Charlie Hunnam has built a career on playing characters audiences can't help but root for—whether it's the outlaw biker Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, the slick Ray in The Gentlemen, or the reluctant pilot in Pacific Rim. His versatility has taken him from gritty TV dramas to Ryan Murphy's Monster anthology, where he portrayed Ed Gein, and even to the sprawling narrative of Shantaram. But it's his action-heavy roles that truly showcase his strengths, and his partnership with director Guy Ritchie produced a film that perfectly captures that energy.
That film is King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), Ritchie's audacious reimagining of the Arthurian legend. Originally envisioned as the launch of a multi-film franchise, the movie was a bold, stylized departure from traditional tellings. Ritchie, along with co-writers Joby Harold and Lionel Wigram, traded the noble courtly chivalry for a gritty, street-smart aesthetic, blending fast-paced action with a modern sensibility.
The plot follows Arthur, who is raised in the back alleys of a city after his father's death and the theft of his birthright. He grows up as a scrappy fighter, learning to survive alongside a tight-knit street gang. When the legendary sword Excalibur resurfaces, Arthur pulls it from the stone and reluctantly embraces his destiny, leading a rebellion against his tyrannical uncle, Vortigern. The film strips away the myth's traditional grandeur, replacing it with themes of psychological survival and streetwise cunning.
Hunnam's Arthur is a cheeky, reluctant hero who must overcome deep-seated trauma before he can claim his throne. Critics praised his intense physical commitment and raw charisma, while Jude Law delivered a chilling performance as Vortigern, balancing regal arrogance with a desperate, slithering menace. Despite these strengths, the film was a commercial disaster, earning only $148.7 million worldwide against a $175 million budget. Critics were harsh, giving it a 31% Rotten Tomatoes score, but audiences were far more forgiving, awarding it a 69% rating.
Now, years after its theatrical failure, the film is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword has climbed to the 4th spot on HBO Max's global top 10 list for August 2026, standing alongside newer titles like Mortal Kombat II, Guy Pearce's Killing Faith, and Yorgos Lanthimos' Bugonia. This streaming success is a testament to the film's growing cult following, which has embraced its over-the-top style and Ritchie's signature flair.
For fans of fantasy and action, this revival is a chance to revisit a misunderstood gem. If you're in the mood for more Ritchie, you can also check out his earlier crime classic Snatch, now streaming free on Pluto TV. And if you're looking for other fantasy epics, our list of the best fantasy miniseries might be your next binge.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is now available to stream on HBO Max. Its streaming triumph proves that sometimes, a film just needs the right platform to find its audience.
