Movies that follow the Hero’s Journey captivate audiences by taking them on a transformative adventure, where an ordinary character becomes a true hero. This classic narrative structure, identified by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, consists of key stages like the Call to Adventure, the Mentor’s Guidance, the Ordeal, and the Return with the Elixir. The journey often begins in a familiar world before the protagonist is thrust into an unknown realm of trials and self-discovery. Along the way, they face challenges, form alliances, and undergo profound personal growth, culminating in a triumphant return.
The reason so many movies follow The Hero’s Journey is that it resonates deeply with human psychology. This structure reflects universal themes of struggle, transformation, and redemption, making stories compelling and emotionally satisfying. From epic fantasies to animated adventures, the Hero’s Journey provides a framework that allows filmmakers to craft engaging narratives that audiences instinctively connect with. The best movies that follow the Hero’s Journey perfectly demonstrate how this timeless formula has been used to shape many of the most beloved and enduring films of all time.
The 12 Stages Of The Hero’s Journey In Brief:
Ordinary World – The hero starts in a familiar, everyday setting.
Call to Adventure – Something disrupts the hero’s life and beckons them to a new journey.
Refusal of the Call – The hero hesitates due to fear or doubt.
Meeting the Mentor – A wise figure helps prepare the hero.
Crossing the First Threshold – The hero leaves the ordinary world and enters the unknown.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies – The hero faces challenges, makes friends, and encounters foes.
Approach to the Inmost Cave – The hero nears their greatest challenge.
Ordeal – A major crisis or battle where the hero faces death or their greatest fear.
Reward (Seizing the Sword) – The hero gains something valuable from their ordeal.
The Road Back – The hero starts the journey home but faces more obstacles.
Resurrection – A final test that proves the hero’s transformation.
Return with the Elixir – The hero comes back to their world, bringing knowledge or power to share.
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23
The Fifth Element (1997)
Proof That Even Complex Sci-Fi Can Follow The Hero’s Journey
The Fifth Element
8/10
- Release Date
-
May 9, 1997
- Runtime
-
126 minutes
- Director
-
Luc Besson
- Writers
-
Robert Mark Kamen, Luc Besson
1997’s The Fifth Element is a bombastic and outlandish sci-fi, but it still follows the classic Hero’s Journey despite its highly innovative tone. Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) in The Fifth Element is a reluctant hero. His Call to Adventure is meeting Leeloo (Mila Jovovich). He faces Trials against Zorg (Gary Oldman) and the Mangalores, his Ordeal is activating the Elemental Stones, and he Returns realizing that love is the key to saving the world.
Thor (2011)
A Classic Hero Of Myth Sticks To The Structure In The Present Day
Thor
7/10
- Release Date
-
May 6, 2011
- Runtime
-
115 minutes
- Writers
-
Zack Stentz, Ashley Miller, Don Payne
- Sequel(s)
-
thor 2, thor 3, Thor 4, Thor 5
Many superhero movies follow The Hero’s Journey, as do many classic myths and legend – making Thor a perfect example. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in the 2011 MCU movie Thor starts as an arrogant and brash young god in his Ordinary World – the thoroughly extraordinary and magical city of Asgard. His exile is the Call to Adventure. He Refuses by trying brute force. Odin and Jane serve as Mentors. His Ordeal is proving himself worthy, and he Returns as a true protector.
22
Mulan (1998)
Mulan Bends Gender Norms, But Not The Journey Taken By Fictional Heroes
Mulan
- Release Date
-
June 19, 1998
- Runtime
-
87 Minutes
- Director
-
Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft
1998’s Mulan tells the story of a Disney princess more in-line with traditional fantasy heroes than many others – and this extends to how her story fits Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Mulan’s Ordinary World is one of societal expectations. Her Call to Adventure is protecting her father by taking his place in war. She Refuses (doubts herself) but trains under her Mentor (and eventual love interest), Shang. Through Trials, she gains strength, and her Ordeal comes when she’s exposed as a woman and cast out. She returns, proves herself by defeating Shan Yu, and Returns with the Elixir, earning honor and redefining heroism.
21
Aladdin (1992)
From Street Rat To Prince Following The Path Mapped By Campbell
Aladdin
8/10
- Release Date
-
November 25, 1992
- Runtime
-
95 Minutes
- Director
-
Ron Clements, John Musker
- Writers
-
Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Roger Allers, Sue C. Nichols, James Fujii, Patrick A. Ventura, David Scott Smith, Burny Mattinson, Kirk Hanson, Darrell Rooney, Daan Jippes, Larry Leker, Kevin Lima, Rebecca Reese, Francis Glebas, Kevin Harkey, Chris Sanders, Brian Pimental
While he may sing about a whole new world to Jasmin, the journey he takes winning her heart is all too familiar – especially to those who understand Campbell’s theory of The Hero’s Journey. Aladdin starts as a poor street rat (Ordinary World). His Call to Adventure comes when Jafar sends him to the Cave of Wonders. He initially Refuses by using deception (posing as Prince Ali), but the Ordeal forces him to embrace who he really is. With Mentors like the Genie, he learns that being true to himself is more powerful than magic. His Return with the Elixir is freeing the Genie and winning Jasmine’s love.
20
Deadpool (2016)
Wade Wilson Can Break The Fourth Wall, But Not Traditional Story Structures
Deadpool
8/10
- Release Date
-
February 9, 2016
- Runtime
-
108 Minutes
- Director
-
Tim Miller
While 2016’s Deadpool may be among the most experimental superhero movies ever made, it still sticks to Campbell’s structure for The Hero’s Journey. Wade Wilson’s Call to Adventure is his terminal cancer diagnosis. He Refuses by trying experimental treatment. He transforms into Deadpool, undergoes Trials, and his Ordeal is facing Ajax. He Returns by accepting himself.
19
The Princess Bride (1987)
Subverting Genre Expectations While Sticking To The Hero’s Journey
The Princess Bride
10/10
- Release Date
-
October 9, 1987
- Runtime
-
98 minutes
- Director
-
Rob Reiner
- Writers
-
William Goldman
1987’s The Princess Bride is considered a cult-classic fantasy adventure movie in the 2020s. However, for all that it manages to subvert genre expectations, it still stands as a solid example of a movie that follows The Hero’s Journey. Westley’s Call to Adventure is saving Buttercup. He faces Trials (duels, Fire Swamp), his Ordeal is his “death” at the hands of the Count, but he resurrects and defeats his enemies, returning victorious.
18
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Po Becoming The Dragon Warrior Is A Textbook Hero’s Journey
Kung Fu Panda
8/10
- Release Date
-
June 4, 2008
- Runtime
-
95 minutes
- Director
-
Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
- Writers
-
Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Many kids movies are perfect demonstrations of Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in action, though few illustrate the structure quite as well as 2008’s Kung Fu Panda. Po’s Call to Adventure is being chosen as the Dragon Warrior. He Refuses due to self-doubt. Master Shifu serves as his Mentor. He undergoes Trials, faces Tai Lung in the Ordeal, and realizes that his belief in himself is the true power.
17
The Lego Movie (2014)
Emmet Embarking On The Hero’s Journey Perfectly Describes The Plot
The Lego Movie
9/10
- Release Date
-
February 7, 2014
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
- Director
-
Phil Lord, Chris Miller
- Writers
-
Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Of all the movies that follow The Hero’s Journey, one of the most lighthearted (and, when it comes to Campbell’s theory, clear-cut) is 2014’s The Lego Movie. Emmet’s Ordinary World is his routine, unremarkable life. His Call to Adventure is finding the Piece of Resistance. He Refuses by doubting himself. Vitruvius serves as his Mentor, and his Ordeal is confronting Lord Business. He Returns by realizing creativity and individuality make him a hero.
16
Wonder Woman (2017)
The Most Iconic Female Superhero Still Follows The Journey Of Her Male Counterparts
Wonder Woman
- Release Date
-
May 30, 2017
- Runtime
-
141 minutes
- Director
-
Patty Jenkins
- Writers
-
Allan Heinberg
- Producers
-
Charles Roven, Geoff Johns, Richard Suckle, Stephen Jones, Zack Synder, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller, Steven Mnuchin
2017’s Wonder Woman was among the more successful movies in the DCEU. However, for all its more refreshing elements, the story still closely adhered 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 Refuses (hesitating due to Amazonian law), but ultimately leaves with him. She faces Trials in the human world, culminating in her Ordeal against Ares, where she embraces love over vengeance. She Returns as a hero dedicated to peace.
15
The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hero’s Journey Still Applies In Innovative Dystopian Settings
The Hunger Games
8/10
- Release Date
-
March 12, 2012
- Runtime
-
142 minutes
- Director
-
Gary Ross
- Writers
-
Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray
The Hunger Games is one of the most successful YA adaptations of all time – though, for all its innovation, Katniss Everdeen still follows the well-known story structure of most fictional heroes. Katniss’s Ordinary World is District 12, her impoverished region of Panem. Her Call to Adventure comes when she volunteers for Prim. She initially struggles (Refusal) but trains under Mentors Haymitch and Cinna. The Ordeal is the Hunger Games itself, testing her strength, morality, and alliances. She returns, but her world is forever changed, setting up future conflicts.
14
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The Intergalactic Antihero Star-Lord Is More Of A Hero Than He Realizes
Guardians of the Galaxy
8/10
- Release Date
-
July 30, 2014
- Runtime
-
122 Minutes
- Writers
-
James Gunn, Nicole Perlman, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
The MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy was a refreshing entry into the saturated superhero genre. However, for all its innovation, it still sticks to The Hero’s Journey with its narrative. Peter Quill (Star-Lord) begins as a selfish thief. His Call to Adventure is discovering the Infinity Stone. He Refuses when he tries to sell it for profit, but forming a team with Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax creates Allies. The Ordeal is facing Ronan, where he learns to care for others. His Return is embracing his new family and responsibility as a hero.
13
Brave (2012)
Merida Continues The Trend Of Action-Ready Disney Princesses Walking A Heroes Path
Brave
7/10
- Release Date
-
June 21, 2012
- Runtime
-
1h 33m
- Director
-
Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell
- Writers
-
Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, Irene Mecchi
Brave was among the first Disney and Pixar Princess movies to turn its central monarch-in-waiting into an action hero, and – as expected – follows Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as a result. Merida’s Ordinary World is being a princess who rejects tradition. Her Call to Adventure is defying her mother, and her Refusal is wishing for an easy solution (the spell). She faces Trials as she works to undo the curse. The Ordeal is the final confrontation with Mor’du, where she realizes love and understanding are her true strengths. Her Return is reconciling with her mother, now on equal terms.
12
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Hiccup’s Was Walking The Path Of A Hero Long Before Meeting Toothless
How to Train Your Dragon
9/10
- Release Date
-
March 18, 2010
- Runtime
-
98 Minutes
- Director
-
Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
- Writers
-
Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, William Davies
Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon may start the story as the apparent opposite of a Viking hero, but his journey does the Norse warriors of legend proud, since he follows all the same steps. Hiccup is an outsider in his Ordinary World of Viking warriors. His Call to Adventure comes when he befriends a dragon instead of killing it. He struggles (Refusal) with proving himself to his father. Training Toothless teaches him new perspectives (Mentor figure). The Ordeal comes when he must fight the Red Death dragon, and his Return changes his people’s relationship with dragons forever.
11
The Incredibles (2004)
Mr. Incredible’s Arc Is A Classic Hero’s Journey
The Incredibles
8/10
- Release Date
-
October 27, 2004
- Runtime
-
115 minutes
- Producers
-
John Lasseter
-
Craig T. Nelson
Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (voice)
-
Holly Hunter
Helen Parr / Elastigirl (voice)
2004’s The Incredibles is a clever superhero satire that flips many genre conventions on their head, but it still follows The Hero’s Journey when it comes to the narrative of Mr. Incredible. Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is stuck in an Ordinary World where superheroes are banned. His Call to Adventure comes when he’s secretly invited to a mission. He Refuses due to family obligations but is drawn in. When Syndrome captures him, his family joins as Allies. The Ordeal is facing Syndrome’s robot, leading to his Return — realizing that his family is his true strength, not just his powers.
10
Rocky (1976)
Many Sports Movies Also Follow Campbell’s Designs
Rocky
- Release Date
-
November 21, 1976
- Runtime
-
120 Minutes
- Director
-
John G. Avildsen
It’s not only sci-fi, superhero, or adventure movies that end up following Campbell’s idea for The Hero’s Journey. Many sports movies do too, and one of the best examples is 1976’s Rocky. Rocky Balboa’s Ordinary World is a struggling boxer with no direction. His Call to Adventure comes when Apollo Creed selects him for a fight. He doubts himself (Refusal) but accepts with the guidance of Mickey (Mentor). His Training and Trials prepare him, and the Ordeal is the fight itself—not about winning but proving his worth. He Returns with the Elixir by going the distance, earning self-respect and love from Adrian.
9
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Middle Chapter In Nolan’s Batman Trilogy Is A Textbook Hero’s Journey
The Dark Knight
10/10
- Release Date
-
July 16, 2008
- Runtime
-
152 minutes
- Producers
-
Benjamin Melniker, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Kevin De La Noy, Michael Uslan
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has already embarked on his hero’s journey when the second chapter in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy begins. However, 2008’s The Dark Knight still fits The Hero’s Journey as a standalone story. In The Dark Knight, Batman undergoes a greater Ordeal — facing the Joker. He struggles with his Call to Adventure as he considers leaving Batman behind, but the Joker’s chaos forces him to fully commit. The Ordeal is losing Rachel and confronting the limits of justice. His Resurrection is accepting that Gotham needs him, even if he must become an outcast, making the ultimate Sacrifice for the greater good.
8
Moana (2016)
Disney’s Most Heroic Princess Has An Equally Heroic Journey
Moana
8/10
- Release Date
-
October 13, 2016
- Runtime
-
107 minutes
- Director
-
John Musker
- Writers
-
Jared Bush
- Producers
-
John Lasseter
2016’s Moana introduced viewers to one of the most traditionally heroic Disney princesses ever conceived – and, understandably, Moana’s story also closely follows Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Moana’s Ordinary World is her island, where she longs for the ocean. Her Call to Adventure comes when the island begins to wither, and she must restore the heart of Te Fiti. She Refuses at first due to her father’s fear of the sea. With help from her Mentor, her grandmother, and later Allies like Maui, she overcomes Trials (Kakamora pirates, Tamatoa), faces the Ordeal against Te Kā, and ultimately restores balance to her world.
7
Finding Nemo (2003)
Not Even CGI Fish Can Buck The Storytelling Trend
Finding Nemo
- Release Date
-
May 30, 2003
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
- Director
-
Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
- Writers
-
Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds
Marlin in Pixar’s Finding Nemo may not be a traditional hero, but he still follows the hero’s journey. Marlin’s Call to Adventure begins when Nemo is captured by a diver. Initially, he’s reluctant (Refusal of the Call) but sets out, forming Allies like Dory and Crush. He faces many Trials (sharks, jellyfish, and the deep sea) and ultimately the Ordeal – trusting Nemo to escape the fish tank and later letting him take risks. Marlin’s Return with the Elixir is learning to let go and trust his son.
6
Spider-Man (2002)
The Well-Known Origin Story Perfectly Fits The Hero’s Journey
Spider-Man
9/10
- Release Date
-
May 3, 2002
- Runtime
-
121 Minutes
- Writers
-
David Koepp
Superhero movies fitting Campbell’s structure is commonplace, but few follow it more closely than Peter Parker (Toby Macguire) in 2002’s Spider-Man. Peter Parker begins as an average teen (his Ordinary World). The radioactive spider bite, and the powers he received from it, is his Call to Adventure. He hesitates but is motivated by Uncle Ben’s death (his incredibly tragic Mentor moment). He trains, faces the Ordeal against the Green Goblin, and emerges as a hero who understands responsibility (which is his Elixir).
5
The Lion King (1994)
The Hero Of Pride Rock Follows A Path Many Fictional Kings Have Tread
The Lion King
- Release Date
-
June 24, 1994
- Runtime
-
88 Minutes
- Director
-
Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
- Writers
-
Linda Woolverton, Jonathan Roberts, Irene Mecchi
The Hero’s Journey is present in many Disney movies, and few characters follow the pattern of a traditional hero quite like Simba in The Lion King. Simba’s Ordinary World is Pride Rock. After Mufasa’s death, he Refuses the Call (runs away), but Rafiki and Nala push him to return. He faces Scar in the Ordeal, reclaims his throne, and restores balance (Return with the Elixir).
4
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The Boy Who Lived Defeats Voldemort According To Campbell’s Designs
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may be the opening chapter of one of the most magical stories ever told, but it still follows The Hero’s Journey as outlined by Campbell. Harry Potter’s Ordinary World at the start of the Harry Potter movies is with the Dursleys and living in Muggle society. His Call to Adventure, of course, comes with Hagrid’s invitation to Hogwarts. He enters a new world, gains Mentors (Dumbledore, Hagrid), faces tests (learning magic, Quidditch), and ultimately overcomes Voldemort’s influence, gaining knowledge and strength.