Fantasy is all about epic stories of adventure, magic, and wonder. And while the genre has long captured our collective interest, it was perhaps the 1980s that truly marked the golden age of fantasy movies. Free from the shackles of black-and-white or shoestring budgets, ‘80s directors had the power to let their imaginations run wild. And they made the most of it by making movies full of eye-popping effects and stunning cinematography. Today, these movies feel both familiar and nostalgic.
Movies like The NeverEnding Story and Labyrinth catered to both children and adults by telling mesmerizing stories about imaginary creatures and monsters. At the same time, groundbreaking epics like Conan the Barbarian brought new grittiness to the sword-fighting subgenre. Jim Henson’s exploration of dark fantasy also drove fantasy into a new realm. Which is to say that the genre only evolved with time.
Now, decades later, the best ‘80s fantasy movies have not faded in their appeal. Their message about heroism, courage, true love, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil is timeless and heartwarming as ever. Even though the world has taken a turn with advancements in technology, and, by extension, in storytelling, there is something truly magical about the fantasy movies of the 1980s. Here are ten of the best ones.
10 Flash Gordon (1980)
The planet Mongo has incessantly been controlling natural disasters on Earth thanks to its deranged and bored-out-of-his-mind emperor, Ming the Merciless. And while NASA scientists dismiss these threats, Dr. Hans Zarkov lures Flash Gordon, a former football star, and his companion, travel agent Dale Ardeen, on a mission to stop Ming from destroying Earth altogether. They land on the planet of Mongo and join forces with Prince Vultan’s hawkmen to invade Ming’s kingdom.
Thrilling Ride Through the Cosmos
Directed by Mike Hodges, who adapts it from Alex Raymond’s comic strip of the same name. Flash Gordon brings the classic hero and the fantastical world of Mongo to striking life with its production design and special effects. In the lead role, Sam J. Jones perfectly captures the charm and heroism of Flash Gordon opposite Max Von Sydow’s chilling portrayal of Ming the Merciless. Paired with Queen’s epic soundtrack and endless sci-fi-inspired adventure, Flash Gordon endures as a space opera fans still go back to.
9 Clash of the Titans (1981)
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Release Date June 12, 1981
Director Desmond Davis
Cast Harry Hamlin , Judi Bowker , Burgess Meredith , Maggie Smith , ursula andress , Claire Bloom , Siân Phillips , Flora Robson , Laurence Olivier , Tim Pigott-Smith , Neil McCarthy , Susan Fleetwood
The Greek myth of Perseus has been retold a number of times across various forms of media, but Desmond Davis’ cult favorite stands the test of time. Taking place in Ancient Greece, it follows Perseus, the son of Zeus, who was confined to a deserted island as soon as he was born but also destined to marry Princess Andromeda. However, with Calibos using a sea vulture to capture Andromeda’s spirit every night, Perseus has no choice but to stop this sacrifice, encounter the harsh challenges of the sea, and save Andromeda from Calibos.
Stop-Motion Magic at its Best
Clash of the Titans is the last movie to feature the impeccable work of stop-motion visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen, and through the movie’s enduring legacy, his many talents are kept magnificently alive. The creatures like the multi-eyed Medusa and the Kraken sea monster are made remarkably well. Moreover, actors Harry Hamlin and Judi Bowker are the perfectly cast leads who make every encounter in the sea more epic and fantastical. The movie’s a true delight for fantasy fans.
8 Time Bandits (1981)
Release Date July 13, 1981
A surprising global hit, Time Bandits centers around Kevin, a curious 11-year-old, whose world is turned upside down when six dwarves emerge from his closet one night. Kevin discovers that they are a band of thieves in possession of a stolen map, looking to journey across history and retrieve six important artifacts before the Supreme Being catches them. The dwarves offer Kevin the chance of a lifetime by asking him to tag along on their little adventure as they jump from era to era.
Terry Gilliam’s Time-Travel Fantasy
There’s nothing to not love about Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece. He fills each frame with his unique and surreal imagery, infuses anarchic humor into the most unassuming scenes, offers glimpses into historical heroes through ridiculous cameos, and explores timeless themes of friendship and courage against impossible odds. While Craig Warnock is the star of the movie, Sean Connery steals the show as the bumbling Agamemnon. That said, Time Bandits not only endures itself as a ‘80s classic, but was also recently revived in the form of a TV series.
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7 The Dark Crystal (1982)
Release Date December 17, 1982
Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal drove the genre into mature, inventive, and darker directions. Transporting viewers to the world of Thra, it first introduces the evil Skeksis, who have drained the world of its life force to extend their own, and the gentle Mystics, who live in a remote area. We follow two Gelflings, Jen and Kira, who try to fulfill the ancient prophecy by repairing the broken Dark Crystal and restoring the balance of Thra.
Inventive, Haunting, and Boundary-Pushing
Henson, otherwise known for creating the feel-good and light-hearted Muppets, was Inspired by the original Grimms’ Fairy Tales, thus creating a breathtaking alien world and unforgettable characters. He brought it all to life through masterful use of puppetry and practical effects, making sure the movie was more than just its visuals; one that teaches life lessons about courage and destiny. Initially criticized for its darker tone, The Dark Crystal eventually became one of fantasy’s all-time best.
6 The Secret of NIMH (1982)
The Secret of NIMH follows the story of a courageous field mouse named Mrs. Brisby, who seeks assistance from a group of intelligent rats to save her home and family. Set in a richly animated world, the film delves into themes of bravery, unforeseen alliances, and the intricate balance between nature and technology.
Release Date July 16, 1982
The Secret of NIMH follows Mrs. Brisby, a widowed mouse, who must move her family out of the field where their home is to escape the upcoming plowing season. But when her son Timothy falls ill, she has no choice but to seek the aid of the rats that live in the fields. These rats, however, have formerly been subject to laboratory tests and have a mission of their own, which gets jeopardized when they help Mrs. Brisby and her family escape.
Ensures Its Place in the Animation Canon
Directed by Hon Bluth in his feature directorial debut, The Secret of NIMH is a family adventure that revolves around poignant themes of cultivating meaningful relationships with nature and staying courageous against life’s cruelest odds. Its rich story and stunning animation not only provokes thoughts but entertains both younger and older viewers. The movie features epic voices from talents like Elizabeth Hartman, Dom DeLuise, and Peter Strauss. It also spawned a direct-to-video sequel, titled The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue.
5 The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Release Date July 20, 1984
Cast Noah Hathaway , Barret Oliver , Tami Stronach , Gerald McRaney
Bastian Bux is a shy 10-year-old who is often bullied at school and finds life at home dull and uneventful. He frequents Mr. Coreander’s bookstore and disappears into the pages of a mysterious book called The Neverending Story, which describes the fantasy world of Fantasia. Within its pages, Fantasy is dying rapidly due to an abstract force and the only person willing to fight and protect the realm is a young warrior named Atreyu. Bastian himself gets pulled into the action and helps Atreyu save Fantasia.
Always Takes You Back to a Simpler Time
At the time, The NeverEnding Story was the most expensive movie produced outside of the United States. As the first one in a trilogy of movies, it was initially met with unfavorable reviews, with critics calling the special effects “cheap-looking” and the plot “humorless.” Roger Ebert, however, thought differently, noting that “an entirely new world has been created” because of the movie. A magical masterpiece from the 1980s, it continues to enchant newer generations with its elaborate and heartfelt story.
4 Ladyhawke (1985)
Release Date April 12, 1985
A fantasy that takes place in medieval France, Ladyhawke revolves around a skilled thief named Phillipe Gaston, who escapes from the dungeon of Bishop of Aquila only to encounter a former captain, Navarre. Together, they ride off to seek shelter at a barn. There, Phillipe discovers that Navarre and his lover were cursed by Bishop to turn into animals and they can only be united once a year. Unwillingly, Phillipe tries to help Navarre break the curse by defeating the Bishop.
Delightfully Blends Romance and Fantasy
Extremely reliable when it comes to making blockbusters in Hollywood, Richard Donner helms this epic. It captured the heart and soul of audiences with its moody atmosphere, gorgeous medieval setting, and beautiful story of doomed lovers facing genuinely terrifying odds. Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer deliver outstanding performances as the thief and the cursed lovers. Hailed as an authentic and likable fairytale even at the time of its release, Ladyhawke went on to inspire several stories of forbidden love.
3 Labyrinth (1986)
Release Date June 27, 1986
Jim Henson’s second dark fantasy is about a frustrated and rebellious teenager named Sarah, who makes a nasty wish, asking for the Goblins from a book she is reading to take her baby brother Toby away. When her wish actually comes true and Goblin King Jareth steals Toby to his realm, Sarah immediately regrets her wish. Jareth gives Sarah 13 hours to travel through a labyrinth and win Toby back.
Henson’s Eventual Crowning Achievement
Once again, Henson stuns viewers with the lush cinematography, the intricately designed maze, and the otherworldly Goblin City. Jennifer Connelly’s star-making turn as Sarah against David Bowey’s irresistible and unforgettable role as Jareth are still pretty iconic. Labyrinth was not a sure-fire success back in the 80s though. It was a box-office and critical disappointment, causing Henson’s career massive damage. But it found recognition on home video and became a cult classic over time.
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2 The Princess Bride (1987)
Release Date September 25, 1987
A story narrated by a grandfather to his sick grandson, The Princess Bride follows Buttercup, a beautiful young woman, and Westley, a poor farm boy. Buttercup and Westley are madly in love, but when Westley leaves to seek a fortune and is captured by pirates, Buttercup is kidnapped by Prince Humperdinck, who wishes to marry her. With the help of a small Sicilian man named Vizzini, a giant named Fezzik, and a fencing master named Inigo Montoya, Westley reunites with his true love.
There’s Simply No Greater Love Story
With The Princess Bride, Rob Reiner crafts a fairy tale that not only pays homage to the romance and fantasy genre with its warmth and wit but also infuses it with dense and passionate themes of fighting for their love. Nestled within a story-within-a-story format, it became so beloved and iconic that its quotes, like Westley’s “As you wish!” are still used. Led by Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, The Princess Bride is an adventure-filled modern classic.
1 The Little Mermaid (1989)
Release Date November 17, 1989
One of Disney’s highest-grossing movies of all time that also evolved into a successful franchise, The Little Mermaid tells the story of free-spirited mermaid Ariel, who longs to be a part of the human world above the waves. When a storm hits and Ariel saves a human prince from drawing, she falls in love with him and looks for a way to reunite with him on land. She strikes a deal with the scheming sea witch Ursula to trade her beautiful voice for a pair of legs. But Ariel is not aware of Ursula’s true intentions.
A Classic That Never Lost Its Magic
Hailed by critics as a movie that “ushered in a new golden era for Disney animation,” The Little Mermaid featured fascinating visuals, unforgettable songs, and an emotionally engaging story that has stayed in fans’ hearts even 25 years later. Created by John Musker and Ron Clements and led by Jodi Benson’s brilliant vocal performance, it tells a story of female empowerment and liberation through Ariel’s uncomplicated plight of wanting to find a voice and true love. Still celebrated universally, The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
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