The '80s were certainly an interesting time for movies, weren't they? It was a time of spandex, neon, and humongous hair, but it was also the time of muscle-bound barbarians, Skeksis, and even a unicorn or two. Just as much as the sci-fi genre got a boost from Star-Wars and Aliens, the era also gave a boost to the realms of fantasy.
There are dozens of fantasy flicks released during the 1980s, so with some help from our friends at IMDb, we've collected a list of iconic fantasy flicks of the era. So strap on your chainmail and summon your courage as we view the ten best '80s fantasy films according to IMDb.
Conan the Barbarian (6.9)
How can we talk about the genre of swords and sorcery without talking about the poster-boy for the barbarian profession, Conan? Based on the short stories by Robert E. Howard, Conan the Barbarian thrusts Arnold Schwarzenegger out of his Terminator leather and into a warrior's armor as he sets out on a quest to defeat an evil wizard.
With enough swords, battles, and scantily clad women to satisfy a Game of Thrones junkie, Conan the Barbarian is an ideal action movie for any viewer wanting a little fantasy and swordplay on the side with their muscles and mayhem.
The Dark Crystal (7.2)
Easily one of the most iconic cult films of all time, Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal is a brilliant and beautiful dark fantasy epic with a world and scale J.R.R. Tolkien would be proud of. The film takes us to the mythic and mystical world of Thra, a land inhabited by Skeksis, Gelflings, and Mystics all united by the titular Dark Crystal.
What's most impressive about this movie is the amount of detail and lore that Henson put into his fantasy world. Though a bit convoluted at the time, Thra would expand into comic books, stories, and even a Netflix series in due time, all thanks to this Great Conjunction.
Gremlins (7.2)
Not all fantasy flicks need magic, chainmail, and muscle-bound heroes. Sometimes all they need is a curious creature... or a few dozen. Enter Joe Dante with one of the most beloved creature features of all time Gremlins. Gizmo and Stripe are definitely icons of the '80s horror genre, but Gremlins also has the markings of a dark fantasy.
Think about it, a strange and otherworldly creature found in a mysterious shop run by a mysterious, wizard-like shopkeeper? It sounds like the beginnings to a fantasy flick to us. Plus, don't Stripe and his little green buddies seem more than a little goblin-ish? You be the judge.
Big Trouble in Little China (7.3)
Yes, we know John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China has the reputation of being an over-the-top action flick, but considering it has an evil wizard, magic spells, ghosts, figures inspired by Chinese mythology, and a handsome hero going up against the forces of darkness, the fantasy elements are all there, clear as crystal.
Big Trouble in Little China is a cocktail of different elements that give us a bombastic thrill ride that only John Carpenter could cook up. Part action, part fantasy, part cheesy kung-fu flick, all thrills, chills, and enough pleasant insanity to keep us wanting more.
Willow (7.3)
The brilliant minds of Ron Howard and George Lucas combined to give us this little fantasy flick with a big story, Willow. When a dwarven farmer must journey through a high-fantasy world to protect a baby from an evil queen, magic, action and epic adventure soon follow.
Featuring the talents of Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer in the lead roles and an original story by George Lucas, Willow has some seriously strong theatrical elements going for it. It might not be as grand as something like The Dark Crystal, but it should be on the list of every fantasy fan.
Excalibur (7.4)
If you were to take the majesty and power of King Arthur and juice it up with the epic fantasy elements of Lord of the Rings you'd get Excalibur. John Boorman's fantastic retelling of the Arthurian saga relies more on magic, action, and spectacle than most romanticized versions of the famous legend.
There's definitely a certain weight and mystical element to Excalibur that most adaptations of Arthur lack. What sells it for us is the swords and sorcery element Merlin and Morgana Le Fay, which adds that extra oomph of magic to this already enchanting film. We highly recommend this incredible epic.
The Neverending Story (7.4)
There are quite a few fantasy films on this list that could be a near-perfect representation of the genre in the '80s. With Luck Dragons, nameless Princesses, and enchanted books, The Neverending Story is that sort of film.
Atreyu's adventures through the realm of Fantasia on his quest to defeat the Nothing are equal parts epic and whimsical. It can be mystic and magical, but it can also be dark and mysterious when it needs to be. Tie it all off with an over-zealous '80s pop song and you're pretty much covered. Fall into the book and get lost in this beloved '80s classic.
Labyrinth (7.4)
Speaking of iconic films of the era, it's hard to get much more '80s than David Bowie in tight spandex accompanied by a legion of Jim Henson creatures. Labyrinth is equal parts enchanting and cheesy but is no less one of the most beloved fantasy films in the genre.
When 16-year-old Sarah's baby brother is kidnapped by the mysterious Goblin King, she must venture into the Labyrinth to save him and break the spell. With a soundtrack composed and performed by the legendary David Bowie paired with some of the most impressive puppets and practical effects from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, it's no wonder the film has such a following.
The Princess Bride (8.1)
Easily the most quotable film on our list, The Princess Bride isn't just one of the most iconic fantasy flicks of the '80s, but one of the most beloved romantic adventures of all time. With pirates, wizards, princesses, and more than enough humor and wit, The Princess Bride has enough to satisfy any audience.
This film has a bit of everything for everybody. With swashbuckling action, drama, magic spells, and some ingenious and clever writing not always seen in this breed of film, The Princess Bride is anything but second-rate. Whether you want a romantic comedy or a sword-swinging adventure, this is the film for you.
My Neighbor Totoro (8.2)
This charming movie was brought to us by the magnificent imagination of Hiyo Miyazaki and his team at Studio Ghibli. My Neighbor Totoro is essentially the film that almost everyone associates with the company name, who later made him the face of the brand. It's a pleasantly strange little fantasy adventure that's sure to delight viewers of all ages.
When a family moves into an old Japanese house, two girls discover a forest troll named Totoro living in the woods in their backyard. With magic, creatures, and Miyazaki's brand of enchantment, My Neighbor Totoro is an easy to love film that is definitely worthy of its stellar reputation.