Best Epic Movies

From sweeping romantic sagas to unforgettable adventures like Lawrence of Arabia, some movies were just made for the big screen. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them at home, too. These memorable titles have defined eras of filmmaking and inspired many movie lovers (and movie makers). And who knows? Some might even lead to some great family discussions. For more exciting movies, try our favorite Sci-Fi Movies or our list of the Best Action Movies for Kids.

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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Poster: A collage of the major characters
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

age 8+

Strong sci-fi violence, threat in George Lucas classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1977)
The Great Escape Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Escape

age 8+

An exceptional story about teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1963)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back movie poster
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

age 9+

Intense sci-fi violence, emotional turmoil in great sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi

age 8+

Ewok-filled finale less Force-ful than previous.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1983)
The Ten Commandments Poster Image
MOVIE

The Ten Commandments

age 9+

Stirring, even if it's as much showbiz as Bible.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1956)
Exodus movie poster: A drawing of hands emerging out of flames holding a rifle
MOVIE

Exodus

age 10+

Contentious historical epic on the founding of Israel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1960)
The Bridge on the River Kwai Poster Image
MOVIE

The Bridge on the River Kwai

age 11+

Epic of WWII honor and sacrifice gone haywire.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1957)
The Duellists movie poster
MOVIE

The Duellists

age 11+

19th-century period drama has swordplay, guns, blood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1978)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Poster Image
MOVIE

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

age 11+

Indy's first raucous adventure has peril, stereotypes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1981)
Jodhaa Akbar movie poster: Headshots of the two lead characters, the Mughal emperor Akbar and the Rajput princess Jodhaa, hovering over a battleground with people on horses.
MOVIE

Jodhaa Akbar

age 11+

Bollywood epic promotes religious harmony; violent battles.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)
Mulan (2020) Poster Image
MOVIE

Mulan (2020)

age 11+

Martial arts epic is more intense, violent than original.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Samson and Delilah movie poster: a woman with dark hair holds a dagger to a sleeping man's head to cut off his hair
MOVIE

Samson and Delilah

age 11+

1940s biblical epic has violence toward humans and animals.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1949)
2001: A Space Odyssey Poster Image
MOVIE

2001: A Space Odyssey

age 12+

Kubrick's sci-fi masterpiece is still relevant.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1968)
Apollo 13 Poster Image
MOVIE

Apollo 13

age 12+

Thrilling, heartwarming, scary, and superb.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
An image of the bottom half of a person wearing black trousers and boots, with a hand holding a gun pointed towards the floor against a white background on the poster for Barry Lyndon.
MOVIE

Barry Lyndon

age 12+

Kubrick's epic adaptation has violence, nudity, drinking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1975)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

age 12+

Magical, award-winning martial arts fairy tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)
Gandhi Poster Image
MOVIE

Gandhi

age 12+

Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
The Longest Day Poster Image
MOVIE

The Longest Day

age 12+

Authentic 3-hour WWII D-Day drama; no graphic violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1962)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

age 11+

Epic book adaptation is fabulous but also violent and scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

age 11+

Outstanding adventure, but very violent battle scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)