16 best King Arthur shows and movies you should watch, ranked

As a lifelong connoisseur of all things Arthurian, I must say that each of these films presents a unique and captivating take on the legendary tale. However, if I were to choose my favorite, I’d have to go with John Boorman’s masterpiece, “Excalibur.

The world of Arthurian lore is packed with great adventures, high drama. love, lust, betrayal, battles and conniving magic users. Camelot was born from pagan myths turned into chivalric romance, and its archetypes run deep and ancient. It is no surprise that filmmakers have long interested in the story of King Arthur, with varying results. The following list of 16 Arthurian-themed film and TV projects ranks the best of those ambitious cinematic efforts.

16) First Knight (1995)

In the scorching summer of 1995, Columbia Pictures debuted “First Knight,” a film directed by Jerry Zucker. This Arthurian romance, set against the backdrop of chivalry, boasted an impressive cast that included Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Julia Ormond, and Ben Cross. What sets “First Knight” apart from other Arthurian projects is its decision to forgo magical elements. Instead, it draws inspiration from the early works of 12th-century French poet Chretien de Troyes, who wrote extensively about King Arthur.

From a gamer’s perspective, I found myself disappointed with the narrative of “First Knight.” While the love triangle between Lancelot, Arthur, and Guinevere was intriguing, the portrayal of Lancelot fell flat for me. Richard Gere did an excellent job in his role as a smooth-talking charmer, but transforming Lancelot into such a questionable character felt out of sync with the original character’s values.

The movie “First Knight” was generally well-received and did well financially, yet critics frequently expressed disappointment over its adaptation of its traditional storyline. Notably, film critic Roger Ebert lamented that “First Knight” premiered during the same period as two other historically accurate films, “Rob Roy” and “Braveheart“, which overshadowed it due to their superior quality. In his review, Ebert stated, “Although the film is enjoyable in its own right and Sean Connery excels as King Arthur, when compared to previous productions, this one appears shallow and unconvincing.

15) King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword heaps mountains of contemporary action onto an ancient story — and erases much of what made it a timeless tale in its original form.

Similar to many Arthurian adaptations on this list, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword boasted several strong points. With a budget of 175 million dollars provided by Warner Bros., it assembled an impressive cast consisting of Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana, and Aiden Gillen. Despite these advantages, the film itself is a fast-paced whirlwind of action combined with a modern feel that can be harsh at times. Neither the audience nor the underdeveloped characters are given the chance to pause and catch their breath.

Warner Bros. had envisioned that the costly Arthurian movie, titled “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” would kickstart a sequence of six films. Regrettably, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” flopped at the box office, dashing their lofty aspirations. Directed by Guy Richie and sprinkled with clever wit and sharp humor, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” is an enjoyable watch if you’re okay with a style-dominant narrative.

14) Lancelot and Guinevere (The Sword of Lancelot) (1963)

One of the significant ways that old Hollywood influenced the legend of King Arthur is through the movie “Lancelot and Guinevere.” This film, directed by Cornel Wilde, amplifies the tragic aspects of the story, making it perfect for an epic melodrama. The narrative revolves around the illicit love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere, which ultimately leads to Arthur’s betrayal. The movie carries a melancholic, somber atmosphere while maintaining the vibrant, lively feel characteristic of films produced during this era.

Regardless of whether one admires or criticizes the film Lancelot and Guinevere, a significant portion of its merits and flaws can be attributed to Cornel Wilde, who not only played Lancelot but also co-produced, co-wrote, and directed it. He also cast his then-actress wife, Jean Wallace, as Guinevere and enlisted other acting greats like Brian Aherne and George Baker for the roles. While it can sometimes be tricky when actors become directors, Wilde effectively maintained the momentum of the story and delved deeply into the tragic romance of Camelot.

Before it was common, Lancelot and Guinevere strives to portray a grim and sorrowful interpretation of the King Arthur legend, with an emphasis on violence and war spectacle. Despite some limitations in dialogue quality and directorial inexperience, the film successfully presents a compelling Arthurian journey overall.

13) The Winter King (2023)

Despite being an Arthurian show based on Bernard Cornwell’s beloved book series “The Warlord Chronicles,” MGM+’s “The Winter King” didn’t reach a higher spot on the list, likely due to its short-lived run of just one season. Fans of historical fiction are fond of Cornwell, as he also penned “The Saxon Stories,” which served as the foundation for the critically acclaimed and successful Netflix series “The Last Kingdom.” Regrettably, “The Winter King” fell flat and was ultimately canceled.

As a gaming enthusiast who appreciates a good medieval tale, I must admit that “The Winter King” isn’t all bad. It caters well to Arthurian fans, with its intense battle sequences, mystical pagans, and power struggles. However, despite these elements, it falls short of delivering the depth and quality that “The Last Kingdom” offers.

In what areas did the retelling of “The Winter King” fall short? Though contemporary adaptations of classic tales can be both captivating and thrilling, there’s always a risk for those reimagining them. Legends as ancient and revised as Arthurian mythology are unique, with individual stories interwoven and constantly evolving through oral tradition before being written down at a later time. However, the core themes of these tales carry immense power, and it’s perilous for an adapter to introduce too many new elements without ensuring they’re equally potent.

12) King Arthur (2004)

Exploring the historical speculation that the basis for the King Arthur tale could have been a Roman cavalry officer residing in Britain, King Arthur takes this concept and embarks on an exciting journey. With Jerry Bruckheimer as producer and Antoine Fuqua at the helm, anticipation was high that this ancient legend would become a modern hit, blending swords, sorcery, and action. However, sometimes plans don’t go as intended.

Touchstone Pictures skillfully gathered an impressive lineup. Alongside Fuqua, Bruckheimer brought on board renowned composer Hans Zimmer for the music. They also managed to secure the talents of Clive Owen, Keira Knightly, Mads Mikkelsen, Joel Edgerton, Stellan Skarsgard, Stephen Dillaine, and Ray Winstone for the cast. However, in a puzzling move, screenwriter David Franzoni chose to discard approximately 90% of the conventional Arthur tale and instead opted for an unconventional, creative writing approach that seemed disjointed.

Through an intense marketing strategy, captivating action scenes suitable for cinemas, and impressive performances from its cast, the film ‘King Arthur’ managed to generate revenue at the box office. However, it received criticism from most critics who either heavily criticized or rated it as average. A.O. Scott of the New York Times described it as a “rough, brooding B-movie, shrouded in dense fog and battlefield smog, filled with childish pomposity and swelling music … The fight scenes, despite being lively and brutal, are no more comprehensible than the plot.” Some might find this review too harsh, as ‘King Arthur’ remains generally enjoyable for viewers who don’t overthink it.

11) The Mists of Avalon (2001)

Celebrating Female Strength! The two-part TV miniseries titled The Mists of Avalon, aired on TNT, reimagines the story of King Arthur from a female perspective. Filled with breathtaking landscapes, sets, and costumes, the predominantly female cast navigates the narrative, which includes magical elements, conflict, and forbidden relationships, as the impending fall of Camelot unfolds in the backdrop.

Drawing inspiration from Marion Zimmer-Bradley’s 1983 bestselling novel, “The Mists of Avalon”, the series boasts a stellar cast, including Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, Joan Allen, and Samantha Mathis. However, the miniseries takes some time to gain momentum compared to the novel. Unlike its source material, the production sometimes falters under the burden of its ambitious epic intentions. Despite its talented ensemble and compelling narrative, “The Mists of Avalon” is marred by a slow pace and a muddled portrayal of intricate storylines.

The Mists of Avalon” is an engaging television miniseries, not exceptionally brilliant, but its distinctive female viewpoint on the Arthurian legend is a remarkable innovation. The intricate and conflicted characters of Morgan le Fay, Guinevere, Igraine, Morgause, Viviane, among others, drive most of the drama as the narrative delves into the power and danger inherent in their positions at Camelot, their connections with the more renowned male figures, and finally Morgan le Fay’s struggle to preserve her pagan Celtic customs against the unstoppable progression of Christianity.

10) Lancelot of the Lake or Lancelot du Lac (1974)

At some point or another, a contemporary storyteller of Arthurian tales finds themselves drawn towards an artistic interpretation. One such instance is the film “Lancelot of the Lake,” which carries a distinctly French minimalist ambiance, directed by the acclaimed Robert Bresson. This movie offers a unique, austere perspective on the typically passionate and noble themes found in Arthurian tales. The narrative delves into Lancelot’s deep internal struggle, stemming from his clandestine love affair with Guinevere and his act of betrayal against Arthur. Be cautious not to expect Bresson’s characters to be models of virtue; they are all cunning deceivers and thieves in this portrayal.

To strip his actors of any theatrical performance and create a raw, authentic feel, Bresson chose untrained amateurs for all roles, subjecting them to numerous takes until they shed any hint of acting. He also aimed to eliminate any fantastical elements in the narrative, keeping the story grounded with occasional depictions of violence that were intense and graphic. The film might feature uneven camera work, including abrupt close-ups, intentional disorientation scenes, and other jarring techniques intended to challenge viewers.

Lancelot of the Lake might not appeal to everyone, but for those it resonates with, it certainly offers fresh perspectives in storytelling. Interestingly, this film boasts a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has influenced director David Lowrey’s work, particularly The Green Knight. If you’re craving something different or tired of the usual cinematic offerings, consider giving Bresson’s enigmatic, captivating, and somewhat unrefined film a try.

9) Tristan and Isolde (2006)

The classic tale of love between Tristan and Isolde (sometimes spelled Iseult), known as the medieval chivalric romance “Tristan and Isolde,” is actually one of the newer additions to the intricate tapestry of Arthurian legend. Emerging from Celtic mythology, the story of Tristan and Isolde gradually intertwined with the evolving tales of King Arthur during the 13th century, eventually leading to Tristan being recognized as a Knight of the Round Table.

2006’s movie “Tristan and Isolde,” helmed by Kevin Reynolds and produced by Ridley Scott, features James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, and Henry Cavill in its star-studded cast. This film was the last production of Franchise Pictures before their eventual bankruptcy. “Tristan and Isolde” is a graceful, sorrowful retelling set within the Arthurian world, offering an engaging plotline and heartfelt portrayals from its principal actors.

Similar to numerous Arthurian-inspired movies, responses to the film Tristan and Isolde were mixed among critics. The primary concerns pointed out that the talented individuals behind the production played it too cautiously. Critic Manhola Dargis from The New York Times described the movie as providing “some rather tame fighting scenes and some quite modest love sequences” and stated that it “meets its expectations, neither more nor less.” However, this gentle portrayal of the Tristan and Isolde tale stands out due to its departure from contemporary trends of excessive violence and explicit content.

8) Wizards: Tales of Arcadia (2020)

Wherever director Guillermo del Toro goes, live-action or animated, awesomeness must follow. As the creator of much lauded, weird and fantastical cinematic jaunts including Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy and The Shape of Water, del Toro tackles the venerable Arthurian legend with gusto, designing the Tales of Arcadia trilogy with Wizards as the third and final installment, appearing after Trollhunters and 3Below.

In a novel twist, Guillermo del Toro unveils an Arthurian figure named Hisirdoux “Douxie” Casperan, a former apprentice of Merlin’s who resurfaces with a burning desire to demonstrate his magical prowess to the old sorcerer. This series boasts an impressive voice cast including Colin O’Donoghue, David Bradley, Lena Heady, Alfred Molina, Steven Yeun, Kelsey Grammar and Emile Hirsch among others. Despite some violent scenes, it is suitable for younger audiences.

Nearly every critic showered praise on the Tales of Arcadia series for its pioneering animation and compelling narrative, demonstrated by its perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show Wizards was recognized with the 2021 Kidscreen Award for “Best New Series” and received four Emmy nominations. Critics from Entertainment Voice, led by Alci Rengifo, commented that “Guillermo Del Toro intends for everyone, including adults, to gain something from Wizards: Tales of Arcadia. This makes it a journey worth embarking on, much like any captivating fairy tale.

7) Merlin (2008-2012)

In some instances, Merlin might be underestimated or portrayed in a simplified manner, especially when he’s a secondary character and the story mainly revolves around Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Mordred, and Morgan le Fay. However, this is not the case with the outstanding BBC fantasy-adventure series, Merlin, which centers on the bond between Merlin and Arthur during their youthful years. While it’s true that making Merlin a young man deviates from the original legend, the clever writing decisions made by the creative team make this fresh take highly rewarding.

The TV series ‘Merlin’ boasts the knowledge and skills of Russell T. Davies, who was the head writer for ‘Doctor Who’, breathtaking settings in Wales and France, as well as the budding talents of actors like Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby, and Katie McGrath. To add to that, esteemed actor John Hurt lends his voice to portray the mighty Great Dragon.

With its clever, sometimes mysterious storylines and delightful camaraderie among the actors, Merlin proves to be an entertaining spectacle. Despite some rough visual effects (which become more polished as the series progresses) and a touch of a contemporary Beverly Hills 90210 atmosphere, the overall appeal is so endearing that one easily overlooks these shortcomings.

6) Camelot (1967)

Some individuals tend to flee hastily at the mention of a “musical adaptation,” but it seems fitting for the dramatic Arthurian legend. The 1967 film, Camelot, is an on-screen representation of the hit Broadway musical that premiered in 1960 and ran for 837 performances, winning four Tony Awards.

In contrast to the original Broadway production of Camelot, the film adaptation features a different ensemble, despite preserving the music composed by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe. The stars from the stage version – Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, Robert Goulet, and Roddy McDowell – were not carried over to the movie, instead giving way to Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, and David Hemmings. Although this new cast received three Academy Awards for their performance, one can’t help but miss the original Broadway troupe who might have graced the film as well.

According to T.H. White’s acclaimed novel “The Once and Future King,” both the play and movie adaptation of Camelot stick closely to the classic story of King Arthur. Critics found the film version, which was grand in scale and costly, to be a bit of a letdown. Some admired its extravagant sets, music, and acting, while others criticized it as dull (it spans three hours), empty, and visually unimpressive. In the end, Camelot falls short of its full potential but possesses a rich, spirited essence that respects the legend it represents.

5) Knights of the Round Table (1953)

Redefining the statement for easier understanding: MGM’s “Knights of the Round Table,” their most ambitious attempt to portray the Arthurian legend in old Hollywood, is as majestic and sweeping as the story of King Arthur demands. This film, being MGM’s first production filmed in Cinemascope, was touted as having been captured in “stunning color,” which probably refers to the use of Eastman color stock film. The movie presents an outdated rendition of the tale, creating a mythical realm where knights bound by honor display chivalry and nobility, while noblewomen espouse virtues like loyalty, compassion, and purity. However, this idyllic setting also underscores Arthur’s betrayal with a stark brutality that can only be highlighted against such an idealistic backdrop.

Director Richard Thorpe envisioned Camelot in a classic style, needing actors of considerable size to bring his vibrant tapestry of pageantry and majesty to life, and he succeeded: his cast featured prominent stars like Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Mel Ferrer for the film Knights of the Round Table. The movie showcases plenty of jousting sequences, carefully captured and arranged for optimal impact.

In creating its version of King Arthur’s court, the movie “Knights of the Round Table” closely follows Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, yet it leans more towards the romantic and chivalric setting as depicted in the Vulgate Cycle. This medieval cycle was expanded upon by later French authors, who infused it with a strong Christian perspective, brought Lancelot into the story, introduced the quest for the Holy Grail, and developed Merlin’s character further. The film excels as a lively interpretation of the complex love triangle between Lancelot, Guenevere, and Arthur, while both Robert Taylor and Ava Gardner consistently shine with their striking beauty.

4) The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Despite some film enthusiasts viewing animated movies as inferior, films like “The Sword in the Stone” have consistently shown that such prejudice is unfounded. What makes this classic Disney musical comedy a standout? Simply ask anyone who watched it as a child, or even those who watched it at any age, and you’ll quickly find your answer.

Under Walt Disney’s supervision, “The Sword in the Stone” was the final animated film released, a production that occasionally deviates from the traditional Arthurian legend but remains an enjoyable, entertaining journey. Drawing inspiration from T.H. White’s first book in his Arthurian tetralogy titled “The Once and Future King,” this movie gains strength from its strong source material, featuring well-rounded characters, a personal touch, and insightful themes.

Absolutely, “The Sword in the Stone” is an animated adventure tailored for children, yet it stands out as a remarkable demonstration of literature brought vividly to life for the young audience, while preserving enough depth to hold the interest of adults too. Featuring the charming voices of actors like Sebastion Cabot, Karl Swenson, and Martha Wentworth, the narrative is delightful, endearing, and full of humor. It serves as an ideal entry point into the world of Arthurian legends.

3) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Absolutely! Like the timeless classic comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, passed down from one generation to another, continues to amuse audiences with its clever humor and physical comedy that’s seamlessly blended. Its iconic lines such as “It’s just a flesh wound” and “Bring out your dead,” are still enough to make people chuckle in any crowd.

A British comedy group named Monty Python was established in 1969 by members Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, and Terry Jones. Their TV series titled “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” is widely recognized as a pioneering masterpiece, and most of their movie releases such as “Life of Brian“, “The Meaning of Life“, and the collaboration of Gilliam, Palin, and Jones called “Time Bandits” remain amusing to contemporary audiences.

Making a joke out the serious Arthurian universe is a stroke of genius. Everything works, from the ludicrous Knights Who Say “Ni” to the Holy Hand Grenade to nonexistent horses represented by clonking coconuts together (the tiny production budget could not accommodate real horses). If one could sum up the movie in one of its many memorable quotes, the best might be from Michael Palin’s filth-covered peasant “Dennis” confronting the King and saying: “Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.”

2) The Green Knight (2021)

In the realm of contemporary Arthurian tales, diving into David Lowrey’s adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight feels like stepping into a vivid, dreamlike medieval world. The narrative carries you away on a wave of the fantastical, with moments that can be puzzling yet never fail to captivate. Dev Patel breathes life into Sir Gawain, portraying him as a quintessential quest knight – one who is initially ill-equipped and unworthy for such a journey but is pushed by fate and necessity to rise to the challenge.

Typically found in Arthurian legend films like The Green Knight, a remarkable ensemble graces the screen, led by Patel, and featuring Joel Edgerton, Alicia Vikander, Sarita Choudhury, Ralph Ineson, and Sean Harris. Notably, Ralph Ineson, who gave an unforgettable, powerful performance in Robert Eggers’ The Witch, portrays Bertilak de Houtdesert – also known as the Green Knight – with the perfect blend of mystery and intrigue.

In his adaptation, Lowrey generally stays true to the 14th-century story “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” a chivalric poem written in Middle English alliterative verse by an unknown author. However, he delightfully strays from the traditional narrative whenever it suits him to explore new storylines. The original tale’s primary themes – the beheading game and the exchange of winnings – frequently get lost amidst the strange and wonderful elements, but they manage to hold together effectively.

1) Excalibur (1981)

John Boorman’s expansive, medieval fantasy film “Excaliber” is considered the pinnacle of movie adaptations of this tale, despite some uneven and less impactful moments. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Nicol Williamson, Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Ciaran Hinds, and Patrick Stewart. This grand endeavor stylishly showcases silver armor and other aspects of traditional Arthurian legend, drawing heavily from Sir Thomas Malory’s early written account, “Le Morte d’Arthur.

In the opinion of Roger Ebert, Excalibur is consistently ranked among the top King Arthur movies due to being referred to as a “wondrous vision” and a “mess.” The audience can appreciate the peaks and valleys of Boorman’s intricate, extravagant, passionate, and overindulgent portrayal, but the overall experience is that of being enveloped in the magic of its enduring tale.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the richness that ‘Excaliber’ offers. The exquisitely wicked portrayal of Morgana by Helen Mirren stands out as one of the best performances of this character ever, in my opinion. This series doesn’t shy away from highlighting the deeply flawed human players, making it all the more compelling. If you’re someone who believes the legend of Camelot needs to be told with grandeur and flair, then this sometimes pompous yet awe-inspiring and dramatic interpretation should be just what you’re looking for. The opening sequence of fire-lit battles featuring shining knights in ‘Excalibur’ is worth every penny spent on admission alone.

2024-09-29 16:43