Following the triumph of Conan, the Barbarian in 1982, filmmakers worldwide recognized a chance to emulate – create their own renditions of this movie and profit. Remarkably, many of these attempts were successful, and Conan was not the first film of its kind. You’ll find some excellent examples in our list of top sword and sorcery movies throughout history.
Among numerous films on this list that we adore, it’s necessary for us to rank them, starting with those considered less exceptional and moving towards the truly outstanding ones. Let’s explore our top-tier choices for legendary sword and sorcery movies!
21. Red Sonja (1985)
Following the tragic loss of her loved ones at the hands of an unjust queen, a fierce young woman known as Red Sonja hones her skills with the sword and seeks retribution against this wicked ruler who brought devastation to her life.
Moreover, it appears the queen made off with a potent orb, shrouded in secrecy and vigilantly protected, which was on the verge of annihilation. This orb possesses its own abilities, enabling its holder to manipulate the elements and summon tempests or seismic activity at will.
Kalidor, one of those responsible for shattering the orb, teams up with Red Sonja despite their paths diverging. This alliance eventually leads them to the same destination. They are later joined by Tarn, a mischievous prince, and Falcon, his attendant from the kingdom of Gerden, which Kalidor had ruthlessly wiped out as a demonstration of his newfound abilities.
20. Masters of the Universe (1987)
The ill-fated endeavor by the defunct Cannon Group to adapt He-Man for the big screen was so poorly executed that it achieved near cult status. They aimed to capitalize on the success of Star Wars, but unfortunately, they were late to the party and heavily indebted to George Lucas – evident in the design of their skeleton soldiers, which mirrored his, and the theme music reminiscent of Darth Vader.
Nevertheless, credit is due to Grayskull for creating such compelling villains. Frank Langella delivers an outstanding portrayal of Skeletor, while Meg Foster effectively takes on the role of Evil-Lyn. Additionally, Dolph Lundgren exudes a powerful presence, and Courteney Cox showcases her talent with a chilling performance. Interestingly enough, this film was released only a few years before she became known for her role in Scream. It’s a darkly humorous take that keeps us entertained.
19. The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)
In the wake of Conan’s triumph, this film by Albert Pyun was one of the early releases. The character Tramp Talon, wielding a three-edged sword, engages in combat with Richard Lynch – a familiar face in many films. Together they navigate the night to protect Princess Alan.
18. Krull (1983)
Unconventionally charming, Krull is a film that defies categories and should be seen to develop an affection for it. Imagine “Knights versus Extraterrestrials.
The story revolves around a prince embarking on a journey with his friends to save his bride from an extraterrestrial fortress invading their planet, Krull. It offers a mix of adventure, featuring horses, swords, axes, aliens, laser technology, one-armed cyclops, and exotic weaponry reminiscent of a starfish-Ninja hybrid.
In the summer of 1983, this movie was an enchanting, ’80s fantasy that enjoyed a decent run at the box office. It was often screened together with Superman 3 as a double feature.
Set amidst a group of relatively unacknowledged actors, with Liam Neeson taking on a significant part, Krull gained popularity primarily during the 1980s fantasy genre. Undeniably, it stands as a remarkable artifact of popular culture.
17. The Beastmaster (1982)
Back in the 80s and 90s, if you owned a satellite, it’s highly unlikely you missed out on this beloved movie series. Known as “The Beastmaster,” it was initially conceived by Don Coscarelli and revolves around the thrilling escapades of Dar, a barbarian with an extraordinary ability to communicate with animals. The series spawned two sequels: “Beastmaster 2: Journey Through Time” and “Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus,” as well as a TV show consisting of 66 episodes, all based on this intriguing concept.
16. Conan the Destroyer (1984)
A highly anticipated follow-up to an iconic sword and sorcery film, although falling short of its predecessor (which is ranked higher in our list), it remains a top movie featuring beloved cult characters.
In a twist of events, Conan is enlisted by the wicked Queen Taramis for a seemingly harmless task: to chaperone a young princess and her strong protector to a remote castle, with the goal of retrieving the mystical horn of Dagon. However, Conan remains oblivious to Taramis’ sinister plot – she intends to sacrifice the princess upon her return, after the bodyguard has dispatched Conan, thus claiming the throne for herself.
The Queen’s strategies fail to consider Conan’s power, intelligence, and the skills of his associates – the unorthodox mage Akira, the fierce Zula, and the bumbling Malak.
In this exhilarating adventure, I find myself banding together with my comrades to vanquish foes that are both worldly and otherworldly. Our quest leads us to a realm where swords clash against enchantments – a captivating land of mystery and magic.
15. Legend (1985)
In my view, Ridley Scott’s masterful use of breathtaking visuals elevates this enchanting fable that follows young Tom Cruise as Jack, a woodland denizen. Accompanied by Princess Lily, portrayed by Mia Sara, they embark on an adventure to rescue two magical unicorns from the clutches of the Dark Lord (Tim Curry).
Disney’s fairy tales have undeniably influenced Scott’s concept of the Legend’s form, yet he delves deeper into darkness when portraying Darkness, a foe that could easily fit within the realm of Middle-earth from Lord of the Rings. Notably, the Legend also sports an imposing set of horns…
14. Return to Oz (1985)
If you found The Wizard of Oz unsettling, you might not have experienced the frequent viewing of this late sequel. The storyline revolves around Dorothy, portrayed by Fairuza Balk at a young age, who finds herself back in Oz. However, King Nome has devastated the land beyond recognition. It’s now their task, Dorothy and her companions, to restore peace and order once again.
Imagining it as if a post-apocalyptic scenario is being painted on a whimsical backdrop, complete with deeply unsettling visuals – and that’s without even mentioning the chilling presence of the Wheelers.
13. Clash of the Titans (1981)
Skip the modern-day 3D version; instead, witness the epic clash of the ’80s where ancient Greek deities shaped human destinies. Oh, and let’s not forget the magnificent portrayal of Zeus by none other than Laurence Olivier himself! Who else could bring that character to life?
As a film critic, I can confidently say that the ‘cool quotient’ soars sky-high, largely due to Ray Harryhausen’s masterful stop-motion monsters. These creations, more lifelike than most contemporary CGI, are nothing short of astonishing. Medusa, in particular, is a chilling spectacle, serving as the cornerstone for one of the most captivating movie backdrops ever conceived. Why bother with remakes when the original still holds its own against the test of time?
12. Dragonslayer (1981)
Although Peter MacNicol might not make it onto many “trendy” rankings, he undeniably embodies the charm in Disney/Paramount’s sword-and-sorcery fairytale on the silver screen, housing one of the most captivating cinematic dragons ever.
In a fresh take, MacNicol portrays Galen, an apprentice in his youth, who undergoes a rite that culminates in him confronting a horrifying beast and metamorphosing into the film’s antagonist. The cave sequences filled with fire are unexpectedly chilling, while director Matthew Robbins infuses his fantastical narrative with an atmosphere of ominous darkness. He continues to create, having just finalized the script for Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak.
11. Time Bandits (1981)
Glancing at Time Bandits, you might think it’s another comedic adventure by the Monty Python crew. While there’s truth to that, it leans more towards fantasy than Brazil. It’s a whimsical, unpredictable, and delightful tale about an 11-year-old boy who meets a band of interdimensional robbers.
Time Bandits is like a Monty Python adventure but with more magic and less Brazil. It’s the story of an 11-year-old boy meeting a group of thieves from different dimensions.
Both versions maintain the original meaning while being easier to understand for a wider audience.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about my cherished journey through Terry Gilliam’s “Trilogy of Imagination.” In this enchanting saga, it was the whimsical and heartwarming sequel, “Time Bandits,” that truly captured my spirit after the masterpiece, “Brazil,” but before the grandiose spectacle of “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.” This cinematic gem brimmed with a childlike exuberance that left an indelible mark on my heart.
10. The Dark Crystal (1982)
In a rather unexpected move for a children’s movie, Jim Henson’s debut feature film takes Roald Dahl’s tale and introduces frightening elements without any justification whatsoever.
The Skeksis are revolting, the Garthim are terrifying, even Aughra, who seems good, is bizarre and unpredictable. It’s impressive that Henson aimed to create such a vast world without humans (except for a few instances of Jen climbing), and engage in deep philosophical discussions among adults. It’s no surprise that nobody has dared to make a sequel yet. Unfortunately, the Netflix series didn’t meet expectations, as it was only on for one season.
9. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
John Carpenter momentarily stepped away from instilling fear in viewers due to the chaotic events happening in San Francisco, which unexpectedly featured Kurt Russell as Jack Burton. Dressed in a vest and jeans, Jack quickly became an iconic cinematic hero.
With Carpenter directing, insanity (and creatures) are abundant, and the pace is relentless. Moreover, Russell’s performance is captivating, but that’s not all – we also have the talented young actress, Kim Cattrall. All in all, it’s a superbly cool film…
8. Highlander (1986)
In theory, The Highlander seems unlikely to succeed. This action fantasy centers around a character played by Christopher Lambert, who hails from France, and engages in conflicts with Sean Connery, a Scottish actor, despite his name, Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, suggesting a different nationality.
What’s intriguing about it is its unusual charm. The eccentricity found in Russell Mulchy’s Highlander is what makes it so fascinating, as this peculiar mix of contradictory elements forms a harmonious and stunning blend. The movie is suspenseful, bizarre, and impossible not to adore. Regrettably, this sentiment doesn’t quite apply to its sequels.
7. Willow (1988)
George Lucas developed a whimsical fantasy world with strong influences from J.R.R. Tolkien, yet Director Ron Howard infuses “Willow” with an abundance of enjoyable moments.
Transitioning smoothly between various plot points, the movie features an array of unforgettable characters, such as Val Kilmer’s captivating portrayal of Madmartigan. Additionally, Queen Bavmord (Jean Marsh) stands out as a powerful adversary, making Disney’s wicked royals seem almost comically disgruntled and cross-dressing.
6. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
It seems like the tune from Labyrinth can’t help but cross your mind, isn’t it? While David Bowie’s way with words might make you prefer more catchy songs in Labyrinth over The NeverEnding Story, Limahl’s ballad from The NeverEnding Story is hard to top when it comes to techno-pop hits.
In addition to creativity, Director Wolfgang Petersen incorporates some of the finest artwork from the 1980s into his reimagining of children’s fairy tales. Scenes include grandiose floating structures, tempestuous storm formations, and the ominous swamp that once left countless hearts shattered when Aret Yu’s horse became trapped within it.
5. Labyrinth (1986)
This complex, yet delightful fable centers around themes of self-reliance, maturity, and narrative potency. It’s cloaked in numerous endearing Muppet characters, which occasionally divert attention from the story’s profound significance. To further captivate audiences, there’s an additional element of David Bowie performing in flashy spandex and juggling with contact lenses.
Despite the movie’s disappointing performance at the box office, its regular screenings at London’s Prince Charles Cinema demonstrate that it has undeniably gained cult status.
4. The Princess Bride (1987)
Movies that begin with Columbus narrating from the perspective of The Wonder Years’ children are undeniably CLASSIC must-sees, and this certainly applies to Rob Reiner’s clever and witty satire. While Cary Elwes is renowned as The Dread Pirate Westley, he’s only one of the talented cast members, which also features Robin Wright as Buttercup and Wallace Shawn as the loathsome Vizzini.
And we can never forget: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
3. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Discussing the realms of sword and sorcery without mentioning Conan seems almost impossible, given his significant influence. In the tales penned by Robert E. Howard, Conan the Barbarian is transformed from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator persona into a warrior, donning armor as he embarks on an epic journey. This odyssey eventually finds him confronting an evil wizard.
For enthusiasts of Game of Thrones, Conan the Barbarian offers an abundance of battles, weaponry, and scantily dressed women, making it an exhilarating action movie packed with magic, muscles, nudity, and mayhem for any viewer seeking a blend of swords, sorcery, and turmoil.
2. Excalibur (1981)
In a magical twist, if I were to blend the grandeur and might of King Arthur with the enchanting, epic fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings, I’d create Excalibur. John Boorman masterfully reimagines Arthurian tales, focusing more on magic, action, and cinematic spectacle rather than the typical romantic portrayals of this legendary figure.
Without a doubt, Excalibur carries a distinct air of weight and mystery that many adaptations of Arthur fail to capture. It’s the blend of swordplay and sorcery, as embodied by Merlin and Morgana Le Fay, that imbues this movie with an additional dose of enchantment, making it even more captivating.
As much as I’m smitten with Conan, there’s hardly another fantasy film that can rival the magic woven in Excalibur, save perhaps The Lord of the Rings. It’s an enchanting experience that leaves me spellbound every single time.
1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
The movie series is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel “The Lord of the Rings,” divided into three parts: “The Fellowship of the Ring” (released in 2001), “The Two Towers” (2002), and “The Return of the King” (2003). The film versions stick closely to the book’s storyline, but there are some changes made to heighten the drama, flesh out certain characters like Arwen and Saruman, and make the plot more straightforward.
As a movie reviewer, I find myself awestruck by Director Jackson’s masterful interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga. The cinematic adaptation feels as much Tolkien’s novels as it does Jackson’s films – a remarkable feat indeed! It seemed almost impossible to translate such an imaginative literary masterpiece without disrupting its essence. Yet, here we are, immersed in the captivating world of elves, dwarves, and hobbits, all while marveling at the seamless blend of reality and fantasy.
While numerous exceptional sword-and-sorcery films grace our top-tier list, few cinematic works in history can match the grandeur and impact of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Consequently, it’s clear that this epic saga takes the number one spot on our list.
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2025-05-21 04:16