Robin Hood: Blockbusters and Arrows
2. Errol Flynn– The Adventures of Robin Hood
Fans of oldies will probably remember Errol Flynn fondly. The guy was the king of swashbuckling cinema for a while there, and he brought that same energy to Robin Hood. This version of the character was the kind of loveable scoundrel who let out a hardy laugh with his hands on his hips each time he outsmarted the bad guys. Not only did he rely on his skills with a bow, but used his wits as well to get the upper hand. Robin Hood’s cunning is not a trait we see too often on the big screen because sneaking around just isn’t as exciting as grandiose action scenes. That isn’t to say that Flynn didn’t cross swords with that vile Sheriff plenty of time. A lot of folks might say that Flynn was the definitive Robin Hood, but I think he was just a bit too campy for the number one spot.
1. Carey Elwes– Robin Hood: Men in Tights
Some might argue that Carey Elwes’s version of Robin Hood was just as campy as Errol Flynn’s, but his performance had purpose to it. Men in Tights is a delightful parody of the classic tale, featuring plenty of singing, dancing, and plenty of hilariously absurd scenes. Growing up, I was consistently delighted whenever this film came on, and I quickly came to identify Elwes as the perfect version of Robin Hood. After all, he was also the legendary swordsman Westly from The Princess Bride, and he used that same defiant, roguish charm in Men in Tights. Elwes’s kept a straight face no matter how ridiculous things got around him, which made him all the more heroic by the end of the movie. It’s definitely not the most serious take on the character, but it’s definitely the most fun. That’s why I had to choose Carey Elwes as the best Robin Hood of all time.
Animated: Brian Bedford- Robin Hood (1973)
Disney is probably responsible for the majority of the furries out there thanks to their anthropomorphic take on Robin Hood. Brian Bedford voices this “foxy” version of the character and does a simply phenomenal job. Like a lot of you, I have fond memories of watching this movie in kindergarten and elementary school when my teachers needed a break, and it quickly became a staple of my childhood. Honestly, I can’t blame people for benign attracted to this Robin Hood since he just oozes charisma. His light-hearted antics made him a hero that we could all cheer for as he stole from the rich to give to the poor. Funny how that seemed like such a noble idea as a kid, yet so many people are adamantly opposed to the notion of helping the less fortunate these days. Rumor is that a “live-action” version is in the works from Disney though.
Honorable Mention: John Cleese- Time Bandits
I want to give a special shout-out to John Cleese’s version of Robin Hood from the mind-bending time travel flick, Time Bandits. He only appears on screen for a few minutes, but definitely makes an impression as he deals with the diminutive thieves hopping through time to steal all sorts of treasure. Of course, he hopes to take the treasure to share with the poor, but that noble plan is quickly thwarted by the greedy dwarves. Cleese doesn’t get a chance to show off his skills with a bow and arrow in the film, but his special brand of comedy is a welcomed twist on the role.
Shout-Out: Taron Egerton– Robin Hood (2018)
Look, Robin Hood was not a good movie. However, I’m not here to pick the best Robin Hood movies. Because of that, I want to give Taron Egerton’s version of the character a special shout out. His version of Robin Hood seemed like he had the potential to be an actual badass. His approach to combat was reminiscent of modern war film in the way he would sweep through alley’s with his weapon notched and ready to fire. His situational awareness and quick thinking allowed him to be more like a covert operative than a colorful rogue, which was actually kind of cool. It was actually the only good part of the film. So, kudos to Egerton for at least being a cool Robin of Loxley in an otherwise very uncool film.
Those are the 5 best Robin Hoods in my book. As I said, there are dozens of actors who have taken on the character over the years, and I’d love to hear who your favorites are in the comments below. Keep an eye on the big screen for any new Robin Hoods in the future, because if any good ones pop up, they might just earn a spot on this list!