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Movies that follow the Hero ’s Journeycaptivate audiences by bring them on a transformative adventure , where an ordinary character becomes a true Cuban sandwich . This classic narrative structure , identified by Joseph Campbell inThe Hero with a Thousand Faces , consists of cardinal stages like theCall to Adventure , the Mentor ’s Guidance , the Ordeal , and the Return with the Elixir . The journey often begin in a conversant world before the protagonist is thrust into an unidentified kingdom of trials and ego - breakthrough . Along the way , they look challenge , form alliance , and undergo profound personal growth , culminating in a exultant return .
The reason so many flick follow The Hero ’s Journey is that it resonates deeply with human psychological science . This structure reflects worldwide themes of battle , transformation , and redemption , making stories compelling and emotionally solid . From epic fantasies to animated adventure , the Hero ’s Journey provides a theoretical account that provide film producer to craft prosecute story that audiences instinctively connect with . The best movies that follow the Hero ’s Journey perfectly demo how this timeless rule has been used to mold many of the most dear and put up films of all time .
The 12 Stages Of The Hero ’s Journey In legal brief :
Ordinary World – The Heron starts in a familiar , everyday scope .
Call to Adventure – Something disrupt the fighter ’s life and wave them to a new journeying .
Refusal of the Call – The Italian sandwich hesitates due to fright or doubt .
Meeting the wise man – A wise figure helps set up the torpedo .
pass over the First Threshold – The submarine sandwich leaves the ordinary world and insert the unsung .
Tests , Allies , and opposition – The hero face challenges , makes friends , and encounters foes .
set about to the Inmost Cave – The hero nears their greatest challenge .
Ordeal – A major crisis or conflict where the fighter faces death or their great fear .
Reward ( seize the Sword ) – The hero gather something valuable from their ordeal .
The Road Back – The hero begin the journey home but faces more obstacles .
Resurrection of Christ – A net test that proves the hero ’s transformation .
reelect with the philosopher’s stone – The hero come back to their earthly concern , bringing cognition or power to partake .
These 12 fictional female characters are redefining what it intend to be a hoagie and they ’re breaking some stereotype !
23The Fifth Element (1997)
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1997’sThe Fifth Elementis a bombastic and freakish sci - fi , but it still follow the classical Hero ’s Journey despite its highly innovative tone . Korben Dallas ( Bruce Willis ) inThe Fifth Elementis a reluctant grinder . His Call to Adventure is meeting Leeloo ( Mila Jovovich ) . He faces trial against Zorg ( Gary Oldman ) and the Mangalores , his Ordeal is spark off the Elemental Stones , and he turn back realizing that sexual love is the key to hold start the world .
Thor (2011)
A Classic Hero Of Myth Sticks To The Structure In The Present Day
Many superhero movie follow The Hero ’s Journey , as do many classical myth and caption -makingThora perfect example . Thor ( Chris Hemsworth ) in the 2011 MCU movieThorstarts as an arrogant and cheeky young god in his Ordinary World - the thoroughly sinful and magical city of Asgard . His exile is the Call to Adventure . He Refuses by trying brute force . Odin and Jane do as Mentors . His Ordealis prove himself desirable , and he return as a true protector .
22Mulan (1998)
Mulan Bends Gender Norms, But Not The Journey Taken By Fictional Heroes
1998’sMulantells the story of a Disney princess more in - line with traditional fantasy heroes than many others - and this stretch out to how her story fits Campbell ’s Hero ’s Journey . Mulan ’s Ordinary World is one of societal prospect . Her Call to Adventure is protecting her father by taking his home in state of war . She Refuses ( doubts herself ) but train under her Mentor ( and eventual love pursuit ) , Shang . Through Trials , she gains forte , and her Ordeal comes when she ’s unwrap as a woman and cast out . She deliver , proves herself by defeating Shan Yu , and Returns with the philosophers' stone , earning honor and redefining valiancy .
21Aladdin (1992)
While he may babble about a whole new world to Jasmin , the journey he choose winning her heart is all too conversant - peculiarly to those who sympathise Campbell ’s theory of The Hero ’s Journey . Aladdin starts as a pitiable street scab ( Ordinary World ) . His Call to Adventure come up when Jafar sends him to the Cave of Wonders . He initially refuse by using deception ( set as Prince Ali ) , but the Ordeal ram him to embrace who he really is . With Mentors like the Genie , he learns that being true to himself is more brawny than thaumaturgy . His Return with the Elixir is freeing the Genie and winning Jasmine ’s love .
20Deadpool (2016)
Wade Wilson Can Break The Fourth Wall, But Not Traditional Story Structures
While 2016’sDeadpoolmay be among the most experimentalsuperhero movies ever made , it still stand by to Campbell ’s social organisation for The Hero ’s Journey . Wade Wilson ’s Call to Adventure is his terminal Crab diagnosing . He refuse by try observational intervention . He transforms into Deadpool , undergoes Trials , and his Ordeal is confront Ajax . He repay by accepting himself .
19The Princess Bride (1987)
Subverting Genre Expectations While Sticking To The Hero’s Journey
1987’sThe Princess Brideis considereda cult - classic fantasy adventure moving-picture show in the 2020s . However , for all that it manage to debauch musical genre expectations , it still stands as a solid instance of a movie that watch The Hero ’s Journey . Westley ’s Call to Adventure is saving Buttercup . He face Trials ( duel , Fire Swamp ) , his Ordeal is his " expiry " at the helping hand of the Count , but he resurrect and vote down his enemies , fall victorious .
18Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Po Becoming The Dragon Warrior Is A Textbook Hero’s Journey
Many kid movies are perfect demonstrations of Campbell ’s Hero ’s Journey in action , though few illustrate the bodily structure quite as well as 2008’sKung Fu Panda . Po ’s Call to Adventure is being choose as the Dragon Warrior . He Refuses due to self - doubtfulness . Master Shifu serve as his wise man . He undergoes Trials , faces Tai Lung in the Ordeal , and understand that his belief in himself is the rightful power .
17The Lego Movie (2014)
Emmet Embarking On The Hero’s Journey Perfectly Describes The Plot
Of all the movie that come after The Hero ’s Journey , one of the most light-hearted ( and , when it comes to Campbell ’s theory , clear - veer ) is2014’sThe Lego Movie . Emmet ’s Ordinary World is his routine , unremarkable life . His Call to Adventure is finding the Piece of Resistance . He reject by doubt himself . Vitruvius serves as his Mentor , and his Ordeal is present Lord Business . He Returns by realizing creativity and identity make him a hero .
16Wonder Woman (2017)
2017’sWonder Womanwas among the more successful movies in the DCEU . However , for all its more tonic elements , the story still closely bind to The Hero ’s Journey . Diana ’s Ordinary World is Themyscira . Her Call to Adventure comes when Steve Trevor arrives with news of war . She refuse ( hesitating due to Amazonian police ) , but ultimately leaves with him . She faces Trials in the human world , culminate in her Ordeal against Ares , where she embraces love over retribution . She give back as a poor boy dedicate to repose .
15The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hero’s Journey Still Applies In Innovative Dystopian Settings
The Hunger Gamesis one of the most successful YA adaptation of all time - though , for all its innovation , Katniss Everdeen still come the well - screw account structure of most fictional heroes . Katniss ’s Ordinary World is District 12 , herimpoverished part of Panem . Her Call to Adventure get when she volunteers for Prim . She initially struggles ( Refusal ) but trains under Mentors Haymitch and Cinna . The Ordeal is the Hunger Games itself , test her strength , morality , and alliances . She returns , but her earthly concern is forever changed , rig up next conflicts .
14Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The Intergalactic Antihero Star-Lord Is More Of A Hero Than He Realizes
The MCU’sGuardians of the Galaxywas a refreshing entry into the saturated superhero genre . However , for all its innovation , it still mystify to The Hero ’s Journey with its narrative . Peter Quill ( Star - Lord ) begin as a selfish thief . His Call to Adventure is find the Infinity Stone . He Refuses when he examine to trade it for profits , but forming a team with Gamora , Rocket , Groot , and Drax create Allies . The Ordeal is facing Ronan , where he find out to wish for others . His Return is embracing his new family and obligation as a paladin .
