Time Bandits (1981)

Time Bandits is a wildly imaginative adventure-comedy-fantasy about 11-year-old Kevin, a lonely, history-obsessed boy who accidentally joins a rambunctious band of time‑travelling dwarves when they burst through a hole in his bedroom. Having stolen a priceless map of the universe, the gang hops from one spectacular historical set piece to another — from Napoleonic battlefields and medieval courts to mythical realms and the Fortress of Ultimate Darkness — all while pursued by the sinister Evil Genius and under the watchful eye of the Supreme Being. Watching the film is like stepping into a feverishly inventive storybook: expect fast-paced, episodic escapades, playful slapstick, surreal visual gags, and darkly comic moments. The tone flips between childlike wonder and subversive satire, with elaborate practical sets and quirky characters that make each time-jump feel fresh and surprising. At its heart the film balances laugh-out-loud absurdity with a tender coming-of-age thread about imagination, family neglect, and the power of storytelling. If you watch Time Bandits you’ll be treated to an offbeat, energetic ride that delights both kids and adults who appreciate bold, surreal humor and adventurous world-building — equal parts whimsical fantasy and sharp, eccentric comedy.

Actors: Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, John Cleese

Director: Terry Gilliam

Runtime: 116 min

Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

6.2 /10 79 /100 6.9 /10 7.0 /10