20 Epic Movies That Will Transport You to a Fantasy World Like The Lord of the Rings

In this write-up, we’re providing a handpicked collection of the top 20 films similar to The Lord of the Rings. We wholeheartedly endorse every selection and assure you that these movies will captivate you, especially if you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings. Happy viewing!

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Director: Peter Jackson was the one behind the camera
Screenplay: The script was penned by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro
Release Date: The film hit the screens on November 28, 2012
Running Time: It lasted for approximately 169 minutes (or 2 hours and 49 minutes)

In the Leading Roles: Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Aidan Turner (Kíli), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Sylvester McCoy (Radagast), Andy Serkis (Gollum), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Dragon Smaug and The Necromancer)

Or, for a more casual style:

Main Actors: Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Richard Armitage stars as Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner is Kíli, Hugo Weaving takes the role of Elrond, Christopher Lee is Saruman, Cate Blanchett portrays Galadriel, Sylvester McCoy plays Radagast, Andy Serkis brings Gollum to life, and Benedict Cumberbatch voices both Smaug the Dragon and The Necromancer.

Kick-starting our collection of films reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings, we begin with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Although this trilogy serves as a prequel to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, it continues the same narrative universe, featuring many familiar characters and directed by the same mastermind. Therefore, if you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, you can anticipate similar elements in The Hobbit. The main difference lies in its slightly more playful tone compared to The Lord of the Rings, but rest assured, it’s still an essential watch.

2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Director: Peter Jackson serves as the director
Screenplay: The screenplay was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro
Release Date: The film was released on December 2, 2013
Running Time: The movie runs for a duration of 161 minutes

Leading Roles: Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner as Kíli, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Sylvester McCoy as Radagast, Benedict Cumberbatch voicing Smaug and The Necromancer, Orlando Bloom reprising Legolas, Evangeline Lilly portraying Tauriel, Stephen Fry taking on the Master of Lake-town, Luke Evans depicting Bard the Bowman, Lee Pace starring as Thranduil.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is another film in the Hobbit Trilogy. Essentially, you won’t find a movie as great as The Lord of the Rings, but the Hobbit Trilogy comes pretty close, given that it’s part of the same universe.

3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Director’s Name: Peter Jackson

Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro

Release Details: It was launched on December 1, 2014

Duration: The film spans over a period of 144 minutes.

Featuring: Martin Freeman (as Bilbo Baggins), Sir Ian McKellen (in the role of Gandalf), Richard Armitage (playing Thorin Oakenshield), Aidan Turner (Kíli), Christopher Lee (portraying Saruman), Sylvester McCoy (Radagast), Benedict Cumberbatch (depicted as Smaug / Sauron), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Evangeline Lilly (Tauriel), Stephen Fry (in the Master of Lake-town), Luke Evans (Bard the Bowman), Lee Pace (Thranduil), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrond)

Or, more casually:

Main Cast: Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner as Kíli, Christopher Lee as Saruman, Sylvester McCoy as Radagast, Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug / Sauron, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, Stephen Fry in Lake-town’s Master role, Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman, Lee Pace as Thranduil, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Hugo Weaving as Elrond.

Our next selection is “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”. You might find it surprising that our initial three picks similar to Lord of the Rings are actually The Hobbit trilogy, but bear with us. Both series have many common characters and were directed by the same individual, so if you enjoyed the former, you’ll likely appreciate this as well. The main distinction is that The Hobbit has a slightly more playful tone compared to Lord of the Rings, but it’s nonetheless worth watching.

4. Eragon

Directorial Role: Stefen Fangmeier
Scriptwriter: Peter Buchman
Premiere Date: December 15, 2006
Duration: Approximately 103 minutes

Featuring: Ed Speleers (Role of Eragon), Jeremy Irons (Character Brom), John Malkovich (Part as Galbatorix), Rachel Weisz (Voiceover for Saphira), and Robert Carlyle (Appearance as Durza)

As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast with a soft spot for fantasy tales, I’d recommend giving Eragon a watch, even if it may not have quite reached the heights of the Lord of the Rings in terms of box office success. For those who appreciate immersive narratives in the realm of magic and adventure, this flick is definitely worth your time.

Although the books are undeniably superior, Eragon manages to hold its own with solid acting from Ed Speleers and Jeremy Irons, impressive visual effects, and a storyline that remains engaging despite the adaptational changes. In short, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss at some point in your movie-watching journey.

5. The Wizard of Oz

Directors: Victor Fleming, Richard Thorpe (unofficially), King Vidor (unofficially)
Screenwriters: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf
Release Year: 1939, with a release date of August 25th
Duration: The film runs for approximately 101 minutes.

Leading Roles: Judy Garland (as Dorothy Gale), Frank Morgan (in the role of the Wizard of Oz), Ray Bolger (portraying the Scarecrow), Jack Haley (depicted as the Tin Woodman), Bert Lahr (playing the Cowardly Lion), Billie Burke (Glinda the Good Witch), Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch of the West)

In This Film: Judy Garland (Dorothy Gale), Frank Morgan (as the Wizard of Oz), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow character), Jack Haley (depiction of Tin Woodman), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion role), Billie Burke (Glinda the Good Witch), Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch of the West)

Or, for a more informal tone:
Featuring: Judy Garland (Dorothy), Frank Morgan (Wizard), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Lion), Billie Burke (Glinda), Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the enduring appeal of L. Frank Baum’s seminal work, “The Wizard of Oz.” This modern-day Hollywood classic holds a special place for many reasons, one being its status as a beloved fantasy movie that has left an indelible mark on cinema history. Although it is primarily known as a children’s story, I firmly believe that any true enthusiast of the fantastical should make it a point to watch this masterpiece at least once in their lifetime. To me, “The Wizard of Oz” is undoubtedly one of the most significant movies ever created, and it deserves a spot on any list worth its salt.

6. The Harry Potter film series

Director: Various
Screenplay: Various
Release Date: 2001–2011
Running Time: 1179 minutes (total)

In the Spotlight: I, as a devoted movie buff, find myself captivated by an extraordinary cast: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor Moody), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange). This ensemble brings the magical world of Hogwarts to life in an unforgettable way.

The Harry Potter movie collection debuted around the same period as The Lord of the Rings, yet they were distinct types of fantasy stories. Both film series enjoyed remarkable success, albeit their primary audiences slightly differed – Harry Potter’s audience was younger compared to that of The Lord of the Rings. Nonetheless, owing to its financial triumph and cultural influence, Harry Potter ranks among the most significant franchises in contemporary media. Therefore, we strongly recommend you watch it without fail.

7. The Chronicles of Narnia film series

Director: Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted took the helm (1-2), with Michael Apted joining later (3)
Screenplay: The script was a collaborative effort by several writers
Release Period: From 2005 to 2010
Total Duration: The entire series spans approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes.

In the main roles:

– William Moseley as Peter Pevensie
– Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie
– Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie
– Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie
– Will Poulter as Eustace Scrubb
– Liam Neeson lending his voice for Aslan
– Tilda Swindon playing the White Witch character
– James McAvoy in the role of Mr. Tumnus
– Ben Barnes as Caspian X

Though The Chronicles of Narnia series consists of just three books and didn’t reach its intended level of success, it remains a significant contribution to fantasy literature. We strongly recommend you check them out, as they share many similarities with The Lord of the Rings. Unlike Harry Potter or Star Wars, they can be seen as a youthful interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s narrative style. Despite being less popular, they are still well worth watching and deserve inclusion on any list of films resembling The Lord of the Rings.

8. The Star Wars series

Director: Various
Screenplay: Various
Release Date: 1977–present
Running Time: Ongoing

In the Lead: I, as a movie enthusiast, find myself in the company of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Frank Oz (Yoda), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Alec Guinness (Ben Kenobi), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), and Christopher Lee (Count Dooku) in this epic galactic adventure.

Star Wars is an epic science fiction series, often referred to as a ‘space opera’, which shares many similarities with J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, except it takes place in a futuristic, galaxy-wide setting. Much like The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars tells the story of an extraordinary group of underdog heroes who must unite to combat a catastrophic evil threatening the universe. If you’re a devoted fantasy fan, you might find the space-based setting initially challenging, but it’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the Star Wars franchise.

9. The Shrek film series

Director: Various
Screenplay: Various
Release Date: 2001–2010
Running Time: 367 minutes (total)

Featuring: Mike Myers (as Shrek), Eddie Murphy (in the role of Donkey), Antonio Banderas (portraying Puss in Boots), Cameron Diaz (playing Fiona)

Or simply:

With: Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona)

Among contemporary animated productions, Shrek stands out as one of the funniest and most captivating franchises. It boasts engaging stories, memorable characters that are among the best in modern animation, and a fantasy setting reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings. If you’re seeking lighter fare yet still enjoy a fantasy atmosphere similar to your favorite epic series, Shrek is worth exploring. Keep in mind that Shrek has made significant contributions to the world of animated films during its era, so it’s no surprise to find the Shrek film series on this list of movies resembling Lord of the Rings.

10. The Princess Bride

As a passionate cinephile, let me share some details about a captivating movie I adore. This masterpiece was directed by the legendary Rob Reiner and written by the brilliant William Goldman. It graced our screens on September 25, 1987, and ran for an engaging 98 minutes.

Leading Roles: Cary Elwes as Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts/The Man in Black, Robin Wright portraying Buttercup/The Princess Bride, Mandy Patinkin essaying Inigo Montoya, André the Giant playing Fezzik, Billy Crystal appearing as Miracle Max.

Apart from being universally recognized as a beloved cult classic fantasy film, The Princess Bride is an exceptional masterpiece by Rob Reiner that has been winning over viewers since its initial release. Boasting a stellar cast and a captivating narrative, The Princess Bride is a timeless movie cherished by many generations. Despite having a more playful tone compared to Tolkien’s works, it undeniably deserves a spot on your must-watch list as a true cult classic.

11. Kingdom of Heaven

Director: Ridley Scott
Screenplay: William Monahan
Release Date: May 2, 2005
Running Time: 144 minutes

Featuring: Orlando Bloom as Balian, Eva Green as Sibylla, Jeremy Irons as Raymond III, David Thewlis portraying the Hospitaller, Brendan Gleeson in the role of Raynald, Edward Norton as Baldwin IV, Liam Neeson playing Barisan, and Michael Sheen as the Priest

In this movie: Orlando Bloom (Balian), Eva Green (Sibylla), Jeremy Irons (Raymond III), David Thewlis (Hospitaller), Brendan Gleeson (Raynald), Edward Norton (Baldwin IV), Liam Neeson (Barisan), Michael Sheen (Priest)

Main characters in the film: Orlando Bloom as Balian, Eva Green as Sibylla, Jeremy Irons as Raymond III, David Thewlis as Hospitaller, Brendan Gleeson as Raynald, Edward Norton as Baldwin IV, Liam Neeson as Barisan, Michael Sheen as the Priest

This movie has: Orlando Bloom playing Balian, Eva Green acting as Sibylla, Jeremy Irons in the part of Raymond III, David Thewlis as Hospitaller, Brendan Gleeson depicting Raynald, Edward Norton taking on Baldwin IV, Liam Neeson portraying Barisan, and Michael Sheen as the Priest

The cast includes: Orlando Bloom (Balian), Eva Green (Sibylla), Jeremy Irons (Raymond III), David Thewlis (Hospitaller), Brendan Gleeson (Raynald), Edward Norton (Baldwin IV), Liam Neeson (Barisan), Michael Sheen (Priest)

If you’ve ever pondered how The Lord of the Rings might appear if it were grounded in real-world events, Kingdom of Heaven is undoubtedly the film for you. Ridley Scott’s historical masterpiece seems as though it could have been penned by J.R.R. Tolkien within his Middle-earth series. However, it is a portrayal of actual history (slightly dramatized for cinematic purposes), and we wholeheartedly recommend you watch it to experience a genuine epic.

12. The NeverEnding Story

Director: Wolfgang Petersen serves as the film’s director
Screenplay: The screenplay was penned by both Wolfgang Petersen and Herman Weigel
Release Date: The movie made its debut on April 6, 1984
Running Time: The film runs for a duration of 94 minutes.

Featuring: Barret Oliver as Bastian Bux, Noah Hathaway as Atreyu, Patricia Hayes as Urgl, and Tami Stronach as The Childlike Empress.

Or, more casually:

With Barret Oliver playing Bastian Bux, Noah Hathaway as Atreyu, Patricia Hayes as Urgl, and Tami Stronach appearing as The Childlike Empress.

Much like my admiration for The Princess Bride, I find Wolfgang Petersen’s The NeverEnding Story to be an exceptional demonstration of how a bedtime tale can transcend into cinematic fantasy gold. Unlike some films, The NeverEnding Story has earned its place in history not just due to Limahl’s New Wave anthem of the same name, but because it is a heartwarming and visually stunning story that champions the power of imagination and offers a young boy an unforgettable journey. It stands proudly among the most enchanting films on this list of cinematic gems reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.

13. The Hunger Games series

Director: Various
Screenplay: Various
Release Date: 2012–present
Running Time: 548 minutes

Featuring: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson playing Peeta Mellark, Liam Hemsworth in the role of Gale Hawthorne, Woody Harrelson portraying Haymitch Abernathy, Donald Sutherland as President Snow, and Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman.

The Hunger Games trilogy stands among the significant contemporary fantasy series, boasting both a futuristic backdrop and elements that cater to your fantasy preferences. The production values are top-notch, making it one of the most favored franchises currently. Given its popularity and engaging storyline, we strongly advise giving it a try. Rest assured, you’ll find plenty of entertainment in it, even though its style may differ from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. Nevertheless, they both belong to the same genre of fantasy.

14. The Lord of the Rings (animated)

Director: Ralph Bakshi is the one behind the scenes.
Screenplay: Peter S. Beagle and Chris Conkling are the writers of the script.
Release Date: The film was launched on November 15, 1978.
Running Time: The movie runs for approximately 133 minutes.

As a film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it as follows: I find myself in the star-studded lineup with Christopher Guard as Frodo Baggins, William Squire as Gandalf, John Hurt playing Aragorn, Anthony Daniels taking on Legolas, and David Buck portraying Gimli.

Among the three animated films, Bakshi’s The Lord of the Rings stands out as the most renowned and highly-regarded in terms of quality. This animated adaptation of Lord of the Rings beautifully encapsulates not only the spirit of Tolkien’s tale but also the distinctive style of his fantasy literature. In essence, it is a miniature masterpiece on its own, and given its style, it appears to have played a role in shaping Jackson’s interpretation of the story.

15. The Return of the King (animated)

Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass
Writer: Romeo Muller
Release Year: 1980, with a release on May 11th
Duration: A runtime of approximately 98 minutes

Featuring: Orson Bean as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Boone voicing Smaug, Roddy McDowall portraying Sam, Theodore Bikel in the role of Aragorn, and Brother Theodore as Gollum.

In modern, conversational language: “The Last Movie Adaptation of The Return of the King by Tolkien is often hailed as a timeless classic today. Despite being originally produced for television, many still consider it a fantastic film that immerses you in its intricately designed animated universe. The movie shares a similar atmosphere with Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, even though there’s no relation between the two stories, which is why we rank it among the best films similar to The Lord of the Rings.

16. The Hobbit (animated)

Leading the Team: Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass (Directors)

Story by: Romeo Muller

Premiere Date: November 27, 1977

Duration: A lively 77-minute adventure

Featuring: Orson Bean as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Boone voicing Smaug, Hans Conried portraying Thorin Oakenshield, John Huston assuming the roles of Gandalf and the Narrator, and Otto Preminger in the role of The Elvenking.

Initially, “The Hobbit” served as the first full-length portrayal of Tolkien’s literature and has since earned the title of a beloved cult classic. Despite being overlooked nowadays due to its television movie status, it remains a highly regarded film that successfully transports viewers into its intricately designed, animated realm.

17. Mortal Engines

As a cinephile, I’m excited to share that I, Christian Rivers, was the director for the movie. The brilliant minds of Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Peter Jackson were behind the screenplay. This cinematic masterpiece is set to be released on November 27, 2018. Get ready to immerse yourself in its captivating storyline, as it runs for a total of 128 minutes.

Featuring: Hera Hilmar as Hester Shaw, Hugo Weaving as Thaddeus Valentine, and Robert Sheehan in the role of Tom Natsworthy.

If you’re searching for a film that delves into the realm of fantasy and keeps you captivated, consider giving Mortal Engines a try. Although Peter Jackson didn’t direct this movie, he was part of its production, making it an intriguing choice for those looking to explore new territory within the genre. Despite not having performed exceptionally well upon release, we believe that it offers a unique and engaging post-apocalyptic world that may surpass your expectations in terms of satisfying your cravings for fantasy.

18. Seven Samurai

Director: Akira Kurosawa is the film’s director.
Screenplay: The screenplay was co-written by Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, and Hideo Oguni.
Release Date: This movie premiered on April 26, 1954.
Running Time: The film has a running time of approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes.

Featuring: Toshiro Mifune (Kikuchiyo), Takashi Shimura (Kambei Shimada), Daisuke Katō (Shichirōji), Isao Kimura (Katsushirō Okamoto), Minoru Chiaki (Heihachi Hayashida), Seiji Miyaguchi (Kyūzō), and Yoshio Inaba (Gorōbei Katayama)

In this version, I’ve swapped the word “Starring” for “Featuring” to make it more natural in a conversation.

Akira Kurosawa’s groundbreaking film Seven Samurai, unlike being a fantasy movie, shares a significant theme with J.R.R. Tolkien’s adaptation – a theme that Kurosawa pioneered in contemporary cinema. This theme is the assemblage of multiple heroes (in this case, seven samurai) banding together to combat a common enemy. This motif has become prevalent in modern movies, but it was Kurosawa who first introduced it to modern cinema. This similarity is why we’ve included this movie on our list that also includes the Lord of the Rings series. Additionally, Seven Samurai is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, making it a worthy inclusion on our list of movies resembling the Lord of the Rings.

19. Howl’s Moving Castle

Film Director: Hayao Miyazaki (This version aims to make the text more conversational and less formal)

Scriptwriter: Hayao Miyazaki

Release Date: The movie was released on September 5, 2004.

Runtime: The film runs for approximately 119 minutes.

Starring: Chieko Baisho (Sophie Hatter), Takuya Kimura (Howl), Akihiro Miwa (Witch of the Waste)

Rationale

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t imagine a fantasy-focused collection without the enchanting magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. Among Miyazaki’s masterpieces, this film strikes a special chord with me and fits perfectly in our list. This magnificent tale seamlessly blends Miyazaki’s captivating narrative with stunning visuals, making it an essential addition to any fantasy movie enthusiast’s watchlist. I wholeheartedly recommend you catch up with this masterpiece as soon as you can, especially if you haven’t already had the pleasure!

20. Labyrinth

Director: Jim Henson
Screenplay: Terry Jones
Release Date: June 27, 1986
Running Time: 101 minutes

Starring: David Bowie (Jareth), Jennifer Connelly (Sarah Williams)

We wrap up our collection of films similar to The Lord of the Rings by featuring Labyrinth, a timeless masterpiece directed by Jim Henson, starring David Bowie in one of his most iconic cinematic performances. Labyrinth has undeniably come to symbolize the fantasy genre, even though it belongs to a distinct subgenre compared to Tolkien’s stories. Nevertheless, it remains an essential cornerstone of the fantasy genre on screen. Over the years, this movie has proven its longevity and has earned its place as a cult classic, making it a fitting addition to our list.

2025-05-22 14:17