10 Fantasy Movies and Series for Inspiration for Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons Show

The much-anticipated live-action Dungeons & Dragons television series, titled The Forgotten Realms, has finally found its home on Netflix after an extensive search. However, this transition does not come without challenges. The series is under immense pressure to deliver a successful adaptation of the beloved D&D universe, especially knowing that previous attempts have not fared well. As excitement builds among fans, the expectations for storytelling and production quality are higher than ever, which complicates the development process for this new series.

As Netflix increasingly embraces the fantasy genre, the realization that they are at the helm of this adaptation offers both advantages and challenges. The creative duo of Shawn Levy and Drew Crevello will be pivotal in crafting The Forgotten Realms, and it’s crucial they draw on effective storytelling techniques from successful fantasy projects while avoiding past pitfalls encountered by the franchise (see Deadline).

1. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

A Notable First Step in D&D’s Film and TV Journey

Despite receiving critical acclaim and achieving solid streaming performance, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was ultimately a box office disappointment. This setback was a letdown for Paramount, as it hindered the potential for additional content that could thrive in the wake of a successful film. Nevertheless, the movie stands as a distinct and entertaining interpretation of the D&D universe that simply stretched its resources too thin and was misaligned with the cinematic format.

If the live-action series manages to excel where the film stumbled, it could signal a promising future for broader audience engagement with the D&D lore. However, this also heightens the stakes for The Forgotten Realms, especially following the absence of sequels to Honor Among Thieves. Fortunately, the film’s engaging visuals and plot provide a solid foundation on which to build, albeit with a smaller budget and a focus on streamlining effects.

2. Stranger Things (2016–Present)

A Connection to D&D’s Rich Legacy

Stranger Things has emerged as one of Netflix’s landmark series, not just showcasing the platform’s capacity for success but also reinforcing its ties to the D&D universe. This series thrives on its nostalgic connections to the tabletop game, playing a significant role in revitalizing cultural interest in D&D themes, fantasy, and 1980s aesthetics. If The Forgotten Realms can capture even a fraction of Stranger Things’ cultural impact, it could be positioned for a successful and enduring run.

The explicit ties between Stranger Things and D&D are evident, as the series chronicles a group of kids navigating a world of supernatural elements—a theme central to the tabletop game. This blend of nostalgia and relevance has been key in maintaining the popularity of the series since its debut, offering a valuable lesson for The Forgotten Realms on the importance of source material fidelity and aesthetic integration.

3. The Legend Of Vox Machina (2022–Present)

Blending Humor and Depth in D&D Adaptations

Prime Video’s critically acclaimed The Legend of Vox Machina represents a landmark adaptation of D&D, evolving from the popular web series Critical Role. It stands as one of the most successful portrayals of D&D lore on screen. While The Forgotten Realms opts for live-action, it can still learn from the exemplary character development and intricate world-building demonstrated in Vox Machina.

The balance of engaging storytelling and thrilling action showcased in The Legend of Vox Machina should serve as a blueprint for the upcoming Netflix series, despite the challenge of creating a distinctive identity separate from the already established series. Understanding character dynamics and weaving rich narratives will be vital in capturing audience interest.

4. The Witcher (2019–Present)

Key Lessons from a Beloved Fantasy Series

The character of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher embodies archetypal fantasy elements akin to renowned D&D characters like Drizzt. As The Forgotten Realms progresses, it will be crucial to craft Drizzt’s character with precision and authenticity. The Witcher’s upcoming season, which will see a new actor take over the titular role, serves as a case study for how to manage character introductions in a narrative.

Despite facing criticism for diverging from its source material, The Witcher has maintained its popularity. The Forgotten Realms must embrace the risk of adapting beloved characters and themes while paying homage to the rich D&D heritage. The balance between risk and audience expectation will be beneficial in creating a memorable viewing experience.

5. Excalibur (1981)

Influential Aesthetics from a Classic

The legacy of 1980s medieval films such as Excalibur has profoundly influenced the fantasy genre, and its aesthetics could serve as an inspiration for The Forgotten Realms. As a defining film about King Arthur’s legends, directed by John Boorman, Excalibur stands out for its ambitious storytelling and unique visual style.

While imperfect, Excalibur did not shy away from exploring deep narrative elements, becoming an essential reference point for fantasy adaptations. The Forgotten Realms should similarly commit to encapsulating the essence of D&D, ensuring that its storytelling and visuals resonate with the established lore’s richness.

6. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Guardians of the Galaxy set new standards for storytelling within the superhero genre, paralleling many qualities embodied in D&D narratives. The film’s unique approach to assembling a diverse team of characters to fulfill a grand quest bears striking resemblance to typical D&D campaigns. While set against a cosmic backdrop, the characters’ dynamic interactions and quests can serve as a template for the tone and humor that The Forgotten Realms might adopt.

As audiences are well-versed in the D&D experience, this series must remain faithful to the game’s structure while introducing fresh twists that resonate with viewers. The light-hearted yet impactful storytelling that defines Guardians of the Galaxy should inform the humor style in The Forgotten Realms, creating a connection with audiences both new and familiar to the franchise.

7. Arcane (2021–2024)

Redefining Fantasy through Visuals

Despite its brief run, Arcane has significantly impacted the fantasy genre by merging video game excitement with a rich narrative. While not directly tied to D&D, it illustrates how thrilling action sequences can be crafted, which can be applicable to The Forgotten Realms in its presentation of combat and plot progression. Though Arcane is set in a different universe, its design principles could inspire visual storytelling for the upcoming series.

Fans were left wanting more with Arcane‘s two-season run, but Netflix is working on expanding this universe with potential spinoffs and further exploration of its characters. Should The Forgotten Realms thrive, there’s ample opportunity for the extension of D&D stories on Netflix in the years ahead.

8. The Princess Bride (1987)

A Timeless Fantasy Classic

The Princess Bride remains a landmark within the fantasy genre, showcasing a harmonious blend of humor and adventure that resonates across generations. Its narrative finesse and memorable characters make it a prime reference for The Forgotten Realms, which can draw inspiration from its balanced storytelling approach that mingles romance with exciting quests.

The light-heartedness woven into the fabric of The Princess Bride is something that The Forgotten Realms should emulate, especially in an era where many shows struggle with tonal coherence. Capturing that essence will enable the series to charm a broader audience, maintaining the familiarity of adventure while injecting levity when necessary.

9. Merlin (2008–2012)

Modern Adaptation of Classic Legends

Merlin serves as an excellent case study for bringing age-old fantasies into contemporary storytelling. As a vital part of D&D’s foundational lore, the Arthurian tales that shaped the genre are essential for The Forgotten Realms. However, this series showcases how to update classic narratives, making them appealing and relatable to modern audiences.

With its formula of episodic adventures that showcase various creatures and challenges, Merlin could inspire the narrative structure of The Forgotten Realms. Additionally, the series’ commitment to character-driven plots revitalizes familiar stories, a technique that could help resonate with D&D enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

10. The Dragon Prince (2018–2024)

A Love for World-Building

The Dragon Prince, regarded as a spiritual successor to Avatar: The Last Airbender, parallels D&D’s immersion in intricate world-building. This Netflix original has even inspired board games that mimic the experience of a D&D campaign. Its success lies in the combination of imaginative settings with strong character dynamics, cultivating a world where viewers feel compelled to explore.

This emphasis on balancing expansive storytelling with character relationships will be essential for The Forgotten Realms. The series must engage a spectrum of audiences, from D&D veterans to intrigued newcomers, ensuring that each episode captivates and expands the realm of possibilities within the D&D universe.

Ultimately, The Forgotten Realms stands at a crossroads of opportunity and expectation. With the right approach, it can ignite a passion for Dungeons & Dragons, not just among aficionados but also capturing the anticipation of new viewers, establishing a lasting legacy within the realm of fantasy television.

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