Willow (1988)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,115 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
Released: 1988-05-20
Runtime: 126 minutes
Is Willow worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A 1988 fantasy about a small farmer guarding a baby destined to topple an evil queen. It's corny and dated in places but has charm, a good lead, and lots of old-school adventure.
Watch it if you
- love 80s fantasy adventures
- enjoy sword and sorcery
- feel nostalgic for practical effects
Skip it if you
- dislike dated effects and cheesy dialogue
- want modern fantasy
Best for: Nostalgic family night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Willow
- Stream: Prime Video, Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The evil Queen Bavmorda hunts the newborn princess Elora Danan, a child prophesied to bring about her downfall. When the royal infant is found by Willow, a timid farmer and aspiring sorcerer, he's entrusted with delivering her from evil.
Willow parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Willow (PG) is a fantasy adventure about protecting a baby from an evil queen, with fantasy violence.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Fantasy sword-and-sorcery battles and a menacing villain queen, but presented in a PG family-adventure style.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Willow
If you liked Willow, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Charming fairy tale adventure with humor and sword fights.
- Labyrinth (1986) — 82%: 80s fantasy with puppets and a young heroine.
- Stardust (2007) — 84%: Light fairy tale adventure with humor.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — 97%: Epic fantasy quest with a small hero.
- The Last Unicorn (1982) — 82%: Classic animated fantasy with a gentle spirit.
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — 80%: Fun 80s adventure with big magic.
Director
Cast
- Warwick Davis as Willow
- Val Kilmer as Madmartigan
- Joanne Whalley as Sorsha
- Patricia Hayes as Raziel
- Gavan O'Herlihy as Airk
- Phil Fondacaro as Vohnkar
- Pat Roach as General Kael
- Rick Overton as Franjean
- Kevin Pollak as Rool
- Billy Barty as High Aldwin
Willow FAQ
Is Willow worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A 1988 fantasy about a small farmer guarding a baby destined to topple an evil queen. It's corny and dated in places but has charm, a good lead, and lots of old-school adventure.
Where can I watch Willow?
In the US you can stream Willow on Prime Video and Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Willow OK for kids?
Willow is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Willow (PG) is a fantasy adventure about protecting a baby from an evil queen, with fantasy violence.
What movies are like Willow?
If you liked Willow, try The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, Stardust and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.