Overview
A legendary sword holds the fate of a kingdom in its grip, and only one can wield it.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- operatic
- mythic
- brooding
- fantasy marathon
- classic film night
What critics said
Critics broadly admire the film’s operatic visual design, magical atmosphere, and strong British ensemble while finding its storytelling and dialogue uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
John Boorman emphasizes saturated light, fog, armor, castles, magical objects, and grand tableau compositions over naturalistic historical detail.
The sword Excalibur and other magical moments are framed through radiant, reflective, and atmospheric light effects central to the film’s aesthetic identity.
Arthur’s right to rule England is validated when he draws Excalibur from the stone and later gathers the Round Table around a vision of unified rule.
Uther’s lust, Arthur’s relationship with Morgana, and the Guenevere-Lancelot love triangle connect erotic betrayal to the threatened collapse of Camelot.
Films like Excalibur, and why
The Green Knight
mythic medieval fantasy, heroic destiny, magical lore, and operatic visual grandeur
Conan the Barbarian
sword and sorcery adventure, legendary kingship, dark medieval atmosphere, and theatrical spectacle
First Knight
Arthurian romance, chivalric ideals, forbidden desire, and heightened medieval fantasy
Legend
mythological adventure, mystical quests, ornate period imagery, and grand tragic themes
Movie Details
- Director
- John Boorman
- Release Date
- 1981-04-10
- Runtime
- 141 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (1203)
Cast
- Nigel Terry
- Nicol Williamson
- Helen Mirren
- Nicholas Clay
- Paul Geoffrey
- Cherie Lunghi
- Robert Addie
- Gabriel Byrne
- Keith Buckley
- Katrine Boorman
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Excalibur about?
- John Boorman transforms the Arthurian legend into a visually incandescent saga of sacred kingship, forbidden desire, and the rise and peril of Camelot.
- What is Excalibur like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Excalibur as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Excalibur violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Excalibur as moderate.
- What did critics think of Excalibur?
- Critics broadly admire the film’s operatic visual design, magical atmosphere, and strong British ensemble while finding its storytelling and dialogue uneven.
- Which films are like Excalibur?
- Films with a similar feel include The Green Knight, Conan the Barbarian, First Knight, and Legend.
- How long is Excalibur?
- Excalibur runs 141 minutes.
- Where can I watch Excalibur?
- In United States, Excalibur is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
