Okay, so remember way back when I watched The Dark Crystal for the first time? No? Oh. Well I did. It was also during the phase where I inserted (this time quite literally) myself into movies via MSPaint. I was on a mission to watch all the 80′s fantasy movies I missed out on in my childhood. Anyway, I can finally say that I saw the following movies!
Netflix #48 – Labyrinth – Jennifer and ctina
While I love seeing Jim Henson creations in action, I wasn’t too impressed with anything else this movie had to offer. I thought the best moments of the movie were when the muppets were front and center doing muppety things. I loved the giants scaredy cat Ludo and courageous Didymus, who were by far my favorite parts. But the story was pretty meh and Jennifer Connelly kinda got on my nerves. David Bowie was fun, but the musical numbers were just kinda out of place. So it was fun, but mainly because anything with muppets is fun. Except Muppet Treasure Island.
Netflix #49 – Legend – JoeG
This one was definitely the most well made of the 80′s fantasy movies, and I suspect it had the largest budget. And did you know it was directed by Ridley Scott? Yeah, me neither. Anyway, the special effects, costumes, and set design were all extremely well done, but I thought the story was completely lacking. It was a pretty generic fantasy where the bad guy (who was awesome by the way) wanted to take over the world, and for some reason that always seems to include marrying a fair princess. Couldn’t he focus his energy on conquering the world first, then worry about getting jiggy with it? And Tom Cruise was a pretty bland hero, with little else beyond a pretty face, which isn’t as pretty these days when you know how crazy with a capital K he is. All in all, I enjoyed it, but more because of the design of it rather than the story itself.
So which is the best 80′s fantasy movie?
Now that I’ve seen The Neverending Story, Willow, The Dark Crystal, Legend, and Labyrinth. I can officially state that The Neverending Story is by far the best 80′s fantasy movie. I just think it has the best story and characters (Falcor! Atreyu! Artex!), and I love the theme of children’s imagination being all powerful. I even watched it again after watching Labyrinth and Legend just to make sure I wasn’t giving it more credit than it deserves, and no, I wasn’t. It is pure awesome.
Hey Craig gah 80s movies, I was lucky enough to be born at the very end to not have to have these weird movies growing up. I do love the Neverending story though, but truthfully I find most 80s movies to be weird and crappy, with most of them having lower production value than those of the 70s. No movies really for me to recommend, the last 2 movies I’ve seen were Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, which I recommended earlier (along with Evil dr) and the crappy The Happening. I’m planning to watch the original Halloween tomorrow, that should be good.
I completely agree with you on just about everything. I was really disappointed in Labrynth — especially having actually lived through the hype prior to its theatrical release. Bowie was indeed cool, but still a bit out of place in it — as were the songs.
Legend was passable, but just barely. I thought the evil bad guy was the best part of this film, too, and made it worthwhile. And you’re right — it was a beautiful looking film, even if the story was lacking.
As much as I liked Willow, I’d have to go with Neverending Story as my top pick too. It’s a movie that still resonates with me 20 years later.
And what’s wrong with Muppet Treasure Island? It wasn’t *that* bad…was it?
I know I’ve seen Legend but remember nothing about it which says something I guess. For me its Neverending Story or Dark Crystal. Maybe because I love the “making of” Dark Crystal and I just appreciate how difficult it was to make it. So from a “wow, that’s cool how they did that” point of view its Dark Crystal, from a story point of view its Neverending Story.
I’m sorry you didn’t like Labyrinth. I loved the songs and David Bowie.
Did you see the expanded version of Legend with Jerry Goldsmith’s score? That was definitely better than the one that was released in theatres – cut to 90 minutes with a trippy score by Tangerine Dream. Ridley Scott’s director’s cut is so much more fully realized. And I still don’t know who the numbskull was that thought that a JERRY GOLDSMITH score wasn’t good enough, the first time round.
Good choice, I love it too!
I also loved the soundtrack by Limahl. Be nice if that could be posted here as a youtube vid for old time’s sake ^^.
Michelle: There’s an expanded version around? That might be worth checking out. Why is it that Ridley Scott films always get chopped up prior to release?
Interestingly, Neverending Story is the only one of the movies you reviewed that I haven’t seen. And that was Tim Curry, of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame that wowed you all in Legend. I liked Dark Crystal the best of all the other ones.
“Looks like Gelfling. Smells like Gelfling. Must be Gelfling!”
Michelle: I have to admit, I liked the Fire Gang and their song, even though they were a bit creepy. I watched the Directors Cut of Legend. The music was great. I can’t imagine why they would cut it. I think I would have liked it more without the human characters, or maybe if they were also muppets like in Dark Crystal. They were just kinda bland. The puppetry and effects were definitely amazing though.
David: That was Tim Curry?!? No way. No wonder he was so kick-ass!
Milo: I almost did, but decided to just link to it instead. Now I’m at work and Youtube is blocked so I can get the code to embed it. Unless you want to email it to me
David: I never saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Limahl from Kajagoogoo. 2 of the best names from 80′s music…
We have talked alot about Sci-Fi fantasy here but never enough of HORROR! Great news: From Defamer– It’s Time to Redo Hellraiser Edition. French horror director Pascal Laugier is in final negotiations to direct a “re-imagining of Hellraiser” for Dimension. Laugier reassured Cliver Barker fans that he “would never betray what [Barker] has done,” and to look forward to a mostly faithful adaptation starring a new icon of horror, Velcroface. I love Clive Barker and Hellraiser…Velcroface, I can’t wait!
Legend was AWESOME only because of Tim Curry playing the evil guy. Is there ANY part Tim Curry has that doesn’t make a movie better? Clue? Red October? I don’t think so.
Never seen Rocky Horror??? Well, Craiggers, get thyself to a theater that shows it at midnight on Saturdays, that’s the best place and best time to see it. That’s a movie best NOT watched by yourself on DVD at home. Kinda ruins the whoe experience. It’s no fun doing the “Time Warp” by yourself in your living room!
HUGS…
Its a tie for me between Neverending Story and the Dark Crystal, I love them both.
Craig: Never seen Rocky Horror? I’m trying to decide if my daughter is ready to see it yet. She has Time Warp on her MP3. Not even sure you can get it on DVD. Hmmmm. Will have to look. Ooooh. Only $12.99 at Future Shop.
Polt: I agree, best seen in a group. I see its on at 9:30 tomorrow night, or 11:00 Sat. No one to go with Saturday. Ah well.
Hayden: I don’t like horror. I’m too much of a big chicken.
Maybe it’s best that I never saw Labyrinth or Legend, but If you like fantasy, how about those Conan pix with the Governator? Conan 1 was slow and very violent, but #2 with Grace Jones was lots of fun, more like a comic strip. Cast and costumes are very easy on the eyes.
Second the recommendations for Rocky Horror, must see movie but must-not-see-alone. And now I have Time-Warp stuck in my head, thank you very much Tam.
It’s just a jump to the left
And then a step to the right
With your hands on your hips
You bring your knees in tight
EVERYBODY DANCE!!!!!!
Yeah, the best parts of Legend are Tim Curry and the songs by Brian Ferry (Roxy Music).
I loved Labrynth when i was little and its probably what started me on my Bowie music phase.
Have you seen Time Bandits? Right now, thats all I can think of for 80s fantasy movies.
I’ve actually never heard of Time Bandits, but I just looked it up and it looks like fun!
Its time-traveling dwarves… what more could you want?
I also thought of the following
Krull
Dragonslayer
Clash of the Titans
Big Trouble in Little China
Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger
Hmmm, I’ve never seen Conan, Krull, Dragonslayer, Big Trouble in Little China, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. I guess I still have a lot more 80′s fantasy movies to go!
I do love Clash of the Titans though.
Big Trouble in Little China is a classic! You have to see it. The others are okay, i just remember them fondly from my childhood when I just liked seeing dragons and cool monsters (even ones poorly done).
Sinbad is similar to Clash of the Titans. I loved those old stop-motion monsters. Sinbad shows up on the Space channel up here every so often. I watch, corny as it is.
Haha I’ve only seen Rocky Horror Picture Show on my computer by myself but I’ve watched it many times and i still love it. Singing to every song by myself, haha. Damnit Janet! I love youuuuuu
What about The Adventures Of Baron Munchhousen, is that in the 80′s? Not sure I liked it that much, but it LOOKS great…directed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame.
HUGS…
What’s not to like about Baron Munchhausen?! Total fun. A little long, but oh so worth it!
And Time Bandits is an absolute must-see. Really. We’re talking classic.
Krull is cheesy cheese at its most Velveeta-est. Another fun one.
My favorites from the 80′s would be Muppet Movie, Muppet Caper, Gremlins, Ladyhawke, Splash, Two of a Kind and Goonies. There are more but those are the ones that come to mind.
If you want barbarian stories definately check out The Barbarians (1987) with the Paul twins. Nice campy fun.
Ohhh. What about the Princess Bride. I LOVE that movie.
Tam: When that movie came out, I can’t tell you how many people — complete strangers — approached me and told me I looked like Westley. Seriously. It was weird.
I don’t look like him any more though — or so I’m told.
A great Halloween 80s flick: Killer Clowns From Outer Space. Scary hilarity at its bizarre best.
Of all the movies you listed, I would throw my vote to Willow…TOTALLY! But, everybody knows that the greatest fantasy flick of the ’80s is PRINCESS BRIDE! I also LOVE Ladyhawke. You need to put that on your list if it isn’t there already.
Oh The Princess Bride!!! How could I forget that?? And yeah, Dave S., I don’t think you look at all like Wesley…but I didn’t know you back when. And for crappy 80′s cheesey movies, let’s not forget “Attack Of The Killer Tomatos”!!! I can still hear that horrible screechy song…and it’s still sounds like fingernails down a chalkboard some 20 years later.
HUGS…
Dave: Westley huh? That is odd that strangers would tell you that. The blonde hair I guess.
Inigo Montoya was my fave. “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Gotta love a man with a single-minded purpose.
I’ll chime in with The Beastmaster, Flash Gordon, The Last Unicorn, Return to Oz and Troll. Anything by Terry Gilliam is worth it, The Princess Bride is a classic.
Oh yes, The Last Starfighter is a fun time also.
But people will have to epxlain to me the draw that The Neverending Story has. I really disliked that film, to the point where I actually prefer part 2.
I don’t get all the love for Princess Bride. I saw, thought it lame and immediately forgot all about it. Maybe I couldn’t disband disbelief far enough to enjoy???
If you want 80′s fantasy with a serious and sinister twist I could recommend: Brazil, by Terry Gilliam. Eerily relevant today
Much of my childhood innocence was destroyed recently when I went looking up lyrics for Labrynth and discovered that the song says “Slap that baby, make him free!”
For decades, my sisters and I sang that song as “Slap that baby, make him pee!” – which sort of makes its own kid of sense.
This whole thread is making me nostalgic. Time Bandits and Brazil are definitely not to be missed. I’m also jonesing for a rewatch of The Last Unicorn.
Princess Bride is amazing.
Splash as great.
Brazil was a giant bag of meh.
Never saw The Last Unicorn.
Just couldn’t get into Flash Gordon.
I hated hated hated The Last Unicorn.
Mushy and dull in my humble opinion. I’ve never seen Brazil, but have always wanted to. Never saw Splash either.
Flash Gordon is awesome. I have the soundtrack.
Queen at their cheesiest. “Flash! Ah-ahh! Savior of the universe!” 
All these 80′s movies! Im going to have to go with Willow on this one! I feel like Labrynith is on the kiddie movie side of things, but still good! Plus Queen Bavmorda is just AMAZING! And I loved Splash too, but I think thats more of a comedy…”Rocky’s behaving just as Eddie did…Do you think it was a mistake splitting a brain between the two of them?”
I Loved Princess Bride, but have you seen Cary Elwes lately? Kinda ruins the fantasy.
And speaking of ruining the fantasy, have you seen Mark lately?;-(
Mark: Cary Elwes has um let himself go a bit haha. He was great in Shadow of the Vampire though, that’s probably the last great movie he’s been in: no Saw was awful. Oh so yea, I recommend Shadow of the Vampire because that was a pretty awesome movie. Oh also, I had a chem professor that looked just like Cary Elwes it was awesome.
Nonono.
I’ve defended you many times, but Jennifer Connelly was my future wife. She was naughty in Requiem for a Dream, which ruined it a little for me, and also I was already married, but one day we’ll meet. And I’ll tell her she has no power over me. Unless she wants to.
And every time I smell a fart I think of the swamp of eternal stench.
*Ignore; Off Topic*
I just watched an episode of Match Game (game show from the 70′s), and Kirstie Alley was a contestant. And she was a total snooty bitch! Claimed to be an “Interior Designer”, instead of a wanna be actress. If she had known where she would end up 30 years later she might have been nicer.
*I apologize for the interruption*
Mark: I’ve seen that episode. She had great hair though, so much of it. We have the Match Game DVD game at home. Apparently for many of the early episodes they were roaring drunk after lunch so they are the particularly funny ones. Charles, Brett and Betty were my favorites.
GoKitty; I agree with you about Tim/Curry the soundtrack from Legend. i had it on cassette.
Tam: I remember doing the Time Warp at the Roller arena.
polt: Killer Tomatoes! I was an animator on the cheesy cartoon.
Dave S.: You didn’t like The Last Unicorn? Aww… maybe it’s a girl thing.
Hayden: Yes, horror! You can’t beat The Shining or The Exorcist. Since it’s almost Halloween, I guess I’ll recommend Mad Monster Party from Rankin Bass.
I LOVE THE SHINING!
That creepy guy in the dog suit freaks me out.
Michelle M: It’s awesome that you worked on that! I didn’t know you were an animator.
Michelle M.: I watched that cheesy cartoon! It was awesome.
I’m impressed that you worked on it. How cool is that?!
Speaking of creepy 80′s puppets. Is anyone else excited for the Fraggle Rock movie coming out next year? I miss Sprocket the dog.
I’ve actually never seen Fraggle Rock.
I think they were on the Disney Channel, which my family didn’t have at the time.
Dave S.: Flash Gordon ROCKS! “Flash! Flash, I love you, but we only have 14 hours to save the earth!” Soundtrack still kicks ass…as does most of Queen’s work.
Michelle:I never knew there WAS a killer tomato cartoon? And it’s extremely cool that you worked on it!
Craiggers: I liked the tv miniseries version of the Shining from the early 90′s moreso than the movie itself….although the was pretty damn good too.
Mark: And Match Game is still so funny even 30 years later.
HUGS…