The 1980s was a decade rich with fantasy films, though not all of them achieved mainstream success. You may not have seen some of the era’s more overlooked offerings, from dark and subversive tales to animated gems and comedic adventures. Some of these were box office flops that have now gained a cult following.
- Helck Season 1 Episode 10 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When Is It Coming Out?
- The 10 Biggest Things Marvel Refused To Tell Us At Comic-Con & D23
- Parker Schnabel Height How Tall is Parker Schnabel?
- 10 X-Men Characters Keanu Reeves Could Play In The MCU Instead Of Wolverine
- Lee Mack Ethnicity, What is Lee Mack’s Ethnicity?
While some of these great fantasy movies may have been polarizing upon release, others have since garnered critical acclaim. These films showcase the breadth and creativity of the fantasy genre during this period of ‘80s movies, often providing interesting cultural commentary of the time.
You are watching: 8 Fantasy Movies From The 1980s That You Probably Haven’t Seen
8
Erik the Viking (1989)
Directed By Terry Jones
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
Erik The Viking
7/10
Release Date
September 22, 1989
Runtime
107 Minutes
Director
Terry Jones
Cast
See All
-
Tim Robbins
-
Terry Jones
Erik The Viking is a 1989 comedic fantasy film directed by Terry Jones. Starring Tim Robbins as Erik, the story follows a Viking on a quest to end Ragnarok, the age of darkness. The film combines humor and mythology, featuring John Cleese, Mickey Rooney, and Eartha Kitt in supporting roles.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Erik the Viking is a bit of a Marmite movie, but if you like the basic concept, it is good harmless fun. The central premise of the comedy is that a Viking with a conscience gets bored with pillaging things and there must be more to life. While the movie as a whole falls a bit flat, it has a lot of great comedic sketches and references to Norse stories. While the 1989 film has an underwhelming 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is nonetheless worthy of a watch.
Erik the Viking was written by Monty Python star Terry Jones, who wrote a children’s book called The Saga of Erik the Viking in 1983. However, the plot has nothing in common with the original story. Tolkien readers will appreciate that the artwork for the movie was drawn by Alan Lee, who created some of the most wonderful illustrations based on Lord of the Rings and designed for the movie franchise. Interestingly, Terry Jones left the re-editing of the movie to his son for its release on DVD, and he called it a “Director’s Son’s Cut” (AV Club). It is arguably much better structurally than the cinematic version.
7
Sheena (1984)
Directed By John Guillermin
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
Sheena
PG
Action
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Fantasy
5/10
Release Date
August 17, 1984
Runtime
117 minutes
Director
John Guillermin
Writers
David Newman
Producers
Paul Aratow
Cast
See All
-
Tanya Roberts
Sheena
-
Ted Wass
Vic Casey
Sheena follows the story of a young woman raised by an African tribe after the death of her parents. When her foster mother is framed for murder, Sheena and a newsman, Vic Casey, must evade mercenaries using her unique abilities to communicate with animals and navigate the jungle.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The premise of Sheena, an updated version of the comic book heroine for an ‘80s audience, should have been a commercial dream. Unfortunately, it was a production nightmare. The script went through several revisions, ultimately losing its original character-centered and ecological approach. The John Guillermin movie was a box office bomb, and was nominated for Worst Picture, Worst Actress (Tanya Roberts), Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, and Worst Musical Score in the Golden Raspberry Awards. Since its release, however, it has gained a cult audience.
Her mission is to protect her people and their sacred homeland from those who seek to exploit it…
Raised in the wilds of Tigora after a childhood tragedy, Janet becomes Sheena, a formidable woman with a deep connection to the jungle and the extraordinary ability to communicate telepathically with animals. When a dangerous conspiracy threatens her tribe and their land, driven by greed for its hidden resources, Sheena must embrace her destiny as the “Queen of the Jungle.” Her mission is to protect her people and their sacred homeland from those who seek to exploit it, leading her on a perilous journey where she will forge alliances and confront powerful enemies.
6
Quest for Fire (1981)
Directed By Jean-Jacques Annaud
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
Quest For Fire
R
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Drama
8/10
Release Date
February 12, 1982
Runtime
100 Minutes
Director
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Writers
Gerard Brach, J.H. Rosny Sr.
Cast
See All
-
Everett McGill
Naoh
-
Ron Perlman
Amoukar
Quest For Fire is a historical adventure film set in prehistoric times, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The story follows a small group of early humans on a quest to find a new source of fire after their tribe loses its own. Embarking on a perilous journey, they encounter various primitive tribes and natural dangers. The film is notable for its depiction of early human survival and communication.
Main Genre
Adventure
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The prehistoric-set Quest of Fire has an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This is because, while it has comedic moments, what makes it shine is its surprising emotional resonance. This brilliant fantasy movie available on Prime Video has just enough comedy to charm the audience into not being too hard on it for historical accuracy concerns, while the characters are well-written enough to pull in viewers throughout the movie. The prosthetics of Quest of Fire bagged the film an Oscar for Best Makeup.
The movie follows humanity’s quest to control fire 80,000 years ago. Driven from their cave dwelling by a brutal encounter with the Wagabu tribe, the Ulam tribe face a devastating loss when their precious, life-sustaining flame is extinguished in a marsh. Incapable of igniting fire themselves, the tribe’s elder tasks three courageous men – Naoh, Amoukar, and Gaw – with a vital mission: to venture into the unknown and bring fire back to their people.
5
The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982)
Directed By Albert Pyun
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
The Sword and The Sorcerer
R
Fantasy
Action
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Horror
7.7/10
Release Date
April 1, 1982
Runtime
100 Minutes
Director
Albert Pyun
Writers
Albert Pyun, Tom Karnowski, John V. Stuckmeyer
Cast
See All
-
Lee Horsley
Talon
-
Kathleen Beller
Alana
The Sword and the Sorcerer is a 1982 fantasy film directed by Albert Pyun. The story follows a mercenary swordsman who joins a rebellion against a tyrannical king and his sorcerer ally. Lee Horsley stars as the protagonist Talon, embarking on a quest filled with magical encounters and fierce battles. The film mixes elements of swordplay and sorcery, delivering an adventure set in a medieval fantasy world.
Main Genre
Fantasy
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The Sword & the Sorcerer is one of the best sword and sorcery films of all time. It is a true 1980s swashbuckling fantasy movie with not a single dull moment. The plot is high-stakes, with the fate of an entire dynasty on the edge of a knife – or on a three-bladed sword, as is the case in this decidedly cheesy, fun film. The three-bladed sword is so iconic that one Skyrim modder even recreated it for the game (per NexusMods).
While not as well-known as big fantasy pictures like Excalibur and Conan, it is a fond memory for audiences growing up with fantasy in the ‘80s. King Titus Cromwell seeks the resurrected sorcerer Xusia to conquer the rich kingdom of Ehdan, ruled by King Richard. Using dark magic, Cromwell decimates Richard’s army, but then betrays and seemingly kills Xusia. Richard falls, and his young son Talon witnesses his father’s and mother’s deaths at Cromwell’s hand, escaping with a vow of revenge. Talon now possesses the three-bladed sword and a responsibility to avenge his parents.
4
Ladyhawke (1985)
Directed By Richard Donner
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
Ladyhawke
PG-13
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Comedy
Drama
10
9.1/10
Release Date
April 12, 1985
Runtime
121 Minutes
Director
Richard Donner
Writers
Edward Khmara, Michael Thomas, Tom Mankiewicz, David Webb Peoples
Cast
See All
-
See more : Gruff Rhys U.S. Tour 2024 Dates, How To Get Gruff Rhys Tickets?
Matthew Broderick
-
Rutger Hauer
Ladyhawke is a fantasy adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief, a disillusioned knight, and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a hawk by day. Set against a medieval backdrop, the trio seeks to outwit the malevolent bishop responsible for the curse. Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film combines elements of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.
Main Genre
Adventure
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Ladyhawke remains a beloved example of 1980s fantasy cinema, capturing the era’s grand, romantic style. The film’s epic scope and visual beauty, anchored by stunning performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, contribute to its enduring appeal. Hauer embodies the tormented anti-hero with a compelling intensity. The soundtrack is decidedly synth-heavy, but audiences who love other 1980s movies can hardly fault it for that – if anything, it is only another plus point.
The movie’s ‘80s aesthetic defines its charm. It embraces the fantasy genre with a blend of classic storytelling and the visual and sonic sensibilities of the time. While Matthew Broderick’s performance might be seen by some as a less successful element, the overall package of Ladyhawke delivers a powerful and romantic fantasy experience that resonates with fans of the era.
Related
10 Recent Fantasy Movies That Are Aesthetically Beautiful
These fantasy movies have simply beautiful aesthetics, ranging from harsh and cold to bright and rosy through different captivating art forms.
Posts
The story centers on a young thief who becomes unwillingly involved with a warrior and his lady, cursed and hunted by the Bishop of Aquila. As the thief learns of their past and predicament, he chooses to help them overcome the Bishop’s forces and break the infernal curse that binds them.
3
The Company Of Wolves (1984)
Directed By Neil Jordan
Close
Angela Carter’s reworking of fairytales was a vital contribution to the second wave of feminism, and the 1984 movie adaptation of her story The Company of Wolves was a stunning addition to the gothic fantasy genre. In a dreamlike, dark forest setting, young Rosaleen hears cautionary tales from her grandmother about wolves that symbolize the hidden predatory nature of men. As Rosaleen transitions to womanhood, she must confront the dangers of this world and determine if she, too, will fall prey to the wolves’ temptations. This gothic fantasy is definitely too scary for kids.
The Brothers Grimm meets Hammer Horror in this intense and stylish take on Carter’s story…
The adaptation has an impressive 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with Neil Jordan’s directorial approach working in perfect harmony with Angela Carter’s decidedly voluptuous, gothic writing style. The result is a visually thought-provoking, uncomfortably Freudian fairytale with one of the most terrifying werewolf transformations ever created for film. The Brothers Grimm meets Hammer Horror in this intense and stylish take on Carter’s story that is definitely worth a watch. While its accolades revolved around its makeup and practical effects, the storytelling should be equally appreciated.
2
The Last Unicorn (1982)
Directed By Jules Bass & Arthur Rankin Jr.
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
The Last Unicorn
G
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Animation
Drama
8.5/10
Release Date
November 19, 1982
Director
Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Writers
Peter S. Beagle
Cast
See All
-
Jeff Bridges
-
Mia Farrow
The terrible King Haggard plots to destroy all the unicorns in the world, but a young unicorn discovers that she is in danger and could soon be the last of her kind. She leaves the safety of her forest and enlists the help of Schmendrick, a kind but clumsy wizard. Together, they embark on a long and dangerous journey with one goal: to defeat Haggard and save the unicorns from extinction.
Main Genre
Adventure
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The Last Unicorn, released in 1982, stands as a unique and often overlooked gem of 1980s fantasy animation. Featuring the voice of Mia Farrow as the titular unicorn, the film distinguishes itself with a surprisingly mature and poignant narrative. Far from typical children’s fare, its exploration of themes like self-discovery and mortality, combined with a somber, dramatic tone, creates a viewing experience difficult to forget. The film is further enriched by a memorable soundtrack, including songs by Jimmy Webb and America, which enhance its ethereal and mystical atmosphere.
The film’s strength lies not only in its narrative, but also in its exceptional voice cast. Farrow’s delicate voice lends a touching vulnerability to her character, while the contributions of Alan Arkin, Tammy Grimes, Christopher Lee, and Angela Lansbury add further depth and texture to the story. The Last Unicorn offers a refreshing alternative to more conventional animation of the era, delivering a thought-provoking journey. For those seeking an animated film with substance and heart, that transcends typical genre tropes, The Last Unicorn remains a compelling and rewarding choice.
1
Dragonslayer (1981)
Directed By Matthew Robbins
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
Dragonslayer
PG
Action
See more : Collins Tuohy Ethnicity, What is Collins Tuohy’s Ethnicity?
Adventure
Fantasy
19
7.2/10
Release Date
June 26, 1981
Runtime
109 Minutes
Director
Matthew Robbins
Writers
Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins
Cast
See All
-
Peter MacNicol
-
Caitlin Clarke
Dragonslayer is a 1981 fantasy film by director Matthew Robbins and writer Hal Barwood and follows a young wizard named Galen on a quest to slay an all-powerful dragon. Following a lottery where virgins are selected from the kingdom of Urland to appease the dragon, Galen must rise to save the princess and unleash the dormant magic within.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Dragonslayer performed poorly at the box office, but it was popular with audiences and critics and remains well-loved today. Released in 1981, Dragonslayer distinguishes itself within the fantasy genre for its notably dark and grim tone, a departure from the more lighthearted fare often associated with the era. Co-produced by Disney during a period when the studio was experimenting with more mature themes, the film often surprised and unsettled audiences who were expecting a more traditional family-friendly adventure. This darker approach contributed to its initial box office failure, but has also solidified its reputation as a unique and enduring work.
Beyond its tone, Dragonslayer is also notable for subverting typical fantasy tropes. The movie weaves a narrative that defies expectations, incorporating political intrigue and exploring themes such as the clash between Paganism and the rise of Christianity, which fans of The Last Kingdom may appreciate. Its impressive special effects, particularly the depiction of the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative, remain highly regarded within the fantasy genre. While clearly influenced by Star Wars, especially in its character archetypes, Dragonslayer forges its own path by grounding its fantasy in a more realistic and morally complex world.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes, AV Club, NexusMods
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment