The sword and sorcery genre has long been a popular literary mainstay. Fans all across the world have read several amazing classics as children. When it comes to film adaptations, though, the success percentage has not been as high. There have been some huge hits, such as Conan the Barbarian and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but many more have failed to make the cash registers ring. Some of these commercial flops ultimately become cult classics, and fans began to appreciate the many years after their initial release. Overall, the genre has been disregarded in favor of more glossy sci-fi stuff, but if properly studied, you will find some gems in this genre.
In general, the sword and sorcery genre is a subgenre of fantasy, and there are a few fundamental aspects that distinguish it. For example, you would have heroic sword-wielding soldiers, magical elements, supernatural beings, and, more often than not, a battle between good and evil. We have put together a selection of some of the best sword and sorcery films that are well worth your time in this video.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Conan the Barbarian has to be one of the stalwarts of the sword and sorcery genre. This timeless classic tells the story of Conan, who saw his parents and his entire village getting slaughtered by a savage warlord and wicked sorcerer, Thulsa Doom. He was only a child back then when he was sent to a slave camp. Over the years, he became a powerful young man and was trained to be a skilled warrior.
He spent a few years as a gladiator and later, he was freed. He set out to avenge the death of his parents and he is joined by a few companions including a Chinese wizard and a beautiful thief. His fight against Thulsa Doom takes him to the impenetrable Snake Cult Temple and to the perilous Mountain of Power. It also coincides with another quest, where he has to rescue Princess Yasmina from the evil cult. His journey to defeat his sworn childhood enemy is simply iconic, and to find out whether he succeeds in his quest or not, you’ll have to watch the movie!
The ideal word that we have for this movie is that it is a philosophical epic. Even in the middle of some jaw-dropping fight scenes, the emotional undertone is obvious. For instance, the character of Conan is shaped by hardship and trauma. However, it only makes him stronger and more determined. The movie is as vivid and visually layered as you would expect from a Ridley Scott movie.
There are some powerful scenes that will give you goosebumps simply because of the emotional and thematic effects it exudes. In many ways, the narrative is uncompromising and brutal. The story is based on the works of Robert E. Howard, a man hailed as the father of the sword and sorcery genre. The well-compiled story not only captures the spirit of Conan but also instills a sense of thrill in the viewer.
You will be amazed by his humanity, mercy, and honor, and Arnold Schwarzenegger deserves all the credit for his unforgettable performance as the hulking Conan set to avenge the wrongs that he has had to suffer. It is certainly one of his best works, and the meaningful dialogues add a lot of value to his character. His chemistry with Sandahl Berman is adorable, and she rightly received a Golden Globe award for this performance. You will get to enjoy some stunning sword-fights and there are plenty of nail-biting moments to keep you glued to your seats. Overall, this is a dream come true for fantasy flick enthusiasts and you must experience this if you haven’t already!
Excalibur (1981)
As you can understand from the title, the movie follows the mythical stories of King Arthur and the magical sword Excalibur. It was handed to a mighty ruler, Uthur Pendragon, by a powerful wizard Merlin. However, the sword that was meant to bring peace soon became a cause for violence. Uthur’s lust got the better of him, and while dying he plunged it into a stone with some spells, such that only someone worthy would wield it someday.
It was said that the man who could pull it out from the stone would be the King of England. Arthur was Uthur’s illegitimate son and he managed to draw the Excalibur, and thus became the king. He must bring back peace and prosperity to the kingdom, but he has a task at hand. His evil half-sister Morgana has plans to plunge the kingdom into further violence. King Arthur must find a way to defeat the dark forces and the powers of his magical sword will certainly come in handy in his quest to do so!
It is safe to say that this is one of the finest theatrical re-telling of the Arthurian legend, and we say this because of the imagery and the dedication to the original lore. The movie is visually appealing, especially because it portrays the perfect set for the Middle Ages. Everything from the castles to the wilderness has a dreamy feeling that allows the viewer to become a part of the surroundings. It might be far from reality, but the sets and the costume are too good for anyone to notice and bother about the unrealistic setting.
The story might be familiar but the way the events unfold is unique and the director John Boorman deserves a round of applause for the effort. Some people did have a problem with him for making the story a bit more raunchy and violent, but we beg to differ. The narrative has the perfect blend of drama, magic, and adventure, and fans of the genre couldn’t have asked for anything better! The cast pulls off a decent performance and the likes of Nigel Terry and Helen Mirren have certainly impressed the audience in their respective roles. If you want to enjoy earthy, gritty storytelling about the Arthurian epic, we strongly recommend that you try out this one!
300 (2006)
The battle of Thermopylae is regarded as one of the most heroic last stands in the history of warfare. A force of only three hundred fought an invading army that severely outnumbered the defenders and this movie tells you the story of these Bravehearts. The Persian King Xerxes was leading his men to conquer several Hellenic city-states. Now, he was at the doorstep of Athens and Sparta.
The Spartan king chose to sacrifice himself for the well-being of his land and formed an army of three-hundred Spartan soldiers to defend the narrow passage of Thermopylae. They are helped by seven-hundred Thespians, who are tasked with the protection of the flanks. However, their enemy comprises tens of thousands of battle-hardened warriors, and this is all but a suicide mission. It will help the Greek forces to prepare for a full-blown invasion, and the only advantage that the brave soldiers have over their magnificent counterparts is that the narrow canyon would not allow the Persians to take advantage of their superior numbers! Watch the battle unfold, as the Spartans choose to fight against impossible odds!
We were drawn to this movie right from the time we saw the teaser. It is needless to say that we weren’t disappointed because the film is an absolute showstopper. The whole narrative is about an epic fight scene, but the plot has been carefully woven around it. What mesmerized us the most were the visuals – the camera work that made the colors and every little detail come alive. The unique editing is the icing on the cake and we also loved the slow-motion shots throughout the battle. The movie comes with its share of violence.
Be warned that you will see some slow-motion decapitated heads and terrible wounds! But what do you expect from a war movie premised in 480 BC? The director was a young Zack Snyder, who worked his magic around a stupendous narrative. The war scenes are brilliantly done, and there are heart-stopping moments that will give you the chills. There are people who complain about historical inaccuracies, but for us, the criticism doesn’t stand ground against such an entertainer. Gerard Butler does a mighty fine job leading his men into battle and the other actors are equally impressive. It would be a criminal offense if we didn’t recommend you this gem of a movie to!
Fire and Ice (1983)
The evil Ice Lord Nekron and his mother, the evil Queen Juliana send a wave of glaciers in all directions. They seek to rule over the world, and they succeed in pushing humans near the equator. King Jarol is a kind and just ruler in Firekeep, and Nekron wants him to surrender before him.
Meanwhile, his daughter, Princess Teegra, is kidnapped so that Nekron can take her as his bride and produce an heir. She manages to escape and meets a warrior named Larn, whose entire village had fallen prey to the marauding glaciers. He decides to escort her to Firekeep, but she is kidnapped once again. This time Larn travels to Icepack, the stronghold of Nekron, to free Teegra. He is accompanied by the mysterious Darkwolf, and they begin a daring search for the princess. Who will win in this tense battle between good and evil?
If you are acquainted with the works of Ralph Bakshi, you know that he was a cultural renegade in animation. He could come up with content that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, and Fire and Ice is one more example of his fine work. Fire and Ice is his return to his favored genre – sword and sorcery, and the beautiful animation in this movie will leave you spellbound. It is probably one of the best works in rotoscoping, and visually the makers could do no better! The plot is fairly simple and yet, it has the power to engage the viewer.
You will get to see the conventional characters in sword and sorcery flicks. There is a gallant warrior in Larn, the diva in the princess, and the stereotypical villain. Yes, the storyline is riddled with clichés, but that doesn’t ruin the experience. The action scenes are superb and well-handled. The narrative never skips on the suspense, and the climactic battle will leave you mightily impressed. Fire and Ice might not be Ralph Bakshi’s most acclaimed work, but it is still a fine specimen of 80s nostalgia regarding this genre!
Kull the Conqueror (1997)
Kull is a barbarian but he suddenly finds himself in a position of power. After defeating the king of Valusia in combat, he gets the crown and becomes a king. However, the direct heir of the slain king, Prince Ducalon, and General Talibaro are in no mood to give up and submit to Kull.
They plan a conspiracy to overthrow him, and for that, they resurrect an old witch-queen named Akivasha. Once Akivasha has restored back to life the tables turn once again. She has no intention of following orders and instead she wants to bring back her own demonic lords to rule over the kingdom. As the consequences to their plans turn horrible there is only one thing that can defeat the evil witch – the breath of the god Volka! What is the final fate of the kingdom of Valusia?
This enjoyable fantasy flick is not meant to be taken seriously. Everyone from the director to the guy dishing out constant heavy metal guitar solos is aware of the cheesy nature of the narrative. As long as you are in to have some fun, this can prove to be a thorough entertainer. Much of the story is actually derived from the Conan tales and it was initially supposed to be Conan the Conqueror featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
When he refused the offer, the makers decided to go with Robert E. Howard’s other barbarian hero. Besides doing all the right things to entertain the audiences, the movie also features some amazing locations and sets. They give the right kind of fantasy feel to the whole thing and even the fight sequences are well-choreographed. The special effects don’t look very real, but they still seem decent enough.
We would have loved it if the movie came without its PG-13 rating which most likely ended any possibility of some gruesome moments and graphic violence that could have made things better than they already were. As for the cast, they deliver a somewhat mediocre performance with the likes of Kevin Sorbo and Ria Carrere being just about average. This is not an unforgettable experience, but it is certainly a movie that will make sure that you have a good time!
Highlander (1986)
It all starts in the Highlands of Scotland in the year 1518. Connor MacLeod is an immortal and he survives even after being fatally wounded in a battle. However, this leads his clan members to believe that he has struck a deal with the devil and they expel him. In the course of his journey, he comes across a man named Ramirez. He teaches Connor how to be a skilled swordsman, and tells Connor that an immortal dies only when he is beheaded.
When an immortal beheads another, he absorbs the powers of the fallen immortal. It is a violent contest, where the final surviving immortal will get the ultimate prize – the ability to know everything! Connor’s arch-rival is a barbarian named Krugman who wants the power for himself. He even kills Ramirez and chases Connor across time all the way to New York City in the year 1985. It is here that the final fight will take place and there can only be one winner!
This is one of the classic examples of what we said earlier – an amazing sword and sorcery flick that became a cult classic with time. From sequels to a TV series it had a wide fan base, but the initial box officer performance was rather miserable. The casting is absolutely spot-on and every character has been perfectly portrayed. With the likes of Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, and Christopher Lambert, you would expect nothing less!
Another silver lining in this movie is the exceptional screenplay. It plays a perfect companion to the well-knit script, and you cannot help but get drawn towards the narrative. Flashback movies are not the easiest tricks to pull off, but the director seems to have no problems with that. In many ways, this movie was an experimental effort. They managed to put in a unique editing style and integrated modern songs beautifully in the mix of things. You simply cannot miss the soundtrack, “Who wants to live forever” by Queen. The special effects are nicely done, and it makes the intense fights all the more exciting. Even with a few minor flaws, this movie remains one of the classics of the 80s and one that deserves all your time!
Krull (1983)
The planet Krull is attacked by an omnipotent monster, the Beast, and its unstoppable army, the Slayers. Seeing the imminent threat to the planet due to this sudden invasion, two hostile kingdoms decide to form an alliance to fight the common enemy. Prince Colwyn and Princess Lyssa from two kingdoms form a matrimonial alliance to bind the two kingdoms together.
However, tragedy strikes during the wedding as the Slayers attack and kidnap Lyssa. Prince Colwyn is joined by a few unlikely companions and together they plan a daring rescue mission. The Beast resides in the black fortress that has no fixed location and Prince Colwyn has one powerful weapon to fight the monster – a disc with five blades! Will the tyranny of the Beast be crushed by the brave prince and his fellow warriors?
The 80s were certainly a golden era for fantasy and sword and sorcery flicks, and this one is a curious addition to the list. The story mixes elements of science fiction with fantasy and we are not complaining about the end result! In a simple good vs. evil plotline, there are some iconic characters that make watching the movie interesting. The narrative feels familiar, but do not mistake it for being non-original. The fast-paced events keep boredom away and the effects that might seem outdated today felt perfect back then.
The fight scenes were very innovative because seldom did we see people with swords and spears fighting alien soldiers wielding laser guns. The arsenal was unique and we cannot tell you enough about the five-bladed throwing star. There are some cheesy moments and it would be silly not to expect a few in such a movie. The director, Peter Yates mixes bits of humor amidst all the action and it adds diversity to the narrative. As for the actors, Ken Marshall is gallant as the protagonist and he has a potent cast for company. It was one of the most expensive productions of those times, and the outcome is bound to satisfy you for sure!
The Barbarians (1987)
Two brothers, Kutcher and Gore, watched their peaceful tribe being attacked by an evil tyrant named Kader. He was after a magic ruby that the queen of the tribe possessed, but she managed to hide it from him. However, he took the brothers as slaves and even kept the queen as his captive.
The brothers grew up away from each other, but both grew into freakishly strong adults. Kader set them up to fight against each other in the arena, but after they recognized each other they fled the fortress. They find some of their old tribes mates, and the two brothers are determined to get their revenge. Kader is incredibly powerful and has some secret powers up his sleeve that make defeating him almost impossible. Will the brothers be able to win against all odds?
Sometimes the simplest of plots can give you the finest results! The Barbarians doesn’t try too hard to complicate things and it still manages to deliver the perfect setting for a sword and sorcery flick. From muscular barbarian warriors to alluring women, the movie had it all and the big bad monsters only added to the fun. The Italian director Ruggero Deodato is known for the cult horror Cannibal Holocaust, and he doesn’t try to keep things tame for long. There is a decent amount of blood and death that will please the gorehounds and a few topless scenes never hurt anyone!
This movie is on the verge of being called an exploitation flick, and the last thing you should expect out of this one is classy stuff. It mostly fluctuates between childish fun and adult themes, and the campy moments are quite enjoyable. The special effects are not great, but they add to the cheesy ambiance created throughout the narrative. The acting is mediocre to put it politely, and the only reason that we keep saying the movie is awesome is that it serves good old-fashioned mindless fun! This is not a Conan or Excalibur, but The Barbarians go well with a couple of beers as a guilty pleasure.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Here comes the unspoken king of the genre – one of the finest movie series that you will ever come across. This trilogy is based upon the iconic bestseller by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Peter Jackson dons the director’s hat. The movie is premised in the fictional world of Middle-Earth, and it traces the journey of a hobbit Frodo Baggins as they try to destroy the ring so that its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron is destroyed as a result. While Frodo continues in his mission with his loyal companion Sam, there are others who fight to stop the forces of Sauron from wreaking havoc on the free people of Middle-earth. The goal is to distract Sauron and emerge victorious in the War of the Ring!
This trilogy comprises three films, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. They have been hailed as one of the most influential film series ever, and we don’t think that the remark is an exaggeration. Besides being a massive hit, the trilogy developed a cult following and fans still love these critically acclaimed movies. We have loved just about everything about this movie. The characters, the locations, the costumes, and even the musical scores were perfectly prepared to suit the narrative.
The special effects were out-of-the-world and it is amazing how a little vision can create a masterpiece. As for the characters, you will end up falling for some of the adorable ones, and their journey will become yours! Some people have dubbed the books to be a tad slow-paced although we beg to differ. Nevertheless, the movies have no such problems and you will enjoy an action-packed thrilling adventure filled with magic, fights, and a few unforgettable moments in cinematic history. There aren’t enough words to express the legacy of this fascinating trilogy and you simply have to go and check it out for yourself!
Red Sonja (1985)
The titular character, Red Sonja, is a young woman whose entire family is killed by the tyrant Queen Gedren. Gedren wants all the powers in the world and Sonja’s family included the keepers of a powerful talisman. After killing them, the evil queen uses the power of the talisman to raid the city of Hablac. Red Sonja is also a keeper of the talisman and sets out with her powerful magic sword to put an end to Gedren’s evil ways.
She is joined by the talisman’s master Kalidor, and later, they are joined by a young prince named Tarn and his guard Falkon. Trouble starts brewing when Sonja falls in love in the course of the journey. However, there is a catch here! Sonja cannot give herself to another man because that would end her powers. Can she finally defeat the evil queen who has strengthened herself even further?
It doesn’t take much to make an enjoyable movie, does it! You put in a fantasy adventure with a spectacularly hot leading lady, and fans are bound to love the show. Red Sonja does exactly that – they have the smoking hot Brigitte Nielson as the female lead and they also have a gripping story with plenty of action. Oh, and there is also the presence of the great Arnold Schwarzenegger who plays the role of Kalidor.
The fans of the genre couldn’t have asked for more, and every time the movie slacks a bit, the revealing attire of Red Sonja makes up for the flaws. Jokes apart, there are plenty of positives in this film besides the perfectly sculpted Brigitte Nielson. Even though it lacks the fancy CGI stuff, the set pieces work really well to pull off the portrayal. The cinematography might not be up to Conan’s level, but it still does a pretty decent job.
There are a few comical moments amidst the intense fights and the only thing that we found lacking was the attention to detail. There were little goofs here and there that messed up the continuity a bit. Overall, the adventure saga inspired by Robert E. Howard’s creation has enough content to bring you a spicy combination that would be the perfect stress buster.
The Beastmaster (1982)
Maax is a twisted cult leader and he has his eyes on the throne of King Zed. After being banished by the king, he continues his conspiracy to make sure that he finishes off the heir to the throne. He sends three of his witches to steal the king’s newborn son, and just as he is about to be killed in the woods, a hunter saves him. He names the boy Dar, and this boy has some magical powers. He can communicate with animals and after Maax strikes again by attacking his peaceful new residence, Dar decides to return the favor to Maax. He and his animal allies will now get the chance to avenge his family and his foster Father by defeating the evil cult leader once and for all!
This fun fantasy flick is a mighty fine B-movie that treads in the sword and sorcery territory. There are people who criticize the movie for all the wrong reasons, but the matter of fact is that the film is unbelievably entertaining. The concept is not original, but the presentation certainly is. The idea to introduce multiple animals with the hero besides the usual allies is quite smart, and we loved watching the horses, tiger, eagle, and doves in action. The makers also managed to make the tiger attacks look very convincing and given the meager budget for the film it is a commendable effort. The narrative has an infectious sense of humor and the overall energy makes it a pleasant experience.
Marc Singer looks the part as the Beastmaster, and his love interest has been played by the dreamy Tanya Roberts. The Beastmaster has some killer action scenes, and we particularly love the one involving the glaive that Dar throws and it retreats like a boomerang. This is one of those movies that commanded a cult following after its release and there have been sequels that followed. If you are tired after a long day and you are looking for action, excitement, and loads of fun, look no further!
Deathstalker (1983)
Deathstalker is a barbarian warrior who fights and lives for himself until one day an old witch hands him a mission crucial to mankind. He has to find and unite the three powers of creation – an amulet, a chalice, and a sword. An evil king and a sorcerer of the dark powers, Munkar, have plans of using the same for their own nefarious purposes. Meanwhile, Deathstalker learns some unexpected secrets about his family and it ends up adding more purpose to his mission. He obtains the sword and then heads to the mega tournament that has been organized to determine the strongest of all warriors. He must win it first before he can take down Munkar. Will the heartless barbarian be able to fight for the sake of humankind and defeat the powers of darkness?
Low-budget fantasy flicks during the 80s are bound to be a certain way and Deathstalker doesn’t try to be much of an exception to the stereotype. It is an out-and-out entertainer which lacks the finesse of classics like Conan the Barbarian. This movie is absolutely gratuitous, and you will see decapitated heads flying all over the place. There are tons of nudity and some very explicit scenes of mud wrestling with hot ladies. If we had a dollar for every time someone shed their clothes, we would be making some serious money! The plot is simple and so are the characters. For instance, the hero is gallant, the villains are vile and the women are drop-dead gorgeous.
The narrative has all the clichés that you see in such fantasy flicks. From wizards and princesses to magical artifacts, there is everything to please the fans of this genre. Richard Hill stars as the protagonist and he seems to be in the right shoes with his oiled-up bulky physique. He has stunned the fans with some hardcore fight scenes and the one between Deathstalker and Munkar’s brother is worth watching again and again. Lana Clarkson as one of the female leads will make your worst day better! Overall, Deathstalker is unapologetically fun and the perfect movie to watch with your buddies over a couple of beers.
Willow (1988)
Seers have foretold that the evil sorceress, Queen Bavmorda’s downfall will be brought about by a girl named Elora Danan. However, the queen tried to track the baby down before she could grow up and cause her any harm. A young farmer named Willow decides to raise this baby after she is found in the river, but soon vicious attacks are carried out in their village. Willow consults the wizard High Aldwin, who assigns him a few tasks. He sets out to protect Elora from Queen Bavmorda, her demented daughter Sorsha and the commander of her army. She must be taken to the sorceress Fin Raziel who would then raise her. The Queen wants to get hold of Elora so that she can sacrifice her in a ritual and nullify the prophecy. Willow is joined by some unlikely allies, but they still have a mission to complete against impossible odds!
You know a movie is good when it manages to cheer you up even after almost thirty-three years! Willow is a hidden gem that was commercially unsuccessful largely because of the attitude that this was just a mindless entertainer. Firstly, the notion is terribly wrong. With some help from the legendary Geroge Lucas, Ron Howard directs this film perfectly. They are supported by a talented cast comprising Warwick Davis as Willow, and the likes of Joanne Whalley, Val Kilmer, and Jean Marsh. Some people have issues with the glaring similarities with Star Wars, but we feel that Willow never loses its originality for once despite such similarities.
The formulaic plot works well because the movie never tries to pretend to be some Oscar-worthy classic. There is plenty of humor, and some adorable moments to make you emotional. If we must pick a flaw it would be that the subplot becomes more interesting than the main storyline after a point. However, that doesn’t dent the brilliance of the narrative at any point. Willow is made for the adventurer inside all of us, and if you want to call out to that inner you, take time out to watch this masterpiece.
The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)
Titus Cromwell was a murderous king with an insatiable lust for power. He awakened the demonic necromancer, Xusia of Delos, to dethrone King Richard. He enslaved his daughter and exiled his son Talon. Since then, many years have passed. Talon has grown up to be a fierce warrior and a dreaded mercenary. Initially, he is hired to help a princess end the oppression of a tyrant ruler and an evil sorcerer. It doesn’t take him long to rediscover his royal heritage and his past. He wields a majestic three-bladed sword and he returns with revenge in mind. However, he has no idea that the evil sorcerer is still alive and preparing for their final showdown. Will the return of the lost prince mark an end for the dark forces?
The movie was released by the same studio that released Conan the Barbarian, and even the timing was the same. This was a part of the flurry of sword and sorcery flicks that were making their way into the theatres, and this one is a perfect guilty pleasure. The campy level is unquestionable and violence is the highlight of the narrative. Blood and guts flow freely and it has all the elements that make such B-movies so much fun.
The script doesn’t have much of a role, and the story is as simple as it gets. By now, you have understood the commonality when it comes to a brave warrior seeking revenge in this genre! However, the makers put in a lot of effort with the set designs and props, and they reflect in some of the scenes. You will get to witness some adrenaline-pumping sword fights and the make-up game is absolutely on point! The fast-moving story wastes no time in getting straight to the point and the movie depends a lot more on the events than the special effects. It gets better with some electrifying performances from the likes of Richard Lynch and Lee Horsely. Some might call it a movie ahead of its time and others might term it as trash. We would recommend you to watch this one before forming your opinion!
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Perseus is the son of Zeus, the king of the Gods. However, when he was an infant, King Acrisius of Argos sent him to die in the open seas along with his mother. Zeus came to the rescue and Perseus escaped his cruel fate. With time, he grows up to be a brave young man and he wins the hand of Princess Andromedia after he solves an almost impossible puzzle. The Princess was initially supposed to marry Calibos, the hideous, monstrous son of the Sea goddess Thetis.
Like any protective mother concerned with her child’s happiness Thetis is not happy with the union Perseus incurs the wrath of Thetis, and as he tries to rescue the cursed princess, he finds himself fighting powerful enemies. Luckily for him, he has the power of the Gods for support because Zeus is helping him throughout his quest. Can he finally fulfill his destiny?
Fans of the fantasy genre are no stranger to the magical works of Ray Harryhausen. This movie is another example of his masterful work and this is easily one of the best Greek mythological adaptations. Yes, there are some mythological inaccuracies as well, but you would excuse that in the face of some exciting storytelling. So without going into what they did wrong, let us focus on all the good stuff. One of the best things about this film is the imaginative narrative and some spectacular monsters.
Medusa in particular looks outstanding and we doubt if makers could pull it off today even with all the special effects available. Perseus’ adventures will keep you on the edge of your seats and he has some epic fight scenes. We loved the scene where he takes on Medusa in a final encounter. There are some other magical moments that the fans of Greek mythology will appreciate, such as Perseus befriending Pegasus. Acting performances are not the best features of this movie, but luckily that doesn’t get noticed too much. In a nutshell, we will say that despite some negative criticism, this is an excellent fantasy flick that will take your mind off the monotony of reality for a while.
Conquest (1983)
The story is loosely based on the Hercules mythos and it traces a hero’s journey as Ilias sets off on a quest with a magic bow as his weapon. In the course of his travels, he comes across a mysterious region, where small tribes are being threatened by werewolf-like beasts. These creatures are actually minions of Micron, the evil sorceress queen, who had a vision of someone with a magic bow attacking her. She sent the werewolf-like creatures to find Ilias, but a man named Mace, a nomadic outlaw protects him. They get together to rid the land of the evil forces of Ocron. She wants to eliminate any threat to her reign and also has plans of using the magic bow for her evil purposes. Can the two men fight all the beasts and dark forces in this mysterious land?
Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci is known for his splatter flicks, but this one is slightly different from his comfort zone. He cooked up a fairytale for adults and we are mightily impressed. The thing that struck us the most is that this movie doesn’t try to be a Conan rip-off. In fact, the moment you see a scantily clad sorceress copulating with her python companion, you know that there is going to be weirder stuff that will follow suit. The R-rated style of filming the entire narrative leaves you with some graphic violence and the occasional nudity. It is not meant for the squeamish because gory moments are plentiful.
The story is rather simple, but it has been pulled off well enough to make things enjoyable for the audience. In the action scenes, you will notice a frantic choreography that Lucio Fulci is known for. He also creates a dreamy ambiance that bodes well for such a fantasy tale. The werewolf-like creatures had interesting costumes and masks, and you cannot really question the production values of the movie taking into account the low budget. In such B-movies, the acting and dubbing are often questionable, but that is not the case with Conquest. This was never meant to be analyzed critically, and if you watch it with an open mind, we can promise you loads of fun.
The Hobbit Trilogy (2012)
J.R.R. Tolkien is a huge name in the world of fantasy literature, and he is known for creating classics like The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit is another one of his immortal creations that has been adapted into a trilogy. Even the director is the same and this film series has also been directed by Peter Jackson. The simple plot follows the titular hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who wants to win over the treasure guarded by Smaug the dragon. However, the quest takes him along uncharted territories and dangerous terrain. Some parts of the plot are helped by appendices to The Return of the King, and the story gives you more clarity on the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Comparisons are a reality of life and it is not surprising that people often compare this trilogy with the Lord of the Rings trilogy even though that is grossly unfair. The Hobbit certainly doesn’t match up to the greatness of Lord of the Rings, but it is still a visual feast that you don’t want to give up on. The second film in the series, The Desolation of Smaug, corrects the things that went wrong in the first. The narrative takes you straight into hardcore action and because of the lighthearted source material, you will be treated with plenty of laughs.
The full credit for this goes to the talented actors, mainly Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen who played two of the most important roles of Bilbo and Gandalf. The final movie, The Battle of the Five Armies, is the one that gets most of the criticism. One thing that pissed off the fans about this franchise was the use of badly done CGI. The battle scenes look so computer-generated that it feels like you are watching someone play a game. Many weren’t happy with the quality of the script that was used for the third and final movie. Maybe it wasn’t wise to drag a single book into three elaborate movies! The series deserved to end on a better note, but it will still be considered as one of the best in the sword and sorcery genre!
Lady Hawke (1985)
Philippe is a petty thief, but he somehow manages to escape from the dungeons in Aquila. He is almost captured, when he gets some unexpected help from a mysterious knight, Captain Etienne Navarre. The Captain befriends the thief and reveals the unfortunate turn of events that changed his life. He ran off with lady Isabeau, a woman that the Bishop lusted for, and for this act, the Bishop’s men are always on the lookout for him. Besides being on the run, he has another trouble to deal with. Due to a curse by the bishop, he turns into a wolf during the night and Isabeau turns into a hawk during the day. Now, Navarre plans to get back into the city with the help of Philippe, and somehow assassinate the heavily guarded Bishop!
Lady Hawke has a surprisingly stirring story that is appealing even today. This beautifully crafted fantasy romance has a wonderful combination of action, love, humor, and beautiful visuals. Religion has been shown both in a positive and negative light, and there is a bit of a philosophical touch in the narrative at times. The casting of this movie is spot on with the gallant Rutger Hauer and the gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer playing the lead rules. Matthew Broderick as Philippe steals the show with his comic timing and his presence adds a human touch to the magical narrative. The story is quite intriguing – a cursed love that wishes to break free.
The director, Richard Donner, is absolutely flawless with the execution and you can tell that everyone in the cast and crew gave it they’re all in the making process of the film. The lack of CGI adds to the visual appeal of this movie and gives it a pure look that many fans will appreciate. Many of the scenes have been filmed in Italy and the overall production design leaves nothing to complain about. This film was nominated for two Academy Awards for the Best Sound Editing and Sound Mixing category, and it deserved all the appreciation that came it’s way. This delicate fairytale for adults has aged beautifully and it will be a movie that you won’t forget in a long time.
Legend (1985)
This is an intriguing magical adventure that features everything from elves to demons and other creatures. A demon wishes to bring about absolute darkness or eternal night and for this, it has to destroy the last living unicorns. The demon also wants to marry a fairy Princess and the only opposition that he has is from the forest boy Jack. Jack and his group of friends are going to try everything in their capacity to save the world. They will also try to rescue Princess Lili from captivity and put an end to this evil monster once and for all!
There is a director’s cut of this movie that was released in 2002, and we would advise all of you to get your hands on that. This is because the theatrical release was met with some abrupt editing and the makers wanted to market it as a children’s movie. The brilliance of this movie lies in the fact that it doesn’t for once look like it is over thirty years old. Ridley Scott has worked his magic around every scene, and the cast has supported him immensely with some fine acting performances. A young Tom Cruise is flamboyant and charming as ever as the hero, and Tim Curry is terrific as the Lord of Darkness.
A special effort was made to perfect his voice and costume and the results are there for all to see. Legend never had any issue with the budget and this ensured some extravagant sets that thrived on high production values. The sets, the costumes, and even the indoor setups were top-notch and it added to the visual appeal of the movie. Tangerine Dream’s score for the movie does well to capture the overall mood of the narrative and for us, it definitely prevailed over Jerry Goldsmith’s score even though both were good in their own right. Ridley Scott, one of the best mainstream directors of our time, surely knows how to create an immersive experience for the audience and he does so here as well. It takes something special to enjoy the artistry of this classic, so make sure that you handle this one with care!
Dragon Slayer (1981)
Urland is a kingdom in the sixth-century post-Roman era, and it is being threatened by a vicious 400-year-old dragon. In order to keep the dragon from destroying his kingdom, the king offers it sacrifices of virgin girls every year. The next one in line to be sacrificed is the princess herself, and a brave young wizard apprentice takes the help of an old sorcerer, to end the reign of terror. However, defeating the mighty beast might require the ultimate sacrifice!
Sword and sorcery fans are usually skeptical when Disney is associated with the movies. There is, after all, a long history of Disney ruining films just to cater to a younger audience. However, Dragon Slayer is a genuine effort to stay away from their bad reputation, and we get a thought-provoking presentation. The production values are understandably high and these result in some brilliant special effects. Besides the visual appeal, the movie also shines when it comes to some hidden implications through the storytelling. It exposes the hypocrisy of power-holders and also touches upon the philosophies of religion for a while.
The story does not stereotype magicians and Pagans as evil, and the line between good and bad has been trodden carefully. It is a family movie, but the narrative is quite straightforward. For a PG rating, the film has enough graphic violence to keep the action lovers interested. A movie featuring a dragon is always under scrutiny for the portrayal of the monster, and Dragon Slayer comes out with flying colors. The dragon is one of the best you will see on-screen and the absence of CGI comes as a blessing. We also loved the acting performances, especially from veteran actor Sir Ralph Richardson as the old wizard. There are some unexpected twists in the plot and we were absolutely bowled over by the climax!
Masters Of The Universe (1987)
The dark lord Skeletor has taken over Castle Grayskull on the planet Eternia. Using Evil-Lyn to lure a locksmith, they used his invention, the Cosmic key to open the gates of the castle. They take the Sorceress prisoner and Skeletor wants to use her powers to become the master of the universe.
He-Man and his allies, Man-at-Arms, Teela, and the locksmith, try to free the Sorceress, but they fail. They end up on Earth with the Cosmic key and realize that the Cosmic key can take them to any place in the galaxy. Skeletor sends his minions along with Evil-Lyn to hunt them down and seize the Cosmic key. Back on Earth, Julie and her boyfriend Kevin discover the key, and they have no idea that their planet is soon to become a deadly battleground between good and evil. Can He-Man and his men defeat the mighty Skeletor?
Cannon Films might view this movie as an epic failure, but Masters of the Universe has gathered a cult following over the years. Make no mistake; this is no more than a low-budget sci-fi drama with loads of cheesy moments. The fans of the cartoon series complained about a lot of characters missing out, but if you are willing to forgive that you have an entertainer on your hands. The casting of Dolph Lundgren as He-Man is just perfect. With his rippling muscles and towering stature, he looks every bit like the great warrior.
Frank Langella as Skeletor and Meg Foster as Evil-Lyn is also impressive and the acting performances do not suffer in this low-budget effort. The director Gary Goddard deserves some appreciation for what he managed to pull off with so little budget. It was almost a forced move to get the characters on Earth because that allows filming without superficial sets that cost a bomb. The costumes and makeup could have been a lot better, but once again, considering the budget constraint they still do a decent job. The movie never tried to replicate the cartoon, and merely wanted to capture its essence. The narrative is packed with action and these scenes will not disappoint you. Don’t go in expecting a classic and you will be pleasantly surprised with what this film has to offer!
Solomon Kane (2009)
Sword and sorcery stories penned down by Robert E. Howard is a gold mine, and Solomon Kane is no exception. It tells the story of a ruthless mercenary, who is tasked with taking an Ottoman city in Africa. This is where he finds out that he has lost his soul to the devil, it makes him renounce violence. He seeks a life of peace in a monastery and wants it to be his way to redemption. However, his promises become short-lived, when he witnesses the brutal killing of the family of a Puritan girl. The girl is kidnapped by an evil sorcerer Malachi and his cult. Witnessing such tyranny, Solomon Kane takes up arms once again. He tries to rescue the innocent girl, but will violence be the key to his atonement?
This excellent dark adventure is simply a good old-fashioned sword and sorcery flick. The character of Solomon Kane has been around for ages, and this movie does justice to the character. He is not your regular altruistic hero at first, but his transformation is beyond words. The director finds ways to portray his change of heart and despite not borrowing from any particular Solomon Kane story, he is able to bring out the essence of this lethal swordsman. The dialogues are intelligent and the religious and political references are hard to miss. We rarely say that the slow-paced film is interesting, but this is one of those rare instances.
The slow pacing allows the director to focus on Kane’s personality and character and it helps set the mood for the audience. The movie did not have a huge budget, but the makers hide that well with some decent effects, make-up, and overall production values. The acting is not freakishly good, but James Purefoy does a great job as the protagonist. We fell in love with the locations, and the medieval theme of the movie is enhanced due to such selections. Solomon Kane does come with its fair share of flaws. The lack of continuity in certain places hurts the movie at times, and many fans of Robert E. Howard was not too impressed with the story that doesn’t borrow from his works. However, we did like the story on offer, and if you are a Solomon Kane fan this movie is a must-watch for you.
The Scorpion King (2002)
The story is premised in ancient Egypt, thousands of years before the pyramids came into existence. King Memnon is an oppressive ruler and his tyranny has brought the nomadic tribes into an alliance against him. Mathayus is a brave desert warrior and a skilled assassin. He is tasked with an almost impossible mission – to assassinate Memnon and his sorceress Cassandra. Mathayus soon figures out that the sorceress can be of use to him, and she starts helping him in putting an end to King Memnon. They come across a brave warrior, the Nubian King Balthazar and he joins them on their quest. Can Mathayus accomplish the impossible and become the next Scorpion King?
The Scorpion King might have a million flaws, but nothing takes away from the fact that it is so darn entertaining. It does not have a very convincing plot, and the story is certainly not in line with the other portrayals of the Scorpion King in movies. Mathayus is shown to be much more heroic than what was shown in the movie The Mummy Returns. The rehashed story works only because of Dwayne Johnson and the director’s multiple efforts to show him off as the powerful assassin. Dwayne Johnson takes to the role of a warrior like a fish to the water, and even his supporting cast delivers decent performances.
Back in the day, Dwayne Johnson charged a whopping $5.5 million for the role and it was the highest for a first-time lead. The campy factor is obvious throughout the movie, but there are also some breathtaking action sequences. There is enough violence and catchy one-liners to keep the audience interested, and Chuck Russell shows his skills as a director in this minimal story film. We loved the comic relief from time to time, and Kelly Hu as the gorgeous sorceress was quite a temptation to skip over! Some fans have dubbed this movie Conan in the Desert, and we have to say they are not entirely wrong. Conan was a thorough entertainer and so is this one!
Barbarian Queen (1985)
The story is premised during the days of the Roman Empire. An oppressive ruler is on the throne and conducts violent raids in various regions. During one such attack by the troops, a village is attacked and everyone is killed or taken as slaves. Amethea, who was supposed to get married that day, is one of the survivors along with two other women.
Her sister has been kidnapped by the forces, and she now takes up a daring mission to free her sister and the other people taken as slaves. Her fight against oppression finds more support when she arrives at the city of the evil king Arrakur. The trio of barbarian warriors is joined by the local underground and they want vengeance against the notorious ruler. Can they infiltrate the impenetrable castle and bring the king to justice?
Barbarian Queen is dedicated to the peace of your eyes and soul! You must be thinking that the story is something that you have heard so many times before. Well, it does not matter because the leading ladies will compensate for any shortcoming in this film. Another is played by the stunning Lana Clarkson, and trust us when we say that you will not be able to take your eyes off her. She has two other women warriors for company, and their rebellion, at times, seems to take a backseat as the focus remains on their minuscule clothing!
There are some exciting action scenes as well and the no-holds-barred style of fighting will attract the gorehounds. You will witness some explicit scenes, such as the one in the torture chamber. There is nothing much in terms of critical analysis, and the lack of continuity is laugh-worthy. It is simply an addition to the exploitative campy stuff during the 80s. One thing that adds value to this film is the rousing score by James Horner and Chris Young. If the idea of scantily clad Barbarian warrior girls fighting a righteous rebellion appeals to you, this one should be a delightful watch.
Warcraft (2016)
A race of Orcs finds out that their land is slowly becoming uninhabitable. They move to the planet of Azaroth, and the humans in this realm fight them for invading their territory. However, a group of Orcs and a few humans soon figure out that the real reason behind all their trouble is the corrupt leader of their race. If they can overthrow this cunning leader, there can be peace between the humans and the Orcs. In the middle of tons of conspiracies, plotting, and action, they must try to stop the real evil behind this unwanted war!
Those who have played the popular game of Warcraft are quite familiar with the story. The gamers and even the ones who have never played this game were amazed at how exciting the narrative was. Video game movies are often known to be notorious flops, but this one breaks the curse. We did not expect much when we first heard about this film, but we were left scratching our heads with the terrific end result. The CGI used is simply awesome, and the stunning visuals make it a pleasant watch. The Orcs are the core of the plot, and they are indeed far more interesting than the human characters.
The use of magic in the narrative is pretty cool and Orgrim was an absolute badass! Another character to watch out for is the main guy Durotan. The Warcraft lore is extensive, and the movie is barely the tip of the iceberg. However, it has to be said that Duncan Jones has managed to control the vast storyline quite well. In terms of aesthetics, the movie tried to copy the game and it is a successful effort for sure. We just had a few minor issues with the editing because at times there is no real sense of time-lapse. But this is only a minor glitch in this truly wonderful movie. You will have a wide smile on your face for the entire duration of this movie and that is a good enough reason to go ahead and watch it!
Amazons (1986)
The Sword of Azundati has been lost for centuries and this magical sword has unlimited powers. It is the only way to defeat the dark forces of Kalungo and his demonic sidekicks. The city of Imbissi is attacked by the forces of Kalungo and an Amazon warrior, Queen Dyala, manages to survive the onslaught. She is determined to possess the Sword of Azundati, but there is a perilous road to travel to get to this magical artifact. She is accompanied by her fearless sisters Tashinge and Tashi, but their mission is full of treachery and betrayal. Can the brave Amazon warrior secure the only weapon to defeat Kalungo?
This is the directorial venture for Alejandro Sessa who went on to make some remarkable B-movies in his career. The film is bolstered by a well-told story and the narrative has a definite appeal for the Amazon aficionados. Even under the constraints of a meager budget, the narrative does well to put across a brave story. One thing that suffers, however, is the special effects. It looks cheap and sloppy and even the dubbing leaves a lot to be desired. Coming to some of the positives, we were awed by some intense hand-to-hand combat scenes.
The cast, especially, Mindi Miller as the protagonist, does not disappoint. The smoking hot ladies are a sight for sore eyes, and their ample exposure teams up well with the action-packed content. We would have loved a few more surprises in the story because the theme is somewhat predictable. You know that the ladies will overcome all odds, and it is just a patient waiting game aided by some stripping and teasing. The sword fights could have been better choreographed, but there is an overall theme of adventure in the narrative that allows you to excuse such flaws. Do not go in expecting a miracle or some sword and sorcery classic. This is just good enough to enjoy over a couple of beers and forget the next day!
DragonHeart (1996)
Historically, cinema has portrayed dragons in an evil light more often than not. DragonHeart, however, dares to be an exception because the dragon here is a useful ally. The movie tells the story of a disillusioned dragon slayer, Bowen. After encountering the dragon named Draco, they travel together and put up an act. Bowen pretends to kill Draco and save the town from its threat and this act helps them collect the rewards for his heroics. However, things get real when the duo is faced with a genuine mission. King Einon has turned evil, and the source of his powers is surprisingly Draco himself, who had healed the king after he was wounded in a battle. Now, he is partly immortal and Bowen and Draco must find a way to stop him!
The movie is incredibly uplifting and it is a tragedy that DragonHeart is terribly underrated. The narrative doesn’t depress you with the haunting visions of the real world, and instead, narrates a story of hope. The story is linear and easy to follow, and you will never realize that the movie was made almost twenty-five years ago. The plot revolves around a knight who loses his faith, and the adorable dragon is merely trying to help him restore his honor. They form a loveable duo, and their relationship is the highlight of this movie.
There are some top-notch special effects that will please even the pickiest of fans. It was a masterstroke to pick Sean Connery and Dennis Quaid as the dragon and the knight, and they work their magic throughout the movie. The storytelling is enhanced by some soulful music and the soundtrack perfectly catches the emotions. Draco was a gorgeous creature, and to make him sound like Sean Connery was the icing on the cake. The ending is rather tragic, and do not be surprised if you find yourself teary-eyed by the conclusion. One thing that the movie lacks is a decent villain, but it is still a must-watch by all means. If you love dragons and want to witness an inspiring movie unfold before you, DragonHeart is just the one you need.
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
Young Jack is sent to the market by his uncle to sell their horse and buy some thatch for their tattered roof. Jack comes across Princess Isabelle and even rescues her from thugs. It turns out that the princess was trying to run away because her father was marrying her off to one of his advisers. A monk hands Jack a bag of beans in return for his horse and advises him to never get them wet.
When Jack returns home with the pouch of beans, his uncle is furious and throws the beans on the floor. One of them slips through the cracks and when it rains that night, the bean grows into a giant stalk that goes up into the skies. Unfortunately, Princess Isabelle had come to meet Jack and she is pulled up with the growing stalk. Jack sets off with the king’s soldiers and soon he finds himself in a world where giants exist. To make matters worse, the king’s adviser who accompanied them has something else in mind!
Hollywood’s reimagining of fairytales is not always perfect, but this film is a decent effort. It is not easy to make a children’s bedtime story and make it into a movie, but the makers succeed. The narrative has a light-hearted approach throughout the film and people expecting something on the lines of Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters will be disappointed. The script is well-written and there are some witty and humorous bits that will cheer you up.
We fell in love with the special effects, but it is not surprising because this is a big-budget venture. The flesh-hungry, ill-tempered giants are an interesting addition and they look somewhat scary. This is easily one of Bryan Singer’s finest works, and the cast helps him materialize his dream project. The likes of Nicholas Hoult and Stanley Tucci are very impressive in their respective roles, and they understood the theme of their characters pretty well. In short, this is a perfect family film that you can enjoy with the kids, and you will love this fine retelling of a familiar story.
Ator (1982)
When Ator is born with a birthmark, it signifies a prophecy that he will someday be the cause for the downfall of the Spider Cult. This oppressive cult currently rules over the land, and the leader of the cult gets news about this prophecy. The leader – the High Priest of the Ancient One tries to have the baby killed, but he is taken far away and raised by a couple. Ator grows up to be a fine young man, and on his wedding day, the soldiers of the Spider Cult attack their village. They take away Ator’s new bride along with many other women. Ator goes after the attackers and during his journey, he comes across a brave warrior. After a long and perilous journey, he is finally facing to face with the Ancient One itself, and only time will tell if the prophecy will come true!
We would only be sugarcoating things if we said that Ator is a fine work of art. It is simply meant to be the cheesy and campy kind of fun that you require after a hard day at work. The miserable quality of acting, the excessive use of pyrotechnics, and the absurd plot all point to one direction – guilty pleasure. You have a villain who wouldn’t be able to scare a baby, and the effects are laughable.
The first thing that you have to understand before you start watching this film is that it never tries to be something like Conan. The makers do not take it seriously and neither should you! There are some hilarious plot angles, such as the one where Ator falls in love with his sister and learns that she is not her real sister. This Italian sword and sorcery flick is blessed by the presence of Sabrina Siani and the sight of this sensuous diva will make it worth your time. If you know the art of enjoying films that are so bad that they are good, Ator should be on your radar!
Immortals (2011)
Many years after the Gods won the fight against the Titans, a power-hungry evil king becomes a threat to the world. King Hyperion wants to rule over all of humanity and he has an intimidating army that he commands. He is looking for the Epirus Bow that has supposed magical powers. One who owns the bow will have the power to summon the imprisoned Titans, and if the king gets his hands on this, humanity will be threatened. Gods know about this threat, but they are not allowed to intervene in human conflict. A simple peasant named Theseus becomes their only hope, and Zeus selects him to be the savior who fights the forces of King Hyperion. He has some strange companions, including a visionary priestess and together they are the last hope for mankind!
It is extremely challenging to adapt something from Greek mythology, but the movie takes up the challenge and emerges fairly victorious. Yes, there are some factual inaccuracies in the narrative, but you wouldn’t mind them given the entertaining storytelling. One of the first things that you will notice about this film is the astounding visuals. The CGI can be a bit over the top at times, but it is still a job well done.
We also loved the fight scenes because of the tight choreography. They are slightly duplicated from 300, but that is another classic that we all loved. As for the cast, Henry Cavil makes for a gallant hero. Mickey Rourke steals the show as the maniacal villain, and the other members of the cast seem up to the task as well. There has been adequate attention to detail and every little thing from the backgrounds to the environments has been perfected. The costumes and set designs are brilliant thanks to the meaty budget, and as long as you excuse the factual errors this is a fascinating experience.