The Lord of the Rings movies remain the pinnacle of fantasy filmmaking, even twenty years after the first film’s release. Often considered the gold standard for the genre, Peter Jackson’s films perfectly combine epic battles between good and evil with compelling characters, thrilling action, and breathtaking visuals and sound.
The first three Lord of the Rings movies perfectly captured the grand scale of Tolkien’s story, and few films, even in the fantasy genre, have matched their quality. Considering how much bigger movie budgets and visual effects have become, it’s surprising we haven’t seen more films reach that level recently – though a lot of recent fantasy has been on television. However, there are some promising projects on the horizon that could potentially surpass the original films, if they’re made well.
4) The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, is generating a lot of excitement and could be even better than The Lord of the Rings. Universal Pictures is clearly investing heavily in the movie, with a $250 million budget and a huge cast (according to The Hollywood Reporter). Considering Nolan’s impressive track record, The Odyssey has a high chance of being a hit. Early glimpses suggest it will be as grand in scale as The Lord of the Rings. While Homer’s original Odyssey might not be as fondly remembered by everyone, the film’s success will likely depend on its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, alongside delivering thrilling action and suspense.
3) Mistborn
For years, fans have hoped to see Brandon Sanderson’s epic Cosmere universe adapted for the screen, and now Apple TV is making it a reality. While The Stormlight Archive is becoming a TV series, Mistborn will be a movie – and it has the potential to be even better than The Lord of the Rings. Many readers adore the first Mistborn era, so seeing it adapted could be just as exciting as a well-done adaptation of Tolkien’s work. Mistborn also has a complex plot, plenty of action, and memorable characters, which could make it a hit with both longtime fantasy fans and new viewers. To truly succeed, though, Apple TV should release it in theaters, rather than just as a streaming film – just like Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here’s hoping it lives up to its potential.
2) The Will of the Many
As a huge fantasy fan, I have to say, The Will of the Many is pretty much a perfect book. Since it came out in 2023, it’s completely captivated me and so many others. It’s a massive, sprawling story, and I genuinely believe it’s going to be considered a modern classic. I’m really excited about Sony’s adaptation – it’s bold to say, but it could even surpass the source material and reach the same heights as the Lord of the Rings films. The book is certainly grand enough in scale, and I think its incredibly immersive world and relevant themes will draw people in, if the movie stays true to the story. Honestly, I’m a little worried about whether it will appeal to viewers who aren’t already into fantasy – that might be the only thing holding it back from matching LOTR’s box office success. But in terms of sheer quality? It has the potential to be even better.
1) The Game of Thrones Movie
The upcoming Game of Thrones movie, announced in 2024 (according to The Hollywood Reporter), has the potential to become as popular as The Lord of the Rings films. While the plot isn’t fully known yet, the Song of Ice and Fire series is almost as famous and expansive. This suggests a strong audience turnout, appealing to both casual viewers of the show and dedicated fans of George R.R. Martin’s work. Because the Game of Thrones franchise is already successful, the movie is expected to have a large budget and look visually stunning. However, the quality of the story itself will ultimately determine whether it becomes a true epic. The recent deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. also adds some uncertainty to the project. If made, this film is poised to be a major event, comparable to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
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2026-02-11 02:10