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Updated: 11 Jan 2024 8:54 am
Itching for more of the Forgotten Realms?
BY: João Victor S.G.
Dungeons & Dragons has swept through popular culture many times since the tabletop roleplaying game’s inception in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. A near endless source of entertainment, joy, and community for countless people across the world, the freedom to shape your own stories and leave fate into the simple roll of a die is something that has helped define a generation of gamers.
If you’re anything like me (meaning an absolute D&D fanatic, dice goblin, ultra-geek), then you may find this kind of active and collaborative storytelling nearly intoxicating. If that sounds like you, then you’ve probably run into this problem before: how do you continue to kindle the spark of adventure when the session is over?! There are only so many hours in the day!
Well, fret not, O’ adventurer! With decades of rich content to draw inspiration from, it’s no wonder how the Forgotten Realms manage to Plane Shift into the mainstream time and again through books, music, video games, TV shows, and- of course- movies. Scryed here for you are 30 films that feature desperate romances, warring factions, political intrigue, heart wrenching betrayal, epic adventures- and so much more that can be found in a thrilling D&D campaign- right on your screen! Whether you’ve been the Forever DM since 1st Edition, or you just bought your first set of dice for tabletop night at your local game store, if you’ve been hungry for more wit and whimsy these movies will Charm any Person and satisfy your cravings- at least until everyone’s schedules align again, of course.
30. Warcraft (2016)
The Warcraft movie brings many of Azeroth's legendary figures to life, such as Durotan (pictured above), played by Toby Kebbel.
In 2016, Blizzard Entertainment and Legendary Pictures brought us Warcraft, a live-action movie based on the events that take place in its namesake- Blizzard’s hit real-time-strategy series Warcraft. The film literally brings the Warcraft universe’s iconic characters to life, with a heaping helping of action and nostalgia for fans of the franchise, as the displaced Orcs of Draenor seek a new home in Azeroth following the former’s destruction at the hands of fel magics.
One of the main appeals of Dungeons & Dragons is the freedom it grants for players to engage in this kind of high-stakes, all-or-nothing storytelling. Campaigns can range from players resolving small town disputes to vanquishing evil empires. Considering that Blizzard originally intended Warcraft to be a Warhammer title, both new and old fans of the tabletop RPG genre can find much to enjoy in this movie. Ready to step through the Dark Portal?
29. The Gamers: Dorkness Rising (2008)
The characters in Dorkness rising play both their real-life and D&D characters, giving a “ren faire gone wrong” vibe to the flick.
The Gamers: Dorkness Rising Official Trailer
We’ve all had that session. The mystery of the campaign has been unraveled, your characters have grown in strength and influence, the Big Bad Evil Guy stands before you, and then- WHACK! Total. Party. Kill. It happens to the best of us! Well, maybe not the best. The band of bumbling adventurers in Dead Man Productions’ The Gamers: Dorkness Rising take this kind of failure quite hard.
A spiritual successor to The Gamers (2002), Dorkness Rising focuses less on the serious, grounded storytelling that can take place during a game of D&D and more on the humans behind the character sheets and DM screens. Pulling from timeless D&D tropes, you follow a group of close friends determined to beat their module (and by extension their Dungeon Master), but what they may realize in the process is that the most challenging part of D&D may not be destroying the forces of evil, but the forces of social awkwardness and interpersonal drama! What could possibly be more D&D than friends shouting plans and strategy to each other and watching them all fail miserably?
28. Black Death (2010)
Sean Bean portrays the stoicism of a medieval knight quite well!
Directed by Christopher Smith, Black Death is an action-horror movie that stars Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, and Carice Van Houten. Taking place in 1348 Europe, the bubonic plague runs rampant. Death, devastation, and decay loom over the heads of our characters as the sickness threatens every corner of medieval England. In the midst of this time of tragedy, a tale of fleeting hope unfolds that will leave you weeping.
Despite not featuring the high-fantasy elements that many D&D fans are accustomed to, Black Death’s gritty plot evokes some of Wizards of the Coast’s more gravely toned settings- such as the highly popular Curse of Strahd adventure module- in ways that would give even the vampire lord of Castle Ravenloft a run for his gold pieces.
27. The Northman (2022)
The Northman puts the furious grit of Viking-era scandinavia front and center.
Bloodstains speckle muddied snowfall in Robert Egger’s The Northman, a film based on The Legend of Amleth, Prince of Denmark authored around the year 1200 by Danish historian and theologian Saxo Grammaticus. If the name “Amleth'' sounds familiar, that’s because you may have seen it more commonly spelled in your high school English class as "Hamlet" (Yes, even renowned playwrights read fantasy!)
The Northman echoes the themes of its predecessors through a new Amleth, the sole heir of the Scandinavian island of Hrafnsey. His family betrayed and father usurped, Amleth flees the land he was destined to rule- but not before swearing an oath to avenge his father.
If you raised an eyebrow when you read “oath to avenge”, then you might know where I’m going with this one: Amleth is an Oath of Vengeance paladin! Strengthened by his vow to restore himself to his rightful place, Amleth crosses swords, gains righteous power, loves and loses- just like the iconic class fantasy for many paladins in the Forgotten Realms. As a Paladin main myself, Amleth’s exploits in The Northman have definitely given me some new and exciting character ideas.
26. Van Helsing (2004)
Van Helsing (played by Hugh Jackman) cycles through some very elaborate weaponry in order to strike down the monsters he hunts.
This may come as a surprise, but sometimes in a D&D game you have to fight stuff, and boy is there a lot of stuff to fight and ways to fight that stuff. D&D’s roots as a traditional tabletop war game make combat encounters one of the most mechanically complex systems in the game, with a near infinite amount of possible interactions. These interactions can give rise to some absolutely wild scenarios, and (depending on how well you roll) can make players feel like seasoned monster hunters.
Van Helsing’s dynamic pace and thrilling sequences takes this up to eleven. Action Economy be damned- the legendary monster hunter blasts, saws, snipes and steampunks his way through late 19th century Transylvania against some of pop culture’s most iconic monsters: vampires, shapeshifters, and more- this movie is like a crossover episode of all your favorite combat encounters.
25. King Arthur (2004)
King Arthur and his fellow Knights travel on horseback.
A legend retold countless times, the tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have in no small way shaped the cultural and fantastical archetype that is the “knight in shining armor”, one of the most defining features of low and high fantasy stories alike. The movie King Arthur is one of these retellings. Its gallant warriors, battlefields with waving standards, and majestic horse manes blowing in the wind as they gallop to and epic musical score composed by the one and only Hans Zimmer is nothing short of a love letter to the stories and myths that set the foundation for games like Dungeons & Dragons to exist in the first place.
24. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)
Years of battle has tempered Uhtred for the final confrontations he must face in Seven Kings Must Die.
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Official Trailer
Seven Kings Must Die is a Netflix Original movie continuation of the British television series The Last Kingdom, and serves as a conclusion to the events of an epic story of conquest, succession and power. Based on the final two novels of The Saxon Stories, a series by Bernard Cornwell, Seven Kings Must Die follows a stout warrior named Uhtred as he completes the last leg of a long quest for a united England. Machiavellian power plays, backstabbing, plotting and counter plotting ensue as dominant factions struggle for power.
Seasoned D&D players that enjoy long-form campaigns with these elements will find commonality in Uhtred’s struggle to fight for what he believes in, and empathize with his shock, rage, and bewilderment as the machinations of the world at large seem to conspire against him at every step.
23. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Jake Gyllenhall and Gemma Arterton as Dastan and Tamina, respectively.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Official Trailer
Long ago in ancient Persia, a street urchin named Dastan was taken in by King Sharaman after displaying great courage. Fifteen years later, he is framed for the murder of his lord father, and escapes into hiding while in the possession of a powerful weapon with the ability to turn back time itself. Dastan joins forces with unlikely allies in order to clear his name and save his home.
If you’re a fan of action and adventure, then you’ve probably already heard of Sands of Time, whether through watching the movie itself or playing the 2003 Ubisoft title of the same name that it was based on (which Ubisoft recently announced is getting a remake!)
Either way, D&D fans will see a lot of “roguish” charm in the daring Dastan as he infiltrates the weave of time, magical dagger in hand, searching for a solution to his plight in the shifting sands. A young outsider royal in possession of an incredibly potent magical artifact, on the run, blamed for the death of his adoptive father? Now that’s an edgy rogue backstory I can get behind!
22. The Witcher (TV series)
Geralt disarms and corners Renfri, an outcast princess, after the Battle of Blaviken.
The lands of the Continent are under siege. Since an event known as “the Conjunction of the Spheres”, terrible monsters and magics have been unleashed across the world, terrorizing the people throughout the Continent’s many kingdoms. Witchers, magic-infused, monster-slaying warriors trained from childhood, are the only force capable of standing against these new foes that spatter the land, though their mysterious and brutal nature often leads the people that rely on their power for protection to malign them as little more than necessary evils.
Polish fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher series is perhaps one of the most famously adapted pieces of media that has graced nerd culture. Gamers and fantasy geeks alike are all too familiar with the name Geralt of Rivia- the Butcher of Blaviken. With three Witcher titles under CD Projekt Red’s belt, much of Geralt’s character has been explored, but a new interpretation of the White Wolf is brought to life by Henry Cavill in Netflix’s serial TV adaptation of Sapkowski’s stories.
The Witcher is filled with content to excite fans of Dungeons & Dragons. If you’re a Dungeon Master looking for new and exciting monsters for your players to face, why not plop a kikimore in a swamp? If you’re in this for the action, then you’ll be happy to know that The Witcher has some of the most stunningly choreographed sword and sorcery that I have seen in a fantasy title. The Witcher is truly a “must see”.
21. Clash of the Titans (2010)
If there’s anyone capable of playing Zeus, King of the Gods, it is certainly Liam Neeson!
Clash of the Titans Official Trailer
A remake of the 1981 film of the same name, Clash of the Titans asks the question: that monster was pretty big, but what if there were an even bigger monster? As it turns out, there always is!
High above the clouds, the gods of Mount Olympus grow distraught as the city of Argos declares war against their divine creators. Perseus, lost demigod son of Zeus, is the only survivor of Hades’ retaliation against the Argosian mortals taking up arms, and embarks on a journey to prevent the gods from releasing the mighty Kraken- a great beast sealed away deep beneath the ocean. Perseus treks across the lands of ancient Greece and battles infamous creatures from Greek mythology, all while trying to understand who he truly is- and what that could mean for the future of all mortals.
Godly entities and their champions are absolutely littered throughout the Forgotten Realms. Gods, Devils, Demons, Archfey- it’s hard to walk anywhere in Faerûn without tripping over a warlock conducting a seance or something. Some of the oldest stories ever told are of warring creation gods, primordial forces whose clashes shape the very foundation of our world. To face these forces as a mortal being is normally a death sentence. To face them as players… well- the dice can tell their own story.
20. Zero Charisma (2013)
The scene from Zero Charisma above shows confused D&D players- a look that I have seen countless times across many tables.
Zero Charisma Official Trailer
There comes a time in every D&D fan's life where- despite their best efforts- they open up their web browser, make a throwaway Reddit account, and submit a post to r/rpghorrorstories. While a source of fun for many, it is no secret that there can be a lot of emotions present during a D&D game- and sometimes those emotions give rise to intra-table conflict. If the people you play with value and respect one another as people as well as players, these conflicts rarely get out of hand.
Zero Charisma is definitely a case where these conflicts get very out of hand. Dismayed by a player abruptly leaving his campaign, Scott- a temperamental and iron-fisted Dungeon Master who would likely describe his personal hygiene habits as “optional”- seeks a replacement player to fill their spot. He meets Miles, who is the opposite of him in every conceivable metric; financially stable, romantically successful, attractive, and charming, Miles is quickly accepted by Scott’s players, though Scott finds himself stricken with envy at his new player’s instant popularity. The surly Dungeon Master is caught between old ways and new, stumbling over his feet and words the whole way as the pegs of his ego are knocked from below him.
Similarly to Dorkness Rising, this movie is on the sillier side. Like any fandom, D&D enjoyers have more than likely encountered their own “DM/Player from Hell”, if not multiple! It’s cathartic to watch a representation of that person fall from grace and learn their lesson. That is, if you can stomach the cost- secondhand embarrassment.
19. Sucker Punch (2011)
In a word- Sucker Punch’s aesthetics can be described simply as “badass”.
Sucker Punch is a psychological action fantasy film directed by Zack Snyder that can only be described as “theater of the mind, but make it a theater of war!”
Committed to a mental institution by her sadistic stepfather, Babydoll awaits a lobotomy. Throughout the film, Babydoll is transported into several alternate realities featuring the asylum, and teams up with other patients- each a fearsome warrior in these strange worlds.
What is real? What is an illusion? Across war-torn landscapes and battlefields set aflame, Babydoll must find a means of escape from both the asylum and her own mind, lest she and her newfound allies be lost forever.
The myriad settings and the way in which Babydoll traverses them makes me think of a group of players engaging in a series of distinct one-shot D&D sessions. Whether it be grimdark, robots and lasers, or the Great War, this multi-layered nested tale will make your head spin faster than you can say “femme fatale”.
18. Role Models (2008)
Looks like Paul Rudd forgot his LARP outfit at home!
Paul Rudd really is in everything, isn’t he?
Role Models is a comedy that follows Danny and Wheeler, two energy drink salesmen that find themselves stuck in a mentorship program against their will after a caffeine-induced bender causes them to crash their bullheaded truck into a statue at a high school. They learn about and connect with their wards- a loudmouth named Ronnie and the shy LARPer Augie. Danny and Wheeler must overcome their aversion to their mentees, avoid getting sent to the big house, and mend their respective relationships- all while a fierce war rages in the make-believe LARP land of Argotron.
Long time adventurers know better than anyone the kind of power that collaborative storytelling like D&D has to heal real life wounds. Fantasy allows people to stretch timeless human themes to their limit, with just as much personal exploration as there is imaginary exploration. I myself have made lifelong friends through D&D, and it would be no exaggeration to say that playing D&D has saved my life more than once.
Hey, who’s cutting onions?!
17. The Pirates (2014)
The Pirates brings the indicative flair of Korean film and television to the high seas.
Take to the high seas in The Pirates, a South Korean period adventure film directed by Lee Seok-hoon and starring Son Ye-jin as the fearsome pirate captain Yeo-wol and Kim Nam-gil as infamous highwayman Jang Sa-jung.
The establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, is suddenly thwarted by an unexpected assailant- a giant whale. Before the Ming Emperors’ Seal of State can be delivered to Joseon, the great sea beast swallows it whole- along with the convoy that came with it. With a hefty reward promised to whoever can confront the whale and return the seal to its rightful place, the mountain bandit Jang Sa-jung and his crew unfurl their sails in pursuit- but not before coming head to head with Captain Yeo-wol and her pirate crew. Faced with similar goals, a tenuous alliance forms- and a swashbuckling adventure ensues.
Pirates, waving sails and glittering dubloons may not be what immediately pops into mind when someone thinks of D&D, but that just means that they haven’t played a pirate-themed campaign. I mean, the Swashbuckler is literally a rogue subclass- Wizards of the Coast knew exactly what they were doing! If retrieving a royal seal from the belly of a giant whale while fending off enemy pirate crews doesn’t sound like an amazing plot hook to you, then I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe try Spelljammer or something.
16. Pirates of the Caribbean series
Seen here is Captain Jack Sparrow using his Cunning Action feature to Disengage as a Bonus Action over some difficult terrain.
Pirates of the Caribbean Official Trailer
You thought I would mention pirates and forget to mention the pirate movie series? Ha! Think again!
There are few pirates whose names are etched in the annals of history. Fewer pirates still are household names. Captain Jack Sparrow is perhaps one of the most iconic characters in media, and definitely has the Luck feat somewhere on his character sheet. Whether being chased by isolated cannibal tribes, dueling on a broken water wheel as it rolls towards the sea, or defying death itself, the Chaotic Neutral exploits of Black Pearl’s swarthy captain are known to almost every soul in the Caribbean.
With five mainline films in the series, Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann and crew embark on many adventures that shape the fate of the world- each growing in renown as their own destinies are forged, often coming to a head. The Pirates of the Caribbean films are adventure manifest, the fantasy of charming privateers, buried treasure, and ancient blood curses represented and fulfilled in each. D&D aficionados can find a lot of inspiration for their pirate-themed characters- just don’t forget your jar of dirt!
15. Watchmen (2009)
Dr. Manhattan’s god-like abilities in Watchmen make him a key figure in the movie’s plot.
Adapted from the DC comic series by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen is the progenitor of the “superheroes but with realistic consequences” trope that we’ve seen other popular titles like The Boys and Invincible take on. With super-powered vigilantes taking justice and the law into their own hands, a Cold War era United States is beset upon by a killer- one who is targeting these vigilantes.
The story jumps across the perspective of multiple retired superheroes, the Watchmen. As the mystery unfolds, the question of what a “hero” really is and what that entails plagues their minds. The humanity deep within pushes through as their world crumbles around them- powerless even with all the power in the world. Watchmen has been a cult classic as long as it has because of its willingness to answer that question- even if the answer is not one that most people would anticipate.
Characters in a D&D game often amass crazy levels of power and ability throughout their journeys. Depending on how much power that is, DM’s can structure their plots and worlds with a “tier of play” representing the magnitude of influence the player characters may hold in the world. The Watchmen are essentially a retired party of 17th to 20th level characters bringing the band back together to embark on their final adventure- one where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Relatable, yeah?
14. 300 (2006)
Gerard Butler immortalized the character of King Leonidas, an ancient Spartan noble, through his portrayal of him in 300.
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone shout “THIS! IS! SPARTA!” I would have enough money to build a time machine and film the actual Battle of Thermopylae that 300 is based on. Thankfully, the movie is more than enough for me.
Emboldened by the Persian Empire’s King Xerxes demand for fealty, King Leonidas of Sparta gathers three hundred of his strongest soldiers and takes to a narrow pass in Thermopylae. There, against the combined might of the mightiest empire on Earth, they hold off the Persian advance to give time for Sparta to mount a defense. They are battered and beaten, rained on by hails of arrows that blot out the sun, and temper the very limits of their courage to defend their homeland.
Besides the clanging of shields and the chance to experience some nostalgia for one of the internet’s earliest memes, 300 reminds me of the many heated and one-sided battles that I have participated in as a D&D player. Terrible initiative rolls, always on the back foot, attacks that never hit, insurmountable odds- none of that is news to the D&D fan. Sometimes, the most important stories our characters can tell are the ones we never thought they’d be alive long enough to tell.
13. Stranger Things (Seasons 1 & 2)
Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder, never gives up on searching for her son Will, despite her community insisting that Will is long gone.
Stranger Things Official Trailer
Netflix’s Stranger Things series took the world by storm in 2016, and for very good reason.
In 1980’s Indiana, the small town of Hawkins grieves the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers. With no leads and minimal aid from the adult population of Hawkins, three of Will’s closest friends, who also happen to be his players in their ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign, take matters into their own hands. Looking for clues only they could find - the ones that Will left for them- they take to the dark and rainy woods surrounding Hawkins. Instead of Will, they find a young girl in the woods with the strange ability to move things with her mind. When they learn that she recognizes their lost friend, their world gets turned upside-down.
In my view, Stranger Things is one of the main reasons that we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons in mainstream pop culture. The show itself is science-fiction, but by approaching the challenges they face in their “real” world of Hawkins with the mindset and expertise they gained through playing D&D, the kids on bikes provide the means to combat the horrors that defy their comprehension. Bringing D&D back into the mainstream through an incredible show like Stranger Things has only been a net positive for the geeks as a whole.
(Note: Seasons 1 & 2 lean the most heavily on the D&D elements that save the day in Hawkins, with Season 4 of the show bringing the themes front and center with a bittersweet nod to the good ol’ “Satanic Panic” cultural battle that was prevalent in the United States during the time.)
12. Game of Thrones (TV series)
Jon Snow (Kit Harington), bastard son of Eddard Stark, engaged in a heated battle in the frozen north of Westeros.
Game of Thrones Official Trailer
Okay, hear me out.
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO in 2011, it sparked a wildfire. Bloody and raunchy, the series pulled no punches telling the stories of the peoples of Westeros. A star-studded cast brings the complexity of George R.R. Martin’s characters front and center, and it’s easy to grow attached to and root for them (before they are inevitably killed off).
I remember walking past bars and coffee shops hosting watch parties for this show! People that I had never known to be interested in fantasy or medieval settings were enthralled by the gallantry of the knights on their screen and the tenacity of the many Houses that make up the lands of the Andals and the First Men as they fight and plot their way to whatever aims they may have.
Unfortunately, the series fell off around season five- with rushed storytelling, questionable character decisions, and convoluted resolutions to plotlines that people had been waiting nearly a decade to resolve. Before season five, Game of Thrones is perhaps one of the best fantasy series that I have watched.
Like Stranger Things, Game of Thrones brought fantasy back into the limelight. Though not explicitly tied to D&D, the show’s brutal setting, deeply rich lore and compelling characters could easily be inspiration for an incredible high-lethality Westerosi campaign.
11. The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)
A mysterious creature threatens the sailors aboard the Demeter.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter Official Trailer
A supernatural horror film based on a chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Last Voyage of the Demeter follows the crew of a merchant ship as they fight against their destruction at the hands of an ancient evil that stowed away on their ship. Trapped in more ways than one, the doomed crew must find a way to survive and arrive in London, before it is too late.
This movie’s story is self-contained, and reminds me of horror-themed D&D games that I have been a part of. Conveying the horror of the unknown is much easier on the screen than it is in a play session, but Demeter builds the tension slowly, much as a DM could. The creep of terror seeps into your heart through a drip watching this film- and it may give some DM’s an idea or two on how to scare the pants off of their players.
10. The 13th Warrior (1999)
Antonio Banderas brings his charm and wit in his portrayal of Ahmad Ibn Fadlan in The 13th Warrior.
The 13th Warrior Official Trailer
Loosely based on the classic tale of Beowulf, The 13th Warrior stars Antonio Banderas as Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, a court poet who is exiled as an ambassador to an allied land due to an affair with a noblemans’ wife. There, he meets a group of Norsemen and is swept up in a prophecy- marking him as the thirteenth warrior that must defeat an ancient evil that is razing the land and killing its people. Learning from the Norsemen as the Norsemen learn from him in turn, Ahmad must put down his quill and study the blade.
The 13th Warrior makes me think of Ahmad as a D&D character living through the backstory that would shape the rest of their adventures. Originally the equivalent of a Bard, Ahmad is thrust from the safety and security of his position and is forced by his environment to adapt and learn new skills (multiclassing into Fighter). Players and DM’s alike understand the rush that comes from being thrust into a challenge and being forced to consider the options our characters can take- some of which fundamentally change the way you play D&D. Dynamacy and spontaneity is the lifeblood of an exciting and memorable campaign!
9. Spartacus (TV series)
Spartacus poses after a battle, decorated with medals symbolizing his many victories.
Spartacus is a Starz original series that premiered in 2010. It tells the story of Spartacus, a Thracian enslaved by the Roman Empire and forced to battle time and again through gladiatorial spectacles. Despite his remarkable skill and prowess in the arena, Spartacus’ one and only goal throughout the series remains steadfast: resist his enslavement and break free of his bonds- at any cost.
The glory of combat and decisive victory is something that many D&D players enjoy. While absent of sorcery, there are swords aplenty in Spartacus. Watch as steel dances against steel, and you’ll get a kick out of watching the Champion of Capua slice and dice his way to liberation.
8. Your Highness (2011)
Fabious (James Franco) and Thaddeus (Danny McBride), the two brothers whose tale we follow in Your Highness.
Your Highness Official Trailer
From the director that gave us Pineapple Express comes another stoner comedy aptly named Your Highness. Thaddeus and his brother Fabious, two princes of the Kingdom of Mourne, embark on a quest to rescue a damsel in distress from the clutches of the evil warlock Leezar, who seeks to use her to take over the world. Though they fumble around most of the time, the two “warriors” forge alliances, clash with warlords, and vanquish fierce beasts- but not before partaking of the longleaf, of course.
I love a deep, serious campaign with emotional moments as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need a good laugh. Both in my own games and in actual play campaigns that I watch, I have found myself absolutely doubled over in laughter. Even if the tone of the campaign is more somber, human beings have an uncanny way of finding humor and mirth in what they engage with despite the circumstances. Dungeons & Dragons is, ultimately, a game. We play games to have fun, and in the immortal words of Reggie Fils-Aime, “if it’s not fun- why bother?”
7. Conan the Barbarian (2011)
From Khal Drogo to Conan, Jason Momoa has a knack for playing fearsome warlords.
Conan the Barbarian Official Trailer
A new take on the classic myth of Conan the Barbarian, Jason Momoa takes up the mantle and greatsword of the legendary barbarian in this sword and sorcery film.
Born and bred in the heat of battle, Conan is the son of Corin, the chieftain of their village. One fateful day, Conan’s home is attacked by a rival warlord, who decimates everything- leaving Conan as the lone survivor. Spurred on by the insatiable drive for retribution, Conan dedicates his life to tracking down the warlord that destroyed his home and people. Great violence ensues, and Conan the Barbarian reminds us for every action, you might get a sword up your gut as a reaction.
If you’ve ever hit the rage button as a barbarian, you already know who Conan the Barbarian is. Though this iteration stands apart from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s beloved portrayal of the character, many D&D players turned to the Austrian actor’s role to base their class fantasy on. The image of the unstoppable barbarian- a living wall of rippling muscles and unbridled fury- was spawned with the myth of Conan. Now, a new generation of Barbarians can take their inspiration from Jason Momoa’s interpretation of the timeless character.
6. Harry Potter series
Harry Potter is one of the most well-known media franchises of all time. Since its conclusion in 2011, Daniel Radcliffe has branched out into other exciting roles.
Harry Potter, a young boy living in a cupboard under a staircase with his neglectful uncle’s family, receives a letter inviting him to school. Not just any school- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry- an institution dedicated to training generations upon generations of magically-gifted people. Harry makes lifelong friends, develops bitter rivalries, and begins to uncover the mystery of He Who Must Not Be Named- an evil wizard that attacked Harry’s home as a child and murdered his parents.
The tale of The Boy who Lived is one of the most well known fantasy stories in contemporary fiction. Millions have taken their Pottermore Hogwarts House quiz (Gryffindors Rise Up!) and dove headfirst into the Wizarding World, wand in hand and owl in flight.
Though the prevalence of magic in fantastical worlds differs from story to story, you need look no further than Dimension 20’s Misfits and Magic actual play series to see just how well the premise of the secret society of magically inclined people can translate into a “high-magic” tabletop campaign setting. Just be careful where you aim that Fireball!
5. Beowulf (2007)
Beowulf enters the lair of Grendel’s mother with a mystical artifact, expecting danger at every turn.
Beowulf, one of the most read and translated literary works of Old English, rises once more to defend the Danish people under King Hrothgar in the first- and only- animated movie on this list.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary, the renowned Geatish warrior Beowulf is summoned to Denmark to slay Grendel- a monstrous beast that has taken to attacking King Hrothgar and his subjects. A story spanning decades, a curse looms over our hero’s head as he pursues his foe. Spirits and seduction, might and glory, Beowulf respects the Germanic legend it hails from while adding the flair that modern fantasy fans love and cherish.
D&D fans will find familiarity with Beowulf’s quest structure. Arrive in a new place with a bad thing happening, go solve the bad thing! Seems simple, right? Well, don’t forget to bring the magic item that allows you to find the monster in the first place. And make sure that you do a Heroes Feast beforehand, otherwise you may fail your Wisdom saves against the Water Demons. Definitely confirm that Grendel isn’t actually- ah, you get the idea.
4. Knights Of Badassdom (2013)
Man, Tyiron Lannister has certainly seen better days.
Knights Of Badassdom Official Trailer
Live Action Role Playing goes horribly wrong in Joe Lynch’s Knights of Badassdom, a 2013 comedy-horror starring Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Summer Glau, and Peter Dinklage.
Dumped by his girlfriend Beth, Joe Revitt is brought by his friends Eric and Hung to a LARP event against his will. When Joe attempts to join the game, the Game Master demands that Eric use a powerful revivification spell before Joe is allowed to participate. Pulling out a grimoire he purchased on the internet, Eric does just that. What ensues afterwards is a nightmare that many D&D fans have likely had- the fallout of the monsters from a beloved game piercing the veil and entering our world.
I admit, sometimes I look at a creature’s stat block and wonder: if this was real, could I take it on? The answer most of the time is a resounding “no”. This film takes that wonder and makes it real for the characters- but doesn’t fail to deliver a laugh or three along the way!
3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Timeless, breathtaking, and compelling, The Lord of the Rings films stand firmly amongst the greatest forms of fantasy media.
The Lord of the Rings Official Trailer
(Hey, did you know that Viggo Mortensen actually broke his toe in that one scene?)
Seriously, though- it would be an insult to not only Dungeons & Dragons but fantasy storytelling as a whole if I failed to mention The Lord of the Rings. Almost all fantasy tropes find their origins in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The sprawling lands of Middle-Earth are home to not only hobbits, but countless other characters, archetypes, and legends.
The trilogy chronicles the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring, a group of heroes and hobbits tasked with transporting the One Ring, a magical artifact with untold power, to the war-torn lands of Mordor and into the all-consuming fires of Mount Doom. Whether coasting down a river, flying on the backs of the Great Eagles, or simply walking, it is a Hero’s Journey to top all others. The tale of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship is immortalized not only in the histories of Middle-Earth, but in the hearts of millions of people.
I would go so far as to say that The Lord of the Rings is “required reading” for anyone who calls themselves a fan of fantasy. Tolkien’s stories have provided the foundation for so many other fantastical worlds that it would be impossible to name them all- but one I can name is Dungeons & Dragons. I mean, Halflings are just Hobbits, after all. If only to pay your respects to the forefather of modern fantasy, make it so that your journey takes you back to these films at least once (the extended director’s cut, if possible!)
2. The Hobbit Trilogy
Martin Freeman takes up the role of Bilbo Baggins, stepping out of Bag End, then There, and Back Again.
In 2012, nearly ten years after the conclusion of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy with Return of the King, Peter Jackson took us back to Middle-Earth with the first installment of The Hobbit trilogy.
Adapting one of Tolkien’s most seminal works, The Hobbit details the journey of Bilbo Baggins. Dragged out of his home at Bag End in Hobbiton by thirteen gruff dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, he finds himself caught in the middle of events that could change the very fate of Middle-Earth. When Bilbo comes into possession of a mysterious ring that turns its wearer invisible, tensions escalate and threaten to boil over. Thorin and Company must face assailing orcs, the malicious and greedy dragon Smaug, and the ire of four different armies in order to return their home, the Lonely Mountain, to its former glory.
A prequel to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, the films that comprise The Hobbit trilogy expand more on the world of Middle-Earth that so many have come to love. New and “returning” characters take center stage as the events leading to the defeat of Sauron decades later unfold. You should also know that Peter Jackson essentially had to homebrew The Battle of Five Armies- Bilbo missed the whole battle in the source material due to a blow to the head!
1. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
A ragtag band of burglars become a group of unlikely heroes in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Roll initiative!
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Official Trailer
Now this… this is the good stuff right here.
Out of all the films on this list, the one that most authentically represents the soul of Dungeons & Dragons and the fandom that loves it is none other than Paramount’s own Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves- and it’s not even close.
Edgin Daris, played by Chris Pine, is a jaded ex-Harper with a mission to bring his wife, murdered by Red Wizards of Thay, back to the land of the living. After a failed heist in which Edgin and his group of thieves attempt to steal an artifact that could achieve this, he is caught and locked away with his barbarian friend Holga in Revel’s End, a prison located in the frozen reaches of Icewind Dale. Aided by a very unwilling party, Edgin and Holga escape Revel’s End, and begin the long journey back home to reunite with Edgin’s family.
No reunions were to be had, though, as Edgin discovers that not all is what it seems in Neverwinter. Calling upon allies old and new, Edgin and his group travel across Faerûn - slashing, smashing, blasting, casting and wild shaping their way through their epic adventure.
I have seen this film several times since its premiere, and each time I find a new nod to the nerds and geeks that have been telling stories in the Forgotten Realms since its inception. The film makes it perfectly clear that you are not watching another fantasy adventure- you are watching a Dungeons & Dragons campaign film-ified. From the cast playing a game session as their movie characters, to wondering what counts as a question when you cast Speak with Dead, the care and love put into what will undoubtedly become a cult classic did not go unnoticed. Honor Among Thieves deserves all the praise it has received- and more.
If you enjoyed reading this (and maybe have some new titles on your watchlist), then check out the articles below for more Dungeons & Dragons related content found here on Gamers Decide!
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