The Greatest Epic Movies Ever Made
Need some movie ideas? Check out this list of the best epic films of all time, which encompasses some of the best movies of all time that Hollywood has to offer. These are movies with incredible stories and characters, and whose mere existence have enriched the world of cinema in some way. From historical war films to the best superhero flicks, these are hands down some seriously epic flicks. Take James Cameron's Avatar whose imagined planet and humanity are now the stuff of Oscar legend and whose cast was catapulted to fame. Or Batman Begins which simultaneously reinvented the superhero movie and the Batman franchise. These are some of the biggest, most important movies ever. But which one deserves the top spot?
What are the best epic movies of all time? What makes a great modern day epic movie? By definition, epic movies have a larger than life storyline, take place over a span of time, and has a plot that carries out some kind of heroic deed or epic adventure. Every epic movie listed can be sorted by actor, director, and title and every epic film on this list is more epic than the last. What's the best epic movie? That's for you to decide! Enjoy this list of the greatest epic movies and use it as a starting point for your own epic movie list. Whichever you choose as your favorite, these epics are definitely worth adding to your must-watch list.
- 1Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King showcases the thrilling climax of the epic journey of Frodo Baggins, played by Elijah Wood, as he faces his final challenge to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. With an ensemble cast including Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and Orlando Bloom, this film takes audiences on a breathtaking adventure through Middle-earth, culminating in a battle for the ages against the forces of darkness.
- 2Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Enter the world of the daring archaeologist Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, as he embarks on a thrilling quest to find the fabled Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this action-packed epic combines historical intrigue, edge-of-your-seat action sequences, and groundbreaking special effects to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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- 3Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
This film continues the epic saga of the hobbits, men, elves, and dwarves as they struggle against the forces of Sauron, brilliantly portrayed by Andy Serkis. Director Peter Jackson expertly weaves together multiple storylines, including the memorable Battle of Helm's Deep and the introduction of Gollum, to deliver a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
- 4Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
- Released: 1972
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, tells the gripping tale of the Corleone crime family and their struggle for power in the world of organized crime. Combining powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and a haunting score, this epic film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the mafia genre.
- 5Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
Based on a novella by Stephen King, this adaptation features the unforgettable performances of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as two inmates who form an unlikely friendship within the confines of the notorious Shawshank Prison. Directed by Frank Darabont, this stirring epic explores themes of hope and redemption in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
- 6Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring marks the beginning of director Peter Jackson's groundbreaking adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy series, as Frodo Baggins and his companions set out on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. With an all-star cast including Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Viggo Mortensen, this epic film captures the magic and wonder of Middle-earth while delving into the darkness lurking just beneath the surface.
