When it comes to storytelling, few tropes are as popular and compelling as the “chosen one” theme. This narrative device centers on a protagonist who is singled out for a unique destiny or purpose, setting them apart from others and placing them at the forefront of a grand and often epic struggle between good and evil. From mystical prophecies and ancient legends to extraterrestrial interventions and secret birthrights, the “chosen one” theme has been employed across various genres and mediums to create some of the most memorable and beloved stories of all time. In this article, we will explore “10 Movies Featuring The ‘Chosen One’ Theme,” showcasing films that exemplify this classic storytelling trope.
10 Movies Featuring The ‘Chosen One’ Theme
“Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977)
And kicking off our cinematic exploration, we’ve got none other than the classic that took us to a galaxy far, far away – “Star Wars: A New Hope”. This epic space opera introduced us to the young and unassuming Luke Skywalker, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with a droid carrying a distress message from Princess Leia. Guided by the wise and mysterious Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke discovers the mystical world of the Force, a power that’s not your average run-of-the-mill skill set.
Talk about going from zero to hero! Luke’s journey is the epitome of the “chosen one” trope. From his humble beginnings as a farm boy on Tatooine to wielding a lightsaber and taking on the evil Darth Vader to rescue Princess Leia, Luke’s path is one of destiny, and he rises to the occasion spectacularly. The wise Obi-Wan even goes so far as to call Luke “The Chosen One”, believing that he’s the key to ending Vader’s tyrannical reign. Spoiler alert: he was right!
“The Matrix” (1999)
Next up on our excitement-filled cinematic journey through the ‘chosen one’ theme is none other than the man in black himself, Thomas Anderson, better known to the world (and the machines) as Neo, played by the ever-cool Keanu Reeves in “The Matrix”.
Imagine finding out that your whole world is a lie, a mere digital illusion known as the Matrix, and you’re the superhero destined to bring it all crashing down. Talk about a bad case of the Mondays! But Neo doesn’t just sit back and let the machines have their way. Instead, he teams up with other Matrix escapees and uses his unique ability to see the Matrix for what it truly is – a simulation designed to keep humanity in check.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
And in at number three, we’ve got everyone’s favorite boy wizard – Harry Potter! This is the ultimate coming-of-age story, as we watch Harry grow from an orphaned boy living under the stairs at his aunt and uncle’s house, to the hero destined to save the wizarding world from the clutches of the dark lord Voldemort. Talk about a glow-up!
The discovery of his wizarding heritage and enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a whole new world for Harry. But with great power comes great responsibility, and Harry soon learns that his past, present, and future are intrinsically linked to that of Voldemort’s. The prophecy states that “neither can live while the other survives,” making Harry the chosen one to take down Voldemort once and for all. So, in a world filled with powerful adult wizards and magical creatures, it all boils down to the fate of the world resting on the shoulders of a teenager.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)
Now we take a stroll into the mystical realm of Middle-earth with the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings.” Frodo Baggins, a small but mighty hobbit, is handed the monumental task of trekking across treacherous lands to Mount Doom in order to destroy the One Ring and save the world from the dark clutches of Sauron.
The beauty of hobbits lies in their simplicity and pure-heartedness. They love their food, their pipe-weed, and most importantly, peace and quiet. So when the world needed a hero, who better than a hobbit to take on the challenge? Frodo, with his lineage that ties him to all three types of hobbits, is the perfect blend of courage, resilience, and goodness needed to take on such an enormous responsibility.
“Dune” (2021)
Our list takes us to the sweeping sand dunes of Arrakis in the epic tale of “Dune.” In this intergalactic power struggle, we follow young Paul Atreides, played by the talented TimothĂ©e Chalamet, as he grapples with his destiny amidst political intrigue, war, and prophetic visions.
The thing about Paul’s journey which is so compelling is the weight of the chosen one prophecy that rests on his shoulders. He’s not just the heir to House Atreides; he’s also the Kwisatz Haderach, a prophesied superbeing, according to the mystical Bene Gesserit sisterhood. To the native Fremen of Arrakis, he’s the Lisan al Gaib, a messianic figure destined to lead them to freedom. And let’s not forget those troubling visions of the future that haunt Paul’s dreams. These prophecies intertwine to shape Paul’s path, leading him to greatness, whether he likes it or not.
“The Terminator” (1984)
In this high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase, a killer cyborg from the future is sent back in time with one mission – terminate Sarah Connor, the future mother of John Connor, the man destined to lead humanity’s rebellion against the machines.
But what makes “The Terminator” stand out from the crowd is its clever twist on the chosen one trope. Instead of focusing on the hero, it’s actually the villain that takes center stage in the quest to alter the future. In a unique spin, the chosen one, John Connor, hasn’t even been born yet! And let’s not forget the smart use of time travel as a strategic move by the machines, something that’s often overlooked by other time-travel themed movies. Kudos to the machines for actually using their resources wisely!
“Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
And bamboozling his way onto our list is Po from “Kung Fu Panda.” In this heartwarming tale, Po, voiced by the hilarious Jack Black, goes from being a kung fu fanatic to the legendary Dragon Warrior, tasked with protecting the Valley of Peace from the fearsome snow leopard Tai Lung. Now, that’s quite the career leap!
The title of Dragon Warrior isn’t just for show; it comes with the honor of accessing the ancient Dragon Scroll, a mystical artifact that holds the secret to limitless power. Now, you wouldn’t expect a chubby panda with zero kung fu experience to fit the bill, but that’s where the twist comes in.
Despite his seemingly unimpressive exterior, Po has the heart, determination, and untapped potential that makes him the perfect candidate for the job. And it’s not just by chance that he was chosen; the wise Oogway saw something special in him, proving that sometimes, heroes come in the most unexpected packages!
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (2005)
And coming in at number eight is the magical world of Narnia from “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” When the Pevensie siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, stumble through a wardrobe, they find themselves in the fantastical world of Narnia, a place where animals talk, magic is real, and an epic battle between good and evil is unfolding.
Little did they know, the simple act of stepping through the wardrobe marked them as the Chosen Ones, prophesied to save Narnia from the icy clutches of the White Witch and restore the true king, Aslan, to his rightful throne. While they might seem like ordinary kids, their arrival in Narnia triggers a series of events that will change the course of history and cement their places as the royal dynasty of the Kingdom of Narnia. Talk about a wardrobe malfunction turned epic adventure!
“The Maze Runner” (2014)
Taking the next spot on our list is “The Maze Runner,” featuring the story of Thomas, a teenager who finds himself in a mysterious and massive maze with no recollection of his past. As he navigates through the intricate labyrinth with a group of other boys, they realize that their predicament might just be the key to a much bigger puzzle.
While “The Maze Runner” series started off strong, garnering positive reviews and capturing the hearts of many dystopian-loving teenagers, it saw a decline in critical acclaim as the series progressed. Nonetheless, its portrayal of the chosen one theme is pretty solid. As it turns out, Thomas is not just any random teenager; his blood holds the cure to the Flare, a devastating disease that turns people into zombie-like creatures.
“The LEGO Movie” (2014)
And last but not least, at number ten, we have the delightful “The LEGO Movie,” featuring our everyday Lego figure, Emmet Brickowski. Voiced by the talented Chris Pratt, Emmet’s world turns upside down when he stumbles upon the Piece of Resistance, propelling him into the heart of a prophecy foretold by the wise wizard Vitruvius.
Emmet might just be your run-of-the-mill Lego construction worker, content with his ordinary life, but fate has other plans for him. As the prophesied Chosen One, he finds himself leading a rag-tag group of resistance fighters, including the iconic LEGO Batman, on a quest to foil the evil Lord Business’s plan to glue the Lego world together in his own image. It’s a whirlwind adventure that takes Emmet on a journey of self-discovery, proving that sometimes, the most unlikely of heroes can save the day.
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