7 ’80s Fantasy Movies That Still Hold Up as Masterpieces

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Fantasy stories tend to become popular in cycles, with each decade usually producing at least one standout example. The 1980s, in particular, saw a boom in film, and several fantasy movies from that era have become beloved classics. With their imaginative special effects and captivating stories, these films left a lasting impact on the decade and continue to be enjoyed today.

The 1980s were a fantastic time for fantasy, offering something for all tastes – from magical beings to daring heroes. Even animated films pushed boundaries with stories of courage and loss that still resonate today. Many popular modern fantasy stories, like The Witcher and How to Train Your Dragon, were heavily influenced by the films of that era. Classics such as The Princess Bride and The Dark Crystal continue to stand out as some of the very best in the genre, and remain incredibly impactful.

Excalibur Is the Perfect Arthurian Epic

In under two hours, Excalibur powerfully retells the story of King Arthur, from Merlin’s retrieval of the legendary sword before Arthur’s birth, through his reign, and ending with the sword’s return to the lake. The film features key moments from the Arthurian legend, including the tragic love affair between Arthur and Guenevere, the quest for the Holy Grail, and the climactic battle between Arthur and his son, Mordred—a product of his half-sister Morgana’s betrayal.

Despite a few minor flaws, like some over-the-top props and costumes, Excalibur stands out as one of the best films in its genre. Of all the movies based on the Arthurian legends, this one tells the most complete story of the king’s life. It successfully combines the romance and darkness of the era, creating an enjoyable and fantastical experience that prioritizes excitement over strict realism.

The Last Unicorn Is a Dark Fantasy Treasure

I absolutely adore The Last Unicorn, and it’s a film that really stuck with me. It begins with this beautiful, young unicorn realizing she might be the very last one left – all the others have been hunted into the sea by this terrifying, fiery beast called the Red Bull. So, she sets off on this incredibly moving journey to find them, and along the way, she teams up with Schmendrick, a wonderfully clumsy magician. What’s amazing is how, through meeting all sorts of strange and sometimes dangerous people, she starts to understand what it means to be human in a way she never could before. It’s a truly special film.

Some viewers today feel The Last Unicorn is a little too intense for children, and would work better as an animated film for adults, allowing it to fully explore its powerful themes of loss, corruption, and greed. Despite this, it remains a truly special and one-of-a-kind animated movie. The story is consistently engaging and offers a unique, thought-provoking experience.

Fantasy & Science Clash in The Secret of NIMH

In the movie The Secret of NIMH, a mother mouse named Mrs. Brisby needs to move her family before the farmer plows their field, but her youngest child is sick and she can’t do it alone. She turns to a group of highly intelligent rats who are planning to move their colony, but one rat, Jenner, tries to sabotage their plans. With the help of a magical necklace and her own courage, Mrs. Brisby works with the rats to overcome Jenner and find a safe new home for her family.

The Secret of NIMH is a standout animated film that tackles serious themes like the risks of unchecked scientific ambition and the damage humans inflict on the natural world. Despite these weighty topics, the story of Mrs. Brisby remains heartwarming, showcasing a relatable heroine who must find courage to save her family. The movie uniquely combines science and magic, set in a world where scientific progress has had harmful consequences for the characters.

The Neverending Story Brings Imagination to Life

In The Neverending Story, a boy named Bastian, who is having a tough time and trying to escape bullies, discovers a book with the same title. As he reads, he’s drawn into the fantastical world of Fantasia, where the courageous Atreyu embarks on a quest to save the sick empress. The more Bastian reads, the more real Fantasia becomes, and he starts to identify with Atreyu’s journey.

The Neverending Story is a beloved fantasy film that many remember enjoying as children, much like the main character, Bastian, who loses himself in a magical world. The movie beautifully shows how powerful and limitless imagination can be, and how stories can help us discover who we are, find strength, and even heal. It’s an inspiring and captivating journey of self-discovery.

The Dark Crystal Is an Extraterrestrial Quest For Peace

In The Dark Crystal, Jen is thought to be the last of his kind, the Gelflings, following a terrible war. He lives on the planet Thra, which has been torn apart by conflict, and embarks on a journey to find a missing piece of the Dark Crystal. If he succeeds, it could restore balance and bring peace. But the cruel Skeksis, who rule through fear and force, will do anything to stop him.

Initially, The Dark Crystal seems like a typical fantasy adventure: a brave hero, a powerful artifact, and a looming darkness threatening a magical land. But it’s much more than that—a true work of art. Its unusual special effects and character designs bring a completely original world to life. While set on a strikingly alien planet teeming with life, the story still resonates with fans of the timeless battle between good and evil.

A Whimsical World Is Explored in Labyrinth

In the movie Labyrinth, teenager Sarah, who loves fantasy, jokingly wishes her baby brother Toby away to escape babysitting. To her surprise, the wish comes true! Now, Sarah has to navigate a magical and tricky labyrinth to reach the Goblin King’s castle and rescue Toby. Along the way, she’ll meet fantastical creatures and must quickly learn who she can trust to succeed in her quest.

I think a lot of people first discover Labyrinth because of David Bowie’s amazing performance as the Goblin King, but honestly, it’s so much more than just a famous face. It really reminded me of classic fairytales like Alice in Wonderland – it throws you into this wild, sometimes scary, but always exciting world. It’s a journey into the unknown that feels like it’s about growing up and figuring things out. Plus, the rock music is fantastic, and there are so many fun surprises along the way. For me, Labyrinth is one of the best, and most unique, fantasy adventures ever made.

There Has Never Been a Storybook Romance On-Screen Like The Princess Bride

Okay, let me tell you about The Princess Bride. It’s a classic love story, really. We meet Buttercup, who’s head-over-heels for Westley, but he’s lost at sea and everyone thinks he’s gone. Sadly, she’s then pressured into marrying the awful Prince Humperdinck. But just when things seem hopeless, Westley miraculously returns! What follows is a wonderfully exciting and adventurous journey as they fight to be together, overcoming all sorts of obstacles. It’s a truly inspiring tale of defying expectations and finding your happily ever after.

The Princess Bride is a timeless classic, loved for generations because it perfectly mixes romance, humor, and adventure. What many people appreciate about the film is how it cleverly avoids the typical ‘damsel in distress’ storyline, portraying Westley as a hero while also giving Buttercup a strong and independent spirit. With its exciting sword fights and heartfelt love scenes, The Princess Bride is arguably even more popular today than when it first came out in the 1980s.

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2025-11-02 03:40