13 best movies like Elden Ring to watch when you need a break

Elden Ring, am I right? FromSoftware’s latest challenging RPG is a global smash hit, and the studio has said they’re looking to expand beyond games. So we thought it’d be a good time to talk about some movies that remind us of Elden Ring. FromSoft’s games are known for hauntingly beautiful fantasy environments and enemies and a relentless amount of dying by the main character, so we’ve picked some movies to match. The inspiration for this post came partly from this tweetMore The Green Knight A recent view of A Writer’s Odyssey.

Whether you’re away from your gaming system, don’t have Elden RingYou are curious about the vibes of Elden Ring But not to play it. If you are looking for something to add to your marathon-playing session or any other activity, these 13 films can help keep the haunted spirits going.

A Writer’s Odyssey

CMC Pictures

It is what it is The story of a Chinese writer who’s fantasy book seems to have a strange impact on real life, as well as the man who was sent to his death.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: From giant four-armed giants and one-eyed sentient armor skeletal, to the fight sequences and monster design, it feels straight out of Fromsoft.

You can watch it here: Streaming You can rent iQiyi for as low as $4.99 via Google Play or $5.99 through Amazon.

Conan, the Barbarian

Universal Pictures

The 1982 Version: The first film adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s pulp magazine hero, this was a breakthrough role in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career. (A more recent — and less-praised — adaptation of Conan, this time with Jason Momoa in the lead role, arrived in 2011 if you need something more contemporary.)

Why it’s like Elden Ring: As our colleague Patrick Gill put it: “Conan gets chased by dogs into a cave where he finds a giant’s skeleton on a throne, and then takes the skeleton’s sword.” If that’s not Elden RingWhat is it?

You can watch it here: Starz streaming is available for rent at $3.99 on Google Play and Apple. You can rent the 2011 version of Fubo on Google Play or Apple.

Legend of the Sword: King Arthur

Warner Bros.

It is what it is Guy Ritchie’s frantic, messy, and fun Arthurian adaptation stars Charlie Hunnam as a young Arthur finding his destiny and overthrowing the evil Vortigern (Jude Law).

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Heavy CG fight scenes with powerful video game vibes. High Fantasy swordplay.

You can watch it here: Netflix allows streaming.

The Head Hunter

Vertical Entertainment

It is what it is This 2018 horror film is a short, microbudget movie. The Head Hunter Follows a bounty hunter looking for the creature that killed his child and is often compared with Skyrim.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: This is perhaps the most similar to the original game in tone, but it’s a gorgeous, haunting horror fantasy.

You can watch it here: Access streaming on Shudder, AMC Plus and other shows for no cost with your Hoopla Library Card

Army of Darkness

Universal Pictures

It is what it is This is the third film in the Evil Dead Trilogy. Army of Darkness This episode is more funny than any of the other entries in this series. Ash travels back to medieval times with his chainsaw arm.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Unorthodox weaponry, slapstick humor and undead fantasies are some of the many features that make Undead Fantasy possible.

You can watch it here: HBO Max Streaming

Highlander

Image by Twentieth Century Fox

It is what it is Russell Mulcahy’s 1986 iconic action-adventure fantasy fever dream about immortal warriors stars Christopher Lambert, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery, who plays an Egyptian immortal named Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: This is high fantasy, with swordplay and a story that unfolds slowly. The villain is twisted and monstrous. It is basically like being invaded by another player. Elden Ring.

You can watch it here: Amazon Prime Video and Peacock streaming available for free, along with advertisements on Tubi

Dragonslayer

Image by Paramount Pictures

It is what it is An 1981 dark fantasy film about a young wizard who hunts a dragon. Dragonslayer The film received Oscar nominations both for its visual effects, including a 40-foot hydraulic Dragon made from 16 puppets and the original score.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Great monster design, bleak atmosphere, incomprehensible dialogue, and some big lore implications that the film doesn’t need or care to explain. Also the dragon is named “Vermithrax Pejorative.”

You can watch it here: Accessible for free when you have a Kanopy library card

Rampant

Image: Well Go USA Entertainment

It is what it is This action-packed period piece from South Korea is set in 2018’s Joseon dynasty era.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Royal court drama and undead fantasy are intertwined.

You can watch it here: Streaming via Hi-Yah! is available free of charge with advertisements on Tubi.

Nightmare of the Wolf: The Witcher

Image courtesy of Netflix

It is what it is Netflix’s animated Witcher adventure, an origin story of Geralt’s mentor Vesemir.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Great action sequences, great monster design and animated dark fantasy.

You can watch it here: Netflix allows streaming.

Edge of Tomorrow

Warner Bros.

It is what it is The adaptation of the Japanese novel was one of 2010’s most successful blockbusters Only one thing you need is to killTom Cruise stars as an actor who is trying to stop an invasion of aliens.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: The main character is always dying. The protagonist is constantly dying.

You can watch it here: You can rent it for only $3.99 through Google Play or Apple.

Attack the Block

Image:  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

It is what it is This sci-fi/horror/comedy, which was a cult success in 2011, is about a group teen (including John Boyega), who become aware that there has been an alien invasion of their London neighbourhood.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: Behold, dogs!

You can watch it here: Starz streaming available on rent starting at $3.99 from Google Play and Apple.

The Great Wall

Image: Universal Pictures/China Film Group

It is what it is Wuxia master Zhang Yimou’s very good 2016 monster movie stars Matt Damon as a European mercenary held as a prisoner at the Great Wall, before lending a helping hand to the defending forces when monsters attack.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: I didn’t anticipate a dog.

You can watch it here: You can rent it for only $3.99 through Google Play or Apple.

The Witch

Image: A24

It is what it is Anya Taylor Joy stars as Anya Taylor Joy in this period-horror drama about a girl growing up with a Puritan family that is torn apart due to the evil plans of the mysterious villain who lurks nearby.

Why it’s like Elden Ring: The terrible consequences of hugging strangers for children can be devastating.

You can watch it here: Showtime, Fubo and Netflix streaming available. You may also stream for free using a Kanopy Library Card.