Certain fictional characters have managed to stand the test of time because they do not belong to just one studio or company. While the rules of copyright mean that Lucasfilm has complete control over Luke Skywalker from theStar Warsfranchise and no one other than Warner Brothers can make aBatmanmovie, there are many fairy tales, myths,and classic heroeswho can be brought to life by any creator who wants to take a new stab at the material.
Characters that belong to the public domain are exciting because each generation interprets them differently. Young filmmakers with progressive views might be inspired to take a more modern approach to the material; sometimes, creators even put these characters in farcical situations that make fun of their lasting legacies while introducing them to new audiences.These are the best movies based on public-domain characters, cementing their reputations as enduring icons of pop culture.
10‘Mr. Holmes’ (2015)
Directed by Bill Condon
Mr. Holmesisthe best film ever made about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detectivebecause it focuses on a different period of his life compared to most other adaptations. Generally, Sherlock Holmes is seen as a young man at the height of his powers, butBill Condon’s masterful 2015 film starsIan McKellenas an older version of the character who is reflecting on the legacy that he left behind.
The creative use of flashbacks allowsMr. Holmesto explore some of the key cases within Doyle’s stories while also showing a sensitive side to the brilliant sleuth. Considering that Holmes is a character whose incredibly deductive skills and intelligence have always been his most defining characteristics, seeing him begin to struggle with his memory and become more dependent on others makes fora particularly emotional experience.
Mr. Holmes
9‘The Santa Clause’ (1994)
Directed by John Pasquin
The Santa Clausereinvents the mythology around Santa Claus by suggesting that the role of the Christmas giftbearer is actually a job that is passed down between different men over the years. There have been many different interpretations of Santa Claus in films likeElfandMiracle on 34th Street, butthe signature wit thatTim Allenbrought to the roleallowedThe Santa Clauseto feel distinct among its competitors.
The Santa Clauseis the type ofholiday film that can be watched any time of the year, as Allen’s character spends months preparing for the moment when he steps onto the sled and begins delivering gifts to all the well-behaved children around the world. Although the two direct sequels were somewhat disappointing, and the Disney+ sequel is only okay, the originalThe Santa Clauseis stillone of the best Christmas movies ever made.
The Santa Clause
8‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991)
Directed by Kevin Reynolds
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieveswas an epic take on the mythology of Nottingham that transformed the classic story intoa powerful adventure filled with romance, action, and political intrigue. WhileKevin Costnerreceived a fair amount of backlash for his inability to deliver a realistic English accent, it’s a case where the strong work by supporting actors likeMorgan FreemanandChristian Slateris enough to make up for it.
The truescene stealer ofRobin Hood: Prince of Thievesis the late greatAlan Rickman, who improvised many of his lines as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The Sheriff is one of the rare movie villains who seems to simply love being evil for the sake of it. Rickman’s enthusiasm for the ridiculous nature of the material and commitment to chew the scenery is completely infectious, bringing some much-needed self-awareness to this period piece.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
7‘Tarzan’ (1999)
Directed by Chris Buck and Kevin Lima
Tarzanignores some of the problematic aspects of the character’s lore and instead focuses on telling a sincere love story. While many of the films from Disney’s Renaissance have impressive musical scores, the iconic songs fromPhil Collins, including the Academy Award-winning“You’ll Be In My Heart,” elevate the story into something even more epic and exciting.
Tarzanfocuses on the sincerity and charm of the titular character’s romance with Jane, standing as the best version of the mythology thus far. While Disney is well known for translating its beloved animated classics into live-action, it’s hard to imagine that any new version would capture the same sweeping sense of adventure and joy that the original classic did in less than 90 minutes.Tarzanis amongDisney’s most underrated classicsand a refreshing update of a famous tale.
6‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)
Directed by Martin Campbell
The Mask of Zorrois a pure swashbuckling adventure classicthat also features more than enough chemistry between its two stars to engage romantic movie fans. DirectorMartin Campbellhad the creative idea to introduce an older Zorro (Sir Anthony Hopkins), who is tasked with handing the mantle of the role over to a young protege (Antonio Banderas). This new Zorro becomes tasked with stopping a conspiracy to prevent California from becoming an independent nation by seceding from the United States.
The Mask of Zorrocontains some ofthe best sword fights in the history of film, but it’s the dynamic between Banderas andCatherine Zeta-Jonesin her breakout role that makes it all the more heartwarming. That being said, it would be best if fans of the film simply ignored the sequel,The Legend of Zorro, because it was so disappointing. Still,The Mask of Zorrostands as a throwback to classic action-adventure movies that remains engaging and refreshing today.
The Mask of Zorro
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5‘The Three Musketeers’ (1993)
Directed by Stephen Herek
The Three Musketeershas been adapted to the big screen countless times, butthe brilliant 1993 versionfrom directorStephen Herekis by far the most fun.The Three Musketeerssucceeds thanks to its brilliant casting;Kiefer Sutherlandhas the brooding charisma of Athos,Charlie Sheenhas the romantic slickness of Aramis,Oliver Platthas the oafish comedic charm of Porthos, andChris O’Donnellhas the genuine heroism of D’Artagnan.
Packed withamazing sword fights, fun character interactions, and cool plot twists,The Three Musketeersupholds the values of chivalry that were so present in the original novel.Although it’s far more reliant on humor than some of the more traditional adaptations,The Three Musketeersis an inspired new take on a classic story featuring a genuinely terrifying performance by the greatTim Curryas the evil Cardinal.
The Three Musketeers (1993)
4‘Robin and Marian’ (1976)
Directed by Richard Lester
Robin and Marianoffered a more mature take on the Robin Hood story that is much moreof a romantic dramathan an adventure narrative. Oscar winnersSean ConneryandAudrey Hepburnstar as older versions of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, who are forced to confront the realities of their relationship as England faces an uncertain future.
Robin and Marianproved that the Robin Hood story was not one exclusively made for children.
Exploring a version that felt more accurate to actual medieval history,Robin and Marianproved that the Robin Hood story was not one exclusively made for children. While far slower than many of the other interpretations, directorRichard Lesterstill incorporates some genuinely exhilarating sequences of archery action that remind everyone why Connery is such a great action star. The actor’s chemistry with Hepburn is also surprisingly effective, resulting inan underappreciated gem of the ’70s that deserves more attention.
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3‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Monty Python and the Holy Grailisn’t justone of the funniest movies ever madebut also a remarkably cleverparody of medieval storiesthat points out how silly it is to idealize an era that was likely pretty miserable. Enough good words cannot be said aboutGraham Chapman’s hilarious version of King Arthur; anyone expecting him to be a noble leader and warrior may have been caught off guard to see him as a stuttering, bumbling buffoon with no applicable skills.
On top of its endless humor,Monty Python and the Holy Grailhas one of the best soundtracks of any comedy film and even helped inspire the Tony-award-winning musicalSpamalot. The creative jokes made about the low budget and fourth-wall-breaking help solidifyMonty Python and the Holy Grailasa classic that was simply way ahead of its time.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
2‘Excalibur’ (1981)
Directed by John Boorman
Excaliburisa polished historical epicabout the Arthurian legend, as directorJohn Boormancut out some of the more saccharine elements featured in Disney’sThe Sword and the Stoneto create a brutal version of medieval warfare. While there have been many films about Arthur’s ascendancy to the throne,Excaliburexamined the demise that led to the fall of Camelot.
While certainly a film made to appease both scholars and historians,Excaliburis also one of the most beautiful-looking R-rated fantasy filmsand contains some powerful Christian imagery that allows it to become much more existentialist in its later half. It’s hard to imagine that future Arthurian films like the 1990s action romanceFirst KnightorDavid Lowery’s A24 arthouse epicThe Green Knightwould exist without the precedent that Boorman set withExcalibur.
1‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ (1938)
Directed by Michael Curtiz
The Adventures of Robin Hoodis everything a great adventure movie should be.Errol Flynnwas so well cast as the titular hero of Nottingham that it’s been impossible for anyone to excel in the role in the many adaptations that have come since. Early Hollywood films were limited in what they could show because of limitations with the Hays Code. Still,The Adventures of Robin Hoodhas some incredible archery and sword fighting sequences that hold up today some ofthe best action ever captured on screen.
The beautiful technicolor visuals reflect the simplistic nature of the story. Indeed,The Adventures of Robin Hoodis the type of purely populist entertainment spectacle that defined the Golden Age of Hollywood and made the argument for the existence of the cinematic medium.
