The 80s was a magical time, filled with fantasy films to explore your wildest imagination. The 80s offered a tangible, CGI-free fantasy experience. Let’s revisit some of the nostalgia that made up the 80s fantasy era.
Highlander (1986)
In Highlander (1986), Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), is a timeless Scottish warrior destined to face off against his ultimate opponent, the menacing Kurgan (Clancy Brown). Originating from the Scottish Highlands in the 1500s, MacLeod comes to understand his undying nature when he miraculously recovers from what should have been a lethal injury. This sets him on a path that spans centuries, battling other ageless beings. Under the tutelage of Ramirez (Sean Connery), MacLeod comes to understand the maxim, “There can be only one,” signifying the immortals’ fateful journey to be the last one standing, absorbing the might of those they vanquish.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
In The Dark Crystal (1982), a young Gelfling named Jen (voiced by Stephen Garlick) embarks on a perilous journey to repair the once-powerful but now shattered Dark Crystal and restore balance to his world. Along the way, he’s joined by another Gelfling, Kira (voiced by Lisa Maxwell), and together they face threats from the malevolent Skeksis, who aim to continue their dominion by preventing the crystal’s repair. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, this dark fantasy film masterfully blends puppetry and storytelling to create a unique cinematic experience.
The Labyrinth (1986)
In Labyrinth (1986), Sarah Williams (Jennifer Connelly) wishes her baby brother away, only to have him taken by the Goblin King, Jareth (David Bowie). To rescue him, she must navigate a perplexing and fantastical labyrinth filled with eccentric creatures and challenging puzzles. Directed by Jim Henson (The Muppets), this whimsical adventure film combines puppetry, music, and imaginative storytelling, leading Sarah on a journey of self-discovery and understanding the value of responsibility.
The Lost Boys (1987)
In The Lost Boys (1987), when the Emerson family moves to the seemingly quiet town of Santa Carla, brothers Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (played by Corey Haim) soon discover it’s a haven for vampires led by the charismatic David (Kiefer Sutherland). As Michael gets entangled with the undead gang, Sam teams up with eccentric vampire hunters, the Frog brothers (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander), to save his brother and rid the town of its nocturnal menace. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this cult classic blends horror, comedy, and teen drama, presenting a fresh take on vampire lore with perfect 80s nostalgia.
The Princess Bride (1987)
In The Princess Bride (1987), the beautiful Buttercup (played by Robin Wright) is set to marry the odious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) despite still mourning the loss of her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), who she believes to be dead. When she’s kidnapped by a trio of outlaws – Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and Fezzik (André the Giant) – it’s up to Westley, who’s revealed to be alive and now known as the Dread Pirate Roberts, to rescue her. Framed as a story read by a grandfather (Peter Falk) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage), this Rob Reiner-directed film blends romance, adventure, and comedy into a beloved fairy tale.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
In The NeverEnding Story (1984), a young boy named Bastian (Barret Oliver) discovers a magical book that tells the tale of Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), a brave warrior on a quest to save the land of Fantasia from an all-consuming void known as The Nothing. Along his journey, Atreyu encounters various mystical creatures and confronts personal challenges. As Bastian becomes more engrossed in the story, he realizes that he too has a role to play in saving Fantasia, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in this enchanting fantasy narrative directed by Wolfgang Petersen.
Return to Oz (1985)
In Return to Oz (1985), following her original adventure in Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) struggles with her memories of the magical land and is sent to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. Soon after, she finds herself back in a deteriorated and nightmarish Oz, where the Yellow Brick Road is in ruins and her old friends have been turned to stone. Joined by new companions like Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, and Billina the talking chicken, Dorothy sets out to defeat the malevolent Nome King (Nicol Williamson) and Princess Mombi (Jean Marsh). She aims to restore Oz to its former glory. This darker and more surreal sequel to the classic tale is directed by Walter Murch.
Willow (1988)
In Willow”(1988), a humble and aspiring sorcerer named Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) discovers a special baby, Elora Danan, prophesied to end the cruel reign of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). To protect the child, Willow embarks on a perilous journey, along the way enlisting the help of a reluctant and disillusioned swordsman, Madmartigan (Val Kilmer). Directed by Ron Howard and with a story by George Lucas, Willow is an epic fantasy adventure, rich with magic, battles, and a fight against dark forces to save the realm.
Masters of the Universe (1987)
In Masters of the Universe (1987), Prince Adam of Eternia, also known as He-Man (Dolph Lundgren), battles against the dark lord Skeletor (Frank Langella) who seeks to conquer Castle Grayskull and harness its ancient powers to rule the universe. After a fierce battle in Eternia, the fight transports both He-Man and his allies, as well as Skeletor and his minions, to Earth. With the help of two Earthlings, Julie (Courteney Cox) and Kevin (Robert Duncan McNeill), He-Man must retrieve a cosmic key and prevent Skeletor from unleashing unspeakable evil upon the universe. This live-action adaptation brings the popular 1980s cartoon series to the big screen.
Conan the Destroyer (1984)
In Conan the Destroyer (1984), the mighty warrior Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is tasked by the treacherous Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas) to escort a young princess, Jehnna (Olivia d’Abo), and retrieve a magical gem that can awaken the dreaming god Dagoth. In exchange, Taramis promises to bring Conan’s beloved Valeria back from the dead. Alongside his companions, including the fierce Zula (Grace Jones) and the wise wizard Akiro (Mako), Conan faces various challenges and enemies on his quest, only to discover Taramis’s true intentions. The film is a sequel to Conan the Barbarian and continues the saga of Robert E. Howard’s legendary character in an action-packed adventure.
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