Movies like The Magic Serpent (1966)
The best movies like The Magic Serpent (1966) are Dragonheart: Vengeance (2021), Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - Poltergeist Report (1994) and Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023). If The Magic Serpent hooked you with its fantasy and action, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)8.5/10 from 28,826 votes
- NewestOVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom (2024)Released 2024
- In JapaneseYu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - Poltergeist Report (1994)Also in Japanese
Dragonheart: Vengeance (2021)
Lukas, a young farmer whose family is killed by savage raiders in the countryside, sets out on an epic quest for revenge, forming an unlikely trio with a majestic dragon and a swashbuckling, sword-fighting mercenary, Darius.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - Poltergeist Report (1994)
When the Spirit World is flooded due to an unusual rainfall which overflows the River Sanzu (aka the River Styx), Lord Koenma senses an extremely powerful enemy. He entrusts Death God Botan, to deliver to Spirit Detective Yusuke, a mysterious item which must be protected from the invading enemy. However, by the time Botan finds Yusuke, she's too weak to explain the situation. Yusuke and his friends are left in the dark about the new enemy, but not for long. Soon it is a battle for Earth between mere Spirit Detectives and the almighty king of the Netherworld.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlack Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023)
As a lionhearted boy who can't wield magic strives for the title of Wizard King, four banished Wizard Kings of yore return to crush the Clover Kingdom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021)
Escaping from poverty to become a witcher, Vesemir slays monsters for coin and glory, but when a new menace rises, he must face the demons of his past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisConan the Barbarian (1982)
A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing machine, Conan travels into the wilderness to seek vengeance on Thulsa Doom, the man responsible for killing his family. In the wilderness, Conan takes up with the thieves Valeria and Subotai. The group comes upon King Osric, who wants the trio of warriors to help rescue his daughter who has joined Doom in the hills.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlade of the Immortal (2017)
Manji, a highly skilled samurai, becomes cursed with immortality after a legendary battle. Haunted by the brutal murder of his sister, Manji knows that only fighting evil will regain his soul. He promises to help a young girl named Rin avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen led by ruthless warrior Anotsu. The mission will change Manji in ways he could never imagine.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDemon City Shinjuku (1988)
Ten Years ago, Genichiro Izayoi died trying to stop the sorcerer Rebi Ra, and as a result Shinjuku became a playground for demons. And now, the day approaches when Rebi Ra will complete his decade-long ritual to plunge the rest of the world into chaos! As Genichiro's son, it falls to Kyoya to venture into the heart of Shinjuku and put an end to the sorcerer his father couldn't beat. Can Kyoya exceed his father's legacy, or will the demons of Shinjuku create Hell on Earth?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDevilman (2004)
A scientific exploration in search of a new energy source unleashes a group of powerful demons who begin possessing human bodies and destroying civilization. Close friends Akira and Ryo wind up on different sides of this epic struggle. Akira’s inner strength allows him to maintain his identity and fight for good, but the weaker Ryo is completely overtaken by Satan himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001)
InuYasha is a half-demon who was trapped in the Legendary Tree and was set free by Kagome, a girl who traveled 500 years through time. This time, both of them will have to face Menomaru, a Chinese demon whose father, known as Hyoga, came 300 years ago to invade Japan, but was stopped by InuYasha's Father. InuYasha and Kagome, along with Sango, Miroku, Shippou, Kaede and Myoga, will try to stop Menomaru in his becoming the most powerful demon ever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSamurai Reincarnation (1981)
After surviving the slaughter of many Christians 350 years ago, a samurai denounces God for ignoring the pleas of believers. He sells his soul to Satan and receives the power to resurrect the dead to join him in a murderous rampage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
SnoozefestMovies like thisNinja Scroll (1993)
Jubei is a masterless ninja who travels the land alone, lending his services to those with gold—or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways—and possibly his life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom (2024)
Facing possible annihilation by the Demon Emperor's demi-human army, the Sacred Kingdom reluctantly seeks aid from the feared, undead Sorcerer King Ainz.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGodzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
Godzilla has become a distant memory for Japan when the destruction of a US submarine raises alarms for Admiral Tachibana. His estranged daughter Yuri investigates the legend of the guardian monsters, who must rise to protect Japan against the vengeful spirits within Godzilla that seek to destroy both the nation and its people for the suffering they inflicted in the Pacific conflict.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLegend of the Millennium Dragon (2011)
A spectacular journey of an unwilling young hero thrust into a mysterious past full of monsters, dragons, and strange hidden powers. Through a series of out of this world battles and adventures, Jun, a shy middle school boy, is transformed into a hero destined to battle evil and ensure harmony and tranquility in the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWrath of Daimajin (1966)
In a mountainous region of Japan, Lord Arakawa kidnaps the men of nearby villages to use as slave labor, producing gunpowder from his sulfur pits. A band of young boys decide to rescue their enslaved fathers on their own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)
With the Gyaos re-emerging, Gamera's ties to humanity have been severed with his bond to Asagi broken. Nagamine and Asagi investigate while an orphaned girl named Ayana discovers a new creature she names Iris. Nagamine and Asagi must reach Ayana before she takes her revenge on Gamera, who she blames for the death of her family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAttack on Titan II: End of the World (2015)
Eren Yeager leaves to restore a break in the wall destroyed by a Titan. He comes under attack by the Titans and is cornered. Shikishima comes to his aid. The titans never stops attacking. Eren is now injured and tries to protect Armin, but is swallowed by a titan. A Titan with black hair appears and begins to expel the other titans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThat Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond (2022)
A long-running conspiracy is swirling over a mysterious power wielded by the Queen in Raja, a small country west of Tempest. When a slime who evolved into a Demon Lord named Rimuru Tempest crosses paths with Hiiro, a survivor of the Ogre race, an incredible adventure packed with new characters begins. The power of bonds will be put to the test!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain (2024)
In the chambers of the Edo harem, two newcomers uncover political intrigue, rivalry and a vengeful spirit only one traveling medicine seller can vanquish.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Seven Deadly Sins: Cursed by Light (2021)
With the help of the "Dragon Sin of Wrath" Meliodas and the worst rebels in history, the Seven Deadly Sins, the "Holy War", in which four races, including Humans, Goddesses, Fairies and Giants fought against the Demons, is finally over. At the cost of the "Lion Sin of Pride" Escanor's life, the Demon King was defeated and the world regained peace. After that, each of the Sins take their own path.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers - Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Northman (2022)
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy's mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who's on a mission to save his mother, kill his uncle and avenge his father.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGladiator (2000)
After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisZatoichi (2003)
Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKing Kong (2005)
In 1933 New York, an overly ambitious movie producer coerces his cast and hired ship crew to travel to mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter Kong, a giant ape who is immediately smitten with the leading lady.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Gunman (2015)
Eight years after fleeing the Congo following his assassination of that country's minister of mining, former assassin Jim Terrier is back, suffering from PTSD and digging wells to atone for his violent past. After an attempt is made on his life, Terrier flies to London to find out who wants him dead -- and why. Terrier's search leads him to a reunion with Annie, a woman he once loved, who is now married to an oily businessman with dealings in Africa.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
SnoozefestMovies like thisToei Heroes Great Gathering (1994)
Toei Hero Daishugō is the name of a 3-D film based on Metal Hero Series franchise that was shown in 1994 at amusement parks and special events nationwide in Japan.. It was shown as a triple feature alongside Super Sentai World and Kamen Rider World. Blue Swat, Purple Swat, and Gray Swat are fighting an alien, meanwhile Kakurangers, Dairangers, Zyurangers, Jetmen, and Fivemen are fighting Saigan, Bango, Damaru, Soger, Irubaru, Batzler Soldiers, Grinam Soldiers, Golem Soldiers, Cotpotros and Emperor Daidas, and Janperson fights Bill Goldy and his henchmen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Girls Guns and Blood (2019)
A Sexy Grindhouse/Action/Comedy where a little brothel in Texas gets robbed by a gang of thieves. The ladies are not going to take this laying down and track down the thieves and take them out one by one in both sexual and violent ways.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Like The Magic Serpent and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Magic Serpent?
The closest matches to The Magic Serpent are Dragonheart: Vengeance (2021), Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - Poltergeist Report (1994) and Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Magic Serpent?
Start with Dragonheart: Vengeance (2021), the closest match to The Magic Serpent.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Magic Serpent?
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), rated 8.5/10 by 28,826 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Magic Serpent?
OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like The Magic Serpent?
Yes: Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - Poltergeist Report (1994), Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023) and Blade of the Immortal (2017).
How are movies similar to The Magic Serpent chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Magic Serpent, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.