Time Bandits
WantedFans keep asking for it. No machine has been announced.
#295on the Hype Index, our daily ranking of themes fans want as machines
Peak #268, Sep 2026 · Rank updated Oct 29.
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Terry Gilliam's chaotic time-travel adventure offers wild historical settings and quirky characters for pinball mayhem.
About This Theme
Time Bandits is a 1981 fantasy adventure film directed by Terry Gilliam and co-written with Michael Palin of Monty Python fame. Produced by George Harrison's Handmade Films, the movie follows a young boy named Kevin who is swept away on a time-traveling adventure with a group of treasure-hunting dwarves as they hop through various historical periods while being pursued by the Supreme Being and the forces of Evil. The film has maintained a cult following for over four decades due to its surreal humor, imaginative visual design, and willingness to blend dark themes with family-friendly adventure. Its cultural significance was recently renewed with a 2024 television reboot on Apple TV Plus, introducing the property to a new generation of viewers and sparking fresh interest in the franchise.
Pinball enthusiasts have been discussing Time Bandits as a potential pinball machine theme in online forums, with the property appearing on wish lists alongside other cult classics and nostalgic properties. While some community members have noted that the 1981 film is a relatively niche property, others have expressed enthusiasm for its unique blend of humor and adventure. The recent television series has brought renewed attention to the franchise, with fans noting they have been watching it with their families. Discussion has included appreciation for the original film's memorable moments and George Harrison's musical contribution, suggesting that nostalgia and multi-generational appeal could make it an interesting pinball license.
As a pinball machine, Time Bandits would offer rich thematic possibilities that align well with the medium's need for varied, exciting gameplay elements. The time-traveling premise would naturally support multiple playfield modes representing different historical eras, from Napoleon's battlefield to Sherwood Forest to ancient Greece, each with distinct visual aesthetics and rulesets. The map of time holes that drives the plot could translate into a strategic target system where players navigate through different time periods. Mechanically, a wardrobe portal could serve as a dramatic ball lock feature, while the contrast between the Supreme Being's ordered universe and Evil's chaotic fortress could inspire opposing playfield sections. The film's distinctive visual style, featuring practical effects and Gilliam's surreal production design, would provide memorable artwork opportunities. George Harrison's theme song and the film's quirky dialogue would supply excellent audio elements, while the dwarf bandits themselves offer potential for character-based objectives and callouts that capture the property's eccentric humor and adventure.
