House of the Dragonhas continued on the hype and popularity ofGame of Thrones, with the HBO show flourishing thanks to its intense politicking and high-level battles.House of the Dragonhas a wide variety ofcharacters that bring plenty to the show. Compelling individuals like Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen resonate even in a fantasy setting.
House of the DragonandGame of Throneswere both birthed from the mind of George R. R. Martin, who conceptualized a fantasy world full of scheming, mystery, and conflict. Shows likeHouse of the Dragonhave few contemporaries due to the television industry’s lack of scale and budget. However, movies are often capable of depicting fantasy worlds. Many, including the following films, have pulled off the grandeur associated withHouse of the Dragon.
Where to Watch
Amazon Prime Video
Dragonslayeris a Disney movie that uses dark fantasy elements, such as graphic content, nudity, and adult themes. The film follows a medieval kingdom that falls victim to a dragon. As a result, the kingdom’s women are given up as a tribute to stop the dragon from demolishing their surroundings.
A young apprentice named Galen is tasked with vanquishing the dragon after his master, wizard Ulrich, seemingly dies. This leads Galen on an adventure filled with corruption, royalty, and danger. In a world filled with mystery, politicking, and various fantasy elements,Dragonslayerisa film ahead of its timethat pioneered the genre.
Apple TV
Led by visionarydirector Akira Kurosawa,Ranis a jaw-dropping war filmset in medieval Japan, with samurai warriors at its epicenter.Ranis a reinvention of William Shakespeare’sKing Lear,following a warlord who passes on his power to his three sons.
The three sons' newfound power corrupts them, leading to conflict and warfare. With the conflict between his sons, warlord Hidetora Ichimonji is forced to come out of retirement to deal with the mess while he continues to descend into madness.Ran’sthemes of political upheaval and betrayal make the film an enticing watch. Fans ofHouse of the Dragonwill appreciate the action of medieval warfare, which is of major significance in the film.
Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video
Set in a post-apocalyptic world,Reign of Firesees dragons awaken as they begin to dominate Earth. However, a group of humans,starring Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, seek to halt their dominance despite the dangers. In this human-versus-dragon fantasy story, humans must fight to reclaim their planet, while dragon dominance threatens humanity’s existence.
When a group of US military and survivors in England come together to eliminate the threat, warfare erupts between humans and dragons in London. The film showcases dragons as almighty creatures, making it perfect forGame of ThronesandHouse of the Dragonfans.
Excaliburis a fantasy film that follows the classic legend of the life of King Arthur. Deemed the chosen one, Arthur becomes king after taking the mystical sword from stone. With the help of the wizard Merlin, Arthur brings together the nation as all senior parties unite through the Knights of the Round Table. Despite this, evil lurks around the corner in the form of Arthur’s half-sister, Morgana, who aims to cause chaos no matter the cost.
Excaliburis a quintessential fantasy title that helped elevate the genre and its stars, includingHelen Mirren, Liam Neeson, and Patrick Stewart. Set in a medieval world filled with knights, swords, and wizards, fans of Martin’s works and adaptations will find a lot to love.
Disney Plus
The Last Duelis amedieval story that takes place in France. Two best friends, Sir Jean de Carrouges and Jacques le Gris, fall out with each other when Jean’s wife Marguerite accuses Jacques of assault. The accusation leads to a major dispute, resulting in the two former friends engaging in a duel that will bring about honor and justice for the victor.
Based loosely on a true story in medieval France,The Last Duelis a tension-filled epic. Stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck to deliver compelling performances. It may lack fantasy elements, but its medieval setting and interpersonal themes are perfect forHouse of the Dragonfans.
Max, Amazon Prime Video
After the success ofThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, Peter Jackson returned over a decade later with the release ofThe Hobbittrilogy. All three films perfectly encapsulate the fantasy genre. Filled with fun and adventure,The HobbitseesBilbo Baggins, an introverted hobbit, go on a journey alongside Gandalf and a group of dwarves as the party heads to save the dwarves' home.
ThroughoutThe Hobbit,Bilbo gradually emerges from his shell as he and his comrades undergo many trials and tribulations, such as warfare and conflict. Despite this, Bilbo’s party perseveres no matter the obstacles they face.
Max
Fantasy’s boom in pop culture came with the release ofThe Lord of the Rings, a trilogy based on J.R. R. Tolkien’s books that followed Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship as they sought to destroy Sauron’s ring. Frodo and the Fellowship, which featuresSamwise Gamgee, Gandalf, and Aragon, to name a few, partake in a long trek that sees them battle orcs and otherworldly creatures as they seek to unite the realm while destroying the ring at Mount Doom.
With Peter Jackson’s unique vision,The Lord of the Ringstranscended film and fantasy, with the trilogy having the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and action, making the films fantasy masterpieces. There would be noGame of ThronesorHouse of the DragonwithoutThe Lord of the Rings, and all fantasy fans should check it out at least once.
