For a variety of reasons, the 1980s were indeed a strange era. It was the time of Rubik’s Cube, neon-colored clothing, synthesizer soundtracks, huge hair, and shoulder pads. A swarm of fantasy movies that were absolutely spectacular and unusual can be added to the roster of 1980s anomalies. Just like Star Wars and Aliens brought a rise to the sci-fi category, similarly, the period also gave a surge to the fantastical world.
Updated December 27th, 2022: If you love fantasy movies, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve updated this article with new entries.
All the movies were genre mash-ups that mixed medieval wizardry and armored knights with contemporary sci-fi features, like digital beasts and laser weapons; some of which have been shot from metal blades. There were also magicians, flying horses, and leg warmers in these films. Strangely, most of these movies weren’t intended to be funny. They were all quite serious about themselves. Many fantasy films launched in the 1980s, so let’s take a look at a some of the most memorable.
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10 The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Columbia Pictures
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is the final chapter in Terry Gilliam’s Imagination Trilogy. The trilogy shows the craziness of the world through the eyes of a young boy (the 1981 remarkable time-travel fantasy Time Bandits), a man in his 30s (the 1985 dystopian classic Brazil), and an elderly man (1988’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen).
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Inspired by tall tales about the 18th-century aristocrat Baron Munchausen, Terry Gilliam’s epic fantasy centers on its eccentric title character’s attempts to rescue a town from being overrun by the Turks. The adventures bring Baron Munchausen (John Neville) to the Moon, to the depths of the ocean, and even to the confrontation with the Grim Reaper. It is one of the most imaginative and visually stunning fantasies of all time.
9 Legend (1985)
20th Century Fox
Directed by Ridley Scott, this classic 1980s fantasy stars Tom Cruise as a young man, Jack in the Green, who must stop the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) from destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess (Mia Sara). Beautifully shot and designed, Legend is an almost Disney-esque feel fairy tale. Because of dazzling visual effects, Jerry Goldsmith’s beautiful soundtrack, and Curry’s performance, this foray into the world of magic is worth seeing.
8 The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride, the most eloquent movie, is not just among the most legendary fantasy films of the 1980s, but also one of the most cherished love escapades of all time. The Princess Bride features pirates, magicians, and princesses, with more than enough fun and wit to delight any viewer.
Everyone will enjoy this movie as it contains a bit of just about everything. The movie is epic with gallant action, melodrama, spell casters, and an inventive and brilliant screenplay not often seen in this genre of film. It’s the perfect movie if viewers want a romantic drama or a thrilling duel. For those who want to watch, The Princess Bride is streaming on Disney+.
7 The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Warner Bros.
The NeverEnding Story is among the most well-known fantasy movies from the 1980s, including white horses, princesses, goblins, castles, and loads of haze. Atreyu’s journey across Fantasia on his mission to subdue the Nothing is majestic and entertaining. It can be mystical and enchanting, but it can also be gloomy and enigmatic, when the situation calls for it. Get immersed in this popular ’80s masterpiece by falling into this magical film, which was also based on a book by Michael Ende.
6 Labyrinth (1986)
Tri-Star Pictures
Labyrinth was a smash when launched in 1986, and it is famous for featuring musician David Bowie portraying Jareth the Goblin King. It’s difficult to imagine anything more ’80s than a tight spandex-clad David Bowie backed by a horde of Jim Henson monsters. Labyrinth is equally captivating and goofy, but it is still among the most revered fantasy movies.
The movie follows a 16-year-old Sarah, who journeys into a labyrinth to rescue her newborn brother, who was abducted by the enigmatic Goblin King. It’s no surprise that the picture has a loyal fan base, with a soundtrack produced and sung by David Bowie and a few of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop’s most stunning puppets and special effects.
5 Willow (1988)
United International Pictures
Willow, a small fantasy film with a substantial plot, was created by the genius imaginations of George Lucas and Ron Howard. Action, magic, and a heroic journey follow shortly when a dwarven peasant must travel across an elevated fantasy realm to safeguard a newborn from a wicked queen.
Willow seems to have some pretty great dramatic features driving it, thanks to the skills of Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis starring in the movie, and an original idea by George Lucas. It may not be spectacular, but it must be on the bucket list of any fantasy enthusiast. Fans are also excited for the new series, which aired in 2022 on Disney+.
4 Excalibur (1981)
In this 1981 masterpiece directed by John Boorman, the classic tale of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin is offered the complete ’80s flavor in Excalibur. Most romanticized interpretations of the renowned legend rely more on enchantment, action, and show than John Boorman’s amazing reworking of the Arthurian legend. A few great fight scenes definitely boost the film.
Despite the fact that the film hasn’t aged gracefully, it should be viewed as a memory box and legacy from another period. After 40 years Liam Neeson recalls his breakout role in Excalibur and says that it was a wonderful experience.
3 The Last Unicorn (1982)
Jensen Farley Pictures
The Last Unicorn is lacking the smooth animation that makes an animated classic truly shine, yet eccentric characters and a touching plot make it one-of-a-kind for cult followers. The animated musical features a wicked King Haggard who wants to wipe out all the world’s unicorns.
When a juvenile unicorn discovers that she is a threat and may shortly be the last of her species, she flees her secure woodland home and joins the aid of Schmendrick, a kind, but clumsy wizard. They set off on a long and risky trip together with only one objective in mind: to overcome Haggard and rescue the unicorns from perishing. It is still regarded as a cult masterpiece and a must-see film.
2 The Dark Crystal (1982)
Universal Pictures
The Dark Crystal by Jim Henson is a fantastic dark fantasy drama with a universe and grandeur that J.R.R. Tolkien would’ve been delighted with. It is undoubtedly among the most memorable cult movies ever made. It is a puppet-driven film centered on a remote planet in the ancient past, in which a race of beings known as the Gelflings set out on an adventure to find the missing fragment of a mystical crystal, that is said to restore stability to their universe. It’s an odd, but intriguing fantasy flick.
1 Conan The Barbarian (1982)
We can’t have a compilation like this without adding the first Conan the Barbarian film. This film, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, is primarily an epic tale that follows Conan’s transformation from a sickly boy to a barbarian warrior seeking vengeance on the evil wizard who murdered his parents, and his entire tribe. Conan the Barbarian is a great action film for anyone seeking some fantasy, sword fights, strength and chaos. The film just recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
