Ridley Scott’s Legend Is a Perfect Princess Bride Replacement

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Many consider The Princess Bride to be a true classic, and the recent passing of its director, Rob Reiner, is a great loss. The film brilliantly combined comedy and fantasy, staying remarkably true to William Goldman’s original 1973 novel. It arrived during a surge in fantasy films in the 1980s, alongside hits like The NeverEnding Story, Conan the Barbarian, and Willow. However, one often overlooked gem from that era is a film that pushed director Ridley Scott (known for Alien and Blade Runner) into new territory. While older movie fans may remember 1985’s Legend, those discovering The Princess Bride today might enjoy Scott’s unique venture into fantasy.

Released in 1985, two years before The Princess Bride, Legend marked an early leading role for Tom Cruise and director Ridley Scott’s follow-up to Blade Runner. Despite its ambitious scope, the film wasn’t successful when it first came out, earning only $16.8 million at the box office against a $24 million budget. Critics, including Roger Ebert, were largely unimpressed, with Ebert calling it “too gloomy” and giving it a lukewarm two-star review. However, Legend has since gained a dedicated fanbase and is now considered a classic of 1980s fantasy cinema.

Legend’s Dark Themes Make it a Perfect Contrasting Film to Double Feature with The Princess Bride

It might not seem obvious, but the lighthearted comedy The Princess Bride and the darker fantasy film Legend actually work really well together, especially if you watch them one after the other. The change in tone – from the playful humor of The Princess Bride to the detailed world-building of Legend – feels refreshing and shows the range of fantasy films made during that era.

The films consistently subvert expectations, presenting characters and creatures that evoke reactions opposite to what you might anticipate. While the supporting cast is a charming and unexpected group, Tom Cruise’s character, Jack, is a solitary hero focused on completing his missions. Despite these differences, all the main characters share a common trait: they are all on a quest to save those in need, embodying the classic fantasy hero’s journey.

Both The Princess Bride and Legend are filled with imaginative creatures, ranging from the funny – like the R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size) and Shrieking Eels – to the truly frightening, such as the witch Meg Mucklebones. Each film also boasts a memorable villain, though they are very different: the Six-Fingered Man and the Lord of Darkness are brilliantly portrayed.

The Princess Bride Is a Spoof of Films Like Legend

Watching these films one after another really highlights the kind of story William Goldman brilliantly spoofed in The Princess Bride. While both movies share common ground with typical fantasy films, Legend establishes many of the genre’s familiar elements, then playfully subverts them.

While The Princess Bride playfully mocks classic adventure stories like Excalibur, and Legend leans more into the fantasy and magic of films like The Lord of the Rings, Dragonslayer, and Krull, it’s always fun to see a familiar story reimagined as a parody. It’s similar to enjoying a serious Western like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and then watching Mel Brooks’ hilarious take on the genre with Blazing Saddles.

Parody movies from the 1970s and 80s were generally considered superior to those made today. It’s hard to imagine that older films could be funnier or more inventive than recent spoofs like Superhero Movie or A Haunted House, but those newer movies lack the depth and lasting appeal of classics. The high rating of The Princess Bride on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t a coincidence – it’s a testament to the quality of parody done well.

Don’t be discouraged by the 43% score for Legend. While Ridley Scott is more known for science fiction, Legend was still recognized by the Academy Awards (nominated for Best Makeup) and has gained a dedicated following over the years – and for good reason.

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2025-12-21 03:36