10 Classic Fantasy Movies That Are Unwatchable Today

Lovers of magic, mysticism, sorcery, and monstrous creatures have a multitude of choices available to them in modern times. An abundance of fantastic films from various origins provide diverse views of the genre, ranging from action-packed sword and sorcery flicks to comedies and dramas. There’s truly something for every taste within this category, as well as timeless classics for younger enthusiasts to explore and experience anew. However, certain fantasy movies that were once highly regarded as classics have lost their charm over time, becoming difficult or even unbearable to watch.

While some people might still appreciate these old fantasy films due to their historical significance, most modern viewers may find them outdated or problematic. Therefore, it’s generally better to opt for timeless classics that have stood the test of time instead.

Clunky Animation and Offensive Depictions overshadow its charms

The thrilling tales of Sinbad the Sailor, dating back to at least the 18th Century, are renowned fantasy stories that form part of the larger work, One Thousand and One Nights. These stories revolve around a heroic character from 9th-century Baghdad, who embarks on adventures filled with exploration, encounters with monsters, magic, and hidden treasures – all common elements in the genre. Unsurprisingly, the 1973 movie adaptation of Sinbad’s journey, first shown in London and later in the US in 1974, was a commercial success and received critical acclaim. Utilizing stop-motion effects by renowned animator Ray Harryhausen, it was indeed an impressive spectacle in its time. Regrettably, its charm has diminished somewhat in today’s times (2020s).

Back then, stop-motion was a top choice for special effects, but now it appears awkward and even bothersome. Moreover, although the story originated from Arab culture, the film was produced in the West, often presenting stereotypes that were not sensitive towards the Middle East and South Asia. This problem is further complicated by the fact that the main characters are mostly portrayed by white actors using brown makeup, which, while once acceptable, is now widely recognized as offensive.

Several Decades Have Not Been Kind to This Film

Incorporating both sci-fi and fantasy elements, the film Krull, initially flopped at the box office and didn’t impress critics, but over time, it evolved into a beloved cult classic. Known for its exceptional world-building, talented cast, and striking visuals, this adventure movie particularly stood out due to the hero, Colwyn’s, unique weapon, the Glaive, which looks remarkably cool when wielded or thrown. Despite some shortcomings, the film captivated audiences, maintaining its relevance for decades and earning a spot in popular culture. However, revisiting it today, one can’t help but acknowledge that the initial appraisals by critics and mainstream viewers were indeed accurate.

Although it was constructed based on some intriguing and unique concepts, the movie Krull unfortunately falls short in its delivery, being overly reliant on tired tropes and clichés. Despite strong acting efforts, the corny dialogue and outdated special effects, which were once endearing, now appear dated and less appealing.

Given the intriguing premise, there is potential for a revival, either through remaking or rebooting the original film. However, it’s time to move on from the first version of this movie. Even though it may be considered a cult favorite, in this instance, the devoted fans might be misguided. In short, Krull failed to impress back then, and it fails to hold up well today.

The Movie Was Highly Anticipated but Lacked Charm

1984 marked the swift rise to classic status among children’s fantasy literature for this particular story. It was a tribute to the power of imagination, following the journey of a young lad named Bastion as he discovered courage and learned to trust himself. The film introduced timeless characters and creatures, along with a catchy, albeit quirky, tune that later gained recognition in Stranger Things. Despite only adapting the initial half of the source book, the movie concluded on a fulfilling note, suggesting a suitable ending for a narrative that theoretically continues without end. Six years following its release, a sequel made its appearance.

The Next Chapter” followed some elements from the second part of the book, yet it mainly rehashed themes from the first movie without introducing much new content for fans. When it initially came out, it drew an audience, but eventually, it didn’t perform well at the box office. Although children who were enamored with the first movie appreciated another visit to Fantasia, making it a hit of its time, nowadays, it’s better left unremembered. Essentially, while both kids and adults can still appreciate the original’s magic, the sequel is not essential viewing as you won’t miss out on anything significant if you skip it.

The Classic Story Doesn’t Look Right Today

A timeless fantasy story with special effects that have since become dated, the 1981 adaptation of Clash of the Titans recounts the Ancient Greek myth of Perseus and his battles against beasts and deities. Similar to The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, it showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Ray Harryhausen, who employed a variety of techniques to breathe life into Pegasus, Medusa, and the legendary Kraken. Regrettably, as with his earlier films, the stop-motion approach falls short when compared to contemporary methods and appears conspicuously outdated in comparison. The jerky animations are particularly noticeable when contrasted with another film released the same year that utilized .

In the 1970s, sets, costumes, and special effects were more effective, but by the early ’80s, they began to appear outdated and, today, simply look dreadful in films like “Clash of the Titans.” Despite its heart and compelling storyline, watching it now is challenging. The 2010 remake with Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson boasted improved visuals but failed to impress critics. Regrettably, at present, there isn’t a Greek mythology film of high quality that meets today’s standards for fans to relish.

The Story Won’t Make Much Sense Today

Disney is typically associated with cheerful, animated movies, but occasionally, they veer away from this norm. A prime example of such exceptions was “The Black Cauldron,” released in 1985. Adapted from Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain” fantasy novels, the tale of a young farm boy battling an evil king marked the first animated Disney film to earn a PG rating. Although critically acclaimed for its artistic style, it underperformed at the box office, having to contend with more family-friendly alternatives such as “The Care Bears Movie” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” However, “The Black Cauldron” found a second life on television, becoming a regular airing, leaving an indelible mark on fantasy enthusiasts of the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, older fans might nostalgically appreciate it, but new audiences might find it hard to connect due to its outdated animation style, which has been significantly surpassed by modern Disney and Pixar’s computer-animation techniques. The movie, an adaptation of the second book in the The Chronicles of Prydain series, rushes through characterization and world-building due to its position in the series, a flaw that might not have been noticed by kids decades ago but would likely be more apparent today.

The Franchise Was a Classic, but the First Sequel Doesn’t Hold Up

In a different spin, “Highlander” exemplifies another 80s film that initially flopped at the box office but later gained a devoted following as a cult favorite. Unlike “Krull,” it truly deserves this recognition. Featuring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, this movie tells the tale of immortal warriors engaged in sword fights spanning centuries with a touch of campiness. The narrative boasts an impressive villain and provides a unique blend of medieval Scotland’s highlands and modern-day New York City, creating striking contrasts. The film concludes on a powerful, inspiring note. Unfortunately, the sequel “Highlander II: The Quickening” fell short of fan expectations, failing to live up to its predecessor.

Aficionados of the Highlander franchise might view the sequel as a timeless masterpiece, but it fails to live up to the brilliance of the original film and is strangely poor. The plot of Highlander II introduces the immortals as extraterrestrials from another world, resurrects characters, and centers around a confusing science fiction narrative that contradicted the fantasy elements of the series. Despite strong acting by the original film’s cast, this installment in the esteemed franchise is one best forgotten.

In Retrospect, This Was a Mistake

Started in 1982 with a collection of action figures, the franchise grew to encompass books, comics, various toys, and an animated series, earning a prominent position among American children’s favorites by the mid-80s. It was almost a certainty that a studio would produce a movie based on this success. Consequently, in 1987, the film “Masters of the Universe,” starring Dolph Lundgren, made its debut in cinemas. Despite the franchise’s widespread popularity, the movie had moderate box office earnings, resulting in financial losses. However, it didn’t stop it from gaining cult status among He-Man enthusiasts. Reflecting on the film now, its level of acclaim seems somewhat unmerited.

In contrast to the film “Masters of the Universe” being set in a distant planet, the majority of the plot unfolds on Earth. This decision might have been made to save costs by reducing special effects and fantastical sets, leading to He-Man and his companions being transported to California instead. Consequently, most of the movie takes place in urban settings and ordinary locations, giving an impression of inauthenticity and a lack of magical feel. This seems like a calculated move to capitalize on the brand’s popularity without investing significant effort. While it may have appealed to fans eager for a live-action He-Man back then, today it appears rather cheap.

These Issues Harmed the Film Overall

The Beastmaster, as you may know, embodies classic sword-and-sorcery elements – think muscular heroes, physical fights, and ominous sorcerers. Unlike other timeless movies in this genre on the list, this film managed to make a commercial splash and even garnered some favorable critic reviews. Interestingly, it was unleashed just months after Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan the Barbarian, leveraging growing enthusiasm for fantasy action tales. As a result, it enjoyed regular airings on cable and premium TV during the ’80s and ’90s. However, its production was tainted by internal conflicts, which affected the scripting and editing, leaving it short of its full potential and somewhat damaging its reputation over time.

The Beastmaster, although possibly enriched by imitating Conan the Barbarian‘s style, falls short of living up to its reputation. Overdoing its cheesy aspects, struggling with rhythm, and presenting undercooked characters, the movie relies on its themes and aesthetics. These elements might not sustain it nowadays, resulting in a film that’s more worthwhile to bypass in favor of the more enduring .

Offensive Depictions Will Turn Off Many Viewers

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the 1953 film adaptation of the timeless tale “Peter Pan” has been cherished for nearly a century, and its characters continue to captivate audiences even today. However, as a product of the 1950s, it does have some significant flaws that can make modern viewing challenging.

Peter Pan’s portrayal of Native Americans includes highly problematic representations, such as exaggerated physical traits, absurd dialects, and derogatory language. The film also includes a song that labels Native Americans as the “Red Man,” a term once common but now widely recognized as inappropriate. Despite other enjoyable aspects of the movie, these instances make it challenging to enjoy it in today’s context.

Clichés Abound in This Sequel

Conan the Barbarian” was the film that catapulted Arnold Schwarzenegger to stardom and remains one of the most iconic movies ever made in its genre. Originating from Robert E. Howard’s timeless tales set in the land of Hyboria, it played a significant role in shaping the conventions of sword and sorcery films. Two years after its release, filmmakers endeavored to recapture the enchantment with a sequel that continues Conan’s adventures. Regrettably, it failed to meet the hype surrounding it.

Although Conan the Destroyer is successful at the box office and receives positive feedback, it fails to capture the grandeur of the original. The script, sets, premise, and performances all seem less epic compared to the first film, giving off a diminished vibe. It’s not a poor movie, but it falls short of earning its place as a timeless classic. Fans who have previously watched Conan the Barbarian might be left underwhelmed if they decide to watch this sequel.

2025-07-05 17:07