The Witcher 3 is one of gaming’s true masterpieces. Based on the work of writer Andrzej Sapkowski and building on the excellent groundwork laid by the first two games in the series, its elements combine perfectly to form one of the richest fantasy worlds in gaming. It’s an adventure that can last for hundreds of hours and longer still for anybody who’s willing to experiment with some of the game’s many mods and challenge runs.
For those who’ve drained every drop of enjoyment that they can from the games, the books delve much deeper into the series’ lore while the Netflix adaptation also has its fair share of strengths. With season two still many months away though, they might need to look a little further afield when it comes to scratching those fantasy-vibe itches. Thankfully, there are plenty of Witcher-esque movies out there that are just waiting to be watched.
10 The Hexer (2001)
When it comes to movies that are similar to The Witcher series, none are more so than the 2001 title The Hexer. That’s because it’s actually based on the same source material as the Witcher trilogy and features most of the series’ main characters. It also covers many of the events from the books and includes a strong performance from Michał Żebrowski, who plays Geralt.
Sadly, the movie’s plot is inconceivably incoherent and has about as much fluidity as a lump of coal. Despite this, however, some fans of the series will likely find its approach to adapting the series to the big screen interesting, if not entirely entertaining. For all of its flaws, it does have a pretty decent soundtrack and some of the action sequences are quite well put together.
9 Seventh Son (2014)
Seventh Son falls some way short of some of the fantasy genre’s quintessential movies. Flawed though it may be though, there are plenty of wonderful moments buried beneath the movie’s tired plot and some decent performances from some very talented actors. As is often the case with adaptations of works of fantasy, the books arguably did it better, but it still offers good value for its 102 minute runtime.
The Spooks found in the movie have a lot in common with Witchers and the similarities don’t stop there. Both the settings and costumes on display in the movie are at times incredibly reminiscent of those found in the Witcher and its narrative explores many of the same themes. It’s not a great movie, but that’s not at all to say that it is completely without charm.
8 The Hobbit (2012)
As with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Hobbit movies take place in one of the best fantasy settings ever created and are bursting at the seems with loveable heroes and intimidating villains. They’re visually stunning and, despite being a little drawn out, make for some really enjoyable viewing.
Just like the Witcher series, Peter Jackson’s trilogy features a host of fantastic creatures and plenty of familiar humanoid races like elves, dwarves and halflings. Its narrative may be a little more direct, but it has a similar tone and shares numerous themes as well. Again, like the Witcher, some may prefer the literature, but it’s a decent adaptation nonetheless and one that’s definitely worth checking out.
7 Taken (2008)
Those who enjoyed playing as a character with a very particular set of skills as he fought to rescue his honorary daughter might enjoy Liam Neeson’s performance in Taken. It may not be set in a fantasy world nor are there any hints of magic, but Neeson’s gravel-voiced character is one of very few that can come close to Geralt on the badass scale.
The movie is full of great action scenes and memorable moments that are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Neeson’s performance is fantastic throughout and the story has enough about it to tie everything together without ever feeling too over the top. Sadly, the same can’t always be said of its two sequels nor the short-lived television series that is set in the same world. As a standalone title though, Taken is a solid movie.
6 Solomon Kane (2009)
Their origin stories may be different, but it’s very easy to draw similarities between Solomon Kane and Geralt. Both are strong, sullen characters who wander the world with their swords on their backs vanquishing evil as and when they encounter it. Geralt may be better equipped for the task and also get a little coin for it from time to time, but Solomon is no less adept.
Although Solomon Kane bombed at the box office, it remains an incredibly well-made movie that regularly defies its somewhat modest budget. Like many fantasy movies, its story lets it down a little, often stumbling over many of the same tired fantasy tropes and feeling entirely predictable as a result. What it lacks in surprises though, it more than makes up for with its wonderful world and scintillating action scenes.
5 Princess Mononoke (1997)
Few production companies are as adept at the art of animation as Japan’s Studio Ghibli and 1997’s Princess Mononoke is one of the studio’s best fantasy works. As one might expect, it’s visually stunning and is accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack that never fails to match the movie’s everchanging tone.
Like Geralt, Ashitaka is given superhuman strength and uses it to vanquish evil as he traverses a vast and often hostile world. Rather than Western mythology though, most of the creatures that Ashitaka encounters are pulled straight out of Japanese folklore which makes for a much more unique adventure. It’s a wild ride and a great introduction to Japanese animation for anybody who’s yet to dip their toes into its vast pool of movies and shows.
4 The Last Unicorn (1982)
At a glance, this animated movie about a Unicorn might not seem like a good match for fans of The Witcher series. Hidden within its fantasy setting though are a host of wonderful and terrifying creatures and some very mature themes too. Its name might suggest otherwise, but this is a dark and at times depressing movie with a very satisfying payoff.
Aside from perhaps their determination, there are few similarities to be drawn between the titular Unicorn and Geralt, but that doesn’t make Mia Farrow’s character any less compelling. On the subject of Farrow, she is just one of the many talented actors who leant their voices to characters in the movie. Jeff Bridges and Angela Lansbury also feature, as too does the late, great Christopher Lee.
3 Ladyhawke (1985)
Ladyhawke is one of the better fantasy movies to come out of the eighties and was even nominated for a couple of Academy Awards for its excellent sound design. It takes place in a world that can at times feel very similar to that of The Witcher 3 and the relationships and interactions between some of its characters are also fairly alike.
It’s a bit of a slow-burner in terms of how its narrative unfolds, but spending a bit more time in its brilliantly designed world is hardly a chore. Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer are both fantastic and stage actor John Wood’s portrayal of the villainous Bishop of Aquila is equally compelling. Those who like Sword-and-Sorcery movies will likely love what Ladyhawke has to offer.
2 Brotherhood Of The Wolf (2001)
The production values on display in Brotherhood of the Wolf are incredibly impressive considering the movie’s $29 million budget. Everything looks fantastic and is backed up by some wonderful action scenes that combine martial arts and swordsmanship to great effect. The result is a movie that is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
It’s never been confirmed by CDPR, but it seems incredibly likely that the movie, or, at the very least, the beast of Gévaudan which drives its plot forwards, served as the inspiration for the Blood and Wine expansion. Whether or not this is actually the case is somewhat irrelevant though, as, either way, fans of the game will likely pick up on these obvious similarities straight away if ever they should watch the movie.
1 Black Death (2010)
Despite being set in medieval England, Black Death is far from fantasy. If anything, it’s more of a nightmare. As its title suggests, the movie takes place during the time of the plague which leads to a rather grim tone throughout. It also explores theology and the prominence and influence of religion during the medieval period in a thoroughly thought-provoking way.
Fans of gore and violence will adore Black Death as this is one area where the movie definitely delivers. Its story can at times feel a little forced, but it’s excellently played out by a cast that includes Sean Bean and Carice van Houten, both of whom would later appear in Game of Thrones. The ending lets the movie down a little, but not nearly enough to ruin what is otherwise a fantastic movie.
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