The universe of “The Legend of Zelda” series is a mesmerizing blend of myth and adventure, and a constant quest for balance between good and evil. For decades, these iconic games have not only defined an entire genre but have also captured the imaginations of fans with their enchanting world and profound atmospheres. Much like the timeless adventures of Link, there exists a treasure trove of films that evoke a similar sense of wonder and resonate with the same themes of heroism, exploration, and the magical. This list of ten films journeys through cinematic experiences that mirror the essence of the world of Hyrule, from epic quests and mystical creatures to the underlying currents of courage and the pursuit of harmony. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best films that are like the Legend of Zelda games.
10. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad – Gordon Hessler (1973)
“The Golden Voyage of Sinbad” sets off on an exhilarating journey with the legendary mariner Sinbad as he stumbles upon a mysterious piece of a golden tablet. Compelled by a foretelling inscription, he launches a perilous voyage across treacherous seas to the fabled fountain of destiny on the island of Lemuria. There, Sinbad must outwit the nefarious dark sorcerer Koura, who relentlessly desires the fountain’s immense powers for his own ambitions. The film brims with encounters against mythological creatures and an array of deviously laid snares by the sorcerer. Supporting Sinbad in his high-stakes endeavor is a gallant ensemble including the captivating enslaved girl Margiana and the devoted ship’s figurehead, a carved sentinel that navigates them through looming perils.
This fantastical narrative, with its lively depiction of mythical exploits, aligns closely with the spirit of discovery and adventure that is pervasive in “The Legend of Zelda” games. Much like Link’s epic undertakings to unite the fragments of the Triforce, Sinbad’s ambitious quest to reunite the pieces of the golden tablet engages a similar essence of collecting hallowed relics. The wide range of formidable creatures and intriguing challenges they face strongly evoke the dungeons and iconic adversaries that define the Zelda series. The film’s focus on valiance, ingenuity, and an unwavering quest for a legendary prophecy reflects the fundamental motifs that are woven into the fabric of every quest undertaken by Hyrule’s iconic champion.
9. The Green Knight – David Lowery (2021)
In “The Green Knight,” Sir Gawain, the brash and youthful nephew of King Arthur, sets out on a treacherous journey to face the mysterious Green Knight. Spun from the rich threads of Arthurian lore, the narrative follows Gawain as he strives to establish his place in the round table’s legacy by taking up the Green Knight’s harrowing gauntlet. Throughout his quest, Gawain is thrust into a crucible of trials, where he must navigate a web of deceptive rogues, ethereal entities, and the labyrinth of his own turbulent soul. The realms he crosses blur the lines between the earthly and the otherworldly, each vista and shadowed grove molding his arduous road to valor and knighthood.
Reflecting the transformative adventures of Link in “The Legend of Zelda,” Gawain’s expedition echoes with undertones of a profound personal rite of passage toward courage and nobility. The parallels are vivid as both Gawain and Link confront otherworldly trials and moral quandaries that test the steel of their spirit and the depth of their valor. The verdant yet foreboding terrains of “The Green Knight,” populated with cryptic and confusing challenges, wouldn’t appear out of place in Hyrule. The pursuit of virtue and the interaction with the arcane makes this one of the best films like The Legend of Zelda games.
8. The Adventures of Robin Hood – Michael Curtiz, William Keighley (1938)
“The Adventures of Robin Hood”, released in the 1930s, tells the tale of the dashing and audacious outlaw, Robin Hood, who operates under a creed of social justice, redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor. Within this radiantly colorful Technicolor realm, Robin Hood, alongside his loyal troupe of Merry Men, stands in bold defiance against the oppressive reign of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Their fearless adventures, marked by swashbuckling skirmishes and strategic rebellions, kindle a flame of uprising among the downtrodden English populace. Robin’s blossoming romance with the brave and noble Maid Marian personal adds a daring romance into his valiant crusade against the scourge of corruption.
Link’s enduring clash with malevolent forces in “The Legend of Zelda” series finds a striking resemblance in Robin Hood’s insurrection against the tyranny of Prince John. Both champions wield a bow and sword with unparalleled prowess, consistently outwitting their foes with a combination of keen intellect and physical finesse. The solidarity of Robin’s band of Merry Men mirrors the fellowship Link often finds in the many allies that join him on his journey. Also, the theme of safeguarding the unassuming populace and restoring the integrity of a realm threatened by devious usurpers echoes the profound narratives that course through The Legend of Zelda games.
7. The Kingdom of the Fairies – Georges Méliès (1903)
“The Kingdom of the Fairies” is a captivating cinematic odyssey, masterminded by the forefather of special effects, Georges Méliès. In this delightfully imaginative narrative, a prince and princess find themselves ensnared by a sinister coven of witches, unexpectedly causing a chain of miraculous rescues orchestrated by the benevolent Fairy Queen. The film portrays a panorama of otherworldly wonders, ranging from menacing dragons and mischievous goblins to the ethereal domains that the royals must traverse. Their liberation from peril, effected through a spectacle of stagecraft and visual trickery, captures the essence of cinema’s infatuation with the realms of the fantastical.
This silent era gem creates a narrative of creativity that closely mirrors the mythical landscapes of “The Legend of Zelda”. The royal duo’s treacherous odyssey through bewitched territories echoes the trials faced by Link and Zelda in their numerous escapades. Méliès’ groundbreaking visual effects and enchanting story sequences bear a striking semblance to the enigmas and arcane powers that Link deciphers within the depths of Hyrule, making this one of the best films like The Legend of Zelda games. The recurring theme of an overarching protective presence, much akin to the guidance of the Fairy Queen, finds its counterpart in the familiar and comforting assistance that Link frequently receives in his quests.
6. The Adventures of Prince Achmed – Lotte Reiniger (1926)
“The Adventures of Prince Achmed,” directed by the inventive Lotte Reiniger, is recognized as one of the earliest animated feature films, using silhouettes to bring to life the exploits of Prince Achmed and his enchanted steed. Together, they soar into a narrative brimming with dangers and marvels, confronting formidable demons and enchanters. In an act of camaraderie and strategic alliance, the prince unites forces with the witch residing upon the Flaming Mountain, embarking on a noble mission to liberate Princess Peri Banu from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. Their journey stretches across exotic and mystical realms, further enhanced by encounters with legendary figures such as Aladdin.
Lotte Reiniger’s trailblazing animation infuses the narrative with a unique visual charm, echoing the enchantment and heroism inherent in “The Legend of Zelda” series. Prince Achmed’s valiant trek through vibrant domains, combating sinister forces, holds up a mirror to Link’s unending adventures. The film’s artistry, characterized by its dramatic interplay between silhouette and illumination, conjures an atmosphere akin to the visually striking and memorable worlds Zelda games are celebrated for. Both Prince Achmed and Link stand as quintessential heroes, embodiments of bravery and resolve, carving out legacies that have captivated audiences and gamers alike through their enduring tales of adventure.
5. Die Nibelungen: Siegfried – Fritz Lang (1924)
“Die Nibelungen: Siegfried,” directed by the visionary Fritz Lang, portrays the monumental saga of Siegfried, a dauntless dragon-slayer whose destiny intertwines with the supernatural. After his triumphant battle, Siegfried’s skin is rendered immune to harm, save for a singular vulnerable spot that would become a focal point of his fate. His quest leads him to the mighty domain of Burgundy, where he desires to claim the hand of the radiant Princess Kriemhild. Utilizing a magical cloak that makes him appear invisible, Siegfried aids King Gunther to win his own bride, yet his journey is plagued by a web of treachery that ultimately leads to a climactic turn of events.
In this groundbreaking silent masterpiece from the 1920s, the sprawling mythos and fantastical undertakings echo the elaborate quests portrayed in “The Legend of Zelda.” Siegfried’s encounters with mystical entities and his utilization of magical objects mirror the familiar mechanics of acquiring and using items that players of Zelda navigate. The film’s portrayal of a valiant protagonist on a formidable journey, laden with supernatural challenges, aligns closely with the adventures of Link. Siegfried’s tragic vulnerability resonates with the depth and nuance of the characters that inhabit the realms of the Zelda universe, making it one of the best films like The Legend of Zelda games.
4. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Hayao Miyazaki (1984)
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where nature has become hostile to humanity, spawning dangerous fungi and giant insects in a Toxic Jungle. The story follows Princess Nausicaä, a compassionate and brave young woman who seeks to understand the jungle and negotiate peace among warring human factions. Her connection to nature and her attempts to prevent the use of ancient weapons of mass destruction draw her into a conflict that could determine the fate of the planet. Nausicaä’s bond with the enigmatic Ohmu creatures underlines her role as a mediator between the natural and human worlds.
Much like “The Legend of Zelda,” this animated masterpiece, from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, features a protagonist who is deeply connected to the natural world and determined to restore balance. Nausicaä’s adventure through toxic forests and her encounters with magnificent creatures bear a resemblance to Link’s exploration of Hyrule’s varied landscapes and mythical beings. The themes of environmental consciousness and the consequences of past actions are reminiscent of the narrative depth found in Zelda lore. Both the film and the game series celebrate the heroism of individuals who wield wisdom and courage to forge a path of harmony.
3. Son of the White Mare – Marcell Jankovics (1981)
“Son of the White Mare,” a vibrant Hungarian animation, explores the depths of folklore and myth. The story centers on a mighty protagonist, sprung from the union of a mortal and a mythical white mare, who is gifted with supernatural strength. His noble quest is to liberate three princesses from the fearsome grasp of draconian creatures. His daunting journey unfolds in an outstanding display of colors and shapes, a visual feast that narrates his heroic confrontations with the imposing and mysterious adversaries. The film carefully intertwines a series of increasingly complex and peculiar challenges, crafting a mythic journey of epic proportions.
Echoing the quintessential hero’s quest found in “The Legend of Zelda,” “Son of the White Mare” spotlights a familiar motif of a valiant hero pitted against fantastical creatures within strange and otherworldly realms. The protagonist’s progression through a succession of trials reflects the escalating confrontations Link faces, including dungeon escapades and climactic boss battles. The film’s visual language, marked by audacious creativity and immersive visuals, stands shoulder to shoulder with the most stylistically daring Zelda titles. “Son of the White Mare” engages its audience in a captivating exploration of mythology and the relentless pursuit of adventure, making it one of the best films like The Legend of Zelda games.
2. Song of the Sea – Tomm Moore (2014)
“Song of the Sea” takes us into the life of Ben, a young Irish boy, and his mute sister Saoirse, who is the last of the selkies, women in Irish and Scottish legends who transform from seals into people. They embark on a journey to free fairy creatures trapped in the modern world and return them to their home by the sea. Along the way, Saoirse must find her voice to sing the song that will release the fairies from their earthly prison. The siblings’ odyssey is steeped in Celtic mythology, encountering a variety of magical beings and overcoming the darkness that has encroached upon the fairy world.
The connection to “The Legend of Zelda” is evident in the siblings’ quest that hinges on unlocking the ancient magic of the world, akin to Link’s quest to harness the power of the Triforce. The emphasis on music as a transformative and healing force parallels the melodic elements that are central to many games in The Legend of Zelda series, where instruments often play a key and memorable role. “Song of the Sea” also shares the idea of a world where mythical and everyday realities intertwine, a concept that is a cornerstone of the Zelda universe. Both tales inspire awe through their enchanting stories that blend the fantastic with the familiar, making this well worth a watch for any Zelda enthusiasts.
1. Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
“Princess Mononoke” tells the story of a clash between ethereal woodland entities and the relentless human settlers intent on exploiting the forest’s bounties. The central figure, Ashitaka, is afflicted with a malevolent curse from an enraged forest creature and sets out on a quest to the distant lands of the west, hopeful to find a remedy. Amidst his voyage, he stumbles upon San, also known as Princess Mononoke, a fierce human girl nurtured by wolves who defends the natural world from human incursions. Caught in the crossfire of an intensifying conflict, Ashitaka hopes to broker a harmonious coexistence, navigating the treacherous divide that separates the humans and the spectral guardians of the forest.
Another entry from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, the narrative themes of this film resonate with the conservationist messages often present in “The Legend of Zelda” series. Ashitaka’s diplomatic pursuit, seeking to mend the rift between nature and civilization, parallels Link’s role as the guardian of peace in the realm of Hyrule, making this one of the best films like The Legend of Zelda games. “Princess Mononoke” combines intense combat, explorations into unknown territories, and encounters with the arcane, all elements that will strike a chord with those familiar with The Kingdom of Hyrule. Both Ashitaka and Link stand as shining examples of great courage, each characterized by their staunch resolve to pursue justice and protect the world around them.
Summary
To summarise, here are ten films that are like The Legend of Zelda games:
- The Golden Voyage of Sinbad – Gordon Hessler (1973)
- The Green Knight – David Lowery (2021)
- The Adventures of Robin Hood – Michael Curtiz, William Keighley (1938)
- The Kingdom of the Fairies – Georges Méliès (1903)
- The Adventures of Prince Achmed – Lotte Reiniger (1926)
- Die Nibelungen: Siegfried – Fritz Lang (1924)
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Hayao Miyazaki (1984)
- Son of the White Mare – Marcell Jankovics (1981)
- Song of the Sea – Tomm Moore (2014)
- Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
