Best Fantasy Movies of the 80s, Ranked

Summary

• 80s fantasy movies boast Hollywood A-listers, unique visuals, and practical effects.
• Cult classics like Legend, Willow, and Ladyhawke offer timeless charm.
• The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride are enduring favorites.

While the fantasy movies of the 1980s never quite reached the scale and budget that would come with the Lord of the Rings series, these beloved movies hold a special place for many. From time-traveling adventurers and lost heroes to mighty warriors and sinister wizards, these films bring viewers to fantastical worlds, filled with monsters, bandits, and magic.

The 1980s was a peak decade for fantasy, with the genre enjoying numerous classics. Many Hollywood A-listers found early success in these movies, while practical effects sat evenly with early CGI. While many of these movies can seem dated by today’s standards, their timeless charm is undeniable, as is their influence on films to come.

10

Legend

Tim Curry Steals the Film as the Charismatic Villain

• Directed By: Ridley Scott
• Released: 1985
• Runtime: 1h34

After directing two science fiction classics, Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982), Ridley Scott would try his hand at fantasy with Legend, an imperfect yet visually stunning adventure movie.

While the film would fail at the box office and among critics, Legend remains a cult classic and must-watch 80s fantasy, with the 2002 Director’s Cut improving on the theatrical release. The film stars Tom Cruise on a quest to save his love from the evil Lord of Darkness, but Tim Curry steals the movie with his devilish transformation as the central antagonist.

9

Return to Oz

A Darker Reimagining of the World of Oz

• Directed By: Walter Murch
• Released: 1985
• Runtime: 1h 53m

While The Wizard of Oz (1939) is a family-friendly cinema classic, its 1980s fantasy sequel is a different beast. Return to Oz presents a much darker tone than many at the time expected, showing Dorothy placed in a psychiatric institution and subjected to electroshock therapy.

Escaping to Oz with her chicken, Dorothy finds that the world has become a ruin. After meeting a host of new companions to help her on the adventure, Dorothy sets out to save the land she loves. Return to Oz is an underrated classic that features some truly unnerving creations. From the sinister Wheelers to the headless witch and the all-powerful Gnome King, Return to Oz brings a touch of horror to the classic fantasy setting.

8

Willow

A Charming Fantasy Classic

• Directed By: Ron Howard
• Released: 1988
• Runtime: 2h 6m

While the recent TV series on Disney+ largely failed to bring a new audience to Willow, the original fantasy film remains a beloved classic. The film stars Warwick Davis as a nascent Dwarven wizard, who is tasked with protecting a baby from an evil sorceress Queen. Aided by the mercenary Madmartigan, played by the late Val Kilmer, the film is a classic of 80s fantasy.

While Willow isn’t a groundbreaking film, its simple premise, likable characters, and great visual effects make it a must-watch movie for fans of the genre. Willow received mixed reviews on release, but has grown to be a cult favorite among fans.

7

Ladyhawke

A Sweeping Fantasy Romance

• Directed By: Richard Donner
• Released: 1985
• Runtime: 2h 1m

Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ladyhawke is an underrated 80s classic. The film follows the story of a thief who becomes entangled with a cursed warrior and his lady. On the run from the ruthless Bishop of Aguila, the thief must uncover the truth behind his mysterious companions.

Set in medieval Italy, Ladyhawke brings a romantic flair and a beautifully crafted fantasy world. While some of its 80s-style wisecracks can take away from the sword and sorcery setting, Ladyhawke is a standout cult favorite that fantasy fans will love.

6

The Dark Crystal

Groundbreaking Animatronics Create a Unique Fantasy Vision

• Directed By: Jim Henson & Frank Oz
• Released: 1982
• Runtime: 1h 33m

From the minds and talents of the beloved Muppets franchise comes a vibrant and unforgettable fantasy movie featuring groundbreaking animatronics. The Dark Crystal follows the story of two Gelflings, Jen and Gira, who are on a quest to restore the broken crystal and stop the evil Skeksis.

Though Henson is famed for his family-friendly creations, this classic fantasy features a darker tone than many of his previous works. Filled with creative vision, The Dark Crystal is an achievement in puppetry and fantasy filmmaking and remains a genre classic. A critically acclaimed prequel series was released on Netflix in 2019, but would be soon canceled a year later.

5

Time Bandits

A Fun Adventure Through Time

• Directed By: Terry Gilliam
• Released: 1981
• Runtime: 1h 56m

From visionary director Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits is a fun family film packed with an all-star cast that includes Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, and Ralph Richardson. The movie follows a young boy as he embarks on an adventure through time, with a band of thieves plundering historical treasures.

Financed by Ex-Beatle George Harrison, the film is the first of Gilliam’s Trilogy of Imagination, which also includes Brazil (1985) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988). Time Bandits is one of Gilliam’s best, presenting a wonderfully imagined world filled with quirky characters and a magical story of adventure.

4

Excalibur

Arthurian Legend Comes to Life

• Directed: John Boorman
• Released: 1981
• Runtime: 2h 20m

Starring Nigel Terry as King Arthur, Nicol Williamson as Merlin, and Helen Mirren as Morgana, this excellent retelling of the legendary tale brings all the glamour and style of 80s sword-and-sorcery cinema. The film follows the story of the Knights of Camelot as they fight against the dark forces looking to destroy the land.

On release, Excalibur was a financial and critical hit, with moviegoers loving its blend of romance, mythology, and action. Excalibur stands as one of the best versions of the Arthurian legend ever put to screen and is a must-watch for all genre fans.

3

Labyrinth

A Timeless and Beloved Classic

• Directed By: Jim Henson
• Released: 1986
• Runtime: 1h 41m

Brought to life by the creative talents of the late Jim Henson, Labyrinth is a classic fantasy movie that remains beloved by multiple generations. Starring Jennifer Connelly alongside the iconic David Bowie, the film tells the tale of a girl’s journey to save her baby brother from the goblin king, whilst traversing the dangerous labyrinth.

The film’s stunning fantasy world is filled with Jim Henson’s signature animatronics and puppets, with numerous lovable characters appearing throughout. The film’s fantastic soundtrack stands out the most, with songs performed by Bowie himself. Labyrinth is an all-time classic and a staple of 80s fantasy cinema.

2

The Princess Bride

An Inconceivable Adventure

• DirectedBy: Rob Reiner
• Released: 1987
• Runtime: 1h 38m

One of the most beloved cult comedy classics of all time, The Princess Bride stars Cary Elwes as Westley, a dashing hero on a quest to save his true love, Princess Buttercup. The film features numerous lovable and quirky characters, with easily quotable dialogue, and fun memorable moments, making it a timeless classic.

The impressive ensemble cast includes wrestling legend André the Giant, and comedy heavyweights Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest. The Princess Bride is as watchable today as on release, and continues to entertain new audiences every year.

1

Conan the Barbarian

Arnold Schwarzenegger Becomes a Star

• Directed By: John Milius
• Released: 1982
• Runtime: 2h 9m

One of the best fantasy movies of all time, Conan the Barbarian was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough role. It was the perfect vehicle for the burgeoning actor. Using his impressive body-builder physique and undeniable onscreen charisma, the film catapulted Schwarzenegger to international stardom.

The movie follows Conan as he grows in strength and skill, finally escaping his slavery. He embarks on a quest for revenge against the Thulsa Doom and his cult of snake-worshipping warriors. The film features stunning backdrops, incredible sword fights, and a strong supporting cast. While many films would attempt to copy Conan, this fantasy classic remains the best of its kind.