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Flintlock fantasy, a unique subgenre of fantasy, is defined by its setting, which takes place during an era similar to our own world’s 17th to 19th centuries — think the times of muskets, powdered wigs, and the revolutionary war, but blended with magic, mythical creatures, or elements of fantasy, rather than strictly historical.

Here is a list of what we consider to be some of the best flintlock fantasy movies.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

Directed by: Christophe Gans

Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Émilie Dequenne

“Brotherhood of the Wolf” takes us to 18th-century France, where a mysterious beast is terrorizing the Gevaudan region.

Gregoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) is sent to hunt down the beast, unraveling a tale of conspiracy, mystery, and action in a film that deftly combines historical drama with horror, sprinkled with elements of flintlock fantasy, owing to its period-accurate depictions of weaponry and attire.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) ( Le pacte des loups ) ( Lupus dei - Le pacte des loups ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - France ]

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Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson

Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” transports viewers to a dreamlike 18th-century village haunted by the Headless Horseman.

Johnny Depp portrays Ichabod Crane, an eccentric investigator trying to uncover the mystery behind the gruesome murders happening in the small town.

While staying true to the classic Washington Irving tale, the movie beautifully merges the gothic horror atmosphere with the historic period, presenting a fantasy world rife with magic, romance, and flintlock pistols.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

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The Golden Compass (2007)

Directed by: Chris Weitz

Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig

Set in a parallel universe, Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey to the Arctic to save her best friend and other kidnapped children from a sinister organization.

She is aided by an alethiometer (a truth-telling device), a polar bear in armor, and a host of other fantastical creatures.

The world of ‘The Golden Compass’ merges steampunk aesthetics with flintlock fantasy elements, offering a rich and intriguing narrative.

The Golden Compass [Blu-ray]

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The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

Director: Randall Wallace

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich

Based on Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, “The Man in the Iron Mask” offers a historic setting enriched with political intrigue and a star-studded cast.

Leonardo DiCaprio excels in a dual role, portraying the cruel King Louis XIV and his secret twin brother, Philippe.

The swashbuckling Musketeers, embodied by legendary actors such as Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich, lend the film a flintlock fantasy hue.

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The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) - 20th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray]

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Directed by: Gore Verbinski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley

While this might be a surprise entry, “Pirates of the Caribbean” embodies the spirit of flintlock fantasy.

Captain Jack Sparrow’s (Johnny Depp) enthralling adventures take us through cursed pirates, lost treasures, and powerful artifacts.

The mix of swashbuckling piracy with elements of the supernatural make it a classic that showcases the spirit of flintlock fantasy.

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Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [DVD] [2003] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

$13.33

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Stardust (2007)

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro

Set in a 19th-century English village and the magical realm that borders it, “Stardust” tells the tale of Tristan (Charlie Cox) as he ventures into the enchanted world to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved.

But the star is not a piece of rock; it’s Yvaine (Claire Danes), a celestial being.

With witches and pirates in pursuit, the movie beautifully combines romance, magic, and flintlock era aesthetics.

Stardust (2007) (BD) [Blu-ray]

$21.99

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Solomon Kane (2009)

Directed by: Michael J. Bassett

Starring: James Purefoy, Max von Sydow, Rachel Hurd-Wood

Based on Robert E. Howard’s pulp hero, “Solomon Kane” is a tale of redemption.

Kane (James Purefoy) is a ruthless 16th-century mercenary who mends his ways after a demonic encounter.

Swearing an oath of pacifism, his resolve is tested when a dark power threatens the land.

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The Three Musketeers (2011)

Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson

Starring: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson

While this film is primarily a swashbuckling adventure, it also has elements of the flintlock fantasy movie genre.

Young D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) joins forces with the legendary Three Musketeers to prevent a war between France and England.

This film offers a fresh spin on the beloved classic.

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The Three Musketeers - DVD

$7.93

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