12 Best Fantasy Movies From The 80’s

Masters of the Universe

It may have attained cult status, it may be a lot of fun… but that doesn’t mean it’s very good.

Legend

Between baby Tom Cruise and Tim Curry as the devil, this movie is kind of delightful in an utterly bonkers way. It’s also a complete mess.

The Black Cauldron

There are some great visuals but, yeah, there’s a reason it’s one of Disney’s least-watched movies.

Return to Oz

Like Dorothy, you come expecting to return to the magical land of Oz, and end up in an absolute NIGHTMARE world. A lot of these ’80s fantasy movies scarred me for life, but this one was the worst offender.

Excalibur

Helen Mirren! Patrick Stewart! Gabriel Byrne! Ciarán Hinds! Liam Neeson! Excalibur has an incredible cast, and it’s actually a great adaptation of the King Arthur legend – although extremely ’80s (but hey, that’s why we’re here).

Ladyhawke

This movie about star-crossed lovers is so damn romantic, and baby Matthew Broderick is an absolute delight in it. The only reason it’s not ranked higher is because from here on out it’s a very stiff competition.

The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn is haunting and beautiful in ways you don’t always get from supposed kids movies. The voice cast is overall really great – but it does lose some points for the terrible singing.

Labyrinth

You were either a Labyrinth kid or a Dark Crystal kid, and while I can acknowledge the many delights of Labyrinth, (especially David Bowie in tights) it doesn’t quite make the top five for me.

The Dark Crystal

Yep, I was a Dark Crystal kid, even though it absolutely terrified me. Even as a (scared) kid, I could recognise the ambition and the wonder of it all.

Willow

Frankly, we don’t talk about Willow enough. The effects might not have aged particularly well but the story is still wonderful. Warwick Davis nails the title role, and look, I would low-key die for Val Kilmer as Madmartigan.

The NeverEnding Story

It’s The NeverEnding Story (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahhhhhh). It will forever be magical (and I will forever be messed up by Artax).

The Little Mermaid

From the lows of The Black Cauldron to the extreme highs of The Little Mermaid. It’s still one of the greatest Disney movies of all time, with one of the very best soundtracks.

The Princess Bride

It’s got everything – swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, kissing. Don’t even try and name a better movie. It’s inconceivable.