epic backdrop

Movies with epic vibe

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Adventure Fantasy Action Epic Fantasy Survival Adventure
9.0
20033h 21min

Overview

As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.​

Themes

Volcano setting destiny, Giant spider danger, Bravery under siege, King's authority challenged, Ring as burden, Wizard guidance under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Adventure Fantasy Action Quest Fantasy Adventure Epic
8.8
20022h 59min

Overview

Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.

Themes

Power and corruption, Loyalty under pressure, Sacred quest under strain, Environmental destruction, Good versus evil, Betrayal and captivity

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Warrior

3. The Warrior

History Drama Action War Historical Event
7.1
20012h 35min

Overview

In 1375, China was in chaos between Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. Coryo (an ancient kingdom of Korea then) sent a delegation of many diplomats, soldiers and a silent slave to make peace with the new Chinese government. However, this delegation got charged as spies and sent in exile to a remote desert.

Themes

Loyalty under threat, Duty under tyranny, Homeland longing, Exile as constraint, Slavery and coercion, Battle as disruption


Gladiator

4. Gladiator

Action Drama Adventure Epic Action Historical Drama
8.5
20002h 35min

Overview

After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.

Themes

Spectacle as control, Military power legitimacy, Loyalty under duress, Emperor succession tensions

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Armageddon

5. Armageddon

Action Thriller Science Fiction Adventure Epic Action
6.7
19982h 31min

Overview

When an asteroid threatens to collide with Earth, NASA honcho Dan Truman determines the only way to stop it is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear bomb. This leads him to renowned driller Harry Stamper, who agrees to helm the dangerous space mission provided he can bring along his own hotshot crew. Among them is the cocksure A.J. who Harry thinks isn't good enough for his daughter, until the mission proves otherwise.

Themes

Saving the world under threat, Disaster-led leadership under pressure, Asteroid-driven urgency, Wedding disruption under crisis, Space-based operations under stress, Duty vs family under strain

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

To save her father from certain death in the army, a young woman secretly enlists in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.

Themes

Mentorship under pressure, Deception and disguise, Gender expectations in warfare, Filial duty vs personal choice, Courage under crisis, Cultural expectations and honor

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Princess Mononoke

7. Princess Mononoke

Adventure Fantasy Animation Adventure Epic Quest Fantasy
8.3
19972h 14min

Overview

Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Balance of forest and civilization, Deforestation through industry, Environmentalism vs industrialization, Factional conflict and alliance, Stewardship and exploitation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Hercules

8. Hercules

Animation Family Fantasy Adventure Comedy
7.3
19971h 33min

Overview

Bestowed with superhuman strength, a young mortal named Hercules sets out to prove himself a hero in the eyes of his father, the great god Zeus. Along with his friends Pegasus, a flying horse, and Phil, a personal trainer, Hercules is tricked by the hilarious, hotheaded villain Hades, who's plotting to take over Mount Olympus!

Themes

Duty vs desire, Loss and resilience, Betrayal and loyalty, Power and deception, Divine authority vs mortal agency, Romance under risk

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.