The Best Legendary Pictures Movies List

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Updated April 12, 2024 40.3K views 52 items
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List of Legendary Pictures movies, best to worst, including trailers, genres, and release dates. Legendary Pictures produced and/or distributed these films, which are listed in alphabetical order and sortable by any column. This is a list of all notable and most famous Legendary Pictures films, including movie posters when available. It answers the questions, "What movies did Legendary Pictures produce?" and "What films did Legendary Pictures distribute?" This list is made up of movies like The Dark Knight Rises and The Dark Knight. This best Legendary Pictures movies list displays shorts as well as feature films made by Legendary Pictures, including theatrical releases, limited releases, and made-for-TV Legendary Pictures movies. You can also manipulate this list of movies by this production company. (36 Movies)
Most divisive: Clash of the Titans
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Legendary Pictures Movies List
  • The Dark Knight
    1

    The Dark Knight

    Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
    74 votes
    In The Dark Knight, Gotham City's vigilante, Batman (Christian Bale), faces his greatest adversary yet - the Joker (Heath Ledger), a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor. Under the guidance of mentor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and ally Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Batman navigates a web of chaos spun by the Joker. The Christopher Nolan directed crime drama won two Academy Awards, including one for Ledger's posthumous performance. Brimming with high-stakes action scenes and moral dilemmas, this second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy is a captivating exploration of heroism in times of anarchy.
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  • Inception
    2

    Inception

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
    59 votes
    Inception is a mind-bending, science-fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot pivots around Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), an adept 'extractor' who invades people's dreams to steal secrets. However, his latest task is not stealing an idea but planting one - inception. In this high-stakes job, he's aided by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), and Eames (Tom Hardy). Tackling complex themes of reality and subconsciousness, Inception won four Academy Awards. This cinematic labyrinth, riddled with plot twists, leaves viewers questioning the very nature of reality.
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  • Batman Begins
    3

    Batman Begins

    Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
    52 votes
    In Batman Begins, we follow the journey of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), a billionaire playboy tormented by his past. After years of training with his mentor, Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), in the League of Shadows, he returns to Gotham City, determined to eradicate crime and corruption. The emergence of the sinister Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) challenges him to embrace his newfound persona - Batman. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film offers a gritty reboot of the iconic superhero franchise, delving deep into Batman's origins and his struggle against Gotham's underbelly. It triumphed at the 2006 Academy Awards for Best Cinematography.
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  • The Dark Knight Rises
    4

    The Dark Knight Rises

    Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy
    62 votes
    In The Dark Knight Rises, the final installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, we witness an older, broken Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) emerge from seclusion to protect Gotham City. The city is now under threat from Bane (Tom Hardy), a ruthless terrorist with a mysterious past. As the tale unfolds, a cunning cat burglar named Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) enters the fray. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) grapples with the city's corruption. Genre-wise, it's an action-packed superhero film that won numerous awards for its visual effects and sound editing.
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  • 300
    5

    300

    Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham
    63 votes
    In the epic movie 300, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) leads his Spartan warriors into battle against the massive Persian army. Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, this film is a historical fantasy war spectacle, directed by Zack Snyder. With just 300 men, Leonidas seeks to halt the advancing Persian forces led by god-king Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). This visually stunning film won several awards for its unique visual effects and production design. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Leonidas and his men display an unwavering resolve and loyalty to their homeland, resulting in a gripping tale of courage and sacrifice.
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  • Pacific Rim
    6

    Pacific Rim

    Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff, Idris Elba
    45 votes
    Long ago, legions of monstrous creatures called Kaiju arose from the sea, bringing with them all-consuming war. To fight the Kaiju, mankind developed giant robots called Jaegers, designed to be piloted by two humans locked together in a neural bridge. However, even the Jaegers are not enough to defeat the Kaiju, and humanity is on the verge of defeat. Mankind's last hope now lies with a washed-up ex-pilot (Charlie Hunnam), an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) and an old, obsolete Jaeger.
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  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    7

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    29 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) grapples with his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, under the watchful gaze of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). As Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) power grows, Harry forms a clandestine group, Dumbledore's Army, to train his fellow students for the looming war. The film, part of a globally acclaimed series, expertly balances fantasy and drama, interweaving elements of friendship and rebellion. With its complex plot and compelling performances, it remains an integral chapter in the Harry Potter saga.
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  • 42
    8

    42

    Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Alan Tudyk
    15 votes
    42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film directed by Brian Helgeland. The powerful story of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
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  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
    9

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    25 votes
    In the third installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finds himself in danger from Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), an escaped convict believed to be one of Lord Voldemort's old allies. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, takes a darker turn than its predecessors. Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) return as Harry's loyal friends, navigating the treacherous grounds of Hogwarts School. Aided by Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), they unravel secrets about Harry's past while tackling creatures like Dementors and Werewolves. This film won a BAFTA for Best Production Design in 2004.
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  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
    10

    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    41 votes
    In the epic finale of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) faces his destiny as he squares off against Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). This fantasy film is directed by David Yates, offering breath-taking visuals and gripping storytelling. The plot sees Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) on a desperate hunt for Horcruxes - objects containing pieces of Voldemort's soul. In their quest, secrets unravel, alliances shift, and sacrifices are made. This movie won numerous awards, including the BAFTA for Special Visual Effects.
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  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I
    11

    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    24 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) have left Hogwarts behind. They are now on a dangerous mission to find and destroy Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) Horcruxes. The trio faces grave challenges, dark forces, and an array of magical obstacles. As they uncover the existence of the Deathly Hallows, the stakes rise even higher. This film, directed by David Yates, is a blend of fantasy and adventure genres. It's part one of the epic conclusion to J.K. Rowling's globally celebrated series.
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  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
    12

    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    26 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) embarks on his second year at Hogwarts School, accompanied by friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). The school year is marred by a series of mysterious events, as students are found petrified and ominous messages appear on walls. As the trio investigates, they uncover a dark secret about the school's past. Directed by Chris Columbus, this fantasy film intertwines elements of mystery and adventure. The movie brings J.K. Rowling's second book to life with exceptional performances and stunning visual effects.
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  • Clash of the Titans
    13

    Clash of the Titans

    Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Judi Bowker
    23 votes
    In Clash of the Titans, Perseus (Sam Worthington), a demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), finds himself embroiled in an epic struggle between gods and monsters. Amidst grandeur and spectacle, he undertakes a perilous journey, facing formidable adversaries including the fearsome Kraken, to save his beloved Andromeda (Alexa Davalos). This film, a thrilling blend of fantasy and action, is a reimagining of the Greek myths that resonates with modern audiences. Directed by Louis Leterrier, it showcases stunning visual effects and compelling performances from its ensemble cast.
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  • Man of Steel
    14

    Man of Steel

    Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon
    47 votes
    In Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young journalist grappling with his alien origins. Raised on Earth by adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark's extraordinary abilities set him apart. Meanwhile, General Zod (Michael Shannon), a militant from Clark's home planet Krypton, threatens humanity. Lois Lane (Amy Adams), an intrepid reporter, uncovers Clark's secret identity. The film is a reimagining of the classic Superman tale, presenting a darker take on the iconic superhero's story. Directed by Zack Snyder, this action-packed origin story dives into themes of identity and responsibility in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.
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  • Watchmen
    15

    Watchmen

    Billy Crudup, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley
    29 votes
    Unfolding in an alternate 1985 America, Watchmen is a neo-noir superhero film that delves into the morally grey world of vigilantes. The story follows retired heroes Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) and Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), along with the godlike Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup). These characters grapple with their complex pasts and the looming threat of nuclear war. Directed by Zack Snyder, this film adaptation of Alan Moore's acclaimed graphic novel offers a darkly compelling take on the superhero genre. The narrative is riddled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and questions about the nature of heroism itself.
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  • X-Men: First Class
    16

    X-Men: First Class

    James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne
    50 votes
    X-Men: First Class, a vivid tapestry of action and drama, unspools the genesis of the X-Men saga. In this robust prequel, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), who are yet to become Professor X and Magneto respectively, join forces against the dire threat posed by Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, it showcases their transformation from close friends into bitter adversaries. The film, interspersed with thrilling sequences and notable performances, won accolades for its narrative depth and visual effects. It's an intriguing exploration of loyalty, ideology, and origin, leading up to the birth of two conflicting factions in the mutant world.
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  • We Are Marshall
    17

    We Are Marshall

    Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Ian McShane
    15 votes
    In We Are Marshall, tragedy strikes the small town of Huntington, West Virginia when a plane crash claims the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team. New coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is brought in to rebuild the decimated program. With assistant coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), they face an uphill battle as they attempt to unite a grieving community and bring glory back to Marshall University. This sports drama, directed by McG, is a tale of resilience and revival, steeped in the raw realities of loss and determination.
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  • Sucker Punch
    18

    Sucker Punch

    Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone
    22 votes
    In the movie Sucker Punch, Babydoll (Emily Browning), a young woman, is committed to an asylum by her cruel stepfather. Inside this grim institution, she retreats into a fantastical world of her own creation, where she and four other inmates - Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish), Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), and Amber (Jamie Chung) - become determined to escape their captors. The film blends elements of action, fantasy, and drama genres in a visually striking narrative. Director Zack Snyder's signature style of storytelling is evident throughout the movie as it oscillates between reality and imagination, never revealing too much but always keeping the audience intrigued.
  • X-Men: Days of Future Past
    19

    X-Men: Days of Future Past

    Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender
    30 votes
    In X-Men: Days of Future Past, it's a race against time as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is sent into the past by Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen). His mission: To prevent an apocalyptic future dominated by Sentinels, robotic enforcers targeting mutants. Teaming up with a younger Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), they grapple with their past selves to alter the course of history. A sci-fi action thriller, this film won Saturn Awards for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture and Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release in 2015.
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  • Red
    20

    Red

    Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich
    21 votes
    Red is a high-octane, action-comedy flick, boasting an ensemble cast headlined by Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a retired black-ops CIA agent. Upon being targeted in a company-wide assassination attempt, Frank reassembles his old team of skilled operatives - Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren). Together, they plunge into a whirlwind adventure, navigating covert affairs and dodging deadly threats. The film's intrigue lies not just in its explosive sequences but also in the dynamic interplay between characters who are past their prime yet undeniably resourceful. Red, a nod to their 'Retired, Extremely Dangerous' status, scooped up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
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  • Due Date
    21

    Due Date

    Robert Downey, Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan
    21 votes
    Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) will be a dad for the first time when his wife gives birth in five days. He intends to catch a flight home from Atlanta so he can be there for the delivery, but a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) throws a monkey wrench into his plans. Desperate to reach his wife before their baby is born, Peter's sanity is tested when he must take a road trip cross-country with dog-toting Ethan.
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  • 10,000 BC
    22

    10,000 BC

    Steven Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis
    21 votes
    Mammoth hunter D'Leh (Steven Strait) has long been in love with a beautiful, blue-eyed tribeswoman named Evolet (Camilla Belle). After horseback-riding raiders kidnap most of his D'Leh's fellow tribesmen as well as Evolet, he sets out on a dangerous trek to rescue her from her captors.
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
    23

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    21 votes
    In the enchanting adventure film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an orphaned young boy, discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he befriends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Their first year at Hogwarts sees them uncovering a dark secret tied to a mysterious artifact - the Sorcerer's Stone. As they delve deeper, they face challenges that test their courage and friendship. Steeped in mystery and magic, this movie sets the stage for the beloved Harry Potter series.
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  • The Hangover
    24

    The Hangover

    Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
    37 votes
    In the raucous comedy The Hangover, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) awake after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night. The trio's soon-to-be-married buddy Doug (Justin Bartha) is missing, their hotel suite is trashed, and a tiger lurks in the bathroom. As they scramble to piece together the events of their blackout night and locate Doug, they encounter an array of eccentric characters and outrageous situations. A Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, The Hangover delivers laughs with its unforgettable blend of chaos and camaraderie.
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  • The Town
    25

    The Town

    Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm
    19 votes
    In the heart of Boston's gritty underworld, The Town unfolds. A thrilling crime drama directed by Ben Affleck who also stars as Doug MacRay, a seasoned bank robber. On one such heist, they briefly take hostage bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). As their paths cross again, an unlikely romance ensues. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) is hot on their trail. The movie weaves an intricate tale of love, loyalty, and lawlessness, culminating in high-stakes action sequences that won it critical acclaim. This suspenseful narrative leaves viewers guessing until the final scene.
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  • The Ant Bully
    26

    The Ant Bully

    Zachery Tyler, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep
    17 votes
    Tired of weathering constant attacks on their colony, ants shrink a destructive boy, named Lucas (Zach Tyler Eisen), to their size and sentence him to live among them until he learns the errors of his ways. Guided by his insect guardians (Julia Roberts, Regina King, Bruce Campbell), Lucas discovers a world he never knew existed and soon joins forces with his new friends to combat an exterminator (Paul Giamatti) who threatens their colony.
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  • 300: Rise of an Empire
    27

    300: Rise of an Empire

    Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey
    32 votes
    While King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans have their date with destiny at Thermopylae, another battle against the Persians is brewing, this time at sea. Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton), a Greek general, sees the threat posed by the God-King Xerxes of Persia. He knows that he must unite all of Greece if he is to stand any chance of repelling the Persian invasion. Even if he accomplishes his mission, Themistocles must still face Artemisia (Eva Green), the ruthless leader of the Persian armada.
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  • Jack the Giant Slayer
    28

    Jack the Giant Slayer

    Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor
    20 votes
    When young farmhand Jack (Nicholas Hoult) unwittingly opens a portal between his realm and a race of giants, it rekindles an ancient war. Roaming Earth for the first time in centuries, the fearsome giants seek to reclaim the land they lost long ago. Jack has to face an army of foes that he thought existed only in legend, but through his arduous fight for the kingdom and its people, he may win the love of a brave princess, perhaps becoming a legend himself.
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  • Wrath of the Titans
    29

    Wrath of the Titans

    Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes
    29 votes
    Ten years after defeating the Kraken, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is living a quieter life as a fisherman and sole parent to his young son. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing on Mount Olympus: The gods are weakened by mankind's lack of devotion, and they are losing control of the Titans and their leader, Kronos, whom they imprisoned in Tartarus long ago. When Zeus is betrayed by Ares and Hades and captured by the Titans, Perseus leads a group to rescue him and save mankind from the ancient beings.
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  • X-Men
    30

    X-Men

    Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen
    23 votes
    In the action-packed superhero film X-Men, humanity grapples with the emergence of mutants, individuals born with extraordinary abilities. Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), a powerful telepath, seeks peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants, establishing a school for gifted youngsters. His former friend, Erik Lehnsherr (Ian McKellen), now Magneto, harbors a more aggressive approach towards human-mutant relations. The movie follows Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Rogue (Anna Paquin), two confused mutants drawn into this ideological conflict. Directed by Bryan Singer, X-Men sets the stage for an epic saga that explores themes of acceptance and identity.
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