I have defined this category as movies that require an epic quest of world shattering proportions. Predominantly these movies are of the Knights and swords type.
1.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Widescreen Edition) - - This is the best of the three movies and it wraps up the whole series. The set of movies and books that make up the series are the most epic of all epics. The world stands in the balance and humans, hobbits, trees, elves and more must all come together in order to save it.
2.
Excalibur - This movie is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur and it is an inspired piece of work. The whole thing reads like a dream. It is simply a masterpiece. If you haven't seen this movie you are missing out on something special. I consider this to be John Boorman's (DIRECTOR) Greatest achievement. It is his Citizen Kane.
3.
Braveheart - Now this is a difficult movie to categorize. Loosely based on history it is nonetheless and firmly grounded in historical accuracy it is one of the most powerful epics ever made. I have bumped it down in the list because it doesn't really fit the idea of fantasy. There is no magic or evil creatures. But a movie like this deserves to be on the list.
The Sinbad Collection (7th Voyage / Golden Voyage / Eye of the Tiger) - There are three movies in this set and they cover 4 years of film making and advances in animation techniques. The first film is The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958) and it is a classic masterpiece. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is (1973) is the best of the three and it is Ray Harryhausen at his peak skills in animation. The third film Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is more modern fun but the weakest of the three. The scope of these movies define what epic fantasy is all about. Epic quests, Monstrous creatures and world travel and adventure.
8.
Ben-Hur - This movie came out of that golden period of hollywood when big epic movies were all the rage. And this one rises to the top of the group. It is an unforgettable classic. If you haven't seen it you are missing out on something special. This movie won 11 Oscars.
9.
Conan the Barbarian - Collector's Edition This movie had a gritty, unlike any other movie feel to it. It was a good capturing of what Robert Howard was trying to convey. Arnold was great, and probably the only man who could play the part. This movie spawned a whole series of similar movies often called the "Sword and Sandal" movies.
10.
Dragonheart - Collector's Edition - Another king-arthur esque movie and it was seriously underrated when it first came out. One of the unique things about this movie is that you get to know the dragon very well. (Voiced by Sean Connery)
11.
Jason and the Argonauts [Blu-ray] - This movie is now quite dated and the special effects are not as memorable as they were when we saw this movie as kids but it is still a classic epic fantasy adventure. It holds a special place as a masterpiece of bringing fantasy creatures to the big screen.
