Overview
A humble farmer embarks on a perilous quest to protect a child destined to change the fate of the world.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- whimsical
- earnest
- adventurous
- family movie night
- nostalgic fantasy viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film’s special effects and energetic fantasy adventure appealing but considered its storytelling and characters familiar or underdeveloped.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Willow begins as a farmer and aspiring magician but accepts responsibility for protecting Elora Danan from Queen Bavmorda.
Elora Danan is destined to bring about the downfall of Queen Bavmorda, making the prophecy the engine of the pursuit.
Willow’s physical stature and humble village identity contrast with his increasingly consequential role in the kingdom’s struggle.
The film’s monsters, Brownies, magical transformations, castles, and battlefield imagery reflect 1980s effects-driven fantasy craft.
Films like Willow, and why
The Princess Bride
Shared sword and sorcery adventure, prophecy-driven quest, magical worlds, and comic fantasy tone.
Labyrinth
Shared heroic fantasy journey, evil sorceress, practical effects, colorful creatures, and family adventure appeal.
The Dark Crystal
Shared epic fantasy quest, miniature heroism, magic, dangerous villains, and fellowship-centered adventure.
Legend
Shared high-stakes fantasy adventure, enchanted landscapes, chosen-child mythology, and classic practical-effects spectacle.
Movie Details
- Director
- Ron Howard
- Release Date
- 1988-05-20
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (2267)
Cast
- Warwick Davis
- Val Kilmer
- Joanne Whalley
- Patricia Hayes
- Gavan O'Herlihy
- Phil Fondacaro
- Pat Roach
- Rick Overton
- Kevin Pollak
- Billy Barty
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- 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 Willow about?
- A humble farmer-mage becomes the unlikely guardian of a prophesied baby in a colorful sword-and-sorcery quest against a ruthless queen.
- What is Willow like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Willow as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Willow violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Willow as moderate.
- What did critics think of Willow?
- Critics broadly found the film’s special effects and energetic fantasy adventure appealing but considered its storytelling and characters familiar or underdeveloped.
- Which films are like Willow?
- Films with a similar feel include The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Legend.
- How long is Willow?
- Willow runs 126 minutes.
- Where can I watch Willow?
- In United States, Willow streams on Disney Plus.
