Movies With Swords

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, directed by Peter Jackson, is the third installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The movie follows the fellowship of the ring as they make their final stand against Sauron and his army of orcs. The battle for Middle-Earth will be the ultimate test for the heroes and their allies, as they must defeat Sauron to save their world. As the battle wages on, Frodo and Sam make their way closer to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring. In the end, the Fellowship of the Ring succeeds in destroying Sauron and his forces, and peace is restored to Middle-Earth.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the second installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. It follows the continuing journey of the Fellowship of the Ring, as they attempt to destroy the one ring and save the world from the evil forces of Sauron. The Two Towers focuses on the battle between the forces of good, led by Gandalf the White, and the forces of evil, led by Saruman and Sauron, at the fortress of Helm's Deep. As their quest continues, Frodo and Sam journey to Mordor to destroy the one ring and the Fellowship is broken apart. The cast includes Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean, Christopher Lee, and more. The Two Towers won two Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first film in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson. The Fellowship of the Ring follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he embarks on an epic quest to destroy the powerful One Ring before it falls into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron. Along the way, Frodo is joined by a fellowship of eight companions: Gandalf the wizard, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Samwise, Merry and Pippin. Together they fight against overwhelming odds to prevent Sauron from reclaiming the Ring and taking control of Middle-earth. Along the way, they will face the forces of nature, evil, and fear as they battle to save the world from destruction.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese samurai epic film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story follows a village of farmers who hire seven masterless samurai to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops. The samurai, spearheaded by veteran leader Kambei Shimada, train the farmers to defend themselves and utilize the natural terrain for their advantage. As the battle for the village draws nearer, the samurai and the farmers must put aside their differences and face the dangers of the bandits. The film is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, and it was remade as the western The Magnificent Seven in 1960.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. It tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, assassinates his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor. The film follows Maximus' journey of revenge, as well as his struggle to free himself from the oppressive rule of Commodus. Along the way, he befriends fellow gladiators, including the Spaniard Juba, and gains the favor of the Roman people. In the end, Maximus avenges the death of his family and restores the power of the Roman Empire to its rightful ruler.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 epic war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film tells the story of the 13th-century Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a resistance against Edward I of England. After the death of his father and bride, William leads a revolt against the English army, determined to free his homeland from its oppressive rule. With the help of his mentor and loyal followers, Wallace rallies the Scots to take up arms and fight for freedom. Through a series of fierce battles, William and his outnumbered forces ultimately succeed in liberating Scotland and inspiring generations of warriors to come.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a 2003 revenge film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Starring Uma Thurman as the Bride, the film follows her journey of vengeance as she hunts down her former comrades who betrayed her. After being betrayed and left for dead four years prior, the Bride embarks on a violent rampage against the five members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who betrayed her. Along the way, she is confronted by the old master of a fighting style known as 'The Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart Technique'. In between each battle, the film flashes back to her life before the betrayal, exploring her relationship with her former lover, Bill. With its breathtaking action sequences, stylized dialogue and creative story-telling, Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a must-watch for any fan of Quentin Tarantino.

From Gore Verbinski, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Rated PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 American adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski and based on the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride at Disneyland. The movie follows the chaos that ensues when the cursed pirates of the Black Pearl led by Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) invade Port Royal in search of their former captain, Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) is a young blacksmith in Port Royal who teams up with the eccentric Jack Sparrow to rescue the governor's daughter, Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), from the cursed pirate crew. The two must also find a way to lift the curse that has been placed on them, and to defeat the ruthless Barbossa and his crew. Along the way, they enlist the help of Captain Barbossa's former shipmate, Captain Hector Barbossa (Bill Nighy). With action, drama, and special effects, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is an exciting swashbuckling adventure.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the second installment in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill film series, released in 2004. The film follows the Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin, who has been continuing her quest for revenge against the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As she seeks justice against her former comrades, she must confront her former master, Bill (David Carradine). The film features non-stop action, thrilling fight scenes, and an epic showdown between the Bride and Bill. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her past and the Squad, along with some surprising allies. In the end, the Bride finally finds the closure and redemption she has been searching for.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a classic 1987 romantic adventure comedy fantasy film directed by Rob Reiner. The film tells the story of a farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes), who must rescue his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the clutches of a dastardly prince. Along the way, Westley and his companions face a series of obstacles, including a giant, a wizard, and an evil prince, as well as the dangers of true love. Along the way, they are aided by a mysterious man in black, played by Mandy Patinkin, as well as several other colorful characters. Ultimately, Westley and Buttercup’s story concludes with a happy ending. The film has become a cult classic and has achieved critical acclaim for its witty dialogue and spectacular visuals.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a 2000 martial arts fantasy film directed by Ang Lee. The film follows two warriors in 19th century China who are in pursuit of a stolen magical sword. The story follows the two fighters, Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien, as they search for the sword, which is eventually found in the possession of Jen, an ambitious and rebellious young woman. Along the way, they must contend with a ruthless and mysterious assassin, Jade Fox. The film is a blend of martial arts combat and fantasy elements, and is renowned for its stunning choreography and fight sequences. The film went on to become a global box-office hit, and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning 4.

From Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
Rated PG

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a 1938 American swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, and starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. Set in 12th-century England, the story follows Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men as they outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham and turn the tables on the tyrannical Prince John. In the film, Robin and his men join forces with the Saxons to fight against the Normans and save England from the prince's tyrannical rule. Along the way, Robin rescues Maid Marian, falls in love, and wins the hearts of the people of Nottingham. The action-packed and romantic adventure culminates with a thrilling climax that sees Robin and his men fighting against overwhelming odds to defeat the Sheriff and restore freedom to the people of England.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus (1960) is an epic historical drama directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film tells the story of the historical figure Spartacus, a slave who led a major slave revolt against the Roman Republic. After being purchased as a slave, Spartacus is trained as a gladiator and soon finds himself leading a revolt of fellow slaves against the Roman Empire. The revolt is ultimately crushed by the Roman general Crassus, and Spartacus is crucified along with his followers. The film is both a tribute to the courage and determination of Spartacus and his fellow slaves, as well as a commentary on the power and brutality of the Roman Empire.

From Edward Zwick, starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton
Rated R

The Last Samurai is a 2003 American period drama set in the 19th century. It tells the story of Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a veteran of the American Civil War who is hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. Algren is captured by the samurai he was sent to defeat, and he undergoes a spiritual transformation, embracing the samurai's way of life and culture. He ultimately leads the samurai in a battle against the emperor's forces in a climactic struggle for the soul of Japan.

From Kevin Reynolds, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Christopher Adamson, JB Blanc
Rated PG-13

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) is a historical adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds. It is based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, and stars Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes, a young sailor falsely accused of treason by three of his jealous rivals. After being falsely imprisoned for 14 years, Edmond escapes and finds a hidden fortune on the island of Monte Cristo. With the help of his newfound wealth, Edmond is able to exact revenge on his enemies and prove his innocence. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful woman named Mercedes and discovers that his old friend Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce) was the one responsible for his imprisonment. Along with tremendous action sequences and a sweeping score by composer Craig Armstrong, The Count of Monte Cristo is a thrilling tale of revenge and redemption.

From Zack Snyder, starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West
Rated R

300 is a 2006 American epic war film based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. The film is about the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, during the Persian invasion of Greece. It follows King Leonidas of Sparta and his fight against an invading Persian army of more than 300,000 soldiers. With a small army of only 300 Spartan warriors, Leonidas takes a stand against the seemingly unstoppable Persian forces. The film depicts the experiences of the 300 Spartans as they fight a valiant and ultimately doomed battle against the overwhelming Persian forces. Despite their bravery, the Spartans are ultimately defeated and Leonidas is killed in battle. The film ends with the legendary words of King Leonidas: "Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie."

From Takashi Miike, starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Ikki Sawamura
Rated R

13 Assassins is a 2010 action-adventure samurai film directed by Takashi Miike. The film follows a group of masterless samurai in 1844 Japan who set out to assassinate a sadistic lord in order to prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future. Led by the experienced Shinzaemon Shimada, the group quickly realize that to defeat their enemy they must abandon the traditional samurai code of honor and use every means at their disposal, no matter how underhanded, to ensure their mission's success. The film culminates in an epic battle between the assassins and a massive army of 200 loyalists, pitting their courage and ingenuity against overwhelming odds.

From Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Simon Shepherd, James Larkin
Rated PG-13

Henry V is a 1989 film adaptation of the William Shakespeare play of the same name, directed by Kenneth Branagh. The story follows King Henry V of England as he leads the English army to victory against the French in the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. The film shows Henry's rise as both a leader and a man, as he must make difficult decisions involving his own conscience and the lives of his soldiers. The film features a star-studded cast, including Kenneth Branagh as Henry, Derek Jacobi as the Chorus, and Emma Thompson as Princess Katherine of France. The film was highly acclaimed upon its release, with Branagh's performance and direction receiving the most praise.

From Roland Joffé, starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn
Rated PG

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Julian Glover
Rated R

From John Boorman, starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi
Rated PG

From Ridley Scott, starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Martin Hancock
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh
Rated PG

From Brian Helgeland, starring Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon
Rated PG-13

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth
Rated R