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.

23 The Fifth Element (1997)

Proof That Even Complex Sci-Fi Can Follow The Hero's Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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.