Every Robin Hood Movie I’ve seen Ranked

 

 The legendary outlaw Robin Hood has certainly had quiet the history. From his early depictions in English Folklore, to countless movies and TV adaptions, he’s one of those iconic literary figures who’s always remained in the public conscience in one form or another. While the stories of Robin Hood have taken many different narratives, the basic contemporary perception of Robin Hood is the midlevel-times outlaw of Nottingham, who in the absence of King Richard robs from the rich to give the poor. 

Dressed in his signature look of Lincoln Green, he wins the hand of the fair Maid Marian, and along with his equally outlawed band of Merrie Men, revolts against the terrine of villains like Prince John, Sir Guy of Gisborne, and the ruthless Sherrif of Nottingham. There’s obviously a lot more to the Robin Hood legend and character, but these are the basic formula beats that most adaptions like to focus on. There are so many Robin Hood adapted projects in general that it’s impossible to keep track of all them … but I have seen 10 different movie versions of the character. 

So, with March being the month of Saint Patrick's Day … a day for dressing in Green, I wanted to celebrate with one of the most famous Green suited characters, and rank all 10 of the Robin Hood movies I’ve seen, from my least favorite, to my personal favorite. A reminder, these are just the one’s I’ve seen, I’m sure there are several others still worth discovering, and I’m not ranking them based on any objective quality, but how each left an impression on me as a fan.    

 

#10 “Robin Hood” (1922) 

While there were some theatrically released short films beforehand, this marked the very first feature length Robin Hood movie, with Douglas Fairbanks being the first actor to portray the character in a theatrical film. This movie opens with our hero as a decorated Knight named Earl of Huntingdon, who’s the closest friend of King Richard the Lion Heart, and serves as his trusted righthand during the Crusades. 

In their absence, Prince John and Guy of Gisborne orchestrates a cue to take over the land, forcing the Lady Marian to send a message for help. Huntingdon receives the message before the King, abandons his post, and flees back home. Branded as a deserter, Huntingdon changes his name to Robin Hood, and leads his band of rebels in a two-year campaign against Prince John. When it comes to old silent-films, I tend to respect and admire them more then I actually love them. As such, this is the Robin Hood movie I have the least feelings for … but with that said, this was a great production for it’s time, as well as one of the most expensive. 

It may seem dated today, but this really was a marvel for an early 1920’s film, and you really see the money on the screen, with lavish settings, and a massive number of performers. While it takes over an hour before we see Robin Hood as we know him, it still delivers all the classic, harrowing action and adventure … as well as some really goofy moments. Like I said, this is far from my favorite “Robin Hood” movie … but absolutely admirable for it’s time, and required viewing for anyone who still enjoys watching silent movies from this era.       

 

#9 “The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men” (1952) 

Before Disney’s more famous animated feature, Walt Disney produced this live-action film version from the 50’s. This telling of Robin Hood is fairly straight forward in showing how he became an outlaw, and enemy of Prince John, and it’s … well … unmistakably a product of its time. 

Unlike most versions, this film doesn’t rely focus much on action or even a sense of adventure, and is simply trying to be a pleasant little experience for both kids and the family to enjoy together. I’d say about half the time this version is actually quite charming and likable in its own simplistic way … while the other half is a little too silly and sometimes even boring. It’s certainly a good-looking production, shot in Technicolor, making all the green in the film really pop. Richard Todd is an okay Robin Hood, and Joan Rice is likable as Maid Marian. 

Academy Award winning British actor Peter Finch certainly shines as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, and most of the supporting cast is suitable in their respected roles. While the film has the charm, it lacks the same forward momentum and excitement of other films, namely the 1938 classic, which dwarfs this by comparison. Kind of a mixed offering, but recommendable to anyone who has a soft spot for vintage Disney movies of this sort from the 50’s.

 

#8 “Robin Hood” (2018) 

In this contemporary version of Robin Hood, we see a much younger rebel played by Taron Egerton, under the training of Jamie Fox, who plays a fusion character of both Azeem and John Little. After gaining respect for one another during the battles of the Third Crusade, they return to Robins home of Nottingham, only to find that everything he held close to his heart has been taken away. 

Instead of leading a revolt against Prince John, this version see’s Robin going against the oppression of the Cardinal, played by F. Murray Braham, along with his main enforcers the Sheriff, played by Ben Mendelsohn, and Guy of Gisborne, played by Paul Anderson. Like many film adaptions these days, this film falls into the trap of being presented as a modern day, comic-book, superhero movie, with lots of flashy action and spectacle at the for front. Also, despite being set in the 11^th century, the film has a very modern look, with weapons, clothing and fashions that look ahead of their time. Robin most notably has gone from his Lincoln Green tights, to a stylish leather jacket and hood. It’s a curious choice, but it compliments the comic-book tone the film is going for, and it certainly gives the film a unique personality over other Robin Hood adaptions.  

Some of the cast is okay, with Eve Hewson being a passable Marian, and Tim Minchin is honestly one of the better Friar Tucks I’ve seen on screen. Aside from that, the film is a safe, one-and-done experience, with surface level enjoyment throughout. It’s a movie that keeps me entertained in the moment it’s on, but I don’t really think about it afterwards either … so, you’ll either take it for the light fluff that it is, or go with something that has a little more staying power. 

 

#7 “Robin and Marian” (1976) 

Focusing on an older version of Robin Hood, the hero has returned home from many battles in France, in an effort to rekindle his love with Maid Marian, only to discover that she’s now a nun in a nearby convent … awkward. Things heat up when she’s arrested by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, forcing Robin into one final battle against his longest standing rival. 

Before making a nice cameo as King Richard in 1991’s “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, Sean Connery actually stared as Robin Hood himself in this frequently overlooked picture from the 1970’s. As one would expect from the title, this version mainly focuses on the romantic qualities of both Robin and Lady Marian … so, the films strength really rests on the actors. Thankfully, both Sean Connery and his co-star Audrey Hepburn display a convincing chemistry on screen, and manage to carry the film. The remaining cast also include Richard Harris as Richard the Lion Heart, and Captain Quint himself, also known as Robert Shaw, is Robins dreaded rival the Sheriff. 

Quick Spoiler warning, but for me, the most memorable thing this movie adds to the Robin Hood filmography (outside of the leads) is the ending, which takes a page from “Romeo and Juliet”, and features our two lovers dying together after sharing a friendly glass of poison … Maid Marian is kind of malicious in this film. It’s all around an okay film, with a bitter sweet ending, and if you’re a fan of both leads, then it’s well worth checking out.   

 

#6 “Robin Hood” (2010) 

Director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe, the same winning talents from “Gladiator”, join forces again to bring the same sense of epic grandeur to the Robin Hood legend, resulting in the most war-focused of Robin’s theatrical films, and by extent, it’s a decent movie … but it doesn’t feel like Robin Hood in the slightest. 

On the one hand, this is a refreshingly different narrative, avoiding all the familiar staples and set-pieces frequently associated with the character. In general, I’ve always been a fan of Medieval war-epics, and the battles are certainly engaging to watch, most especially the climactic beach battle under the cliffs of Dover. Also, alongside Russell Crowe is a talented cast, including Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion, Oscar Isaac as Prince John, William Hurt as the Marshal, a young Lea Seydoux as Isabella of Angouleme, and Mark Strong as the film’s main villain Godfrey, who’s one of the rare off-brand Robin Hood villains. Lastly, the films production is impressive, although … I’m not a fan of the films frequently murky lighting and settings. When people say it’s one of the darker Robin Hood films … they mean it’s visually devoid of color. 

My main point of reservation is a lacking sense of closure, as the movie feels like a set-up for a string of sequels that never happened. Granted, the film is aiming to tell the origins of his status as an outlaw against John the King, but even still, I prefer my Robin Hood ventures to be presented in a tight, self-contained, three-act structure. If you like war-epics in the vein of “Kingdom of Heaven”, then this film with deliver what you came for, but if you prefer a more traditionally adventurous Robin Hood, you have plenty other options to choose from.    

 

#5 “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (1993) 

I’ve loved comedies my whole life, and Mel Brooks film collection has always ranked high on my pillar of lough-out-loud favorites. While “Men in Tights” has never been regarded as one of his best, I can’t help but have a soft spot for it. While not as consistently funny as his early classics, the film still has that infectious, anything goes sense of goofiness, including fourth wall jokes, musical numbers, and a cartoony environment that always wins me over. 

Also, even though this Robin Hood is playing for laughs, Cary Elwes in the lead role is mentally ingrained in my mind as my definitive live-action Robin Hood - “Unlike all the Robin Hoods before me … I speak with a British accent”. Also, I find Amy Yasbeck to be the loveliest Maid Marian I’ve seen, and even Patric Stewart is memorable in his cameo as King Richard – “Put him in the tower of London … make him part of the tour”. Again, it’s not one of Mel Brooks absolute best, but it’s always been a comfort food of sorts to watch, and enjoy for what it is.  

 

#4 “Princess of Thieves” (2001) 

In this often-overlooked Disney production, we get one of the more unique telling’s of the Robin Hood legend, as this time it focuses on Gwen, the daughter of Robin and Marian. After King Richard passes away, and Robin Hood is locked-up in the tower of London, Gwen takes-up her father’s mantel, and leads a revolt against Prince John and the Sheriff. 

Along the way, she finds herself won-over by the disguised Prince Philip, who’s rightful air to the throne of London, and goes on his own personal journey of self-reflection. Seems like a movie Disney would release today, but it was twenty years ahead of its time, and all the better for it. It’s an impressive production for a TV movie from 2001, with great righting, thoughtful characters, and solid performances all around. Before embarking on adventure in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, or fighting battles in “King Arthur”, Keira Knightley shined as the rouge daughter of Robin Hood. 

It is so cool to see her emotional and charismatic talents on display in this film before she became famous. Malcolm McDowell and Jonathan Hyde are also excellent as our sinister pair of villains, as they bring both their trademark theatrics to their respected roles. All around, this is an above average film for its production, and I hope more people take note of it as a worthwhile addition to the Robin Hood filmography.

 

#3 “The Legend of Robin Hood” (1938) 

Here it is, the most classic of all Robin Hood motion pictures, a benchmark in adventure cinema, and the film that set the standard for which future, action-packed swashbucklers would be judged by. Even if this film isn’t one of your favorite action-adventure pictures, it no-doubt inspired one of your favorites. Of course, Errol Flynn’s charisma in the leading role made him the main face of the character in our pop culture, and has yet to be surpassed … at least as far as iconography is concerned. While the first 1922 “Robin Hood” played the long-game of setting-up the hero, this film jumps right-in with the character already living in the forest, dressed in Lincon Green, leading a revolt against Prince John, and making enemies with Sir Guy of Gisborne. 

The movie dose however take it’s time developing Robins romantic relation with Maid Marian, which is one of the best, and most charismatic of their on-screen pairings. Marian was played by Olivia de Havilland, who was one of the great, long-lasting actresses from the golden age of Hollywood. Little John was played by Alan Hale, who previously played the character in the 1922 picture, and would reprise his role for a third time in the lesser known 1950’s “Rogues of Sherwood Forest”. Basil Rathbone, famous for playing Sherlock Homes and the “Son of Frankenstein”, gets to shine as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisborne. Claude Rains, who I’ve always associated with classic monster roles like “The Invisible Man” and “The Phantom of the Opera”, is almost unrecognizable in his portrayal of Prince John, which goes to show how versatile the talent was. Also, predating “The Wizard of Oz” by a year, this was one of the very first movies to be shot in Technicolor, and the colorful imagery leaps off the screen. 

This movie also moves at a brisk pace, from one entertaining set-piece to another, all leading to a climactic sword fight between Robin and Sir Guy, which features one of the most iconic visuals of any swashbuckler … when it cuts to their shadow-silhouettes sword-fighting on the wall. All around, there are still two other Robin Hood movies that I have a little more fondness for … but this is undeniably one of the best, and most recommendable, both to fans of the character, and fans of adventure cinema.   

 

#2 Disney’s “Robin Hood” (1973) 

Like most kids, I was first introduced to Robin Hood through Disney’s animated picture, and it still holds a special place in my nostalgic heart all these years later. It’s the unique Disney offering which features all its characters as animal-morphed-people, and beyond the visual presentation, these characters are exploding with personality and charisma. 

Honestly, the strength of this film isn’t its story or morals, its simply the joy that comes from watching this group of colorful characters work-off each other. It’s about Robin Hood palling around with Little John, Maid Marian bonding with Skippy, Prince John arguing with Sir Hiss, and the Sherif of Nottingham scheming against Friar Tuck and the tows people. It’s all these special connections that make this setting and experience an absolute joy to return too. On top of that, the music is catchy, and the action can get more creative and fun with the advantage of being animated. 

Even the films climax is suitably suspenseful and exciting. It’s also one of the funniest Disney offerings, with Prince John especially delivering some of the biggest laughs on any Disney rouge. While this film has never been regarded as one of Disney’s best, it’s still personally one of my favorite animated pictures from the studio, and will always be one of my most treasured Robin Hood offerings.        

 

#1 “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991) 

After my initial introduction to Robin Hood through the animated Disney movie, 1991’s “Prince of Thieves” followed shortly after, marking my first live-action Robin Hood adventure, one of the very first PG-13 movies I ever saw in my life time, and one of my early introductions to swashbuckling adventure cinema. 

Objectively, I can’t make a compelling argument that this really is one of the great adventure movies, let alone one of the best Robin Hood stories, but it’s always been my special Robin Hood adventure, the one I’ve re-experienced the most, and the one I most fondly look back on. While Kevin Costner is not the best Robin Hood portrayal … not even close … he’s still surrounded by my favorite actors in these respected roles. Morgan Freeman is excellent as Robins best friend Azeem, Nick Brimble is a perfect Little John, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is a fiery presence as Lady Marian, and of course, it’s Alan Rickman who steals the whole show as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Honestly, this film makes my number one Robin Hood picture just for Alan Rickman as the villain alone. Aside from that, the film boasts one of my all-time favorite adventure scores, and features blazing action sequences. 

While it lacks the bright colors of other films, it makes-up for it by making Sherwood Forest feel more like a character than ever before, with Robins freedom fighters utilizing their surroundings for stealth missions, disappearing into their environment, and creating an awesome system of tree houses that are all connected. Still to this day, I find “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” a fun experience, as well as a decade staple, a favorable adventure movie, and it’s what always seems to come to my mind first when I think Robin Hood ... maybe not the objective best … but my personal favorite Robin Hood all the same.

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!