Though the fantasy genre can infuse magic and legend into any era, medieval times are particularly ᴀssociated 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 тιтles 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 тιтles 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 тιтles, as many of these works have become iconic crossover hits.

9

The Green Knight (2021)

Directed by David Lowery

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.

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.

8

Willow (1988)

Directed by Ron Howard

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​​​​​​.

7

The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982)

Directed by Albert Pyun

It’s not hard to see how a movie тιтled 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.

6

Dragonheart (1996)

Directed by Rob Cohen

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 ᴀssociated 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.

5

Army Of Darkness (1992)

Directed by Sam Raimi

After the success of the Evil ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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 unᴅᴇᴀᴅ, 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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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.

4

The Princess Bride (1987)

Directed by Rob Reiner

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.

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.

3

The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)

Directed by William Keighley & Michael Curtiz

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.

2

Ladyhawke (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

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.

1

Excalibur (1981)

Directed by John Boorman

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.