Top 5 merriest and roguish renditions of Robin Hood

In the pantheon of Merry Men, these renditions of Robin Hood have deftly hit their mark

In the realm of entertainment, a select few characters, folktales, and legends appear to be timeless. Whether they’re the epic exploits of King Arthur or the mischievous horror of Little Red Riding Hood, certain stories seem to be told over and over again. One such story is that of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

The tale of an outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor is among the most popular in human history. It’s universal in its themes and appeal, presenting a hero who not only fights for the little guy but also inspires that little guy to conquer the tyrants holding him under their boots. As such, it’s been told countless times across movies, TV shows, and even the odd video game.

We’ve seen lighthearted adventure, gritty realism, cartoonish comedy, stylized popcorn action, and seemingly everything in between. Amidst all the interpretations and reinterpretations, however, which renditions stand out as truly special?

That’s the discussion that this list is meant to spark. It’s always fun to compare different versions of a character, and a figure as prolific as Robin Hood gives us plenty of choices. Let’s look back at those hooded rogues whose aim has been the truest, the merry men who have captured the essence of Robin Hood.