Merlin the Magician is perhaps the most powerful wizard in all the realms of fiction. According to legends, he was the mysterious druid/sorcerer/spellcaster who advised and tutored King Arthur as he assumed the throne. From prophet to prognosticator, the character essentially spawned the wise-old-wizard archetype when he first foretold the legend of a sword, a stone, and a boy that would be the once and future king. But he's a far cry from a one-trick-pony.

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Since there are so many unique variations on the King Arthur story, including works like The Green Knight, there have to be alternate versions of Merlin. With the introduction of film and TV, so came newer and more magical versions of the world's most powerful wizard. He's been played as a wise mentor, a master of the mystic arts, and even as a young sorcerer's apprentice. Like so many of his vocation, he has lived for centuries and through a vast array of media, Merlin has become immortal.

Transformers: Last Knight

Stanley Tucci as Merlin in Transformers The Last Knight receiving his staff

Michael Bay's Transformers series might not be everyone's favorite franchise, but there's something to be said for its longevity. And while a movie about alien robots existing during the Dark Ages might sound like a solid enough pitch on its own, Stanley Tucci's performance as Merlin the Wizard is easily one of its most stand-out features.

There's no denying that it's a very unique interpretation, seeing a drunk conjurer swigging from a flask conversing with the Transformers of Cybertron is definitely an image that won't be leaving anyone's mind, but Tucci's delivery goes back and forth from silly to Shakespearean at the flick of a switch. However, this is appropriate, given his character.

Son of Dracula

Ringo Starr in full wizard gear as Merlin for Son of Dracula

Merlin appearing in a Dracula movie might seem a little strange, but when the cast includes the likes of Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, and Peter Frampton in the mix, it starts to make more and more sense. Accompanied by the magician after his father's murder, Count Downe must assume the throne in this rock-and-roll fueled escapade.

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Ringo Starr takes up the robes and beard of Merlin in this adaptation, and his presence alone is an absolute delight. There's a sort of self-aware nature to his character, he knows he's in a horror-comedy musical in the most stereotypical wizard costume ever designed, but his jaunty and jovial delivery is what makes this easy to love.

Kids Of The Round Table

Malcom McDowell as Merlin for Kids of the Round Table

During the '90s, there was an influx of films that cast kids in the roles of Arthur and his Knights of the round table. And while this movie wasn't the only one of its kind to run with the concept, it did give a better version of the famous wizard than some of its peers.

While he might only barely resemble the character, Malcolm McDowell's version of Merlin hits the right notes for a kind and wise mentor figure. He's mysterious, but a very positive influence for the young warriors-to-be, and the role feels like a breath of fresh air compared to some of his other performances.

A Kid In King Arthur’s Court

Merlin's Spirit floating in the Well of Destiny from A Kid In King Arthur's Court

It might be Disney, it might just be a simple kids movie, it might feature the likes of Daniel Craig and Kate Winslet in its cast, but it's not the best King Arthur on the list by a longshot. What it does offer, however, is a very visually distinct version of Merlin.

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In the film, Merlin's spirit is locked within the Well of Destiny, and he acts as a sort of quest-giver for the film. And while Ron Moody has experience playing the character before, his portrayal in this film essentially casts him as a medieval Doc Brown. It's not the best version by any means, but it's definitely one that stands out.

Shrek The Third

Arthur and Merlin Prepare for an adventure on shrek the third

Shrek The Third is the franchise's attempt to retell the Arthurian Legend. Of course, it features the kid who would be king, but no adaptation of Arthur would be complete without an appearance from the master magician. Seeing Merlin as an eccentric former college professor definitely fits his character to a T.

It also helps that he's voiced by the legendary Eric Idle behind the beard, matching the character's presence and over-the-top nature perfectly. His zany Monty-Python-esque antics transfer perfectly to the wild-eyed Mr. Merlin on Shrek and Arthur's quest to become King of Far, Far, Away. He's no Tim the Enchanter, but it's still a remarkable performance.

King Arthur

Merlin as a Celtic druid in King Arthur

There have been a handful of attempts to try and adapt a more realistic version of King Arthur to the screen, and 2004's version was certainly that. Making Arthur a warlord instead of a king was one motif that arguably worked, but the more tribal, Celtic approach to Merlin truly hit the nail on the head.

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Portrayed as the leader of the Woads by Stephen Dillane, Merlin is more druidic than a magical wizard. It's a more stoic and ancient approach than many are used to, but it certainly warrants mention for its originality.

Merlin (TV Series)

Merlin uses his powers in Merlin

All wizards have to start somewhere, and the Merlin TV series provides a storybook fantasy origin to the iconic character as he learns how to use, control, and perform his magic for the good of the kingdom. Of course, having a mentor who is also a dragon helps things along too.

Colin Morgan portrays a young conjurer with a more human element than most versions past. Instead of being Arthur's wise old advisor and court magician, the relationship between the wizard and the warrior king goes from rival to friend as all the characters in in the show grow and develop into the legends audiences know and love.

Merlin (Miniseries)

Sam Neil Merlin miniseries

Arthur might arguably be the most studied and well-known character in the film adaptations, but Merlin did eventually receive his own solo adventure. The TV miniseries gave origin stories to Merlin, Excalibur, Morgan Le Fay, the Lady of the Lake, and other Arthurian elements in true epic fantasy fashion.

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Sam Neill leads the all-star cast as the titular magician and his version is perhaps the most underrated version out there. His performance offers so many different flavors of Merlin's persona that other wizardly types should be taking notes. He's everything one could want from the character and more.

Excalibur

Merlin holding his flaming staff in Excalibur

Excalibur is a ludicrously action-packed adaptation of the Arthurian legends, and it held back absolutely nothing. The film feels more like something out of Dungeons and Dragons than a romanticized variation of King Arthur, but that's not a bad thing.

This version of Merlin is definitely more of a mysterious sorcerer than an advisor on the sidelines, and Nicol Williamson's portrayal gives him an edge sharper than Arthur's legendary blade. He gets in on the action just as much as the knights and warriors, and that staff packs some seriously potent firepower.

The Sword In The Stone

Merlin speaking with Arthur in Sword in the Stone

Not only is Disney's version the most beloved, but he's arguably the most powerful magic user they have. Taking inspiration from T.H. White's book of the same name, this version of Merlin essentially set the bar for most adaptations and reimaginings, fitting him with blue robes, a pointed cap, a wand, and a talking owl familiar.

Voiced by Karl Swenson, Merlin is the reason to watch this movie. Whether it's for his eccentric antics, quirky commentary, or enchanting displays of pure Disney magic, there's a reason he's probably the first version of the character most people are introduced to, and easily the most iconic.

NEXT: Gandalf The Grey & 9 Other Most Powerful Movie Wizards