The 10 Best Movie Elves

Across mythology, elves and their variations have had many different incarnations depending on the period, place, and culture. While some are short, colorful characters with large ears and pointed caps, others are tall, beautiful, and ethereal creatures of a mystical realm who live forever with the forces of nature.

But no matter what type they are, elves are a prominent fixture in the fantasy genre (largely due to Lord of the Rings), and their appearance in film has only aided in their mythos. From Christmas specials to full-on fantasy epics, these creatures of magic and wonder have continued to enchant audiences for decades.

10 Buddy The Elf (Elf)

Since Buddy is an honorary elf, it feels only fair to grant him an honorable mention. He might be a big fish in a small pond, but Buddy has the joy and cheer of ten of Santa’s helpers, and he did end up saving Christmas. Even by human standards, that’s still a magical feat.

Elf is a movie that relies on parodying cliches of typical traditional holiday movies, and Santa’s elves are part of that equation. The elves are stereotypical mainly in appearance, but Will Ferrell’s Buddy is as over-the-top and cheerful as any Rankin/Bass production, easily earning him a spot in the holiday hall of fame.

9 Elves (Krampus)

They might be magical creatures but not all elves are charming and sweet, and these masked minions from Krampus are a prime example. As the “Shadow of St. Nicholas,” Krampus is the complete inverse of the holiday gift-giver. Therefore, he has to have some twisted versions of Santa’s elves.

These guys are a far cry from the sugary-sweet version of a Christmas elf. Right from their first entrance, Krampus’s minions are of a much older magic than some of their contemporaries. There’s something Nordic and tribal about them with their masks and spears, and it makes for quite an interesting deviation from the typical myth.

8 Jen And Kira (The Dark Crystal)

While their official name might be Gelfling, there’s no denying that Jim Henson’s race of pointy-eared creatures of Thra are blatantly elven in design, creation, and makeup. The Gelflings in both the original Dark Crystal and its prequel series share a lot in common with traditional high-fantasy elves, but Jen and Kira from the original deserve the mention.

Both characters represent different takes on the archetype. With Jen as a long-haired protagonist learned in the ways of the mystics and Kira as a fae-like spirit of nature, it’s perfectly clear that Henson did his homework when creating his fantasy world and its creatures and creations.

7 Malekith And The Dark Elves (Thor: The Dark World)

Elves aren’t strictly bound to the fantasy genre, as anyone who’s seen the Thor series will know. But these beings of Svartalfheim are far more alien than the typical elfen creature. They are one of the oldest species in the MCU, having been created at the dawn of time from the yawning void, and their mix of magic and technology is what separates them from the rest.

Led by Malekith, the Dark Elves seen in Thor: The Dark World are a fierce race of primordial invaders that oppose the Asgardians. While they don’t mesh with the beings of Alfheim in the original mythology, they are most certainly a standout rendition of the species.

6 Dobby (Harry Potter)

A far cry away from their typically noble portrayal in most fantasies, the House Elves of the Wizarding World are the slaves of several spellcasters throughout the Harry Potter books and movies. But most fans exposed to the series know the fiercely loyal Dobby.

Despite his foul-ups, Dobby is perhaps one of Harry’s more protective friends. He defies his master, risks life and limb, and even sacrifices himself so that the trio can escape from Bellatrix Lestrange. A tragic yet beloved figure, wands were definitely raised for this underdog.

5 Elves (Hellboy 2: The Golden Army)

There’s a certain stereotype surrounding elves in most fantasy. They’re supposed to be tall, blonde, and regal-looking. But Guillermo Del Toro’s elves certainly break with tradition, becoming an ancient race of magical beings with an outright intimidating aura.

They’re tall, they’re blonde, but they have a much more vampiric appearance, as well as an organic ancient motif about them. But most importantly, they are just as unique and strangely beautiful as any of Del Toro’s monsters and other creations.

4 Arwen (Lord of the Rings)

When someone thinks of a fantasy elf, they either think of the Christmas variety or the ones made famous by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The iconic fantasy series essentially defined the archetype, from the mystical folk of Rivendell to the mysterious Wood Elves of Mirkwood, they are indeed the wisest and fairest of their kind.

Daughter of King Elrond and immortal beloved of Aragorn, Arwen is one of the biggest supporting roles in the saga. In the films, she is responsible for rescuing the Hobbits from the clutches of the Nazgul, in addition to other feats that make her more prominent than she was in the books.

3 Galadriel (Lord Of The Rings)

Arwen might be a beautiful maiden, but Galadriel positively radiates elegance with every fiber of her presence. The Lady of the Golden Wood in Tolkien’s text is a literally shining example of an ethereal elf queen as she drips with phenomenal magical energy. As a prominent powerful entity in Middle-Earth, she is almost a force of nature in her own right.

Galadriel represents the idealized elf character, a powerful, almost spiritual being that shines like a beacon in a dark world of mortals and monsters. A little bit cliche compared to some, but easily a highly recognizable player in the War of the Ring.

2 Elrond (Lord Of The Rings)

Elrond is a monarch of Middle-Earth that has been involved with the saga of the One Ring since it was chopped off Sauron’s finger. It’s his combination of fierce leader and mystical mentor that earns him a place in the hearts of numerous fantasy fans, in and out of Rivendell.

While he has a severe mistrust of humans, he was more than willing to offer help, hospitality, and words of great wisdom to anyone who asked of it, even going as far as welcoming 13 dwarves and their hobbit friend into his palace and aiding them on their quest. Needless to say, he’s an ally any party would want to know.

1 Legolas (Lord Of The Rings)

He’s not the most powerful or magical being on the list, but if there’s one elf most people will recognize, it’s Legolas. With his large pointed ears, long flowing blonde hair, green tunic, and archery prowess, he checks almost every box for the standard-issue elven warrior, and fans love him for it.

He’s a deadly shot with his bow, an experienced guide through various terrain, and a trusted, valued, and beloved member of the Fellowship of the Ring. Every good adventuring group needs a swift rogue in the bunch, and Legolas easily fits the bill.

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