Movies

15 B-List Fantasy Movies from the 80s That Became Unlikely Cult Classics

written by Aaren Gimenez

February 20, 2024 6:15 pm

15 B-List Fantasy Movies from the 80s That Became Unlikely Cult Classics — Image credit: Legion-Media, globallookpress.com, Tri-Star Pictures, Columbia Pictures, New World Pictures, Producers Sales Organization

They weren't blockbuster hits, and maybe the critics weren't fans, but these films found their crowd later on.

The 80s were a goldmine for fantasy movies that didn't hit the big time at first but ended up as cult classics; it's like digging through a dusty old chest and finding it full of unexpected treasures.

1. Legend (1985)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 42%

In a mythical forest, Jack, a pure-hearted young man, must save his love, Princess Lili, and the world from eternal darkness after she unwittingly causes the death of a unicorn, leading to the rise of the Lord of Darkness who seeks to cover the world in night forever.

2. Dark Crystal (1982)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal to restore balance to his world, facing off against the evil Skeksis who seek to use the crystal's power for their own ends.

3. Excalibur (1981)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

The mythic tale of King Arthur's rise to power, the unification of Britain under his rule through the power of the magical sword Excalibur, and the eventual downfall of his kingdom due to betrayal and the tragic love affair between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere.

4. Clash of the Titans (1981)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, embarks on a perilous journey to save Princess Andromeda from a cursed fate and confronts mythical creatures like Medusa and the Kraken, relying on divine gifts such as the winged horse Pegasus and the helmet of invisibility.

5. Ladyhawke (1985)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

A young thief becomes entangled in the love story of a knight and a lady who are cursed to be always together yet eternally apart, him as a wolf by night and her as a hawk by day, and helps them to break the spell cast by a jealous bishop.

6. Time Bandits (1981)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

A young boy joins a group of renegade dwarves on an unpredictable journey through time, stealing treasures across historical eras, only to face ultimate evil in a final battle that could decide the fate of the universe.

7. The Last Dragon (1985)

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 61%

In New York City, a young martial artist, Leroy Green, embarks on a quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts mastery, known as "The Glow," while battling a villainous kung fu master and rescuing a beautiful singer from danger.

8. Dragonslayer (1981)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

A young wizard's apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been terrorizing a nearby kingdom, leading to a perilous journey that involves confronting the beast and dealing with the complex political and social consequences of his quest.

9. Krull (1983)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 35%

Prince Colwyn sets out on a daring mission to rescue his kidnapped bride from an alien invader known as the Beast, with the help of a magical weapon, the Glaive, and a band of unlikely allies gathered along his journey.

10. The Beastmaster (1982)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

Dar, born with the ability to communicate with animals, seeks vengeance on the high priest who slaughtered his people, using his unique powers and the help of his animal companions to overthrow the tyrant and save a kingdom.

11. Heavy Metal (1981)

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%

A glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with a collection of stories of dark fantasy, eroticism, and horror which illustrate the orb's malevolent nature through different times and worlds.

12. The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

A mercenary with a three-bladed sword sets out to avenge the massacre of his people by a malevolent sorcerer who has usurped the throne, finding himself embroiled in a wider battle for the kingdom.

13. Fire and Ice (1983)

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%

In a battle between Fire Keep and Ice Peak, a young warrior teams up with a rogue princess to stop the evil Ice Queen and her army of sub-humans, embarking on a perilous journey through fantastical landscapes.

14. Deathstalker (1983)

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Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 26%

The warrior Deathstalker is tasked by an old witch to obtain and unite the three powers of creation – a chalice, an amulet, and a sword – to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the sorcerer-king and his minions.

15. Dreamchild (1985)

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

An elderly Alice Hargreaves, the inspiration for "Alice in Wonderland," reflects on her life and comes to terms with her past during a trip to New York, confronting memories of Lewis Carroll and the characters from his book.