Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Sometimes you see an actor and think “they’re in everything.” That was especially true of Kevin Costner through the late 80s and 90s. His Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was a major hit in 1991 mainly because of his star power. The only movie bigger that year was Terminator 2. Mr. Costner’s Robin Hood is very much a 90s action movie by the numbers with big stunts and great scenery. The only real problem, and it was noted at the time, is his questionable English accent. It’s questionable because whatever accent it is, it didn’t come from anyone native to the British Isles. Morgan Freeman is part of his merry men as Azeem, a character made especially for the movie. The great Alan Rickman is perfectly villainous as the Sheriff of Nottingham. All of them add to the fun. It plays so well on a big screen, and it gives the movie a sense of scale. Believe it or not, it’s actually the second Robin Hood movie of 1991. Patrick Bergen starred in the other one, which was intended for a theatrical release, but because of the bigger budget and star power of Prince of Thieves, it premiered on the still new Fox Network as a Monday night movie. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was the perfect date movie for 1991. There’s enough action and romance to please both parties. 2026 might have a harder time with suspension of belief because of the accents and some of the cliches. But it still holds up as a swashbuckling adventure. Though how you feel about Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You may affect your enjoyment. It’s another example of a movie and a song being intrinsically tied together, making both hits for weeks. It’s not likely 2026 or beyond will see that kind of impact again. Who knows, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves may even inspire you to take up a bow and try to split your rival’s arrow in half.