Forgive me for this thread, but I really had to vent out my frustrations at the piss poor adaptations of fantasy works that have recently aired. I'm talking about the awful 2nd season of The Witcher on Netflix, which pisses on the lore established on the books that the showrunners claim to being loyal to. As for others, I've only watched half of the first episode of Amazon's The Wheel of Time and found it boring. But given that the series has received backlash from fans of Robert Jordan's work, I'm guessing it really was a shit show. It certainly gives me dread for Amazon's upcoming The Lord of the Rings series Rings of Power, with it's forced diversity casting (POC's as Hobbits and Elves) and rumored disrespect of JRR Tolkien's work (so much so that Tolkien Estate itself has thrown in the towel and washed their hands of the Amazon series). Well, let's just say Tolkien fans may soon be joining in the backlash against Amazon.
So let's talk about the times when creators got a clue and did fantasy right for the screen or even in games. What are your favorites of the fantasy genre whether it be in movies, tv or games? Please make sure not to include printed works or this thread will be filled with numerous entries.
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me... I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide... is what to do with the time that is given to you.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (film 2001-2003) - No matter how much money Jeff Bezos throws at his LOTR show, it'll be hard to top director Peter Jackson's epic film trilogy adaptation of JRR Tolkien's novel. From the casting, the visual effects, the locations, the breathless pacing and the music. It seems a miracle that most of the elements of Jackson's trilogy worked so well as they did. Though some purists will gripe about deviations from Tolkien's prose, at the very least Jackson manages to evoke the spirit of Tolkien's story. This is still the One Adaptation to rule them All.
Geralt: Evil is evil. Lesser. Greater. Middling. Makes no difference. The degree is arbitrary, the definitions blurred. If I'm to chose to between one evil and another, I'd rather not choose at all.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (videogame 2015) - Screw Netflix. And better yet, screw Witcher creator Andrzej Sapkowski for fawning praises on Netflix's bastardization of his work, especially after that wretched 2nd season where they made stuff up that he never wrote. IMO, there's no better adaptation of this Slavic fantasy saga than CDProjektRed's open world RPG masterpiece and their third installment in their Witcher series. And The Witcher 3 ties even more directly to the books because it features the sorceress Yennefer, Geralt's true love, and Ciri, his adopted daughter and the true protagonist of the Saga. But above all, CDPR gets that The Witcher works not as an epic saga, but as a series of small stories of human conflict set in a fantasy world. It's evident from all the brilliant side quests that dot the open world and are just as well written and compelling as the main quest. Netflix in comparison is so desperate to mold the series into some bastardized child of Game of Thrones.
Mr. Tumnus: One day he'll be here, and the next he won't. But we mustn't press him. After all... he's not a tame lion.
Lucy: No... but he is good.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (film 2005) - A charming and delightful film adaptation of CS Lewis' fantasy book for children. Director Andrew Adamson stays true to the spirit of Lewis' story with it's bright eyed innocence and unflinching morality, while making fun and exciting for adults to enjoy with their kids. The child actors cast as the Pevensie children acquit themselves well, but it's the performances of Tilda Swinton as Jadis the White Witch and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan, the Lion Messiah of Narnia that really lift the film up to excellence. A shame that Narnia as a film series fizzled out after two disappointing sequels, because this first film showed so much promise.
Norrington: You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of.
Jack Sparrow: But you have heard of me.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (film 2003) - Before Disney ran this series to the ground with some shitty sequels, this surprise hit singlehandedly made pirates cool again in pop culture. Back when he wasn't phoning it in for a paycheck, Johnny Depp delivered a delightfully deranged performance as Captain Jack Sparrow and was even nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars for his effort. With great supporting performances from Geoffrey Rush as main bad guy Barbossa and a star making turn by Keira Knightley, plus great visual effects that realize the vision of undead pirates, The Curse of the Black Pearl is a fun pirate fantasy romp that anyone should see.
Jinx: Are we still... sisters?
Vi: Nothing... is ever going change that.
Arcane: League of Legends (animated series 2021) - The biggest surprise of 2021. An animated series based on the mega popular MOBA League of Legends? And airing on Netflix which is home to some animated turds (Masters of the Universe Revelation, Dragon's Dogma, Santa Inc.)? There was no reason to think Arcane would be anything but awful, but Riot Games and French animation studio Fortiche have done the seemingly impossible and made quite possibly one of the best fantasy media I've seen in a long time. The most striking thing about the series is obviously it's gorgeous 3d animation that looks like a painting. But Arcane goes above and beyond by giving us a fantastic story filled with compelling and memorable characters, great action scenes and some truly heartbreaking moments. Despite this series being an advertisement for Riot Games' cash cow, I've really no desire to play League of Legends. But I am eager to return to this world and Season 2 can't come fast enough.
Goblin Slayer: The only good goblins are the ones that never crawl out of their filthy holes.
Goblin Slayer (animated series 2018) - This anime series, based on the light novels by Kumo Kagyu, is quite possibly the best representation of tabletop fantasy gaming I've seen onscreen. In a world full of magic, monsters and heroes, the titular Goblin Slayer is an adventurer who only takes on quests dealing with goblins. Shunned by fellow adventurers because of this, Goblin Slayer remains steadfast in this lifelong pursuit and the series makes good use of this premise. For once, we have a main character who doesn't rely on strength and brute force to get the job done, but rather on cunning and intelligence. It's refreshing to see a creative use of magic, traps, and other means to kill goblins, who are presented as dangerous threats and not as the low level monsters they're often portrayed as.
Jon Irenicus: Your actions affect so many others than yourself. You will come to realize what little choice you have. You will do what you must, become what you must, or others will pay for your cowardice. You WILL accept the gifts offered to you.
Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn (videogame 2000) – The ultimate adventure in Dungeons and Dragons' Forgotten Realms setting, Baldur's Gate 2 continues the story of the Bhaalspawn from the first game in the southern city of Athkathla. There is much intrigue and danger to navigate through and numerous quests to undertake before you're ready to face your foe, the mage Jon Irenicus, played by veteran English actor David Warner with sinister glee. It's probably the greatest D&D videogame ever made and developer Bioware's first real big hit.
Westley: Why didn't you wait for me?
Buttercup: Well...you were dead.
Westley: Death cannot stop True Love.
The Princess Bride (film 1987) - Director Rob Reiner's adaptation of William Goldman's satire of fairy tales wasn't much of a hit when first released, but it's success in home video and cable ensured it's place in pop culture. Hilarious from beginning to end with a fantastic ensemble cast that even includes wrestler Andre the Giant. Has there ever been a more quotable movie? Inconceivable.
Jareth: Turn back, Sarah. Turn back before it's too late.
Sarah: I can't. Don't you understand I can't?
Jareth: What a pity.
Labyrinth (film 1986) - Many people will say The Dark Crystal is Muppet creator Jim Henson's best work. I say bollocks to that, and think Labyrinth is better. The movie is not without flaws, most notably a young Jennifer Connelly who hasn't quite grasped the whole acting thing yet. But everything else is great, from the puppet effects, the elaborate sets, and the music and songs performed by the movie's greatest special effect, the late great David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King. It's a delightful film and deserved of it's status as a classic. And while we're on the subject of Jim Henson...
Rian: The Skeksis have sowed distrust amongst us for a thousand trine. Why? Because they fear what would happen if we were united. They were right to be afraid! Join me, at Stone-In-The-Wood! Here, we will make our stand! Not as many... BUT AS ONE!
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (series 2019) - I previously mentioned The Dark Crystal not being Jim Henson's best work, mainly because I found it boring despite all the fantastic puppetry and elaborate sets. A shame, because it's prequel tv series, Age of Resistance, has some great storytelling and pacing to go along with the fantastic worldbuilding that expands upon the lore built up in the first film. Add to that an all star cast with some standouts like Simon Pegg as the Chamberlain, and you have a modern fantasy classic and another reason to hate Netflix, who canceled the series after one season.
Carmen: You're getting older, and you'll see that life isn't like your fairy tales. The world is a cruel place. And you'll learn that, even if it hurts.
Pan's Labyrinth (film 2006) - Not related to the Jim Henson film from before, this is director Guillermo Del Toro's dark and violent fantasy tale set in Spain during World War 2. It features some of the most fantastic creature effects ever put on film, such as the titular faun Pan and the Pale Man, all played by Del Toro's frequent collaborator Doug Jones. Add to that a great villainous performance by Sergi Lopez as the psychotic Captain Vidal, and you have a great fantasy film that's definitely not for kids.
Conan: Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then the HELL with you!
Conan the Barbarian (film 1982) - John Milius' film adaptation of Robert E. Howard's classic sword and sorcery character may not be faithful the original pulp magazine tales it's inspired by, but that's not really a problem here. This is still a classic cult fantasy film with a star making performance by Arnold Schwarzenneger in the title role and cemented him as the biggest action star of the 80s. And who can forget that inconic score by Basil Poledouris which ranks as one of the best in film history? Though in it's wake a lot of trash sword & sorcery films were churned out regularly in the 80s (Deathstalker, Sword and the Sorcerer, The Barbarians), this film still stands tall among them.
Schmendrick: Can you really see her? Do you know what she is?
Molly: If you had been waiting to see a unicorn, as long as I have...
Schmendrick: She's the last unicorn in the world.
Molly: It would be the last unicorn that came to Molly Grue. It's all right, I forgive you.
The Last Unicorn (animated film 1982) - Based on the fantasy novel by Peter S. Beagle, this largely forgotten Rankin Bass animated film from the 80s is remarkably faithful to it's source material. Despite the film's somewhat dated animation, it has charm and wit and a profound wisdom on mortality and the power of stories. Featuring an all star cast that includes Mia Farrow, Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges and Christopher Lee and a memorable soundtrack by the band America, The Last Unicorn is a little known classic that any fantasy fan should see.
Percival: My king I couldn't do it! Excalibur cannot be lost. Other men-
Arthur: Do as I command... One day, a King will come. And the Sword will rise again.
Excalibur (film 1981) - Bar none, the best cinematic version of the legend of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table IMO. Director John Boorman's adaptation of Thomas Mallory's La Morte D'Arthur makes no pretense of being a 'historical' film like most King Arthur movies of late, this is a dreamlike fairytale with knights, magic and unrequited love with a heaping of sex. It also features an all star British cast with some future stars in minor roles (Liam Neeson, Ciaran Hinds, Patrick Stewart), the standout being Nichol Williamson as Merlin. Boorman also makes good use of classical musical pieces such as Richard Wagner's Gotterdämmerung and Carl Orff's O Fortuna that as such many people identify these pieces with this film.
So let's talk about the times when creators got a clue and did fantasy right for the screen or even in games. What are your favorites of the fantasy genre whether it be in movies, tv or games? Please make sure not to include printed works or this thread will be filled with numerous entries.
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me... I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide... is what to do with the time that is given to you.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (film 2001-2003) - No matter how much money Jeff Bezos throws at his LOTR show, it'll be hard to top director Peter Jackson's epic film trilogy adaptation of JRR Tolkien's novel. From the casting, the visual effects, the locations, the breathless pacing and the music. It seems a miracle that most of the elements of Jackson's trilogy worked so well as they did. Though some purists will gripe about deviations from Tolkien's prose, at the very least Jackson manages to evoke the spirit of Tolkien's story. This is still the One Adaptation to rule them All.
Geralt: Evil is evil. Lesser. Greater. Middling. Makes no difference. The degree is arbitrary, the definitions blurred. If I'm to chose to between one evil and another, I'd rather not choose at all.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (videogame 2015) - Screw Netflix. And better yet, screw Witcher creator Andrzej Sapkowski for fawning praises on Netflix's bastardization of his work, especially after that wretched 2nd season where they made stuff up that he never wrote. IMO, there's no better adaptation of this Slavic fantasy saga than CDProjektRed's open world RPG masterpiece and their third installment in their Witcher series. And The Witcher 3 ties even more directly to the books because it features the sorceress Yennefer, Geralt's true love, and Ciri, his adopted daughter and the true protagonist of the Saga. But above all, CDPR gets that The Witcher works not as an epic saga, but as a series of small stories of human conflict set in a fantasy world. It's evident from all the brilliant side quests that dot the open world and are just as well written and compelling as the main quest. Netflix in comparison is so desperate to mold the series into some bastardized child of Game of Thrones.
Mr. Tumnus: One day he'll be here, and the next he won't. But we mustn't press him. After all... he's not a tame lion.
Lucy: No... but he is good.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (film 2005) - A charming and delightful film adaptation of CS Lewis' fantasy book for children. Director Andrew Adamson stays true to the spirit of Lewis' story with it's bright eyed innocence and unflinching morality, while making fun and exciting for adults to enjoy with their kids. The child actors cast as the Pevensie children acquit themselves well, but it's the performances of Tilda Swinton as Jadis the White Witch and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan, the Lion Messiah of Narnia that really lift the film up to excellence. A shame that Narnia as a film series fizzled out after two disappointing sequels, because this first film showed so much promise.
Norrington: You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of.
Jack Sparrow: But you have heard of me.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (film 2003) - Before Disney ran this series to the ground with some shitty sequels, this surprise hit singlehandedly made pirates cool again in pop culture. Back when he wasn't phoning it in for a paycheck, Johnny Depp delivered a delightfully deranged performance as Captain Jack Sparrow and was even nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars for his effort. With great supporting performances from Geoffrey Rush as main bad guy Barbossa and a star making turn by Keira Knightley, plus great visual effects that realize the vision of undead pirates, The Curse of the Black Pearl is a fun pirate fantasy romp that anyone should see.
Jinx: Are we still... sisters?
Vi: Nothing... is ever going change that.
Arcane: League of Legends (animated series 2021) - The biggest surprise of 2021. An animated series based on the mega popular MOBA League of Legends? And airing on Netflix which is home to some animated turds (Masters of the Universe Revelation, Dragon's Dogma, Santa Inc.)? There was no reason to think Arcane would be anything but awful, but Riot Games and French animation studio Fortiche have done the seemingly impossible and made quite possibly one of the best fantasy media I've seen in a long time. The most striking thing about the series is obviously it's gorgeous 3d animation that looks like a painting. But Arcane goes above and beyond by giving us a fantastic story filled with compelling and memorable characters, great action scenes and some truly heartbreaking moments. Despite this series being an advertisement for Riot Games' cash cow, I've really no desire to play League of Legends. But I am eager to return to this world and Season 2 can't come fast enough.
Goblin Slayer: The only good goblins are the ones that never crawl out of their filthy holes.
Goblin Slayer (animated series 2018) - This anime series, based on the light novels by Kumo Kagyu, is quite possibly the best representation of tabletop fantasy gaming I've seen onscreen. In a world full of magic, monsters and heroes, the titular Goblin Slayer is an adventurer who only takes on quests dealing with goblins. Shunned by fellow adventurers because of this, Goblin Slayer remains steadfast in this lifelong pursuit and the series makes good use of this premise. For once, we have a main character who doesn't rely on strength and brute force to get the job done, but rather on cunning and intelligence. It's refreshing to see a creative use of magic, traps, and other means to kill goblins, who are presented as dangerous threats and not as the low level monsters they're often portrayed as.
Jon Irenicus: Your actions affect so many others than yourself. You will come to realize what little choice you have. You will do what you must, become what you must, or others will pay for your cowardice. You WILL accept the gifts offered to you.
Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn (videogame 2000) – The ultimate adventure in Dungeons and Dragons' Forgotten Realms setting, Baldur's Gate 2 continues the story of the Bhaalspawn from the first game in the southern city of Athkathla. There is much intrigue and danger to navigate through and numerous quests to undertake before you're ready to face your foe, the mage Jon Irenicus, played by veteran English actor David Warner with sinister glee. It's probably the greatest D&D videogame ever made and developer Bioware's first real big hit.
Westley: Why didn't you wait for me?
Buttercup: Well...you were dead.
Westley: Death cannot stop True Love.
The Princess Bride (film 1987) - Director Rob Reiner's adaptation of William Goldman's satire of fairy tales wasn't much of a hit when first released, but it's success in home video and cable ensured it's place in pop culture. Hilarious from beginning to end with a fantastic ensemble cast that even includes wrestler Andre the Giant. Has there ever been a more quotable movie? Inconceivable.
Jareth: Turn back, Sarah. Turn back before it's too late.
Sarah: I can't. Don't you understand I can't?
Jareth: What a pity.
Labyrinth (film 1986) - Many people will say The Dark Crystal is Muppet creator Jim Henson's best work. I say bollocks to that, and think Labyrinth is better. The movie is not without flaws, most notably a young Jennifer Connelly who hasn't quite grasped the whole acting thing yet. But everything else is great, from the puppet effects, the elaborate sets, and the music and songs performed by the movie's greatest special effect, the late great David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King. It's a delightful film and deserved of it's status as a classic. And while we're on the subject of Jim Henson...
Rian: The Skeksis have sowed distrust amongst us for a thousand trine. Why? Because they fear what would happen if we were united. They were right to be afraid! Join me, at Stone-In-The-Wood! Here, we will make our stand! Not as many... BUT AS ONE!
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (series 2019) - I previously mentioned The Dark Crystal not being Jim Henson's best work, mainly because I found it boring despite all the fantastic puppetry and elaborate sets. A shame, because it's prequel tv series, Age of Resistance, has some great storytelling and pacing to go along with the fantastic worldbuilding that expands upon the lore built up in the first film. Add to that an all star cast with some standouts like Simon Pegg as the Chamberlain, and you have a modern fantasy classic and another reason to hate Netflix, who canceled the series after one season.
Carmen: You're getting older, and you'll see that life isn't like your fairy tales. The world is a cruel place. And you'll learn that, even if it hurts.
Pan's Labyrinth (film 2006) - Not related to the Jim Henson film from before, this is director Guillermo Del Toro's dark and violent fantasy tale set in Spain during World War 2. It features some of the most fantastic creature effects ever put on film, such as the titular faun Pan and the Pale Man, all played by Del Toro's frequent collaborator Doug Jones. Add to that a great villainous performance by Sergi Lopez as the psychotic Captain Vidal, and you have a great fantasy film that's definitely not for kids.
Conan: Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then the HELL with you!
Conan the Barbarian (film 1982) - John Milius' film adaptation of Robert E. Howard's classic sword and sorcery character may not be faithful the original pulp magazine tales it's inspired by, but that's not really a problem here. This is still a classic cult fantasy film with a star making performance by Arnold Schwarzenneger in the title role and cemented him as the biggest action star of the 80s. And who can forget that inconic score by Basil Poledouris which ranks as one of the best in film history? Though in it's wake a lot of trash sword & sorcery films were churned out regularly in the 80s (Deathstalker, Sword and the Sorcerer, The Barbarians), this film still stands tall among them.
Schmendrick: Can you really see her? Do you know what she is?
Molly: If you had been waiting to see a unicorn, as long as I have...
Schmendrick: She's the last unicorn in the world.
Molly: It would be the last unicorn that came to Molly Grue. It's all right, I forgive you.
The Last Unicorn (animated film 1982) - Based on the fantasy novel by Peter S. Beagle, this largely forgotten Rankin Bass animated film from the 80s is remarkably faithful to it's source material. Despite the film's somewhat dated animation, it has charm and wit and a profound wisdom on mortality and the power of stories. Featuring an all star cast that includes Mia Farrow, Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges and Christopher Lee and a memorable soundtrack by the band America, The Last Unicorn is a little known classic that any fantasy fan should see.
Percival: My king I couldn't do it! Excalibur cannot be lost. Other men-
Arthur: Do as I command... One day, a King will come. And the Sword will rise again.
Excalibur (film 1981) - Bar none, the best cinematic version of the legend of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table IMO. Director John Boorman's adaptation of Thomas Mallory's La Morte D'Arthur makes no pretense of being a 'historical' film like most King Arthur movies of late, this is a dreamlike fairytale with knights, magic and unrequited love with a heaping of sex. It also features an all star British cast with some future stars in minor roles (Liam Neeson, Ciaran Hinds, Patrick Stewart), the standout being Nichol Williamson as Merlin. Boorman also makes good use of classical musical pieces such as Richard Wagner's Gotterdämmerung and Carl Orff's O Fortuna that as such many people identify these pieces with this film.
