Sword Movies

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 is an epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson that is based on the novel of the same name by J. R. R. Tolkien. It is the third and final installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, following The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and The Two Towers (2002). The film follows the members of the Fellowship of the Ring as they try to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Sauron. With the help of Rohan, Gondor and the dead of the Paths of the Dead, they must battle the forces of Sauron in the epic final confrontation. The film culminates in a battle between the forces of good and evil at the gates of Mordor, and in the destruction of the One Ring. The cast includes Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, and many more. The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, making it the only fantasy film to have achieved this feat. It also won four Golden Globes and three BAFTA awards.

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

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the second installment of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, follows the continuing quest of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring, who are on their way to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. With the help of the wizard Gandalf, they must face the forces of evil and protect the people of Middle-earth. As the forces of Sauron march closer, Frodo and Samwise Gamgee must brave the treacherous Mines of Moria, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli search for the kidnapped hobbits Merry and Pippin. The Fellowship is then split into two, and the heroes must join forces with the riders of Rohan to fight against the armies of darkness. In the end, the fate of Middle-earth depends on their courage and strength.

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 an epic fantasy-adventure movie directed by Peter Jackson and based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the quest of a Fellowship of nine heroes to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Dark Lord Sauron. The Fellowship consists of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit; Aragorn, a human ranger; Gandalf the Grey, a wizard; Legolas, an elf; Gimli, a dwarf; Boromir, a human; and three hobbits: Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, and Pippin Took. Along the way, they must battle the forces of Sauron, defeat the Ringwraiths, and face the ultimate foe in the fiery depths of Mount Doom. The Fellowship's journey is long and perilous, and they must rely on their courage and friendship to survive.

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

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese adventure drama film by director Akira Kurosawa. The story follows a group of seven masterless samurai, led by Kanbei, who are hired by a village to protect it from a band of marauders. The samurai must face off against the marauders in a bloody battle in order to save the village from destruction. Along the way, the samurai face personal challenges and grow closer together in order for the village to be saved. The film is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and has influenced many other films, such as The Magnificent Seven (1960) and A Bug's Life (1998).

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set in Roman times, the story follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a powerful Roman general who is betrayed by Commodus, the ambitious son of the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus is enslaved and sold to a Gladiator trainer, Proximo, who helps him learn the ways of the Gladiator. Maximus regains his strength and becomes a gladiator in the Colosseum of Rome, where he wins the hearts of the crowd as well as the affection of the people. He fights his way to the top, ultimately facing off against the emperor’s son in the final battle. In the end, Maximus is victorious, and brings an end to Commodus’ tyranny.

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

Braveheart is a 1995 epic war film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Gibson as William Wallace, a late 13th-century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The story is inspired by Blind Harry's epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace and was adapted for the screen by Randall Wallace. The film follows Wallace's life from his childhood, when he is first exposed to English brutality, through to his defeat of English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and his ultimate martyrdom at the hands of the English. Along the way he wins the heart of Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack), a young woman whose life he saves, and marries her in secret. The film also features the legendary nobleman Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen) and the Battle of Falkirk and Battle of Bannockburn. Braveheart is an emotionally powerful film that combines elements of romance, action, and history to deliver a stirring tale of a man's struggle against a powerful enemy. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action movie written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It tells the story of a former assassin known as "The Bride" (Uma Thurman) who is on a mission of revenge after being betrayed by her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). She embarks on a violent journey to exact revenge on the people responsible for her unborn child's death and her own near-death experience. Along the way, she must face off with several of Bill's trained killers, including the deadly O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu). As The Bride seeks her revenge, she discovers that her personal vendetta may be part of a much larger and more sinister plan.

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 fantasy film directed by Gore Verbinski, based on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney theme parks. The film follows the story of Captain Jack Sparrow, a mischievous pirate who is on a quest to recover his stolen ship, the Black Pearl. Along the way, he must join forces with Will Turner, a blacksmith, to rescue his love, Elizabeth Swann, from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. Along their journey they must battle a terrifying sea-monster, and ultimately, they must fight against the powerful and cursed Captain Barbossa. With fast-paced action, an intriguing story, and the incomparable Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, this movie is an entertaining swashbuckling adventure.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the 2004 sequel to Quentin Tarantino's 2003 action movie Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The second installment follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she continues her quest for revenge against her former boss Bill (David Carradine). After dispatching the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad in the first film, the Bride now sets her sights on the remaining two members of Bill's team: Budd (Michael Madsen) and Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah). She also learns the truth about Bill, who is not only her former lover, but also the father of her child. The Bride's journey takes her to Japan, Mexico, and finally to a climactic confrontation with Bill. Along the way, she encounters a variety of characters, including a former lover (Michael Parks), an assassin (Lucy Liu), and an old enemy (Gordon Liu). Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a thrilling, stylish, and violent action movie packed with intense fight sequences, stylized cinematography, and a classic revenge story.

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

The Princess Bride is a classic fairytale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. The story follows Buttercup, a former farm girl, and Westley, the man she loves, whose true identity is eventually revealed. With the help of a wise grandfather, a giant, a swordsman, and a little help from fate, they must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Along the way, they meet a criminal mastermind, a Spanish master of disguise, and a powerful prince. As the journey finally brings them back together, Buttercup and Westley must face the ultimate adversary and a deadly array of obstacles before they can finally be married.

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 and starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi. Set in 19th century China, the story follows the adventures of two legendary warrior-lovers, Li Mu Bai (Chow) and Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh), who are searching for a legendary sword, the Green Destiny. As they battle against each other and against a ruthless and cunning desert bandit, they must also come to grips with their own forbidden love. With stunning cinematography, stunning fight choreography, and stirring music, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a thrilling journey of love, loss, and honor.

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 swashbuckler film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley. The film follows the legendary Robin Hood, who along with his band of merry men, steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Robin Hood and his band clash with the Sheriff of Nottingham and battle for the freedom of the people of England. The film stars Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, and Basil Rathbone as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The adventure is set to a thrilling soundtrack and thrilling fight scenes, all of which come together to make this one of the most beloved and timeless stories ever told.

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

Spartacus is a 1960 American epic historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay by Dalton Trumbo was based on the novel of the same title by Howard Fast. Set during the Third Servile War, the story is about a slave named Spartacus who leads a revolt against the Roman Republic. After being purchased by a slave trader, Spartacus and his fellow slaves are trained at a gladiator school by a former gladiator. When the Roman General Crassus demands that the slaves fight in a gladiatorial contest, Spartacus rallies the other slaves in a revolt against the Roman authorities. In the ensuing struggle, many of the slaves are killed and Spartacus himself is mortally wounded. The film was a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1960 and earning a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 33rd Academy Awards.

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

The Last Samurai is a 2003 action drama film set in the late 19th century, directed by Edward Zwick. The movie follows Nathan Algren, an American military advisor hired by the Japanese government to help train their forces to fight the growing rebellion led by a samurai leader, Katsumoto. After he is captured by Katsumoto’s samurai warriors, Algren begins to understand and sympathize with their cause. He joins the samurai in their fight against the Japanese army, leading to a climactic battle that will determine the fate of the samurai. In the end, Algren finds redemption and his own honour restored. The movie stars Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe and was a box office success, earning over $456 million worldwide.

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

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 2002 historical-romance-adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds and loosely based on the novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas. Set in 1815, the film follows Edmond Dantes, a young sailor falsely accused of treason by his jealous rival, Fernand Mondego. Dantes is sent to the notorious Chateau d'If prison, where he meets the Abbe Faria, a fellow prisoner and mentor who teaches him the skills he needs to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. After a daring escape, Dantes finds a hidden fortune and uses his new wealth and influence to become the Count of Monte Cristo, a mysterious and powerful figure who, in an elaborate plan of vengeance, sets out to destroy his former friend and the powerful figures who wronged him. Along his journey, Dantes discovers love, heartbreak, and a dangerous journey of revenge and redemption.

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

300 is an epic war film based on the 1998 comic series by Frank Miller. The film follows the story of King Leonidas and 300 Spartans as they fight to save their city of Sparta from the invading Persian army. Leonidas and his brave warriors travel to the Hot Gates to face off against the enemy but are outnumbered by the Persians. Despite their odds, the Spartans stand their ground and fight in an iconic battle that will go down in history. Though outnumbered and facing insurmountable odds, the Spartans emerge victorious after a long and bloody battle. With the city of Sparta saved, Leonidas and the Spartans are remembered as heroes.

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

13 Assassins is a 2010 Japanese period action film directed by Takashi Miike and starring Kōji Yakusho. Set in 1844, a group of elite samurai led by Shinzaemon Shimada (Yakusho) are tasked with assassinating Naritsugu Matsudaira (Gorō Inagaki), a ruthless and sadistic feudal lord who has been allowed to run amok by the shogunate, in order to save the innocent people of his domain. The assassins must overcome a formidable army of hundreds of Naritsugu’s loyal retainers and assassins sent by the shogunate to protect him. With their courage and skill, the 13 assassins must succeed in their mission or die trying.

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

Henry V is a 1989 British period drama film adapted from William Shakespeare's play of the same name. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, it stars Branagh in the title role of King Henry V of England, alongside Derek Jacobi, Emma Thompson, Ian Holm, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Christian Bale, Michael Maloney, and Brian Blessed. The film follows Henry, now the king of England, as he leads his army into battle against the French at Agincourt in northern France. Through his military leadership and diplomacy, Henry rallies the English troops and negotiates a peace treaty with the French. The film shows how Henry is able to transcend the mundane concerns of his court and country and become a symbol of courage and heroism. It also explores the complex relationship between Henry and his mentors—the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Earl of Westmoreland—as well as the political machinations that go on in his court.

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