Kevin Costner takes on the iconic role of the outlaw hero in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. This film gives the classic legend an epic adventure treatment, following Robin's return from the Crusades to find tyranny ruling England.

While Costner's performance was debated, Alan Rickman absolutely steals the show as the deliciously wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, delivering a truly unforgettable villain. The film is packed with action, romance, and features impressive sets and locations, including the famous treehouse hideout. And yes, it gave us Bryan Adams' massive hit song, '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You'!

Oliver Stone tackles the ambitious task of portraying the life of one of history's greatest conquerors in Alexander. Colin Farrell stars as Alexander the Great, chronicling his campaigns across vast territories, from Macedonia to India.

The film is epic in scope, depicting massive battles and exploring Alexander's complex personal life and motivations. While it was a challenging production and met with mixed reactions initially, Stone has since released multiple cuts that offer different perspectives on the story. It's a sprawling, visually grand attempt to capture the legend of a man who conquered much of the known world.

John Boorman's Excalibur is a visually audacious and mystical take on the Arthurian legends. It's a film steeped in myth and magic, following King Arthur's rise and fall, the Knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail.

Known for its stunning, often surreal, imagery and its use of Richard Wagner's music, the film is a unique cinematic experience. It also features early roles for a remarkable cast of future stars, including Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne, and Patrick Stewart. It's a bold, operatic fantasy epic that captures the timeless power of the Arthur myth.

Mel Gibson stars in another historical epic, this time set during the American Revolutionary War. The Patriot tells the story of Benjamin Martin, a reluctant hero drawn into the conflict after tragedy strikes his family.

The film features large-scale battle scenes depicting key moments of the war, showcasing the brutal realities of 18th-century combat. John Williams provides a stirring score that perfectly complements the film's patriotic themes and dramatic scope. It's a tale of family, revenge, and the fight for freedom on an epic scale.

Mel Gibson directs this intense and unique epic set in the waning days of the Mayan civilization. Apocalypto follows Jaguar Paw, a young hunter who must embark on a perilous journey to save his family.

The film is notable for its historical setting, spoken entirely in a reconstructed form of the Mayan language (Yucatec Maya), and its relentless, chase-driven narrative. It's a raw, visceral survival story with breathtaking visuals shot in the jungles of Mexico. Gibson's commitment to authenticity in language and setting makes this a truly distinct entry in the epic genre.

Edward Zwick's The Last Samurai tells a captivating story of cultural clash and transformation set against the backdrop of Japan's Meiji Restoration. Tom Cruise stars as Captain Nathan Algren, an American military advisor who becomes unexpectedly immersed in the world of the samurai, led by the charismatic Katsumoto, played brilliantly by Ken Watanabe.

The film features stunning cinematography capturing the beauty of the Japanese landscape and meticulously recreated historical settings. The battle sequences are impressive, blending traditional samurai combat with modern warfare tactics. It's an epic that explores themes of honor, tradition, and progress with both action and heart.

Get ready for a visually audacious ride with Zack Snyder's 300. Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, this film is a stylized, hyper-kinetic retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans faced a massive Persian army.

The film's distinctive look, achieved through heavy use of green screen and post-production effects, makes it feel like the comic book panel has come to life. Gerard Butler's roaring performance as Leonidas is iconic, delivering lines that have become instant pop culture staples. It's an epic of pure, visceral action and striking imagery.

Wolfgang Petersen brings Homer's epic poem, the Iliad, to the screen with Troy, a star-studded spectacle focusing on the legendary Trojan War. Brad Pitt is striking as the near-invincible Achilles, while Eric Bana is a noble Hector, setting the stage for their inevitable, climactic duel.

The film boasts massive sets and thousands of extras to recreate the scale of the conflict and the iconic city of Troy. While it takes liberties with the source material, it delivers on grand-scale battles and explores the human drama behind the myth. Sean Bean also appears, naturally, adding to his impressive list of on-screen demises!

Ridley Scott returns to historical epics with Kingdom of Heaven, a visually stunning look at the Crusades. While the theatrical cut had mixed reception, the Director's Cut is widely considered a vastly superior and truly epic film, restoring crucial plot points and character development that elevate the story of Balian of Ibelin.

The scale of the production is immense, from the detailed medieval cities to the massive siege sequences. Orlando Bloom leads a stellar cast, including Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, and a scene-stealing Ghassan Massoud as Saladin. It's a thought-provoking film that delves into complex themes of faith, duty, and humanity amidst brutal conflict.

Journey deeper into Middle-earth with The Two Towers, the epic second chapter of Peter Jackson's monumental adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's saga. This film expands the scope dramatically, following multiple storylines as the fellowship is broken.

The technical achievements here are mind-blowing, particularly the groundbreaking motion-capture performance by Andy Serkis as Gollum, which set a new standard for CGI characters. And let's talk about the Battle of Helm's Deep – it's one of the most incredible, large-scale battle sequences ever put to film, showcasing Jackson's mastery of tension and spectacle. It perfectly balances the grand fantasy adventure with the emotional weight of its characters.

Are you not entertained?! Ridley Scott's Gladiator resurrected the historical epic genre with a thunderous roar. Russell Crowe delivers a career-defining performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius, the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, the gladiator who defied an empire. His journey is utterly compelling.

The production design is simply breathtaking, recreating the grandeur and grime of ancient Rome with astonishing detail. The coliseum sequences are particularly stunning, blending practical effects with early CGI to create a spectacle that still holds up today. Joaquin Phoenix is chillingly effective as the villainous Commodus, creating a truly detestable foil for Maximus. This film is pure, unadulterated epic cinema!

Prepare for a truly rousing experience! Mel Gibson's directorial masterpiece, Braveheart, is a sweeping historical epic that plunges you headfirst into the brutal fight for Scottish independence. Gibson doesn't just star as William Wallace; he embodies the raw spirit of rebellion, delivering a performance that's both fierce and deeply human.

Did you know that many of the film's massive battle scenes utilized hundreds of Irish army reservists as extras? They were famously willing to grow their hair and beards for authenticity! The film's incredible success wasn't just at the box office; it swept the Oscars, taking home Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its place as a modern classic. The score by James Horner? Absolutely goosebump-inducing!