The Ultimate Ranking of King Arthur Actors in Movies & TV Shows

Summary

King Arthur adaptations have been plentiful and varied, with actors like Clive Owen, Michael York, and Sean Connery leaving their mark on the character.

Content has been

"Camelot" chose a serious approach in adapting the Arthur legend, while "A Knight in Camelot" opted for a comedic and lighthearted tone. The Netflix series "Cursed" brings a refreshing perspective to the myth, where Devon Terrell's portrayal of Arthur exudes charisma, and in "The Winter King," Iain De Caestecker portrays Arthur as a commanding figure in a Britain torn apart.

Countless adaptations of the Arthurian legend have graced the screens, with actors infusing their own unique perspectives into the iconic character. A plethora of films, shows, novels, comics, and more have explored the Arthur story with varying levels of fidelity, from straightforward retellings to unconventional interpretations like Transformers: The Last Knight, where King Arthur and Merlin forge unlikely friendships with Transformers.

The imagery associated with King Arthur, from his legendary sword Excalibur to the Knights of the Round Table to the enigmatic Lady of the Lake, permeates popular culture. It is this omnipresence that fuels the constant stream of new Arthurian projects in development, although surprisingly, a blockbuster franchise solely dedicated to this saga has yet to emerge. The future, however, may hold different prospects. In the meantime, numerous actors have made their indelible mark on the portrayal of King Arthur.

12 Clive Owen - King Arthur (2004)

King Arthur from 2004 was one of the initial attempts by Hollywood to transform the legend into a lucrative movie series. Produced by the renowned Jerry Bruckheimer and boasting a talented cast including Keira Knightley, Mads Mikkelsen, and Clive Owen as the titular character, it had all the makings of a smash hit. Unfortunately, the film falls short due to its cumbersome screenplay, watered-down PG-13 rating, and Owen's unexpectedly lackluster performance, ultimately failing to impress viewers. Presenting the "true story" of Arthur, the film reimagines him as a knight of mixed Roman heritage who finds inspiration to combat the Saxons on behalf of his adopted homeland. While this grounded approach is intriguing, it is outshone by the superior execution in 2023's The Winter King.

11 Michael York - A Knight in Camelot (1998)

A Knight in Camelot stands out among a collection of peculiar entries, featuring Whoopi Goldberg as a scientist accidentally transported back in time to King Arthur's court. In this whimsical tale, she is bestowed the title of "Sir Boss" by the king. However, those anticipating a serious portrayal of the legendary story will be sorely disappointed. Although Michael York adds a touch of elegance to this forgotten Disney TV movie, his portrayal of Arthur carries a somewhat exaggerated parody after his role in Austin Powers the previous year.

10 Jamie Campbell Bower - Camelot (2011)

Jamie Campbell Bower is widely recognized as Vecna from Stranger Things, but his initial breakthrough came as Arthur in Camelot. This Starz series stands out as one of the most captivating contemporary adaptations, with Eva Green portraying Arthur's manipulative half-sister Morgan and Joseph Fiennes as Merlin. The storyline follows a young Arthur who is abruptly thrust into a position of leadership following his father's demise. However, Bower's portrayal lacks the commanding presence and conviction displayed by his more influential co-stars.

9 Charlie Hunnam - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Legend of the Sword, directed by Guy Ritchie, aimed to create a cinematic universe for the King Arthur story. Unfortunately, mixed reviews and poor box office performance resulted in its downfall after just one movie. Despite this, Ritchie deserves credit for his visually enticing and dynamic reimagining of Arthurian legends. Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of the title character as a charming rogue is particularly intriguing and stands out in recent memory. The film effectively portrays Arthur's transformation from a street-smart criminal to a reluctant leader, offering a satisfying character arc. It's regrettable that Hunnam didn't have the opportunity to further develop the role.

8 Joss Ackland - A Kid in King Arthur's Court (1995)

A reimagining of Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, A Kid in King Arthur's Court loosely draws inspiration from the original story. While the film may not have much to offer, it holds significance in being one of the earliest roles for Kate Winslet and Daniel Craig. Joss Ackland, a seasoned character actor known for his work in Lethal Weapon 2, brings a certain level of dignity to the film with his portrayal of King Arthur. This portrayal presents a unique take on the character, depicting an aging king who has become disconnected from his people.

7 Devon Terrell - Cursed (2020)

Cursed reimagines the iconic King Arthur story by placing the "Lady of the Lake" Nimue (Katherine Langford) at the forefront. Netflix's series follows the journey of Arthur (Devon Terrell), a skilled mercenary, who embarks on a captivating road trip alongside Nimue and gradually develops a romantic bond with her. Although Cursed doesn't completely hit the mark with its ambitious approach, Terrell's captivating portrayal of Arthur and the unique perspective achieved by shifting the character into a secondary role add a fresh twist to this legendary myth.

6 Iain De Caestecker - The Winter King (2023)

The Winter King is an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's esteemed Warlord Chronicles novel trilogy, aiming to ground the Arthurian legend in historical context. Iain De Caestecker portrays Arthur, the exiled son of King Uther, who returns to find a divided Britain on the brink of Saxon conquest. His task is to unite the different kingdoms towards a shared objective.

Although the show fast-forwards through some of Arthur's character development during an eight-year time jump, De Caestecker delivers a captivating performance in the role. If the show continues beyond one season, the actor will have the opportunity to explore even more compelling material.

5 Bradley James - Merlin

4 Graham Chapman - Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Merlin stands out as an exceptional depiction of the King Arthur legend in recent memory. While Arthur (Bradley James) plays a significant role, the focus primarily lies on Colin Morgan's portrayal of Merlin. This series revolves around friendship, delving into the profound influence Merlin has on Arthur as he works towards fulfilling his prophesied destiny as the king. James breathes life into the character of Arthur with his youthful and contemporary portrayal, making him immensely likable. However, Arthur remains oblivious to the true extent of Merlin's invaluable aid, highlighting a slight lack of perceptiveness.

Elvis' favorite movie was Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is not only a classic, but also one of the most hilarious British comedies from the '70s. True to Monty Python's style, this film offers a witty and satirical depiction of King Arthur's (Graham Chapman) quest for the Holy Grail alongside his knights. Chapman brings a delightful charm to the role of the king, serving as a grounded anchor amidst the absurdity that surrounds him. This portrayal of Arthur is far from conventional, making it a unique and entertaining interpretation.

3 Sean Connery - First Knight (1995)

While First Knight falls short in capturing the audience's interest as a movie adaptation of the legend, it undeniably showcases Sean Connery's captivating performance as Arthur. Connery, a seasoned actor, carries the weight of this lackluster combination of medieval action and romantic drama, effectively removing any traces of enchantment.

In portraying the older Arthur, Connery skillfully balances gravitas and vulnerability, successfully assuming the role of a believable romantic lead. Regrettably, Richard Gere's miscasting as Lancelot somewhat hampers the overall appeal of the film.

2 Richard Harris - Camelot (1967)

1 Nigel Terry - Excalibur (1981)

Camelot, the film adaptation of the popular stage musical with the same name, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, and Franco Nero. While the film's lengthy running time and numerous musical numbers may not resonate with modern audiences, it is undeniable that Harris delivers a remarkable performance as Arthur. His portrayal adds a sense of world-weariness that brings depth and humanity to the character, while the story stays true to the core elements of the legend, albeit with a generous dose of musical interludes.

Excalibur, a renowned retelling of the King Arthur legend, chronicles every aspect of his life, beginning with his birth and culminating in his demise. This epic fantasy saga encompasses iconic elements like the Sword in the Stone as well as the quest for the Holy Grail. Nigel Terry flawlessly portrays the king, starting from his adolescence and progressing towards adulthood. Although ideally a teenage actor would have been fitting for the role of young Arthur, Terry effortlessly makes it his own as the narrative unfolds, skillfully capturing the countless triumphs and tragedies the character experiences along the way.