Though thefantasygenre can infuse magic and legend into any era, medieval times are particularly associated with fantastical movies. There’s a misconception that just because a film is set in medieval times, it’s going to be slow and uninteresting, but all these titles prove that idea wrong. Full of exciting magic, thrilling action, and intense emotional journeys, there’s a lot to recommend about all of these medieval fantasy movies. They’re so fun to watch thataudiences might find themselves revisiting them time and again.
This works out since many of these titles arefantasy movies that all fans of the genre have seen. Many fantasy classics belong to the sword and sorcery genre, while others have more subtle fantastical elements that sneak in when the viewer least expects it. Even for audiences who don’t typically find themselves drawn to magical stories or long-ago time periods, there’s something that will intrigue and excite them within these titles, as many of these works have become iconic crossover hits.
Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain,The Green Knightis a dark and sprawling take on one of the Arthurian legends,Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Set in Camelot, Gawain is an unseasoned young knight who takes up the challenge of the supernatural and dangerous Green Knight. From there, he sets off on a terrifying and mythic quest that pushes him to his limits both emotionally and physically, revealing what truly lies within his heart.
ThoughThe Green Knightwasn’t enormously popular when it first premiered in 2021,it’s an underrated masterpiece that is elevated by the unforgettable performance of Patel.The Green Knightisn’t a typical fantasy story, as it takes the tropes that earlier additions to the genre originated and subverts them. While this makesThe Green Knightunlike anything most fantasy fans have ever seen, this is what sets it apart and will allow it to age well.
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The cult classic fantasy movieWillowstars Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer as Willow and Madmartigan, the unlikely heroes who end up saving the kingdom inWillow. Eventually,Willowreceived a TV reboot in 2022, and though it only ran for one season, this demonstrates the reputation and legacy ofWillowwithin the fantasy genre.Following the journey of Willow and Madmartigan in attempting to save a young child and overthrow the evil queen of the land,Willowis a classic adventure story.
Ron Howard, the director, is best known for his blockbusters,which are more rooted in reality. However, he does a great job withWillowand shows a skilled grasp of the balance of visual effects and storytelling within the film. Though it’s undeniable thatWillowwas inspired by the most famous additions to the genre, the heart of the narrative is timeless and gets the viewer excited about fantasy again. As the plot steadily progresses, it’s impossible not to be immersed in the world ofWillow.
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It’s not hard to see how a movie titledThe Sword and the Sorcererwould be a vital part of the sword and sorcery genre.More action-oriented than some fantasy films,The Sword and the Sorcererwas forgotten about for many years. However, it’s always exciting when new audiences rediscover the movie and find joy in its story. Full of revenge, battle, and the manipulation of magic, there’s little ground thatThe Sword and the Sorcererdoesn’t tread before the end of the narrative.
The Sword and the Sorcereris afantasy movie from the 1980s that you probably haven’t seen, but for fans of the genre, it’s a must-watch experience. It’s true thatThe Sword and the Sorcererdoesn’t offer quite as much in terms of emotional nuance and character development, but this is becausethe film is so concerned with being entertaining.For viewers looking to spend a little less than two hours on a glittering adventure, this is the perfect project.
The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)
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By today’s standards, the visual effects inDragonheartmight seem a little dated. However, in 1996, they were revolutionary, elevating the quality and notoriety of the project. Most of the effects budget went into crafting the enormous dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, who serves as the companion of the knight Sir Bowen, played by Dennis Quaid.Though Quaid isn’t typically associated with fantasy, he holds his own throughoutDragonheart,lending emotional depth to the magical story.
The project isn’t meant to break boundaries or reinvent the fantasy genre; it’s meant to be a fun ride that viewers of all ages can enjoy.
Dragonslayeradheres to many classic fantasy tropes, but this doesn’t detract from how fun and engaging it is to watch the movie. The project isn’t meant to break boundaries or reinvent the fantasy genre; it’s meant to be a fun ride that viewers of all ages can enjoy. In this way,Dragonheartoverwhelmingly succeeds, and its skillful use of practical and animated effects was a precursor for later iconic additions to the medieval fantasy genre.
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After the success of theEvil Deadmovies,Sam Raimi returned withArmy of Darkness, the 1992 horror comedythat sees the franchise’s protagonist, Ash (Bruce Campbell), sent back in time. Though Ash is transported to medieval times, this doesn’t change the fact that he spends the majority of the film fighting the undead, even while he’s trying to find a way back to the present. Known for its explosive action and over-the-top style,Army of Darknesstakes these elements and easily translates them to the new setting.
As usual,Ash is unabashedly himself while bringing down the dead and trying to communicate with the people of the past,who don’t know what to make of him. While there’s still plenty of violence and gore,Army of Darknessisn’t as dark and despairing as the first twoEvil Deadmovies. However, this helps set it apart and makes sense, considering the inherent comedy of the time travel situation. It’s fun to see the tropes of the medieval fantasy genre made fresh throughoutArmy of Darkness.
Army of Darkness (1992)
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It’s been decades sinceThe Princess Bridefirst came out, but this hasn’t diminished the love that so many audiences still have for the film.Based on the hilarious fantasy novel by William Goldman,The Princess Bridecan’t be defined by just one genre, as it’s a comedy, romance, adventure, and magical thrill-ride from beginning to end. Without the stellar work from the star-studded cast who intimately understand the nuance of the story’s tone,The Princess Bridewould still be good, but thankfully, it’s great.
The Princess Bridebalances the sentimental side of the story with the sharp satirical sensibilities that define the film’s humor with ease. It’s no easy task to make a movie both moving and hilarious, and this is howThe Princess Bridehas maintained such a strong legacy, connecting with audiences of every generation. Additionally,The Princess Brideuses its medieval setting to the fullest extent, juxtaposing its more contemporary jokes and referenceswith the ancient style and atmosphere.
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There have been many takes on the timeless tales ofRobin Hood. However, it’s widely accepted thatthe 1938The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn, is the definitive version.Unlike many modern takes on the story,The Adventures of Robin Hoodbrings a riot of color and laughter in its medieval setting, creating drama and intrigue through its narrative and performance. Flynn is joined by Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian and Basil Rathbone as Guy of Gisbourne, and witnessing the epic sword fight between Robin and Gisbourne is not something audiences will soon forget.
The Adventures of Robin Hooddoesn’t shy away from the intense stakes and commentary inherent to theRobin Hoodlegend, but it also isn’t afraid to have fun with the story.There’s a thrilling joy that makes every moment of the movie impossible to look away from,even when we know that Robin will win the day. It’s safe to say that no modern iteration ofRobin Hoodwould exist without the groundbreaking work of the cast and filmmakers behindThe Adventures of Robin Hood.
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Ladyhawkeis anunderrated classic fantasy movie that deserves more love, as it stands out in terms of story, performance, and visual appeal. A tale of forbidden love, conquering evil, and doing what’s right for the sake of others,Ladyhawkefeatures all the hallmarks of an enduring fantasy project. Set in medieval Italy,Ladyhawkewas filmed on location and is elevated by the gorgeous ancient castles and rolling hillsof the countryside.
It’s Broderick’s charming performance as the reluctant hero, Phillipe, that first grabs the audience and sucks them into the world ofLadyhawke.
Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick, and Rutger Hauer lead the cast, with Pfeiffer and Hauer playing the star-crossed lovers torn apart by malicious magic. However, it’s Broderick’s charming performance as the reluctant hero, Phillipe, that first grabs the audience and sucks them into the world ofLadyhawke. Throughout Phillipe, we learn about the secrets of the story and come to care deeply about the other characters, feeling all the more thrilled when Phillipe decides to put his life on the line.
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The gorgeous medieval world crafted by John Boorman in the 1981Excaliburhas inspired generationsof fantasy filmmakers, and it’s easy to see why. Tackling the sweeping legend of King Arthur,Excaliburstars Nigel Terry as the mythic monarch, chronicling his life from his conception to his eventual downfall and the end of Camelot. Featuring a terrifying performance from Helen Mirren as Morgan le Fay,Excaliburhas some dated elements, but it overwhelmingly holds up.
The look and feel ofExcaliburis what immediately sets it apart, immersing the viewer into thefantasyuniverse that appears as if it exists outside of time. This is a large part of the appeal ofExcalibur, as it’s an ambitious project that sometimes staggers under the weight of its story. However,Excaliburdemonstrates what audiences and critics love most about the genre, as it transports us to a world we can only dream of, telling the stories of magical beings with emotional realism.
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