“Dungeons & Dragons” is a classic role-playing video game that has spawned several adaptations in film and television. “Dragons & Dungeons: Honor Among Thieves” is the newest film in this subgenre. It tells the tale of a beguiling pickpocket and a team of heroes who embark on a mission to reclaim a long-lost artifact. These films, both old and new, will whisk you away to a fantastical realm of knights, wizardry, dragons, and never-ending adventure. Sharpen your blade and come along as we list some of the finest flicks similar to “Dragons & Dungeons: Honor Among Thieves.”
Spoilers Ahead
Beowulf (2007)
This Robert Zemeckis masterpiece chronicles the exploits of Beowulf, a mythical warrior, as he fights the monster Grendel as well as his golden mother. In the opening scene, the monster Grendel has besieged the Danish realm, terrorizing the citizens and killing anybody who dares to approach the Mead Chamber. To deal with the threat, the monarch calls in the famous brawler Beowulf for assistance. Beowulf and the other Danes decide to rise to the quest and embark on a journey to battle Grendel. Beowulf and Grendel engage in a bloody struggle, with the latter being finally defeated when Beowulf rips off the creature’s hand. The triumph, unfortunately, is brief since Grendel’s mother plots to avenge her son’s murder.
“Beowulf” is hands-down one of the best-looking movies ever made, with motion capture technology making the characters and the setting seem highly realistic. The film’s animation technique lends it a rough, raw feeling that echoes the source material. The filmmakers did a fantastic job of depicting the epic scale of the plot, as well as the combat sequences that are thrilling and expertly executed.
Warcraft (2016)
The 2016 Duncan Jones-helmed epic film, “Warcraft” is an adaptation of the best-selling videogame series. The movie packs an explosive ensemble, including the likes of Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Clancy Brown, and more.
The film takes place in the fictional land of Azeroth, where humanity is under attack by Orcs who have fled their decaying home planet. The Orcs, under the leadership of the great magician Gul’dan, want to overrun Azeroth and make it habitable. King Wrynn, with his faithful soldier, Lothar, has been tasked with defending the mortal homeland from an Orc invasion. The plot chronicles both the Orcs’ war with the mortals and the Orcs’ quest for control within their own forces. Durotan, an Orcish war chief, disagrees with his commander’s idea to use Azeroth’s vitality to fuel the Orcs’ enchantment. On the other side of the fight, hybrid Garona is divided between her allegiance to the Orcs and her compassion for the mortals.
Willow (1988)
Released in 1988, “Willow” is the brain-child of both George Lucas and Ron Howard and features the acting talents of Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh, and Joanne Whalley.
Set in a mystical realm of knights and witchcraft, the storyline follows the wicked Queen Bavmorda as she seizes the throne of the country and sets out to destroy the prophecy that foretells her Doom. She orders her legions of warriors and feral creatures to look for a newborn, who is said to be her downfall. Willow, a peasant and would-be wizard comes upon the infant and decides to bear responsibility for his care. As Willow makes his way through the magical woodland, he faces up against odd and fascinating monsters and the henchmen of the evil queen, who are hard on his track.
The film has a stellar cast, gorgeous cinematography, and exciting combat scenes. The outfits and cosmetics are particularly noteworthy, and coupled with the special effects, they help to create a realm that is both rich and engrossing.
Excalibur (1981)
Featuring the likes of Helen Mirren, Nigel Terry, and Nicol Williamson, “Excalibur” is a highly-successful film helmed by John Boorman.
The plot unravels with Uther Pendragon seizing Excalibur, a legendary blade, from the hands of the evil witch Morgana. Uther uses the blade to prevail over his foes and emerge as king; however, his reign is cut tragically short when he is mortally injured. Uther sinks the blade into a rock in his final moments, prophesying that the one true ruler of the nation will one day pull it out. After many decades, Arthur finally frees the mighty blade from the rock and becomes king, thereby completing the prophecy. After uniting England’s several provinces, Arthur forms the Knights of the Round Table, an order comprised of the best and bravest warriors in the nation.
The elements of gallantry, devotion, and suffering explored in the film continue to resound with audiences today. The music, produced by Trevor Jones, is particularly worth mentioning for how well it conveys the movie’s vast scope.
Conan The Barbarian (1982)
“Conan the Barbarian” is a 1982 timeless masterpiece helmed by John Milius and features Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead protagonist.
The film chronicles the exploits of Conan, who is forced to bear witness to the brutal assassination of his guardians and their subsequent sale into servitude. His time as a slave allows him to bulk up and hone his fighting skills. When he is finally released, he vows to seek revenge for the murders of his parents. Throughout his travels, he makes friends with a burglar named Subotai as well as the soldier Valeria. Conan travels to the magical kingdom of Zamora to meet with Thulsa Doom, the head of the serpent sect responsible for the deaths of his guardians. Doom, who is revered as a deity and has potent powers, is at first amazed by Conan’s prowess and invites him to join his sect. Conan, however, is unmoved, and he vows to wipe out Doom as well as his minions.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan is riveting, and the movie’s huge fight sequences and gorgeous scenery just add to the spectacle. The film’s elements of vengeance, loyalty, and fate continue to ring true with modern audiences.