Hollywood Robin Hoods: Hits and Misses

Director Ridley Scott is the latest to churn out a big-budget version of the classic Robin Hood tale, with his favorite actor, Russell Crowe, in the lead.  In anticipation of the latest "Robin Hood" (out this weekend), take a look at our list of the best and worst onscreen portrayals of all time. Click through for a definitive list of famous men in tights. (Universal)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Errol Flynn, "The Adventures of Robin Hood"</b> One of the first Robin Hoods, Flynn flew onto the scene in 1938 in technicolor green tights. He was flashy, but still pretty bad-ass. (Warner Bros.)

<b>MISS</b> <b>Kevin Costner, "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves"</b> Costner played English Robin of Locksley as a sensitive renaissance man with a California accent. Didn't really work. At all. (Warner Bros.)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Cary Elwes, "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"</b> Mel Brooks's genius riff on Robin Hood brought new life to the tale. In this classic 1993 comedy, Cary Elwes hilariously proves his superiority to his contemporary Kevin Costner ("Prince of Thieves") ... if only for his ability to speak in an English accent. (20th Century Fox)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Animated fox in "Disney's Robin Hood"</b> Was there ever a more attractive or awesome animated animal? No. Brian Bedford lent his voice to the classic 1973 film. (Disney)

<b>MISS</b> <b>Robin Dunne, "Beyond Sherwood Forest"</b> The Syfy network added a magical forest dragon to the classic tale, which you would THINK would make more awesome.  You'd be wrong.  Dunne's Robin Hood is totally preoccupied with this dragon, making this 2009 TV movie totally unrecognizable to fans of the story. (Syfy) (© Syfy -- FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY -- NOT FOR RESALE -- DO NOT ARCHIVE)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Patrick Bergin, "Robin Hood"</b> Though this 1991 TV movie was low-budget, the high quality acting of Bergin and co-star Uma Thurman (as the Maid Marion-esque character) made it a winner. Plus, Bergin had one powerful mustache. (20th Century Fox)

<b>MISS</b> <b>Animated Frenchman, "Shrek"</b> The 2001 kids' flick featured Vincent Cassel voicing a haughty version of Robin called "Monsieur Hood."  While amusing, he's French and he Riverdances.  Enough said. (DreamWorks Pictures)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Michael Praed, "Robin of Sherwood"</b> All you need to do is take one look at Praed's flowing locks to know that his Robin Hood is a winner. This 80s TV series was Celtic, mystical, and rad. (ITV)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Sean Connery, "Robin &amp; Marian"</b> Post-Bond, Connery took on an interesting take on Robin Hood: The aging hero. This 1976 movie looked at the problems of growing old as a legend.  And as a Scottish tramp. (Columbia)

<b>MISS</b> <b>Richard Todd, "The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men"</b> In 1952, Todd played a rather silly Robin with a bad accent. (RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.)

<b>HIT</b> <b>Jonas Armstrong, "Robin Hood"</b> The BBC is generally good with the historically-based series, so it's no surprise that this Robin was solid. Armstrong even had to learn to ride horses at a "Hood Academy" -- that's dedication. The show ran from 2006 to 2009. (BBC)