ListNook

Asha_Brea Mar 23, 2026 +117

Princess Bride, Mask of Zorro, The Mummy and the Curse of the Black Pearl are perfect swashbuckling movies. Other worthy picks for the genre: The Three Musketeers (1993), The 13th Warrior, The Count of Monte Cristo (2002, yes, it is not faithful to the book).

117

Pale_Possibility5083 Mar 23, 2026 +37

Mask of zorro is an all time favorite. I love what a mess Antonio is and how Hopkins has to clean him up, I love how Hopkins is a such a righteous hero driven by love and that his daughter is Catherine. Ugh, and then all of the action sequences are all in camera, real horse stunts explosions fight choreography it’s all so tangible.

37

Tkappae Mar 23, 2026 +23

And that dance scene.... Catherine zeta Jones was my teenage celebrity crush!

23

Pale_Possibility5083 Mar 23, 2026 +14

They are like maybe the hottest on screen couple of all time.

14

rose_reader Mar 24, 2026 +2

It's either Banderas and CZJ or Banderas and Salma Hayek in Desperado.

2

SeveralAngryBears Mar 23, 2026 +7

Or the "very vigorous" sword fight

7

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +2

Me too.

2

kidcrumb Mar 23, 2026 +11

Going back and watching a movie that isn't 100% CGI and 40 cuts per action scene. You get a real sense of the environment they are fighting in, which is understated how important it is.

11

PleaseNinja Mar 23, 2026 +4

Also really compelling villains.

4

heliostraveler Mar 23, 2026 +2

One of the best training/transformation montages ever imo.

2

fergi20020 Mar 23, 2026 +42

and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

42

Asha_Brea Mar 23, 2026 +12

You know what? You are right and I forgot about it when I made that comment.

12

EnjoyTheMovie_You2 Mar 23, 2026 +13

I think Count of Monte Cristo is so freaking good that it rises above the title dude, sincerely. That shit is a *timeless* story of revenge and forgiveness

13

TheLateThagSimmons Mar 23, 2026 +10

Which is funny because a legitimate critique against that movie is how much it departs from the core story and thus misses the primary theme: * Revenge consumes Edmond Dantes For all that he gains, he loses it all because he allowed revenge to consume him. He's left with his riches and an empty life. But the 2002 adaptation with Jim Caviezel and Guy Pierce is still my favorite because it's just so much fun, just a good ole fashion swash buckling action adventure.

10

ZwVJHSPiMiaiAAvtAbKq Mar 23, 2026 +7

There's actually a new [8 part English language miniseries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Count_of_Monte_Cristo_\(2024_TV_series\)) that's much more faithful to the novel. It aired in most of Europe last year but *just* stared airing in the United States last night on PBS. I would highly recommend giving it a watch. It's not perfect, but gets so much right. At this point I'm pretty sure it's the best Count of Monte Cristo adaptation I'll see in my lifetime.

7

steakx3 Mar 23, 2026 +2

I just finished watching this, it was so good! By far my favorite adaption.

2

BismarkUMD Mar 23, 2026 +2

Thank you. I did not know this existed. I enjoyed the Gérard Depardieu one from the 90s. And the recent Pierre Niney one from 2024. So I am excited to see this one.

2

AaronRodgersMustache Mar 23, 2026 +1

That is coincidental

1

EnjoyTheMovie_You2 Mar 23, 2026 +5

That’s true they definately copped out from the book ending, the lesson rings a lot louder there, but I’m still fine with a generic happy ending in this case cause they kept all the other elements there. Like he just goes full hero at the end instead of living with his mistakes, the struggles he endured and emotions he felt the whole time are still the same imo. (All that being said, again, you’re right, definitely hits harder in the book)

5

TheLateThagSimmons Mar 23, 2026 +3

Yeah, it's one of those things where if you had never read the book, it remains a really fun action-adventure and just an all around fun movie. The only real critique boils down to "The book was better." Now I need to go back and watch that movie. It was awesome. Plus... Luis Guzman is fantastic. (And an early appearance by a young Henry Cavill.)

3

BrotherOfTheOrder Mar 23, 2026 +2

I’m with you. As an adaptation it takes a ton of liberties - but as a movie it’s so satisfying. All the performances are so good. It honestly took me a while to not only see Guy Pierce as Fernand. He’s so good and so easy to hate.

2

TheLateThagSimmons Mar 23, 2026 +3

That's just it, it's so enjoyable. It's a great revenge flick, awesome swash-buckling action, and a very smooth three part arc. Every performance maximizes the fun of their roles. * Guy Pierce is deliciously self-centered. * Luiz Guzman is *hilarious* and just the best little side buddy. * Richard Harris steals the show as Abbe Faria. And the action is really well done. I loved that panning shot through the high grass as they're sword fighting; really great sword play all around. It's not the greatest movie, but it just captured that era of adventure movies. The late 90s/early 00s were a rare breed of adventure movies that we didn't really appreciate just how good they were until we looked back. I'm glad it's being called out in this thread among that list of super fun movies that just hit all their marks. ...but also, yeah. It's not the most accurate adaptation, that's fair to say and I agree that it missed the core concept but it doesn't matter because as a stand-alone film it's f****** fun.

3

fergi20020 Mar 23, 2026 +3

I saw it twice in theaters before it left which was pretty quickly (only 3 weeks)

3

diderooy Mar 23, 2026 +2

Right? I think it may have more in common with *The Godfather* than it does with *Pirates of the Caribbean* or *Zorro.*

2

EnjoyTheMovie_You2 Mar 23, 2026 +1

It transcends the action movie genre for sure, like in the grand scheme I think action movies would be loosely defined as being oriented around the stunts/physical action of the movie, and while it definitely is the plot and character development is too damn strong to not be the focal point of the whole endeavor imo

1

OlasNah Mar 23, 2026 +2

The Count of Monte Cristo is the last film I went to go see multiple times in the theater.

2

BrotherOfTheOrder Mar 23, 2026 +1

How did I escape? A difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure.

1

Reviewingremy Mar 23, 2026 +10

You forgot the 1993 version of The Three Musketeers

10

Asha_Brea Mar 23, 2026 +6

That's the first movie I remember watching in the theater. Oliver Platt has been in a lot of movies and TV shows, but he will always be Porthos the Pirate for me.

6

SirGuy11 Mar 23, 2026 +6

Oh, good one. “This sash was a gift to me from the Tsarina of Tokyo.” 😆

6

WiggleSparks Mar 23, 2026 +8

The swordplay in Princess Bride, Mask of Zorro, and Curse of the Black Pearl was all choreographed by the same dude.

8

The-disgracist Mar 23, 2026 +4

Just rewatched the mummy the other day and I thought “dang this is a perfect action/adventure movie”

4

Key_Relative_2414 Mar 23, 2026 +2

The Mummy has no misses! Except the 3rd one.. we don't talk about that one 🤣

2

EsotericRonin69 Mar 23, 2026 +2

The scorpion king (2002) fun adventure movie

2

rose_reader Mar 24, 2026 +2

God I love that version of the Three Musketeers. They were all on perfect form and Tim Curry absolutely ATE. "All for one, and more for me." Flawless.

2

Sasquatchasaurus Mar 23, 2026 +2

What about Zorro the Gay Blade?

2

Ok-Street7504 Mar 23, 2026 +1

This is my favorite Zorro movie, loved it as a kid. YouTube is playing it right now for free.

1

PhiloLibrarian Mar 23, 2026 +1

The ‘93 Three Musketeers is such a hoot!!! That was one of the first soundtracks I bought on CD!!!

1

beardmeblazer Mar 23, 2026 +1

That’s an excellent list there. I’d add in A Knight’s Tale even though it’s not exactly swashbuckling.

1

johndenver469 Mar 23, 2026 +1

Adding Sahara to your list as a “modern” swashbuckler example

1

Asha_Brea Mar 25, 2026 +1

I watched (the 2005 one). It is a fine movie and I will surely re-watch it, but I don't know if belongs in the same tier as the ones mentioned. Steve Zahn is always a pleasure to watch, though. Also, when I saw Delroy Lindo was in the opening credits I thought he was going to have a much bigger role, and I watched the first half of the movie expecting him to show up.

1

Asha_Brea Mar 23, 2026 +1

I haven't watched that one yet, but I will soon.

1

anirban_dev Mar 23, 2026 +1

Enough years have passed that there are probably people who have only seen the terrible sequels and wonder why Pirates as a franchise lasted for so long.

1

Many-Outside-7594 Mar 23, 2026

4 perfect examples of perfect films. They did occasionally used to happen.

0

elevenatexi Mar 23, 2026 +38

I was young and impressionable when it came out. When CZJ appeared on screen I lost my breath. Core life moment.

38

MrPlowThatsTheName Mar 23, 2026 +18

CZJ was 11/10 hot and that era was stacked with drop dead gorgeous brunettes. See also: Elizabeth Hurley, Jennifer Connolly, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Pink Power Ranger, and Shania Twain. ETA: Rachel Weisz!

18

bmacnz Mar 23, 2026 +6

She was so hot in the movie it was hard to believe she was real.

6

heliostraveler Mar 23, 2026 +6

I think there needs to be a delineation here between hot and certified gorgeous. CZJ in Zorro was breathtakingly beautiful.

6

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +1

You nailed it !

1

TrueOrPhallus Mar 24, 2026

Salma hayek

0

AnOddOtter Mar 23, 2026 +6

Her next movie was Entrapment too, with the lasers scene. It was a good time to be in my early teens.

6

FearlessAttempt Mar 23, 2026 +6

🎶 she dips beneath the lasers… oh oh oooooh

6

chchchchips Mar 23, 2026 +3

My entire theatre gasped out loud at her appearance. She was surreal.

3

dongsfordigits Mar 24, 2026

It’s not your theatre and no they didn’t. This comment exists in every thread and I will never understand why.

0

chchchchips Mar 24, 2026 +1

This is such a weird and hostile response to something of zero consequence. Go get some air.

1

Bad_breath_unlimited Mar 23, 2026 +35

Yes, a fresh faced Catherine who matched Antonio well. Anthony Hopkins was fine but the real credit should go to the director Martin Campbell who also gave the Bond franchise a fresh lease of life with Goldeneye. Edit: typo

35

OobaDooba72 Mar 23, 2026 +20

*And* C***** Royale. When he got it right, he got it *right*. But he also made the 2011 Green Lantern movie, so... ya know. Doesn't always get it right.

20

blackswan-whiteswan Mar 23, 2026 +15

Oh, 1000% it does everything right: -Two strong protagonist who have believable motivations, dynamic with each other who go on arcs of their own that you are completely invested in -Two truly heinous villians that you want to see defeated -A love story where the two leads have incredible romantic chemistry And to top it all off phenomenal action sequences. All of which were done practically. It is in my opinion one of the great action adventure films ever. I really hope that they start making more films like this again. And actually, Zorro is a character that is well worth a reboot. I know they were planning on doing I think a Disney+ show with Walter Valderama. I don’t know if that’s still happening.

15

jwktiger Mar 23, 2026 +2

I mean wouldn't Zorro be in Public Domain at this point?

2

Alchemix-16 Mar 23, 2026 +3

The curse of Capistrano on which Zorro is based has entered public domain in the last couple of years.

3

blackswan-whiteswan Mar 23, 2026 +2

Yes you’d think someone would snap it up. I’ve read it it’s great

2

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +1

The f****** supervillain psychotic nutcase, oh dear. Early in the movie future Zorro and his brother are caught by some military, and little brother is taken away. Fast forward to New Zorro meeting the supervillain, who ask "Have a drink ?" and he gets a big jar in front of the hero. Inside the jar is Zorro lost brother severed head. F*** !!!!

1

Sylpheed_Gamma Mar 23, 2026 +16

"Do you know how to use that?" "Yes... the pointy end goes into the other man." "... this is going to take a lot of work."

16

le_gasdaddy Mar 23, 2026 +4

I teach Adobe tools (Photoshop, Premiere Pro etc) to high schoolers, along with all kinds of camera gear. I always have the kids who 5-20% know how to use 5,000 dollar cameras or and act like they're experts who need no further training. A couple of years ago I started showing this clip along with telling them 'you don't know what you don't know until you know that you didn't know."

4

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +2

I ate Zorro liver with some mexican beans, and a nice tequila FFFPFPFPFPFPFPFPFPFPFPFPFFFFFFP (oops, wrong Anthony Hopkins movie - sorry !)

2

Sylpheed_Gamma Mar 23, 2026 +1

Through your arrogance and stupidity, you've opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war! You're unworthy of these realms, you're unworthy of your title, you're unworthy... of the loved ones you have betrayed! I now take from you your power! In the name of my father and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!

1

Anus_Targaryen Mar 23, 2026 +13

I love this movie. I sometimes refer to it as a 'guilty pleasure' but I think it's better than that. Plus, Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones are both insanely attractive in it and have great chemistry. It's just a well-made adventure film.

13

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +5

That sword fight between the two when the little b****** cut her dress...

5

Anus_Targaryen Mar 23, 2026 +3

They don't make em like they used to

3

Alchemix-16 Mar 23, 2026 +8

I couldn’t agree more, it’s my second favorite Zorro movie, almost as good as the mark of Zorro with Tyrone Power.

8

ell_hou Mar 23, 2026 +4

The Mark of Zorro is genuinely timeless. Best Zorro film by far.

4

GigiRiva Mar 23, 2026 +3

Love it, and you're right, it remains very entertaining even by modern sensibilities (ie people who don't watch old movies)

3

CubitsTNE Mar 23, 2026 +8

Martin Campbell had the sauce when he did goldeneye and mask of zorro back to back. Phenomenal action movies.

8

book1245 Mar 23, 2026 +6

One of my favorite Horner scores. My parents rented this back in the day, I walked by during the burning Z scene, and that main theme was etched into my brain forever. They've since released a 2-disc complete set of the soundtrack!

6

le_gasdaddy Mar 23, 2026 +1

Fantastic from top to bottom. The movie alone is great, but Horner layered in there takes it to another level.

1

Data_Chandler Mar 23, 2026 +6

I would upvote this a million times if I could. The Mask Of Zorro is a *perfect* movie, literally everything about it is fantastic. Casting, music, cinematography, humor, romance... Just *chef's kiss*.

6

scottmushroom Mar 23, 2026 +3

I'm still baffled by the sequel. Mask is an all timer for me. Saw it in theaters twice. Great action, well paced, some comedy sprinkled in. Legend still had its moments, but just went too dumb with the comedy bits and lost any edge the first one had.

3

IamJohnnyHotPants Mar 23, 2026 +3

When I get mad, I reach to the quote “How can I do what is needed when all I feel is… hate?”

3

heliostraveler Mar 23, 2026 +3

“You hide it…. With this.”

3

artguydeluxe Mar 23, 2026 +2

Right next to Zorro the Gay Blade!!

2

SeaTie Mar 25, 2026 +2

We quote Zorro everyday in our house. See a horse? “Black Andalusian! Beautiful.” Get a knife from the drawer. “The pointy end goes in the other man!” Get in an argument. “I’m to smile in the face of my brothers killer while you make your own plans?!?!” Shoot a man twice while he’s flying in midair. “Strange. That’s the second time I shot that man while he was flying through the air.”

2

Covverkin Mar 25, 2026 +1

Just when I thought I knew where you were going, you zagged instead of zigging. Nice.

1

SeaTie Mar 25, 2026 +1

Everything I do I do in the name of the Independent Republic of Caleeforrrnyyya!

1

BDazzle126 Mar 23, 2026 +1

100%

1

optigamer45 Mar 23, 2026 +1

It's literally one of the best films ever made

1

JMPesce Mar 23, 2026 +1

Martin Campbell smashed it reviving two franchises (and one of them, he revived twice) James Bond - Goldeneye, C***** Royale Zorro - Mask But I'd say that's about it from him. Zorro sequel was terrible and Green Lantern was even worse.

1

spartacusrc3 Mar 23, 2026 +1

Literally just started re-watching this movie last night. Fantastic film.

1

Key_Relative_2414 Mar 23, 2026 +1

This post brings me so much joy!! 😭 I saw it again last week for the gazillionth TIME 😭 I have it in 4K UHD and man does it take me back! Definitely a perfect adventure movie with NO SKIPS!

1

Barry_Vigoda Mar 23, 2026 +1

Z to the O to the double R - O https://youtu.be/YXxRQ4MYz3E?si=nrRN2owl8h0CBvaK

1

Heheheidiot Mar 23, 2026 +1

I grew up watching this as a kid and haven't seen it in maybe 20 years lol gotta check it out again.

1

Empty-Meringue-2386 Mar 23, 2026 +1

I was in high school in 1998 and I liked that movie. Of course Catherine Zeta Jones being hotter than the surface of the (mexican) Sun mattered a lot. Also the psychotic sack of shit supervillain had the hero's brother head in a jar with some alcohol. Sick SOB. But I prefer the Mummy movies, they are hilarious.

1

A-WILD-PATBACK Mar 23, 2026 +1

Is a perfect..movie.That’s it

1

Funny-Juggernaut-549 Mar 23, 2026 +1

Blood never lies…

1

GrizzlyIsland22 Mar 23, 2026 +1

The only thing I don't like is the casting of Anthony Hopkins as a Mexican character. It really takes me out of it. I did used to watch this movie all the time when I was a kid, though, and I'll always love it.

1

SOGnarkill Mar 23, 2026 +1

I just seen something the other day showing the real life criminal Antonio Banderas is based off of and he looks just like the wanted poster. Casting fantastic.

1

NathanielHawkeye Mar 24, 2026 +1

Three fingered jack

1

SmoochTalk Mar 24, 2026 +1

I prefer The Poke of Zorro, but this one is good too.

1

BIGoleICEBERG Mar 24, 2026 +1

It’s got the sauce, man. Great cast, fun action sequences, plenty of comic relief. It’s great.

1

darkholemind Mar 24, 2026 +1

Yes, the Mask of Zorro nails that swashbuckling adventure vibe with heart, humor, and style.

1

damngoodbrand Mar 24, 2026 +1

Paved the way for Puss in Boots

1

Mildly_Irritated_Max Mar 23, 2026 +1

It doesn't get as much love as Indiana Jones because it's not at Raiders level. The Mummy built up a major cult following despite being pretty mediocre at release (still only 63% on Rotten Tomatoes). It comes up fairly frequently for a movie that's almost 30 years old. It is definitely well loved. I am a big fan. I remember watching it for the first time at home on rented VHS tape New Years Eve 1998/1999.

1

guimontag Mar 23, 2026

It doesn't get talked about as much as indiana jones because raiders is a masterpiece of pacing, framing, story, and perfectly balances all of those with the action. There's a cut of the movie out there with all audio completely replaced by dark side of the moon or something and the movie works perfectly even without dialogue. Mask of Zorro is easily an entire step below Raiders. It's not bad, it's fine, but it doesn't really deserve to even get mentioned in the same breath as raiders unless it's a discussion about "swashbuckler-ish adventure films"

0

Covverkin Mar 25, 2026 +1

You serious, Clark? This movie’s top notch 90s adventure and very much in the same level as Raiders. Antonio + CZJ chemistry alone beats Indy + Marion chemistry

1

guimontag Mar 25, 2026 +1

bro, re-read my comment. yes the mummy is fun. no it is not a masterpiece the way raiders is in all the ways I mentioned

1

Covverkin Mar 25, 2026 +1

….we’re talking about the mask of zorro, not the mummy. I love the mummy but am definitely not putting it in stratosphere. However, Zorro’s top notch and holds its own against Raiders, and is more fun (comparable to Crusade but I presume you’re in the camp of worship Raiders and denigrate Crusade).

1

guimontag Mar 25, 2026 +1

whups, I'm in multiple threads, but no mask of zorro is same issue.

1

Trike117 Mar 23, 2026

I actually prefer the sequel, *Legend of Zorro*, slightly more. It has a lot of the same over-the-top goofy energy as the 1975 Spaghetti Western version of Zorro starring Alain Delon. The full 1975 *Zorro* movie is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lHHp-qrkYuo *Legend of Zorro* is what *The Lone Ranger* should have been, a tidy 2-hour fun adventure.

0

thewidowgorey Mar 23, 2026

The Mask of Zorro (and The Mummy) are the reason why millennials are bisexual. We've never forgotten that very s*** movie.

0

Expensive_Muffin1340 Mar 23, 2026

Catherine Zeta-Jones in that movie was responsible for a generation of confused 16 year olds discovering they had feelings.

0

The Mask of Zorro (1998) is a perfect adventure movie...

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