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.

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.

8

Erik the Viking (1989)

Directed By Terry Jones

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

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.

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

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

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 тιтus 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

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.

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

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 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 Bᴀss & Arthur Rankin Jr.

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 тιтular 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

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 ᴀssociated 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