THE fantasy genre has come a long way in recent years, but classic films from the 1980s bring an unparalleled sense of magic and wonder. Of course, these films cannot compete with modern Hollywood in terms of special effects. The on-screen battle scenes didn’t look as realistic as they did in Peter Jackson’s film Lord of the Ringsand 1980s animatronic dragons aren’t as convincing as Game of Thrones. Still, those campy, cheesy 1980s fantasy films have a certain flavor that modern technology could never duplicate.
Of course, nostalgia has a lot to do with why these fantasy films from yesteryear are still so appealing. Kids of the 80s and 90s didn’t care that movies like The never ending story or The Labyrinth used puppets to bring magical beasts to life or that The NIMH Secret it depended on cellular animation. Now that everyone has grown up and gotten used to what CGI and huge budgets can do, the flaws of these older films are a little more obvious. Still, when they sit down to watch ’80s fantasy classics, these jaded adults are quickly transported back to a simpler time.
10
Excalibur
Year of release: 1981
The legend of King Arthur is one of the oldest and most well-known fantasy stories, and this tale has made it to the screen in dozens of variations. 1981 Excalibur It may not be the most technically advanced Arthurian film Hollywood has ever produced, but it is still highly memorable. It’s a classic, full of action-packed sword fights and exciting magic. Of course, the look in Excalibur are a little too dramatic and cheesy, but This all contributes to the overall feeling of wonder that audiences simply can’t help but experience.
Excalibur set the tone for the fantasy genre in the 1980s, combining that dark grittiness with soft romanticism at all the right moments. The film’s family-friendly cast is also a plus, with nostalgic performances from Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson, Ciarán Hinds and many more. There may be better versions of this story out there, but Excalibur it captures a certain magic that modern adaptations couldn’t dream of.
9
Clash of the Titans
Year of release: 1981
The 1981 fantasy epic Clash of the Titans It’s the very definition of old school. The story is as classic as possible, based on the Greek myth of Perseus, and is full of all the emotions that this genre could muster. It has gods, demigods, oppressed heroes, titans, monsters, sword fights, jellyfish, romance and a lot of camp. Clash of the Titans also has an exceptional castwith names like Harry Hamlin, Maggie Smith, Laurence Olivier and others, making this an unforgettable film.
As Hollywood evolved, attempts were made to bring Clash of the Titans in the modern era of cinema. The 2010 remake featured CGI leagues beyond what the 1981 film could have imagined. However, without that silly, over-the-top emotion, this updated version simply flopped. In the end, the story of Perseus simply wasn’t the same without the quirky magic of 1980s cinema.
8
The Last Unicorn
Year of release: 1982
The Last Unicorn arrived in the early 1980s, joining the ranks of fantasy films that would help establish the genre that decade. However, it was a commercial failure when it was initially released in the United States. Regardless, as another Rankin/Bass Productions masterpiece, this film has finally found its audience. Although appealing to younger viewers, The Last Unicorn is surprisingly dark, with painfully mature themes hidden beneath the whimsy.
Although archaic by today’s standards, Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass’s style could be described as magical regardless of the story the animation portrays.
Perhaps The Last Unicorn biggest asset is its breathtaking animation. Although archaic by today’s standards, Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass’s style could be described as magical regardless of the story the animation portrays. Add the beloved story of Peter S. Beagle and it’s no exaggeration to care The Last Unicorn a masterpiece. It’s the kind of project that Disney’s modern fantasy work simply can’t keep up with.
7
The Dark Crystal
Year of release: 1982
The Dark Crystal was the first dark fantasy film for kids of the ’80s and ’90s. The film is technically family-friendly, but its themes and overall aesthetic were much braver and more exciting than many expected. Of course, that’s part of the reason The Dark Crystal It’s so spectacular. The story is pretty standard for a fantasy, but that also adds to the charm and makes the film a perfect introduction to the genre.
Again, The Dark Crystal leaves no doubt that it was made in the 1980s. Today’s special effects are more convincing, but Jim Henson’s animatronics were revolutionary for the time and they are still a work of art today. Although modern twists The Dark Crystal been tried, it just couldn’t hold together in the same way.
6
The NIMH secret
Year of release: 1982
Don Bluth was a key figure in the world of animation in the 1980s, and The NIMH Secret played a significant role in establishing this truth. The animator had a recognizable style that was dark and gritty while remaining lovely, light, and whimsical. This made Bluth the perfect choice to adapt Robert C. O’Brien’s novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. In many ways, it’s a classic story about the secret lives of mice and rats (something Bluth is known for). However, the magical qualities of The NIMH Secret take it further.
The rats at NIMH have been scientifically altered, but the events of this story are much more magical than methodical. The NIMH secretThe most powerful moment is when Mrs. Brisby activates the amulet of Nicodemus to save her family from sinking into the mud. THE Breathtaking animation and deeply emotional storytellingbalanced with children’s comedy, allowed The NIMH Secretlike most of Bluth’s films, it remains a hit with families.
5
The never ending story
Year of release: 1984
There’s nothing more magical than a storybook coming to life. It is precisely for this reason that the 1979 novel The never ending story it became so popular and the story was adapted into a film very quickly. Like many fantasy films of the time, The never ending story relies heavily on puppets and extravagant costumes. The lucky dragon and G’mork the wolf might not look real by any standard, but it can’t be argued that they looked magical and exciting.
Even after all these years, The never ending storyThe soundtrack is easily among the most recognized of the genre.
It would be a crime to argue The endless History magic without mentioning the musical score by Klaus Doldinger. Everything about the music in this movie screamed 1980sand the combination of techno-pop and traditional orchestral soundtrack fit perfectly into the film’s overall aesthetic. Even after all these years, The never ending storyThe soundtrack is easily among the most recognized of the genre.
4
The Labyrinth
Year of release: 1986
Although fantasy films like Clash of the Titans are good, in part because of how ridiculously over-the-top the special effects are, movies like The Labyrinth continue to resist decade after decade. This is no surprise, as Jim Henson’s mastery of puppetry has proven timeless. When applied to a dark but whimsical fantasy, such as The LabyrinthIt’s impossible not to feel the magic passing through the screen. The monsters and creatures are disturbing yet charming, making each of them easy to love.
Of course, Henson’s dolls are not The Labyrinthare the only assets. Trevor Jones’ music played a significant role in this film remaining relevant for so long. “Magic Dance“is an especially memorable song, and David Bowie’s exceptionally magical performance deserves credit. Jennifer Connelly as Sarah increased the whim of The Labyrinth also, since it was through this character that the audience was led to experience this kingdom of elves and tricks.
3
Highlander
Year of release: 1986
Highlander It wasn’t a smash hit when it was released in 1986, but it managed to become a cult classic anyway. The idea of ​​an immortal man from 16th century Scotland living in 1980s New York City is something that has really gained traction among younger audiences, especially with all the exciting sword fights included. this contributes to this magical quality. So, with a pinch of romance and a lot of action, Highlander Easily ticks the boxes for an epic fantasy adventure.
The cast of Highlander is another factor that cannot be ignored. Christopher Lambert, as Connor MacLeod, is the perfect jaded hero, while Sean Connery stars as his wise teacher, Juan Sánchez-Villalobos RamÃrez. Clancy Brown is also hard to forget as the villainous Kurgan. Highlander is the next classic film to receive a modern remake, with Henry Cavill set to star in a film due in 2025. Of course, to be successful, this film will have to capture the charm of the 1980s.
2
The princess bride
Year of release: 1987
The 1980s provided a wealth of fantasy film choices, but there was nothing quite like The princess bride. This fantasy adventure contained all the fundamental elements of the genre, but with clever and comedic twists at every turn. Buttercup and Westley’s story was not at all serious – essentially a satire – but without detracting from the genuine action, excitement and romance of it all. Decades later, The princess bride it is even more ingrained in popular culture than when it first took over the world.
Buttercup and Westley’s story was not at all serious – essentially a satire – but without detracting from the genuine action, excitement and romance of it all.
Some of the the standout features The princess bride It’s the writing and the cast.. Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant and many others bring a combination of drama and hilarity to the screen, delivering dialogue that would never have happened without their exceptional timing. What is more, The princess bride It could have gotten away with poor sets and half-baked special effects, but what made it to the screen is still visually impressive today.
1
Willow
Year of release: 1988
George Lucas and Ron Howard Willow is another film that screams 1980s fantasy. The overall structure and plot is a story as old as time, with the villain tirelessly searching for a child of prophecy. However, Willow I played with the trope of the unconventional herouniting two characters who, for different reasons, were not expected to save the day. Willow It’s touching, inspiring, funny, charming and everything else a family film should be. However, it still has the unmistakable dark fantasy quality.
WillowThe cast also contributed significantly to the magic. Warwick Davis is a well-loved actor for this specific role, but he also shaped the fantasy genre in other ways. This makes seeing the younger version of Davis in Willow even more nostalgic. Then, of course, there’s Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh and more. These actors were responsible for bringing this story to life, and the fantasy world of Willow it has remained a magical home for audiences for decades.