Though the fantasy genre 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 that audiences might find themselves revisiting them time and again.
This works out since many of these titles are fantasy 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.
You are watching: 9 Medieval Fantasy Movies That Will Keep You Hooked From The Start
9
The Green Knight (2021)
Directed by David Lowery
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The Green Knight
R
Adventure
Drama
Fantasy
8/10
7/10
Release Date
July 30, 2021
Runtime
125 minutes
Cast
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-
Dev Patel
-
Emilie Hetland
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Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, The Green Knight is 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.
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Though The Green Knight wasn’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 Knight isn’t a typical fantasy story, as it takes the tropes that earlier additions to the genre originated and subverts them. While this makes The Green Knight unlike anything most fantasy fans have ever seen, this is what sets it apart and will allow it to age well.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
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The Green Knight (2021) |
89% |
50% |
8
Willow (1988)
Directed by Ron Howard
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Willow
PG
Fantasy
Adventure
Drama
Romance
Action
8/10
Release Date
May 20, 1988
Runtime
126 minutes
Cast
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-
Jean Marsh
-
Val Kilmer
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The cult classic fantasy movie Willow stars Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer as Willow and Madmartigan, the unlikely heroes who end up saving the kingdom in Willow. Eventually, Willow received a TV reboot in 2022, and though it only ran for one season, this demonstrates the reputation and legacy of Willow within 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, Willow is 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 with Willow and shows a skilled grasp of the balance of visual effects and storytelling within the film. Though it’s undeniable that Willow was 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 of Willow.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Willow (1988) |
52% |
80% |
7
The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982)
Directed by Albert Pyun
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The Sword and The Sorcerer
R
Fantasy
Action
Adventure
Horror
6.7/10
Release Date
April 1, 1982
Runtime
100 Minutes
Cast
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-
Lee Horsley
Talon
-
Kathleen Beller
Alana
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It’s not hard to see how a movie titled The Sword and the Sorcerer would be a vital part of the sword and sorcery genre. More action-oriented than some fantasy films, The Sword and the Sorcerer was 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 that The Sword and the Sorcerer doesn’t tread before the end of the narrative.
The Sword and the Sorcerer is a fantasy 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 that The Sword and the Sorcerer doesn’t offer quite as much in terms of emotional nuance and character development, but this is because the 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.
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See more : 10 Lesser-Known Jennifer Aniston Rom-Coms You May Have Missed The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982) |
67% |
45% |
6
Dragonheart (1996)
Directed by Rob Cohen
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Dragonheart
PG-13
Fantasy
Adventure
Action
8.5/10
Release Date
May 31, 1996
Director
Rob Cohen
Cast
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-
Dennis Quaid
-
Sean Connery
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By today’s standards, the visual effects in Dragonheart might 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 throughout Dragonheart, 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.
Dragonslayer adheres 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, Dragonheart overwhelmingly 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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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Dragonheart (1996) |
50% |
60% |
5
Army Of Darkness (1992)
Directed by Sam Raimi
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Army of Darkness
R
Horror
Comedy
Action
Fantasy
8/10
9/10
Release Date
February 19, 1993
Runtime
81 minutes
Cast
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-
Bruce Campbell
-
Ian Abercrombie
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After the success of the Evil Dead movies, Sam Raimi returned with Army of Darkness, the 1992 horror comedy that 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 Darkness takes 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 Darkness isn’t as dark and despairing as the first two Evil Dead movies. 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 throughout Army of Darkness.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Army of Darkness (1992) |
68% |
87% |
4
The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
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The Princess Bride
PG
Fantasy
Family
Adventure
10/10
12
9.3/10
Release Date
October 9, 1987
Runtime
98 minutes
Cast
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-
Mandy Patinkin
-
Chris Sarandon
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It’s been decades since The Princess Bride first 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 Bride can’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 Bride would still be good, but thankfully, it’s great.
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The Princess Bride balances 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 how The Princess Bride has maintained such a strong legacy, connecting with audiences of every generation. Additionally, The Princess Bride uses its medieval setting to the fullest extent, juxtaposing its more contemporary jokes and references with the ancient style and atmosphere.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
3
The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)
Directed by William Keighley & Michael Curtiz
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The Adventures of Robin Hood
PG
Adventure
Romance
History
Release Date
May 13, 1938
Runtime
102 Minutes
Cast
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-
Errol Flynn
Robin Hood
-
Olivia de Havilland
Maid Marian
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Basil Rathbone
Sir Guy of Gisbourne
-
Claude Rains
Prince John
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There have been many takes on the timeless tales of Robin Hood. However, it’s widely accepted that the 1938 The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn, is the definitive version. Unlike many modern takes on the story, The Adventures of Robin Hood brings 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 Hood doesn’t shy away from the intense stakes and commentary inherent to the Robin Hood legend, 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 of Robin Hood would exist without the groundbreaking work of the cast and filmmakers behind The Adventures of Robin Hood.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
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|
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) |
100% |
89% |
2
Ladyhawke (1985)
Directed by Richard Donner
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Ladyhawke
PG-13
Adventure
Comedy
Drama
12
9.2/10
Release Date
April 12, 1985
Runtime
121 Minutes
Cast
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-
Matthew Broderick
-
Rutger Hauer
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Ladyhawke is an underrated 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, Ladyhawke features all the hallmarks of an enduring fantasy project. Set in medieval Italy, Ladyhawke was filmed on location and is elevated by the gorgeous ancient castles and rolling hills of the countryside.
It’s Broderick’s charming performance as the reluctant hero, Phillipe, that first grabs the audience and sucks them into the world of Ladyhawke.
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 of Ladyhawke. 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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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Ladyhawke (1985) |
67% |
74% |
1
Excalibur (1981)
Directed by John Boorman
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Excalibur
R
Adventure
Fantasy
10/10
Release Date
April 10, 1981
Runtime
141 Minutes
Cast
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-
Nigel Terry
-
Helen Mirren
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The gorgeous medieval world crafted by John Boorman in the 1981 Excalibur has inspired generations of fantasy filmmakers, and it’s easy to see why. Tackling the sweeping legend of King Arthur, Excalibur stars 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, Excalibur has some dated elements, but it overwhelmingly holds up.
The look and feel of Excalibur is what immediately sets it apart, immersing the viewer into the fantasy universe that appears as if it exists outside of time. This is a large part of the appeal of Excalibur, as it’s an ambitious project that sometimes staggers under the weight of its story. However, Excalibur demonstrates 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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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
See more : Garden Rescue Season 8 Episode 30 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When is it Coming Out? Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Excalibur (1981) |
72% |
80% |
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Category: Entertainment