Here’s 6 Must Watch 80s Dark Fantasy Films
If you’ve been into the 80s dark fantasy aesthetic trend on social media, sit down and watch these mystical fantasy films filled with swords, crystals, princesses, and dragons. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas breaks down must-watch 80s dark fantasy films.
Labyrinth
Goblins and a rescue mission encompass the 1986 classic Labyrinth starring David Bowie.
When 16-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) realizes her infant brother was given her cherished teddy bear, she wishes for him to disappear and be taken by the goblins in the book The Labyrinth. Regretting her decision, Goblin King Jareth (Bowie) gives Sarah 13 hours to solve his labyrinth or her brother will be turned into a goblin forever.
Labyrinth is on Tubi.
Legend
Before Tom Cruise was Maverick, he was Jack O’ The Green in the fantasy film Legend.
The film follows the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) as he casts the world into eternal night by killing off unicorns near his castle. When Jack O’ the Green decides to take up the challenge, he must save Princess Lili (Mia Sara) from the vicious lord. Entering a world filled with unicorns, ogres, dwarves, and fairies, he befriends all the creatures to help free the world from the hands of darkness.
The Dark Crystal
It’s good vs evil in the mystical fantasy film The Dark Crystal.
Adopted by the Mystics, Jen (Stephen Garlick) is told that he is the last survivor of his own race the Gelflings. Years ago, a powerful dark crystal provided balance to the universe, but since has been broken by the evil Skeksis to gain control. Jen believes he can repair the crystal by finding the remaining shard from Aughra.
Dragonslayer
If you’re more into wizards and dragons, Dragonslayer is the film for you!
In the sixth century kingdom Urland, a 400-year-old dragon wreaks havoc. King Casiodorus (Peter Eyre) has offered virgin girls selected by a lottery system twice a year in order to appease the dragon. People from the kingdom seek the help of the wizard Ulrich (Ralph Ricardson) until his task is handed down to his apprentice Galen (Peter MacNicol) amidst Ulrich’s death.
Does the young man have what it takes? Dragonslayer is available on Pluto TV.
Excalibur
More medieval adventures await you in Excalibur — a retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table.
The magical sword of Excalibur starts with British lord Uther Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne) until it finds its way to his son Arthur (Nigel Terry) years later when he’s destined to become king. Aided by sorcerer Merlin (Nicol Williamson), he fulfills his fate by bringing together the Knights of the Round Table. However, he’s put to the test for the quest of the Holy Grail, his infatuation with Guinevere (Cherie Lunghi), and the survival of his nation.
Willow
Magic is the bloodstream of the universe in the 1988 film Willow!
It follows Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), a farmer and aspiring sorcerer, who finds a newborn baby girl in the village of Nelwyn. He learns that the baby is prophesied to bring about the downfall of the evil queen Bavmorda of Nockmaar (Jean Marsh). With the help of mercenary Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and some other allies, he embarks on an important journey to keep the baby safe and fulfill the prophecy once and for all.
Willow is on Disney+, as well as its 2023 sequel TV show of the same name that continued the story 20 years later.
