JuicyTalk
Game of Thrones is one of the best TV shows of all time as well as one of the most influential ones, and while it prepares for its expansion to film, there are great movies out there perfect for fans of the show. The fantasy genre is one of TV’s most popular ones, and it offers a variety of shows for all viewers. TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Attack on Titan are some of the best fantasy shows of all time, as well as some of the most influential ones, shaping the genre.
Also falling into those categories is Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin’s novel series A Song of Ice and Fire. Game of Thrones takes the audience into the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where different noble families fight for control of the Iron Throne. In the process, there are wars, alliances, betrayals, and plenty of twists and shocking moments that make Game of Thrones one of the most engaging TV shows of all time. Despite its controversial ending and final season, Game of Thrones is still a highly influential show, spawning two prequel spinoffs.
At the time of writing, a Game of Thrones movie, titled Aegon’s Conquest, is confirmed to be in development and is expected to be released in 2027 or possibly later. Until then, there are some great movies that are perfect for everyone who enjoyed Game of Thrones, either due to their similar themes, tones, or settings, and there’s something for all tastes.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
For those looking for an animated movie, The Black Cauldron is the best option. Directed by Ted Berman and Richard Rich, and based on Lloyd Alexander’s first two books in The Chronicles of Prydain, The Black Cauldron takes viewers into a fantasy world to meet teenage assistant pig-keeper Taran. Along with Princess Eilonwy and with the help of the forest creature Gurgi, Taran sets out to find Hen Wen, a pig captured by the Horned King because it can tell the future.
The King wants Hen Wen to tell him where the Black Cauldron is, as this relic will help him create an invincible army of undead warriors. The Black Cauldron is one of the darkest Disney animated movies of all time and has become a cult classic thanks to its darker tone and overall different style from most Disney movies. The Black Cauldron’s dark fantasy elements, story, and themes will appeal to Game of Thrones fans.
The Last Duel (2021)
The Last Duel is an epic historical drama movie directed by Ridley Scott and based on Eric Jager’s 2004 book of the same name. The Last Duel is set in 14th-century France and tells the story of knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon). When his wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses the squire and Jean’s former friend Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver) of sexual abuse, Jean challenges him to a duel, with the movie exploring the events leading up to their encounter.
The Last Duel was a critical success thanks to its story, themes, performances, and production value, and while it doesn’t have dragons and other fantasy creatures, fans of Game of Thrones will surely enjoy it. The Last Duel has enough drama, suspense, and conflict, along with complex characters, to appeal to those who enjoyed the stories from Westeros.
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight is a dark fantasy action movie directed by David Lowery and based on the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Starring Dev Patel as knight Gawain, The Green Knight follows him as he takes the challenge of the title creature. The Green Knight states that any knight who wants to confront him can find him at the Green Chapel after Christmas, and whoever lands a blow on him will win his green axe, but will receive an equal blow in return.
The Green Knight has a dark and gritty atmosphere with epic action scenes and fantasy creatures that are reminiscent of those in Game of Thrones. The Green Knight was praised for its performances, cinematography, and take on the legend it’s based on, while also giving some interesting twists to the source material.
The Harry Potter Saga (2001-2011)
The Harry Potter movie saga is one of the best, most popular, and profitable fantasy franchises of all time. The Harry Potter saga follows the title character, a young wizard who learns he’s the one prophesied to confront and potentially defeat Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), the darkest wizard of all and who killed Harry’s parents when he was a baby. The saga follows Harry’s journey from a supposedly normal boy to one of the most notable wizards in wizarding history.
The world of Harry Potter is a rich and extensive one, with its own society, politics, issues, rules, mythology, and more – and, of course, it has plenty of action, drama, and fantasy creatures. The Harry Potter movie series gets progressively dark and serious, which fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate, especially after the fourth movie, Goblet of Fire.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Dragonslayer is a dark fantasy movie directed by Matthew Robbins. Dragonslayer takes viewers into a fictional medieval kingdom to meet Galen Bradwarden (Peter MacNicol), a sorcerer apprentice who, after his master’s death, sets out to find and stop the terrifying dragon known as Vermithrax Pejorative. Dragonslayer was a critical success, though it has become an underrated 1980s fantasy movie.
Still, that doesn’t make it any less good nor any less fitting for Game of Thrones fans. Dragonslayer is all about fantasy, with dragons, sorcerers, battles, and more, but with a different take on the typical “dragon-slaying” story, with a charming hero that will make anyone root for him, and an unforgettable battle between Galen and Vermithrax.
Highlander (1986)
Highlander is a fantasy action movie directed by Russell Mulcahy. Highlander is the story of Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), a Scottish Highlander who learns he’s immortal. Not only that, but as an event known as the “Gathering” occurs, he must confront his fellow remaining immortals in a battle until only one of them remains. Highlander is the first installment in what would go on to become a franchise.
A Highlander reboot is currently in development, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Henry Cavill as MacLeod.
Highlander is different from Game of Thrones as it’s set in the modern world, but it brings medieval elements, epic battles, and fantasy into it. With high-stakes battles, a unique mythology, and a lead character with a clear purpose and mission, Highlander is a must-watch for Game of Thrones fans and those into fantasy and action.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth might seem like a strange choice for those who like Game of Thrones, but it’s fitting in its own and very unique way. Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth takes viewers back to 1944, to Spain, which was then under the Franco dictatorship. Pan’s Labyrinth follows Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a young girl whose mother is in a relationship with Captain Vidal, a cruel Civil Guard officer and loyal Franco follower.
While Ofelia’s mother grows increasingly ill while pregnant, Ofelia meets a mysterious faun that tells her she’s Princess Moanna, the long-lost royal heir of the underworld. To return to her land and throne, Ofelia must complete three dangerous tasks. Pan’s Labyrinth has political intrigue, a fantasy world, family drama, and a heavy emotional charge that make it perfect for Game of Thrones fans.
The Northman (2022)
The Northman is an epic period fantasy movie directed by Robert Eggers and based on Saxo Grammaticus’ legend of Amleth from Gesta Danorum. The Northman is the story of Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), an exiled Viking prince who, years later, returns on a mission to avenge his father’s murder at the hands of his uncle. The Northman was a critical success and was praised for its production value, story, cinematography, and performances.
The Northman has a similar vibe to Game of Thrones in terms of aesthetic, tone, and its epic battles, along with the political and familial conflicts that trigger its story. The Northman doesn’t hold back when it comes to how graphic it is and the brutality of its battles, which is another big reason why it will appeal to fans of Game of Thrones, who are used to that type of intensity.
The Odyssey (2026)
The Odyssey is an epic action fantasy movie directed by Christopher Nolan and based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem Odyssey. It’s the story of Odysseus (Matt Damon), who, along with his surviving men after the Trojan War, encounters a Cyclops, sirens, and other deadly obstacles on their way back to Ithaca. Meanwhile, his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), waits for him as she avoids several suitors, while her son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), sets out to find his father.
The Odyssey has been praised for its direction, production value, and performances, and its perfect blend of war, family drama, suspense, fantasy, action, and political struggles makes it a fitting movie for Game of Thrones fans. As a bonus, The Odyssey has impressive practical effects and cinematography that make it a must-watch.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
The movies that won’t fail to appeal to Game of Thrones fans are The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Directed by Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings trilogy adapts J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel series, which follows the journey of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and the Company of the Ring as they set out to destroy the One Ring. However, they come across various challenges and enemies, but also make new alliances.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the best fantasy franchises and houses some of the best movies of all time, particularly the third one, The Return of the King. The richness and complexity of Middle-earth, its characters, society, politics, and many fantasy elements will easily draw Game of Thrones fans in, and it’s a cinematic experience everyone should watch at least once.
- Release Date
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2011 – 2019-00-00
- Showrunner
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David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Directors
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David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
