Game of Thrones set the tone for dark, brooding fantasy — full of intrigue, dragons, and betrayal. Ocean's Eleven taught us to love a clever heist with a team of charming misfits. Now imagine a film that manages to capture both vibes.
It’s called Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and it premiered in 2023. Yes, it’s based on the legendary tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, but no, you don’t need to know the rules or memorize any spells to enjoy it. This is more of a fantasy heist — where instead of Brad Pitt, you get a shapeshifting druid, and instead of a Vegas casino, there are ancient tombs, dragons, and magical helmets.
So what’s the story?
Bard and adventurer Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine) escapes from prison with his formidable companion Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) and sets off to reunite with his daughter, who is now under the care of his former partner — the charming yet treacherous Forge (Hugh Grant).
With help from the mysterious sorceress Sofina (Daisy Head), Forge has become a governor and manipulated Edgin’s daughter against him. To win her back, Edgin assembles a ragtag team: an insecure wizard named Simon (Justice Smith), a resourceful druid named Doric (Sophia Lillis), and launches a revenge mission — complete with dragons, spells, and the heist of the century.
What’s Game of Thrones about it?
First off, there are dragons — and they’re not just background decoration. There’s betrayal, grim dungeons, political scheming, and plenty of magic. Sure, it’s not a throne-room drama with beloved characters dying every episode, but the world feels authentic — detailed, diverse, and full of life.
And where’s Ocean’s Eleven in all this?
At its heart, Honor Among Thieves is as much a heist film as it is fantasy. There’s a clever team dynamic, full of snappy dialogue, improvised plans, and inevitable blunders — all unfolding with a light, roguish charm. The humour never undercuts the characters, though; they’re not mere comic relief. Each member of the crew has their own journey, motivations, and moments of real emotional resonance.
A flop on paper, a win in spirit
The film cost the studio $150 million and grossed only $205 million worldwide. By Hollywood standards, that’s far from a smash hit. But audiences loved it — and the ratings reflect that:
- 7.2 on IMDb.
- 91% Freshness RT
Here’s what viewers are saying:
"A must see for fantasy lovers, D&D players or not!"
"Made my day just love the movie"
"I loved all the easter eggs throughout, the dichotomy of the romances and the magical natures of all the characters. Will watch again and again, for many years to come."
Bottom line
Honor Among Thieves isn’t grimdark fantasy in the style of Martin, nor is it a serious epic about saving the world. It’s a playful, stylish, and smart movie that isn’t afraid to have fun.
It reminds us that fantasy doesn’t always have to be about destiny and doom — it can be about friendship, second chances, magical misfires, and the perfectly timed punchline. If you’re into dragons but don’t feel like getting too heavy — this film is for you. A fantasy that remembers how to laugh.
