicorns embody the supernatural, otherworldly, and limitless imagination. Their presence often signals an entry into a magical world.
3. The Unknown & The Impossible
Unicorns often represent the unreachable, the extraordinary, or a hidden truth—a goal or dream just beyond the protagonist’s grasp.
4. Transformation & Self-Discovery
Many films use unicorns as symbols of growth, change, or hidden potential within a character.
Now, let’s dive into 13 films that feature unicorns and their deeper meanings.
1. Blade Runner (1982)
🎬 Director: Ridley Scott
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Mystery, dreams, and existential questions
In this sci-fi classic, a unicorn appears in a dream sequence experienced by Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford). This seemingly random vision becomes significant when another character, Gaff, leaves behind a small origami unicorn at the end of the film.
📌 What It Means:
- The unicorn may symbolize Deckard’s subconscious realization of his true identity (is he a replicant?).
- It also represents his unattainable dreams and desires, particularly his romance with Rachael.
2. The Last Unicorn (1982)
🎬 Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Innocence, transformation, and self-identity
This animated cult classic follows the journey of a unicorn searching for others of her kind. She transforms into a human, experiences love, and struggles with her fading magical nature.
📌 What It Means:
- Represents self-discovery, identity, and the loss of innocence.
- Explores the contrast between magic and human existence.
3. Legend (1985)
🎬 Director: Ridley Scott
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Purity, goodness, and light versus darkness
In this fantasy epic, unicorns are symbols of pure good and their destruction would bring eternal darkness. When one is killed, the balance between good and evil is threatened.
📌 What It Means:
- Unicorns represent purity and the fragility of innocence.
- Their role in the story reinforces the theme of light vs. darkness.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
🎬 Director: Chris Columbus
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Life force, innocence, and sacrifice
In the Forbidden Forest, Harry Potter witnesses Voldemort drinking the blood of a unicorn to stay alive. The act is depicted as deeply evil because unicorns are pure creatures.
📌 What It Means:
- Drinking unicorn blood grants life but curses the drinker.
- Symbolizes sacrilege and the corruption of innocence.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
🎬 Director: Andrew Adamson
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Nobility, strength, and magic
Unicorns appear briefly as part of Aslan’s army, representing nobility and wisdom.
📌 What It Means:
- Their presence reinforces Narnia’s mythological richness.
- Symbolizes the divine nature of Aslan’s forces.
6. Cabin in the Woods (2012)
🎬 Director: Drew Goddard
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Irony and subversion of fantasy tropes
This horror film features a brutal, bloodthirsty unicorn that impales a victim—a dark twist on the creature’s usual symbolism.
📌 What It Means:
- Subverts the gentle, pure image of unicorns.
- Represents the unpredictability of horror and monster myths.
7. Stardust (2007)
🎬 Director: Matthew Vaughn
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Guidance and protection
A unicorn rescues the protagonist, Yvaine, helping her escape danger.
📌 What It Means:
- Acts as a guardian figure leading heroes to safety.
- Represents the power of magic in fantasy storytelling.
8. The Last Mimzy (2007)
🎬 Director: Robert Shaye
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: The unknown and a bridge to the future
A toy unicorn appears as a mystical object connected to alien intelligence.
📌 What It Means:
- Represents the fusion of science fiction and magic.
- Symbolizes a bridge between worlds and knowledge.
9. My Little Pony: The Movie (2017)
🎬 Director: Jayson Thiessen
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Magic, friendship, and harmony
As a film centered on magical ponies, unicorns play a central role, symbolizing friendship, power, and unity.
📌 What It Means:
- Emphasizes teamwork, kindness, and self-discovery.
10. Unicorn Store (2017)
🎬 Director: Brie Larson
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Imagination, childhood dreams, and personal growth
Brie Larson’s character believes she can buy a unicorn, blending fantasy with real-world struggles.
📌 What It Means:
- Symbolizes holding onto childhood wonder in adulthood.
- Explores themes of self-worth and identity.
11. A Monster Calls (2016)
🎬 Director: J.A. Bayona
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Hope and the power of belief
A unicorn appears as part of a storybook sequence, reflecting themes of grief and acceptance.
📌 What It Means:
- Represents hope in dark times.
- Connects to the child’s perspective of the world.
12. Barbie & The Secret of the Unicorn (2013)
🎬 Director: Terry Klassen
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Magic, destiny, and fairy-tale adventure
A classic Barbie fantasy film featuring unicorns as magical beings.
📌 What It Means:
- Unicorns symbolize innocence and fairy-tale wonder.
13. Unicorn Wars (2022)
🎬 Director: Alberto Vázquez
📖 Unicorn Symbolism: Dark satire and the clash of innocence and war
An animated film that pits cute teddy bears against unicorns in a violent war.
📌 What It Means:
- Unicorns symbolize idealism and innocence destroyed by violence.
- Represents a cynical take on fantasy tropes.
Final Thoughts: Why Unicorns Continue to Inspire Filmmakers
Unicorns have a timeless appeal because they represent hope, dreams, and the power of imagination. Whether used as magical beings or deep metaphors, unicorns add layers of meaning to storytelling.
