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.

Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

age 7+

Sci-fi action classic perfect for sharing with kids.

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 Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

age 8+

The best of the original series, but the most intense, too.

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)
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)
Mulan (2020) Poster Image
MOVIE

Mulan (2020)

age 11+

Martial arts epic is more intense, violent than original.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
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)
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 12+

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 12+

Outstanding adventure, but very violent battle scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

age 12+

Outstanding, but much violence and scariness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Avatar Poster Image
MOVIE

Avatar

age 13+

Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Avengers: Endgame Poster Image
MOVIE

Avengers: Endgame

age 13+

Intense but satisfying finale is an epic gift to MCU fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Ben-Hur Poster Image
MOVIE

Ben-Hur

age 13+

1959 biblical epic has fierce blood-spilling, cruelty.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1959)