The 1980s was a decade rich withfantasyfilms, 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 werebox office flopsthat have now gained a cult following.
While some of thesegreat fantasy moviesmay have been polarizing upon release, others have since garnered critical acclaim. These films showcase the breadth and creativity of the fantasy genreduring thisperiod of ‘80s movies, often providing interesting cultural commentary of the time.
Erik The Viking
Cast
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.
Erik the Vikingis 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 onRotten Tomatoes,it is nonetheless worthy of a watch.
Erik the Vikingwas written byMonty Pythonstar Terry Jones, who wrote a children’s book calledThe Saga of Erik the Vikingin 1983. However, the plot has nothing in common with the original story. Tolkien readers will appreciate thatthe artwork for the movie was drawn by Alan Lee, who created some of the most wonderful illustrations based onLord of the Ringsand 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.
Sheena
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.
The premise ofSheena,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, ithas 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.
Quest For Fire
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.
The prehistoric-setQuest of Firehas an impressive 88% rating onRotten Tomatoes.This is because, while it has comedic moments, what makes it shine is its surprising emotional resonance. Thisbrilliant fantasy movie available on Prime Videohas 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 ofQuest of Firebagged the film an Oscar for Best Makeup.
The moviefollows 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.
The Sword and The Sorcerer
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.
The Sword & the Sorcereris one of thebest 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. Thethree-bladed sword is so iconic that oneSkyrimmodder even recreated itfor the game (perNexusMods).
While not as well-known as big fantasy pictures likeExcaliburandConan,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.
Ladyhawke
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.
Ladyhawkeremains 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-herowith 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 ofLadyhawkedelivers a powerful and romantic fantasy experience that resonates with fans of the era.
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.
3The Company Of Wolves (1984)
Directed By Neil Jordan
Angela Carter’s reworking of fairytales was a vital contribution to the second wave of feminism, and the 1984 movie adaptation of her storyThe Company of Wolveswas a stunning addition to the gothic fantasy genre. In adreamlike, 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 definitelytoo 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 onRotten 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.
The Last Unicorn
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.
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 itsethereal 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 Unicornoffers 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 Unicornremains a compelling and rewarding choice.
Dragonslayer
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.
Dragonslayerperformed poorly at the box office, but it was popular with audiences and critics and remains well-loved today. Released in 1981,Dragonslayerdistinguishes 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,Dragonslayeris 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 ofThe Last Kingdommay appreciate. Its impressive special effects, particularly the depiction of the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative, remain highly regarded within thefantasygenre. While clearly influenced byStar Wars, especially in its character archetypes,Dragonslayerforges its own path by grounding its fantasy in a more realistic and morally complex world.
