With just over a month to go before the Season 7 premiere of Game Of Thrones, fans are getting anxious. While you could rewatch the series yet again to look for clues to help you with all your GOT theories, may I suggest an alternative? Perhaps, it would be better to update your queue with a few movies that remind you of Game Of Thrones.
Now, no one's saying these films will completely replace the HBO series, but these movies could fill that GoT-sized hole in your heart until the show returns on July 22, which I know you've already marked on your calendar. The following films can replace Game Of Thrones in a few different ways. Some will be fantastic adventures that give you the jolt you need before the season begins. (Spoiler: There's more than one labyrinth on this list.) Others will be historical fiction that make the show based on George R.R. Martin's A Song Of Fire and Ice series look tame in comparison. The best may be the movies that not only have a lot in common with GoT, but also star some familiar faces from the show.
So, get yourself off the Game Of Thrones Reddit page and onto the couch, preferably with some popcorn, ready to be transported to another kingdom — even if it isn't one of the seven.
1
'Willow'
Willow (Warwick Davis) is an unassuming farmer given the difficult task of protecting a baby from a mad queen in this George Lucas-penned fantasy. Willow and his not-so-trusty companion Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) are definitely a precursor to everyone's favorite ragtag GoT duo of Tyrion and Bronn. Like Tyrion, Willow is also someone who knows you're never too small to be a hero.
2
'Valhalla Rising'
Rogue One's Mads Mikkelsen is a Norse warrior named One-Eye on a mission in this Danish adventure film from Drive director, Nicolas Winding Refn. If you've seen that film starring Ryan Gosling, you know that Refn is not afraid of blood and gore. This film is no different. Complex even named it one of the most disturbing movies. Pro tip: Don't eat before watching.
3
'Black Death'
Sean Bean is taking on a different kind of walker in this film, which takes place during the Bubonic Plague. With Eddie Redmayne by his side, the actor formerly known as Ned Stark attempts to steal a plague-free town's necromancer in hopes of bringing people back from the dead. Let's just say, none of this goes as he planned.
Look out for Carice van Houten, better known as Melisandre, who is unfortunately not working any of her Red Priestess magic here.
4
'The Wolves Of Kromer'
Yes, this dark fantasy film is about werewolves that are being blamed for murder, but it's also a gay allegory. The werewolves in this movie are being discriminated against because of their homosexuality, which puts a very real-life spin on a fantasy film.
5
'Kirikou And The Sorceress'
This animated film, inspired by West African folk tales, follows a young boy named Kirikou, who's tasked with saving his village from an evil sorceress who is almost as terrifying as Cersei Lannister. Almost.
6
'Ladyhawke'
The title of this movie, one of George R.R. Martin's favorite fantasy films, should be taken very literally. Michelle Pfeiffer is actually the hawk in question, who is looking to become human again. Luckily, there's a way to break the spell, but you know the solution is anything but easy.
7
'The Princess Bride'
Being that it's unlikely Game Of Thrones will end happily ever after, this satirical fairytale puts a positive and humorous spin on the fight against an evil king. It also proves you never mess with a man looking for revenge. Inigo Montoya could teach so many GoT characters so many things.
8
'Ironclad'
This adventure film focuses on what happened after King John decided to renege on his signing of the Magna Carta, which granted rights to all Britain's freemen. It's a fight for freedom that includes a few duels that would impress a swordsman like Jaime Lannister. You will spot a familiar face in Charles Dance, aka Tywin Lannister, who is actually on the good side this time around.
9
'Queen Margot'
Margaret of Valois may have been the Sansa Stark of her day. She's married off to a King in hopes of brokering some peace between the Catholics and the Protestants — or so viewers think.
In actuality, it's all a heartless ploy from Margot's scheming mother that ends in death and destruction. No joke, there's a scene in this French film that makes the Red Wedding look tame by comparison. It's even been dubbed "The Red Honeymoon."
10
'Pan's Labyrinth'
If you're a fan of Arya and wish the show focused more on her journey, this fantastical adventure from Guillermo Del Toro may do the trick. This dark Spanish-language fantasy looks at a little girl who is believed to be the reincarnation of a princess who needs to get back to her underworld kingdom. Luckily, the king built labyrinths to help her get back. Unfortunately, finding her way home isn't easy. Arya would likely agree.
11
'The Dark Crystal'
If you love Game Of Thrones but wish there were more Muppets, then this is the film for you. Much darker than most kids films — it was partially inspired by Grimm's fairytales — this adventure focuses on a Gelfling named Jen who's looking to restore some normalcy in his world. How so? By healing a broken crystal. Like most quests, this one is much more difficult than it sounds.
After watching this movie, if you're looking for more Dark Crystal, Netflix is giving it to you with a new series coming soon.
12
'Centurion'
If your favorite part of Game Of Thrones is figuring out what happened to Jon Snow's uncle Benjen, then you may find yourself enthralled with this action film about the disappearance of the Roman Empire's Ninth Legion soldiers. This movie is looking to solve that mystery. Added bonus? Michael Fassbender is playing the Jon Snow-type commander in this one.
13
'The Devils'
This based-on-real life horror movie about a 17th-century Roman Catholic priest executed for witchcraft may actually be scarier than fiction. This disturbing film got an X-rating when it was first released, which means it certainly gives Game Of Thrones a run for its money in the modesty department. For instance, Vanessa Redgrave is a hunchbacked nun who lusts after the priest — and honestly, that's one of the tamer bits of this movie.
14
'Labyrinth'
A kid's movie about a 15-year-old girl (Jennifer Connelly), who's tasked with reaching the end of a maze to save her baby brother, is worth another viewing now that that you're a little older and wiser. If not to just marvel over Connelly's impeccable eyebrows and David Bowie's all-around amazing look.
15
'Dragonslayer'
Get your dragon fix in this fantasy film about a brave sorceror's apprentice who must defeat a 400-year-old dragon named Vermithrax Pejorative. While it may be hard to root against the dragons in this one, you'll certainly find yourself rooting for Valerian, the protagonist who isn't who you'd expect.
16
'Gladiator'
Russell Crowe's Maximus must avenge his family's death against an evil boy king. Sound familiar? While the fights scenes are certainly brutal, they don't ever quite reach the level of Prince Oberyn Martell getting his eyes poked out, which means you won't be watching this movie through your hands.
17
'The Fall'
This dark crazy adventure begins with an injured stuntman telling a little girl a fantastical story with an ulterior motive. No spoilers here, but you'll be stuck on his every word and blown away by the stunning visuals of a far-off land that is more beautiful than anything the Seven Kingdoms can offer you, if you can believe that.
All of these movies are worth watching before Game Of Thrones returns, because let's be honest, you can only watch the Lord Of The Rings trilogy so many times before it starts to get a bit old. Sorry, not sorry.
