conan the barbarian movie review

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, a clash of witless civilizations.

Now streaming on:

"Conan the Barbarian" involves a clash of civilizations whose vocabularies are limited to screams, oaths, grunts, howls, ejaculations, exclamations, vulgarities, screeches, wails, bellows, yelps and woofs. I'd love to get my hands on the paycheck for subtitling this movie.

The plot involves — oh, never mind. You have your Barbarians, and they kill one another in an unending series of battle scenes. I guess Conan is the good guy, but what difference does it make? He has no cause or belief. He's driven by revenge against the sadistic Khalar Zym ( Stephen Lang ), who trapped Conan's father under a vat of molten iron, assigned young Conan to exert his little muscles to try to keep it from tipping, and screamed at the old man: "You will watch your child die trying to save you!"

Luckily, Conan (the muscular Jason Momoa ) survives and grows up with no worse than a photogenic scar on his face, where some wayward molten iron dripped. He and his father Corin ( Ron Perlman ) had earlier forged his sword at the steel moltery; earlier still, the infant Conan was delivered on a battlefield by an emergency Caesarian performed by Corin's own sword on the child's mother, who survives long enough to say, "He shall be named Conan." She was so weak she lacked the breath to say, "Conan the Barbarian."

The movie is a series of violent conflicts. People who despair of convincing me to play video games tell me, "Maybe if you could just watch someone else playing one!" I feel as if I now have. Conan carves, beheads, disembowels and otherwise inconveniences the citizens of several improbable cities, each time in a different fanciful situation. The evil Khalar Zym and his daughter Marique ( Rose McGowan ) turn up regularly, uttering imprecations, with Marique especially focused on Conan's warrior gal pal Tamara ( Rachel Nichols ).

This Marique, she's a piece of work. She has white pancake makeup, blood red lips, cute little facial tattoos and wickedly sharp metal talons on her fingers. At one point, she blows some magic dust at Conan, and the dust turns into a team of warriors made of sand. This is a neat special effect, although it raises the question if you turn back to sand when Conan slices you, what kind of a life is that?

The film ends with a very long battle involving Conan, Khalar Zym, Tamara and Marique, a sentence I never thought I'd write. It takes place largely with Tamara strapped to a revolving wheel above a vertiginous drop to flames far below. Mention is made of a volcano, but never further explained. The entire cavern crumbles around them, big chunks of rock falling everywhere except, luckily, upon them.

"Conan the Barbarian" is a brutal, crude, witless high-tech CGI contrivance, in which no artificial technique has been overlooked, including 3-D. The third dimension once again illustrates the principle that when a movie largely takes place indoors in dimly lit spaces, the last thing you need is a pair of dark glasses.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

Christy Lemire

Dusk for a Hitman

Robert daniels.

Clint Worthington

The Strangers: Chapter 1

Brian tallerico.

The Fall Guy

Challengers

Matt zoller seitz, film credits.

Conan the Barbarian (2011)

Rated R for strong bloody violence, some sexuality and nudity

113 minutes

Jason Momoa as Conan

Stephen Lang as Khalar Zym

Rose McGowan as Marique

Rachel Nichols as Tamara

Ron Perlman as Corin

Leo Howard as Young Conan

Directed by

Marcus Nispel
Thomas Dean Donnelly
Joshua Oppenheimer

Latest blog posts

Cannes 2024: The Substance, Visiting Hours

Jack Flack Always Escapes: Dabney Coleman (1932-2024)

Cannes 2024 Video #3: Megalopolis, Kinds of Kindness, Oh Canada, Bird, Wild Diamond

Chaz Ebert and Esteemed Panelists Discuss Purpose-Driven Filmmaking at Cannes Film Festival

Cast & crew
User reviews

Conan the Barbarian

A vengeful barbarian warrior sets off to get his revenge on the evil warlord who attacked his village and murdered his father when he was a boy. A vengeful barbarian warrior sets off to get his revenge on the evil warlord who attacked his village and murdered his father when he was a boy. A vengeful barbarian warrior sets off to get his revenge on the evil warlord who attacked his village and murdered his father when he was a boy.

Marcus Nispel
Thomas Dean Donnelly
Joshua Oppenheimer
Jason Momoa
Ron Perlman
Rose McGowan
423 User reviews
316 Critic reviews
36 Metascore
2 nominations

Young Conan

(as Diana Lubenova)

City Guard #1
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

Trivia Jason Momoa enrolled in an intense six-week training program at a stunt and martial arts academy in Los Angeles for his part while still finalizing negotiations for the film.
Goofs (at around 1h 11 mins) The fight on the ship starts out at night but finishes in daylight.

Conan : I live, I love, I slay, and I am content.

Connections Featured in Trailer Failure: Conan, Real Steel, and Final Destination 5 (2011)
Soundtracks Nazlah Al Sallallem Performed by Cairo Orchestra Written by Sami Nossair Published by Tenvor Music (BMI) o/b/o Kousan Music Publishing Courtesy of Hollywood Music Center

User reviews 423

Jason Momoa, as Conan, is excellent; far better than Arnie. It's hard to conceive of a better Conan.
The Bulgarian locations are outstanding.
The Costuming is more convincing than the '82 version. Conan's apparel, for instance, is more faithful to REH than Arnie's fur loincloth.
Better acting than the '82 version, excluding James Earl Jones, of course.
Brutal, thrilling action throughout with convincing swordplay (unlike the contrived '82 version).
Corsairs, highlighted by Conan's comrade Artus, effectively played by likable Nonso Anozie.
Excellent sets/props; it definitely looks like the Hyborian Age.
Good serious vibe, despite the cartoony, over-the-top last act.
Rose McGowan as the witchy daughter is ee-vil and creepy.
Ron Perlman as Conan's father.
The whole opening sequence.
I liked how the film stressed the closeness and love of Conan and his father. There's a correlation between true greatness and a close relationship with a strong father-figure and his example of excellence.
You have to give credit to the filmmakers for effectively illustrating Conan's youthful days and life in a Cimmerian village in general, something Conan's creator never delved into in any detail.
The film deviates from Robert E. Howard, albeit not as much as the '82 version. Regardless, it certainly adhered to REH's overall pulp vibe. I'd prefer to see one of REH's originals put to film, like "A Witch Shall Be Born" or "Beyond the Black River."
Stephan Lang as Zym makes a worthy enough villain for Conan, but he comes off too clichéd and cartoony, especially in the final act. James Earl Jones' Thulsa Doom worked better, likely because he was so unique.
Rachel Nichols' Tamara is solid as the female protagonist, but she doesn't hold a candle to Sandahl Bergman's Valeria.
The score is serviceable but pales in comparison with Basil Poledouris' score from the '82 version and "Conan The Destroyer" (1984). This score definitely won't be celebrated 30 years later like Basil's. Why didn't they just update Polerdouris' piece?
There's too much "Modern Blockbuster Syndrome" that appeals to those with ADHD.
Especially the over-the-top final act, which is way too comic booky. It's cartoony overkill, pure and simple. But, then again, it did bring to mind REH's "Jewels of Gwahlur," so maybe it's not so far off the mark.
The biggest flaw was that there wasn't enough depth. The film needed more 'downtime' to contrast the wall-to-wall action, like campfire scenes (which would better indicate distances), more camaraderie on the ship, more development of Conan & Tamara's relationship, etc. Although it had some of this, it wasn't enough. Action sequences naturally hold more weight when the audience cares about the characters. As it is, it's clear that the filmmakers wanted to make an action flick above all else and this weakens the film.
Along with lack of depth was the lack of epic-ness or moving moments. The '82 film deviated from REH but at least it made up for it with depth and a sense of epic-ness. For instance, when Conan & Subotai make their stand against the riders of doom or Conan's moving victory salute, not to mention the potent love & death/funeral scenes, etc. This 2011 version had glimpses of this, like when Conan is birthed on the battlefield then raised to the sky and when Conan's father expresses his love with his final act, but, again, it needed more.
Sep 2, 2011
How long is Conan the Barbarian? Powered by Alexa
Is this a remake of the Milius/Schwarzenegger movie?
Is the story in the movie based on one of the original stories?
Where does this story take place?
August 19, 2011 (United States)
United States
Lionsgate (United States)
Official site (Japan)
Người Anh Hùng Barbarian
Lionsgate Films
Millennium Films
Emmett/Furla Oasis Films
See more company credits at IMDbPro
$90,000,000 (estimated)
$21,295,021
$10,021,215
Aug 21, 2011
$63,523,283

Technical specs

Runtime 1 hour 53 minutes
Dolby Digital

More to explore

Keep Hold of Your Head, Lest He Lop It Off With the Others

Share full article

By Manohla Dargis

Aug. 18, 2011

A heavy-metal fantasia scrawled in red, “Conan the Barbarian” now comes with 75 percent more gore. That’s only an estimate, though to judge by the gruesome opener that features the title character as a boy gouging enemy flesh and lopping off heads, it’s a fair guess. Having entered a forest for a newbie warrior rite of passage, baby Conan (Leo Howard) has returned to his village and its leader, his brawny, bushy father (Ron Perlman, surprise), splattered in blood and dangling several severed heads from his wee mitts. They look like grotesque puppets or maybe yo-yos, but, really, they’re just playthings for a growing barbarian.

Soon after, Conan’s father and people are slaughtered, leaving him a boy with an ax to grind, a sword to wield, a destiny to fulfill, a franchise to revive. By the time the boy is a man, he has transformed into a luxury cut of beef played and often posed by Jason Momoa, a he-man with a glamour girl’s flowing mane and a chiseled chest with even less fur than a hairless Chihuahua. Mr. Momoa will be familiar to fans of the HBO show “Game of Thrones” as Khal Drogo , a ponytailed, clothing-optional warrior leader. In “Conan” Mr. Momoa doesn’t wear a ponytail, but he does flash plenty of flesh on his way to a showdown with a crazed warlord, Khalar Zym (a fine Stephen Lang), and Zym’s spawn, Marique (Rose McGowan).

The film, tarted up with 3-D and introduced in voice-over by an understandably uncredited Morgan Freeman, is partly an origin story and partly proto-mythopoetic men’s movement gibberish involving good versus evil, the usual swords, sorcery and flagrantly bulgy masculinity. The original Conan was created by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), a bullied Texan turned bodybuilder and fantasy writer whose Conan stories were published, starting in 1932, in the pulp magazine Weird Tales . In the decades following Howard’s death (he shot himself after hearing that his ailing mother had slipped into a coma), the Conan universe grew to include books written by Howard imitators, comics and two movies starring the bodybuilder turned governator of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Momoa has some awfully big biceps to fill.

He rises to that task with a pumped physique made for ogling. Thankfully, he also shows glints of self-awareness that can make hypermasculine blowouts like these more watchable and were largely missing from Mr. Schwarzenegger’s wide-eyed turn in the first “Conan the Barbarian” (1982). That film, directed by John Milius from an Oliver Stone screenplay that Mr. Milius retooled, opens with a quotation from Nietzsche and grows more lugubriously overblown from there, despite some freaky sex and Conan clocking a camel. The new movie, directed by Marcus Nispel from a script by Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer and Sean Hood, is less intellectually overweening: Instead of a slave who becomes his own master, as in Mr. Milius’s flick, this Conan runs off to a dude’s own adventure, pirating included.

Mr. Nispel, whose résumé includes a few other slick redos, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Friday the 13th,” doesn’t add anything obviously personal to this “Conan,” which was probably just what the producers ordered. What he does bring is the gore and plenty of it (those severed heads are simply the sanguineous beginning) as well as some wit and surprisingly O.K. performances, Mr. Lang’s unsmiling turn being the standout. Although meticulously kitted out in fetish boots and a shaved head, Ms. McGowan registers less like a dominatrix of doom and more like a Bjork-inspired pinup, her press-on metal claws drawing fatal lines and laughs. She’s pretty and pretty ridiculous, but the digital sandmen her character summons up to fight Conan, which burst out of the ground like rockets and explode into dust, are nifty.

The Roles of Stephen Lang

View Slide Show ›

“Conan the Barbarian” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Lots of death and a little sex.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Marcus Nispel; written by Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer and Sean Hood, based on the character created by Robert E. Howard; director of photography, Thomas Kloss; edited by Ken Blackwell; music by Tyler Bates; production design by Chris August; costumes by Wendy Partridge; produced by Fredrik Malmberg, Boaz Davidson, Joe Gatta, Danny Lerner, John Baldecchi, Les Weldon and Henry Winterstern; released by Lionsgate. Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes.

WITH: Jason Momoa (Conan), Rachel Nichols (Tamara), Stephen Lang (Khalar Zym), Rose McGowan (Marique), Saïd Taghmaoui (Ela-Shan), Leo Howard (Young Conan), Ron Perlman (Corin), Steve O’Donnell (Lucius), Raad Rawi (Fassir), Nonso Anozie (Artus), Bob Sapp (Ukafa) and Milton Welsh (Remo).

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

“Megalopolis,” the first film from the director Francis Ford Coppola in 13 years, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Here’s what to know .

Why is the “Planet of the Apes” franchise so gripping and effective? Because it doesn’t monkey around, our movie critic writes .

Luke Newton has been in the sexy Netflix hit “Bridgerton” from the start. But a new season will be his first as co-lead — or chief hunk .

There’s nothing normal about making a “Mad Max” movie, and Anya Taylor-Joy knew that when she signed on to star in “Furiosa,” the newest film in George Miller’s action series.

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime and Hulu to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

What's the Tomatometer®?
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening this week
Top box office
Coming soon to theaters
Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

Fandango at Home
Netflix streaming
Prime Video
Most popular streaming movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Link to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Link to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Babes Link to Babes

New TV Tonight

Evil: Season 4
Trying: Season 4
Tires: Season 1
Fairly OddParents: A New Wish: Season 1
Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A.: Season 1
Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza: Season 1
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory: Season 1
Mulligan: Season 2
The 1% Club: Season 1

Conan the Barbarian Reviews

In many ways silly and strident, it’s still marvelous barbarian pulp, a beefcake fantasy of myth and magic built from grandiose sets, a magnificent score (one of the best from composer Basil Poledouris) and endless he-man matches of blood and brawn.

Full Review | Aug 19, 2023

Instead of placating his audience with a safe, PG-rated adventure, Milius does the opposite and narrows his viewership with an R-rated epic driven by some heady ideas and a concentration on narrative over adventurous derring-do.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 9, 2023

Conan is terrible, a truly disappointing movie from beginning to end.

Full Review | Jul 28, 2022

This is a film that lives in moments: the attack on Conan’s village; the “crush your enemies” scene; Conan practicing his swordsmanship on a windswept steppe; all enveloped in Basil Poledouris’ stirring, stentorian, never-bettered score.

Full Review | Jun 7, 2022

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the muscle man, stars in this mythical beast of a movie, based on pulp magazine tales of the 1930s. He's good as Conan, and the film is technically splendid, especially in the long opening sequences.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 11, 2021

A dynamite movie for comic book fans... The moment Thulsa Doom turns into a snake will either thrill you or make you squirm, but you will watch in fascination.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 9, 2021

It doesn't possess the serious edge necessary to effectively realize the source material's formidable warrior (nor does it stay faithful to the origins and conquests).

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Aug 31, 2020

In the ongoing Sword-and-Sorcery Sweepstakes, while Conan is -- marginally -- less offensive -- because It Is less pretentious -- than Excalibur, It's nowhere near as good as Dragonslayer.

Full Review | Oct 17, 2019

Its plot is confusing and the production is limited. [Full Review in Spanish]

Full Review | Aug 22, 2019

[UPDATED 2024 4K + BLU-RAY REVIEW] A wooden Arnie is not yet seasoned enough to work up the charisma that would serve him well in later roles.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 4, 2015

essential 80s cinema with some amazing elements, including the unflinching violence for the time and the brilliant score by Basil Poledouris

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 26, 2013

Its magnificence stems from the very properties we should be condemning with all our might.

Full Review | Original Score: A | May 14, 2012

A classic tale is told through fascinating visuals, cheesy characters and good old fashioned muscle-bound strength.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Jan 29, 2012

A film that only wants to be described by the single adjective "awesome", though "epic" would do in a pinch.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 22, 2011

This primitive, mythic epic catapulted Schwarzenegger to movie stardom after being a famous body-builder.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Aug 19, 2011

...ironically undone by its star, a preening peacock eager to sow the seeds of self-parody with a well-placed camel punch.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 11, 2011

Visualizing Robert E. Howard's creation in the midst of the Reagan era is an offer the auteur can't refuse

Full Review | Nov 17, 2009

There is a real anticipation as Schwarzenegger is unveiled as the barbarian and sets off on the road to independence. But for whatever reasons, the actor has a minimum of dialog and fails to convey much about the character through his actions.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2009

OK sandals and loin cloth muscle adventure...which made Arnold a star.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 17, 2008

Match verdict: no goals, slow build-up, but much absorbing action off the ball.

Full Review | Jun 24, 2006

Screen Rant

All 7 conan the barbarian movies & shows, ranked worst to best.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Conan The Barbarian 3: Will It Happen? Everything We Know

All conan movies have the exact same problem (but there’s a fix), "bring it back to the streets": fast & furious 12 may return franchise to its la roots.

Despite numerous adaptations, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan remains the most iconic and successful portrayal on screen.
Conan's core identity as a wandering adventurer encountering various challenges remains consistent in most adaptations.
While some interpretations of Conan have fallen short, bold adaptations like "She Is Conann" have successfully refreshed the character's story.

Robert E. Howard's iconic character Conan has been adapted for film and television on several occasions, yet some interpretations have been significantly more successful than others. Despite being a staple of sword and sorcery fantasy fiction since the 1930s, it wasn't until Arnold Schwarzenegger assumed the role in the 80s that fans got to see the character fully realized on screen. In the years since, six further adaptations have arrived – each with its own strengths and flaws.

Understandably for a character that has been around for almost 100 years, Conan has evolved since his early iterations. However, despite some important changes in the intervening years, most movies and TV shows keep the character's core identity intact. Conan is usually depicted as a wanderer, who encounters many different peoples and monsters in his travels, rarely settling in one place for long. This allows his adventures to encompass all sorts of experiences – from the horrific to the thrilling. As such, the seven movies and TV shows to feature Conan have a wealth of different directions to explore.

Arnold Schwarzenegger could return to wield a sword in Conan the Barbarian 3, a.k.a. The Legend of Conan, but is the sequel actually going to happen?

7 Conan The Barbarian (2011)

Jason momoa's reinterpretation falls flat..

Hoped to be the renaissance the Conan movies desperately needed after decades of inactivity, 2011's Conan The Barbarian doubled-down on some of the franchise's worst tendencies. The script was almost universally criticized as blunt and cliché-ridden, while the movie's many action set-pieces were dismissed for their overreliance on CGI – explaining the movie's dismal 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That said, there were some minor upsides to the project. Jason Momoa's Conan was generally regarded as a solid Schwarzenegger replacement and the level of violence was at least on par with Howard's original vision.

6 Conan The Adventurer (1997)

Live-action series rips off genre hits.

There were two major issues with Syndication's short-lived Conan The Adventurer series. The first was that it fundamentally changed the essence of Conan's character, transforming him from a brooding and genuinely dangerous loner to part of a happy band of warriors sharing typically light-hearted adventures. The second was that the show was a blatant attempt to capitalize on the success of hits like Xena: Warrior Princess while offering little new to genre fans. The combination of these factors made Conan The Adventurer a disappointing missed opportunity, feeling more like a remake of the Conan cartoons than the original novels.

5 Conan And The Young Warriors (1994)

Cartoon sequel misinterprets the source material..

While fantasy epics can have broad appeal to younger audiences, the level of violence and adult content in Howard's original stories poses an obvious problem for would-be child-friendly adaptations. In the end, this proved to be the major obstacle for 1994's Conan and the Young Warriors animated series. Intended as a follow-up to the more successful Conan the Adventurer show, The Young Warriors was even more child-friendly in tone, representing a serious departure from Howard's vision. This explains why the show ran for just one series and 13 episodes.

4 Conan The Destroyer (1984)

Schwarzenegger's follow-up changes the formula.

Pursuing a theory that the original film's violence prevented even greater success, producer Dino De Laurentiis decided that Conan the Destroyer should have a much lighter tone – ordering extensive cuts to violent scenes to secure a PG rating. This decision proved to be the sequel's downfall. Not only did Schwarzenegger clearly struggle to adapt his hulking physicality to the movie's comedic sensibilities, but Conan the Destroyer lost the epic essence of what endeared audiences to the original film. While some critics found the movie's new tone more engaging, the movie sits at a fairly uninspiring 26% on Rotten Tomatoes – a marked step-down.

Even with stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa, the Conan the Barbarian movie adaptations lack the original source material’s spirit.

3 Conan The Adventurer (1992-1993)

A fun new direction for the classic character..

On one level, Conan the Adventurer is one of the least accurate adaptations of Howard's books to date. In the animated series, the titular warrior is a highly sanitized and family-friendly version of the original. However, despite these differences, Conan the Adventurer still managed to deliver a compelling, engaging take on the character within the constraints of kids' TV. The show was a hit with audiences and delivered generally faithful (albeit tonally different) adaptations of Howard's stories. Alongside shows like Dungeons & Dragons , Conan the Adventurer helped legitimize high fantasy as a genre suitable for younger audiences – however dark the source material.

2 She Is Conann (2023)

Bold adaptation reaps the rewards of taking risks..

Directed and written by French director Bertrand Mandico, She Is Conann is perhaps the least orthodox version of the Conan story released to date. Nevertheless, the 2023 is also one of the most successful – working not just as a reinterpretation of the source material, but on its own merit as a bombastic fantasy action flick. The gender-swapped movie centers on the life of Conann, a female warrior shown in individual vignettes at different ages of her life. Despite transforming the character, She is Conann successfully recaptures the brutal violence of the novels and revels in its fantasy setting.

1 Conan The Barbarian (1982)

The schwarzenegger original still stands apart, conan the barbarian (2011).

Conan The Barbarian, directed by Marcus Nispel, is a 2011 reboot of the classic sword-and-sorcery narrative. Jason Momoa stars as Conan, a warrior seeking vengeance for the murder of his father and the destruction of his village. The film explores Conan's journey across the mythical land of Hyboria, facing formidable foes and uncovering ancient secrets, with performances by Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, and Rose McGowan.

Despite some shortcomings, the original Arnold Schwarzenegger-led fantasy action blockbuster still rates as the best Conan movie or TV adaptation to date. For starters, the movie remains the best and most sincere attempt yet to replicate the feel of Howard's books – both narratively and tonally. Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast in the title role and has understandably defined the character for over 40 years.

A significant factor in Conan the Barbarian 's success is its enduring legacy. The film was arguably responsible for turning Schwarzenegger into a bonafide action star, catapulting him to mainstream recognition. The movie is also still hailed as one of the preeminent fantasy movies pre-Peter Jackson's game-changing The Lord of the Rings adaptations in the early 2000s. Although many Conan movies and TV shows have subsequently failed to do the character justice, Milius' 1982 hit proves that it is possible.

Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian is a multimedia franchise that began in 1931. Conan first appeared in the 1931 short Story "People of the Dark," but the character grew in popularity in the '80s when Arnold Schwarzenegger took on the character for two live-action films. Since then, multiple movies, TV shows, video games, and comic books have been released, centering on the titular character.

International edition
Australia edition
Europe edition

Conan the Barbarian – review

I n a land of chaos and ruin, where limbs are lopped off and stumps spout blood, and memories have faded of the hoary Arnold Schwarzenegger films of old, the hour has come to wheel Robert E Howard's barbarian action hero back out of retirement. As played by Baywatch graduate Jason Momoa, Conan possesses "the heart of a king, the loyalty of a bloodhound" and the air of a peeved, preening surfer who can't find the beach. He's on a mission to save the ancient world and avenge his father's death, battling an evil warlock and his witchy daughter (Rose McGowan, having fun). But it's not all sorcery and swordplay. Along the way, Conan finds brief moments of respite, whether it be arm-wrestling his brawny buddy into chuckling submission or carousing with the sort of nubile slave girls who look as if they were abducted on their way to a swimwear photo-shoot. In this regard, the Conan upgrade is entirely in keeping with the spirit of the original pulp novels and comic-book spin-offs – all of which shone a similarly inquisitive light on those learned genre tenets of gore-porn and what scholars refer to as "teen-masturbatory erotica". Even so, Marcus Nispel's film is too relentlessly one note and too abidingly cheesy to stay the course. Here is a tale in which battle sequence spawns battle sequence and where the dialogue is rendered all-but unintelligible under the din of clashing steel and the screams of the mutilated. Towards the end, Conan finally finds the beach, only to be immediately accosted by a pack of whirling-dervish sand monsters. Bummer.

Action and adventure films

Comments (…)

Or browse by category:

Get the app
Movie Reviews
Best Movie Lists
Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best TV Lists
Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for TV
Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book Reviews
Best Book Lists
Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Game Reviews
Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Podcast Reviews
Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

App Reviews
Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

YouTube Channel Reviews
YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

Explaining the News to Our Kids

Family Tech Planners
Digital Skills
All Articles
Latino Culture
Black Voices
Asian Stories
Native Narratives
LGBTQ+ Pride
Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Conan the barbarian, common sense media reviewers.

Gruesomely violent sword-and-sorcery tale is terrible.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Conan is mostly motivated by revenge, and he achie

Conan occasionally works with others, but he mostl

The movie's gruesome violence may be fantasy relat

Conan rescues several topless slave women and brin

Language is infrequent but includes one use of "s-

After a victory, Conan and his friend drink heavy

Positive Messages

Conan is mostly motivated by revenge, and he achieves his goals through violence. Women are treated as objects, and women and children are sometimes the targets of violence.

Positive Role Models

Conan occasionally works with others, but he mostly looks after himself. He's primarily motivated by revenge and uses violence to achieve his goals; he leaves destruction in his wake and doesn't pay any price for that.

Violence & Scariness

The movie's gruesome violence may be fantasy related, but it's still graphic and bloody, with children and women sometimes the targets. In the first few minutes, a pregnant woman is stabbed in the belly, and viewers see a shot from inside the womb (the sword enters near the baby, and blood begins to fill the womb). There's constant fighting, bashing, burning, stabbing, slicing, whipping, slaying, brain-spattering, and nose-slicing, plus severed heads and limbs, with large amounts of blood. A man is left with a key in his stomach, with the intention that slaves will slice him open to obtain the key to their freedom -- and more.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Conan rescues several topless slave women and brings them to a tavern to celebrate. Some of them dance on tabletops, and they're on view for long moments. Later, Conan has a full-fledged softcore sex scene. It's softly lit, with frequent dissolves and very little actual nudity, but it's very clear that the couple is having sex (there's thrusting). Afterward, there's a gratuitous shot of Conan's naked behind.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language is infrequent but includes one use of "s--t." "Hell" is used once, and possibly "whore" (though that word comes during a particularly noisy scene, and it's hard to hear).

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

After a victory, Conan and his friend drink heavy amounts of something alcoholic (mead?) from large mugs. They appear spirited but not really drunk.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this extremely violent sword-and-sorcery tale -- which was inspired by Robert E. Howard's 1930s pulp stories, as well as 1970s comic books and two Arnold Schwarzenegger movies from the 1980s -- is in no way a kid-friendly comic book adaptation. There's tons of gruesome blood and gore, including severed heads and body parts, stabbings, bashings, slayings, violence aimed at women and children (including an unborn baby), and many other brutal acts, all of which are even more intense when seen in the movie's 3D version. Conan is motivated by revenge and relies on all of this violence to solve his problems. Women in general are treated like props; several are shown topless for long moments, and there's what amounts to a softcore sex scene. Language is infrequent but includes one use of "s--t," and the heroes drink something alcoholic (mead?) when celebrating. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

Parents say (13)
Kids say (8)

Based on 13 parent reviews

This movie requires others to own a conviction. Conviction in everyday life, we all have our own Crom. The level of teaching momemts are readily available for parents struggling to explain adulthood.

I would rather watch paint dry., what's the story.

In the Hyborian age of swords and sorcery, Conan is born during a bloody battle. As a boy, his village is slaughtered by the evil Khalar Zym ( Stephen Lang ), whose goal is to collect all the pieces of a powerful mask. Years later, when Conan has grown into a man ( Jason Momoa ), he seeks his revenge. Meanwhile, Khalar Zym and his sorceress daughter ( Rose McGowan ) are hunting for a "pureblood," Tamara ( Rachel Nichols ), whom they need to help them complete a terrifying ritual. Can Conan find and stop the bad guy and rescue the girl before it's too late?

Is It Any Good?

Directed by Marcus Nispel , this movie (which would be more aptly named Gron-an the Barbarian ) is terrible, terrible, terrible. It starts with stale dialogue, which is delivered badly by all the actors. (Momoa tries for a steely gaze, but he winds up with a silly leer.) The lazy, ridiculous story would have been rejected by the pulps. The action sequences are clunky and incomprehensible, not to mention poorly paced, and the 3D effects are like flat images in a pop-up book.

That could have been the worst of it -- and indeed, that's plenty to make audiences howl with unintentional laughter -- but Nispel goes even further. He has delivered perhaps the most gruesomely violent movie of the year; it's extreme and horrifying. Last, though hardly least, is the movie's despicable treatment of women as props and women and children as the targets of brutal violence. Even the Schwarzenegger movies were better. Don't be conned by this Conan .

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the movie's extreme violence . Is it shocking? Why did the filmmakers choose to go over the top? What makes it more extreme than what you see in other fantasy/action movies?

Is Conan a role model? What positive traits does he show? What negative ones? Are viewers intended to admire him?

If you've seen earlier Conan movies, how does this one compare? Is it more extreme? Why do you think that is? Is it the filmmaker's decision or a reflection of how culture has changed?

Movie Details

In theaters : August 19, 2011
On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2011
Cast : Jason Momoa , Rachel Nichols , Ron Perlman
Director : Marcus Nispel
Inclusion Information : Indigenous actors, Polynesian/Pacific Islander actors, Female actors
Studio : Lionsgate
Genre : Action/Adventure
Run time : 102 minutes
MPAA rating : R
MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, some sexuality and nudity
Last updated : February 8, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

King Arthur

Best action movies for kids, best epic movies.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Conan the Barbarian (United States, 1982)

Know, O Prince, that between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis and the gleaming cities, and the years of the rise of the sons of Aryas, there was an age undreamed of... Hither came Conan the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen eyed, sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled thrones of the Earth under his sandled feet. -- The Nemedian Chronicles

Conan the Barbarian was one of the most anticipated releases of 1982, especially by those who considered themselves fantasy/science fiction aficionados. Conan, the pulp hero created by Robert E. Howard in the 1930s, was at the height of his popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During those years, the so-called "Swords and Sorcery" genre was experiencing a boom (in part due to the growth of a new role playing game called "Dungeons & Dragons" and in part because of the increased number of book titles available in mainstream stores). In addition to the dozen "original" paperbacks detailing Conan's exploits (compilations penned by Howard, L. Sprague De Camp, and Lin Carter), there were several new novels, and at least three comic books: "Conan the Barbarian", "King Conan", and "The Savage Sword of Conan."

Conan began life nearly 70 years ago in the pages of the magazine Weird Tales . Before his suicide in 1936 at the age of 30, Howard completed or began more than two dozen Conan stories, 18 of which were published. Of all the mythical heroes he wrote about, including the likes of King Kull and Solomon Kane, Conan was the most popular. In the late 1960s, L. Sprague De Camp and Lin Carter, two established authors who admired Howard's work, engaged in a massive project to organize and clean-up the existing Conan canon, as well as write new stories to fill in chronological gaps. This resulted in a 12 volume series that has been in print since it hit bookstore shelves in the 1967-68 time period.

Conan the Barbarian is designed to entertain both fans of the Howard stories and those who are unfamiliar with the character. The movie takes place some 12,000 years ago, during a legendary era when magic was real, monsters wandered the land, and the gods occasionally walked the Earth. Borrowing liberally from the official Conan canon, the film chronicles the barbarian's early years, beginning with the sacking of his village and the murder of his parents, and ending with his vengeance upon his first great enemy. Elements of several Howard stories have made their way into the screenplay (penned by director John Milius and Oliver Stone - yes, that Oliver Stone). Fans will particularly notice similarities to "The Thing in the Crypt", "The Elephant Tower", "Queen of the Black Coast", and "A Witch Shall Be Born."

Milius' greatest success with Conan the Barbarian was creating an entirely new and believable world. The settings are spectacular, the special effects are low key but effective, and the costumes and accoutrements have the proper feel for the era. In short, Conan's land, a lavishly detailed, long-ago place, feels as real as modern-day New York City. It's the kind of world where high adventure, magical intrigue, and heroic battles can take place without ever threatening our suspension of disbelief. Milius may have made some mistakes in his approach to Conan, but this is not one of them.

Another wise choice was hiring Basil Poledouris to compose the music. Dino De Laurentiis, the man ultimately responsible for bringing Conan to the screen, wanted a pop music soundtrack, but Milius argued for something more traditional. In the end, the director won, and the result was one of the best scores of the '80s. Poledouris' music, which includes both choral and instrumental compositions, is powerful and perfectly wedded to the material. It's hard to imagine the film being as entertaining without this element of its production.

The plot is broad and adventurous, with plenty of the elements that have made Conan popular: voluptuous women, brawny men, a vile wizard, grotesque monsters, faithful sidekicks, and plenty of violent, bloody battle action. Those who have an inherent distaste for this sort of entertainment will appreciate Conan the Barbarian 's impeccable production values without enjoying the story; most everyone else will be swept away by the film's spectacle. Conan is not designed to have broad appeal. It is a well-made motion picture, but it is constricted by the constraints of the genre.

As the movie opens, Conan (Jorge Sanz), is a boy learning the "Riddle of Steel" from his father. Shortly thereafter, the young barbarian is in chains, a prisoner of the wizard Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and his henchman, Rexor (Ben Davidson), who have burned down his village and killed his parents. Conan grows up as a slave, and, once he is an adult (now played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), he becomes a gladiator champion and is used to breed prime slave stock. Eventually, his owner, fearing Conan's physical prowess, sets him free. After stealing a sword from a crypt and picking up a thief sidekick named Subotai (Gerry Lopez), he heads for the riches of civilization. In the city of Zamora, he meets Valeria, Queen of the Thieves (Sandahl Bergman), and, with her help, robs the Tower of the Serpent. He and Valeria become lovers, but Conan is only temporarily sated by gold, drink, and sex. The flame of revenge burns within him, and he is given valuable information to find Thulsa Doom when King Osrik (Max von Sydow), the ruler of Zamora, summons him to the palace with a proposition.

The level of acting is definitely not one of Conan the Barbarian 's strong suits (although it is significantly better here than in the sequel, Conan the Destroyer ). Despite having extremely limited range, Arnold Schwarzenegger is actually an excellent choice for the lead. The only things required of Schwarzenegger are that he flexes his muscles, looks good in a fight, and grunts an occasional line of dialogue - all of which he does capably. There's no great emotional depth to the part, and Milius does not demand that Schwarzenegger reach beyond the bounds of his talent. The role was a breakthrough for the bodybuilder-turned-actor. Previously relegated to muscle-bound parts in cheesy movies, Conan put him on the fast track. Only two years later, he would star in James Cameron's The Terminator .

Schwarzenegger wasn't the only non-actor to appear in Conan the Barbarian . Dancer Sandahl Bergman matches him for woodenness. Mako and Gerry Lopez, playing Conan's sidekicks, are on hand primarily for comic relief. Two performers of some stature appear in the credits. The first, James Earl Jones, makes an adequate villain, although there are too few scenes in which he radiates true evil. Instead of going over-the-top, Jones' interpretation of Doom is subdued, which limits his effectiveness. Meanwhile, Max von Sydow has an entertaining turn as grizzled King Osrik. Von Sydow, the Ingmar Bergman regular, seems oddly at home in a part that some would regard as beneath him.

To date, Conan the Barbarian has been one of the few successful Swords and Sorcery movies to reach theaters. Other contenders (like Willow, Dragonheart , and Kull the Conqueror ) have failed to follow in Conan 's broad footsteps. The reasons for this film's effectiveness are not difficult to understand. It treats its characters and subject matter seriously without becoming lugubrious. There is some humor, but it is mostly underplayed, and Milius avoids any overt suggestions of camp. Conan the Barbarian is also adult in nature - the battles are bloody and the women take their clothes off. Most movies of the genre (including the Conan sequel) veer off into comic book territory, failing to treat their protagonists with dignity and cleaning things up to obtain the coveted PG-13 rating. Instead of the slightly overblown epic aura of Conan , most other films adopt a jokey tone. Even 17 years after its release, Conan the Barbarian still weaves a spell capable of ensorcelling fans of fantasy adventure.

Comments Add Comment

Avatar (2022 Re-Release) (2022)
Okja (2017)
Hobbit, The: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Alice through the Looking Glass (2016)
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Seige Tale (2008)
Darkest Minds, The (2018)
Terminator, The (1984)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
True Lies (1994)
Junior (1994)
Batman and Robin (1997)
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)
Lion King, The (1994)
Sommersby (1993)
Star Wars Holiday Special, The (1978)
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008)
Coming 2 America (2021)
Minority Report (2002)
Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The (2007)
Hamsun (1969)
Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Judge Dredd (1995)
Robin Hood (2010)

an image, when javascript is unavailable

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

Conan the barbarian: film review.

The latest incarnation of Robert E. Howard's barbarian of prehistory stars Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang and Rose McGorwan.

By Kirk Honeycutt

Kirk Honeycutt

Share this article on Facebook
Share this article on Twitter
Share this article on Flipboard
Share this article on Email
Show additional share options
Share this article on Linkedin
Share this article on Pinit
Share this article on Reddit
Share this article on Tumblr
Share this article on Whatsapp
Share this article on Print
Share this article on Comment

The actioner is Lionsgate's sole summer event pic. The mini-major is hoping to relaunch the sword-and-sorcery franchise made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new "Conan" puts Jason Momoa in the lead role.

The new Conan the Barbarian may be the first film — and the first of many, one fears — to be aimed entirely at video gamers. The filmmakers throw story and character to the wind to send an avatar into a field of continual battle to slay enemies coming from all sides. Every rip of his sword sends a fountain of blood into the air and every gouge, punch and back flip comes with amplified sound effects.

Say what you will about John Milius’ 1982 version of Conan , that film at least had a concept. Milius, long a student of Japanese culture, brought pulp fiction writer Robert E. Howard’s homoerotic, misogynistic barbarian of prehistory to the screen with influences of the warrior code of bushido and cinematic overtones of John Ford and Akira Kurosawa to create a Nietzschian display of unfettered male virility. The new film is merely dedicated to unfettered carnage in 3D.

THR Newsletters

More from The Hollywood Reporter

‘lula’ review: oliver stone chronicles the dramatic rise, fall and rise again of brazil’s current president, emotional david cronenberg unveils horror-filled meditation on grief ‘the shrouds’ at cannes, mark wahlberg’s ‘flight risk’ movie from director mel gibson lands fall 2024 release, ‘the shrouds’ review: vincent cassel and diane kruger star in david cronenberg’s sincere but undercooked sci-fi drama, ryan reynolds was “surprised” and “grateful” disney allowed r-rating for ‘deadpool & wolverine’, lucy hale jets off to ‘good life’ for director bonnie rodini and angel oak films.

Every American Superhero Movie From the 1980s, Ranked

Many great American superhero movies were released to theaters in the 1980s. Here they all are, ranked from the worst to the best.

While superhero movies have come to dominate cinemas in the 2000s and beyond, the genre dates back to the 1940s with the Adventures of Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Batman serials. Still, even up until the release of 1978's Superman, the genre was still in a niche.

Heroes like Superman and Hulk managed to increase interest, and by the '80s , the genre was starting to accumulate a larger audience and show mainstream viability. This sparked greater interest worldwide, causing a slew of hero-led cinema to be released , trying to capture the success of the American hero. We will look at American-made superhero films from the decade to encapsulate this era.

While we would love to tackle all films that loosely fit the description of a superhero, we have made some exclusions to get a more strict definition. "Sword and Sorcery" films will not be included, leaving out icons like Conan the Barbarian. We are also going to approach sci-fi cautiously, leaving out both Flash Gordon and Buckaroo Banzai. Finally, made-for-TV movies that saw The Incredible Hulk and Batman get extended episodes from their TV series will be left out.

Here are all 20 American theatrical superhero movies from the '80s ranked.

20 Super Fuzz (1980)

A rookie police officer named Dave Speed (Terence Hill) gains superpowers—strength, invulnerability, speed, etc.—after being exposed to radiation from a nuclear explosion. Along with his skeptical partner, Willy Dunlop (Ernest Borgnine), he begins to clean up the streets against a ruthless mob. However, when it is revealed that seeing red causes 'super fuzz' to lose his powers, he soon finds himself in a series of awkward and hilarious scenarios as his powers cut in and out.

Slapstick Superhero Comedy

While landing at the bottom of our list, there is still an audience for Super Fuzz among those who love slapstick and silly comedies. At the same time, the humor has not withstood the test of time as much as other spoof movies from the '80s, which still maintain a cult following today; Airplane came out the same year.

Still, Ernest Borgnine and Terence Hill are a great pairing here, and the movie's comedy is not entirely flat for the modern audience. You will have to approach this one expecting nothing but campiness and silliness. Stream Super Fuzz on Prime or Tubi .

10 Best Buddy Cop Duos, Ranked

19 superman iv: the quest for peace (1987).

Superman is tasked with ridding the world of nuclear weapons, which puts him in the path of several opponents vying for power. This includes the recently released Lex Luthor, whose profits from the industry are hurt by Superman's mission. To stop The Man of Steel, Luthor clones him using some of his hair, resulting in the supervillain, Nuclear Man, who challenges Superman in a fight in space.

The End of an Era of Superman

Christopher Reeve's Superman defined the '70s and '80s when it came to superhero films, so this entry, being a poor conclusion to that legacy, is kind of a bummer for fans of America's greatest hero. The budget here was greatly less than the previous entries, resulting in subpar effects work.

The plot was considered preachy and full of plot holes, and poor Nuclear Man exists as the worst villain ever to challenge Superman. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is therefore only worth watching for the completist and is by far the worst of the Christopher Reeve-led Superman movies. Stream Superman IV: The Quest for Peace on Max .

18 The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)

A tongue-in-cheek sequel to the 1982 movie Swamp Thing sees the eco-conscious creature returning to fight a new threat. After falling in love with a vegetarian who shares his love of nature, the green hero conflicts with her father, who happens to be the evil scientist who created him. The Return of Swamp Thing offered a more comedic take on the DC Comics character made famous in the infamous print run by Grant Morrison.

One of DC's Darkest Heroes Goes Silly

Director Jim Wynorski is infamous for making b-movies that range from unwatchable to entertaining, with career highlights like Chopping Mall and Munchie . Add in his many spoofs like The Bare Wench Project and Scream Queen Hot Tub Party , and you should know what kind of content you are approaching with this superhero outing.

That said, The Return of Swamp Thing is probably one of the best films in the director's massive filmography; campy and silly in all the right ways. Stream The Return of Swamp Thing on Peacock or Tubi.

17 Robot Ninja (1989)

After bearing witness to a horrible assault against a woman, depressed and struggling comic book artist Leonard decides to take matters into his own hands against the out-of-hand gangs ruining his city. He turns to a scientist, Dr. Hubert Goodknight, to transform him into a real-life version of his comic book creation, Robot Ninja. However, Leonard soon learns that the superhero game is not cut and dry.

Shot on Video Bleakness

J.R. Bookwalter's Robot Ninja will be one of those films you love or hate. Shot on video , the movie is put together on a shoestring budget and will lack the polish many fans of the genre crave. Moreover, the movie is surprisingly bleak, with Leonard's plight being more often marked by failure and pain than success as he tries to step into the role of a hero.

Still, for those who love the gritty aesthetic of low-budget cinema and like darker tales of superheroes, this one may very well surprise you. Stream Robot Ninja on Tubi .

16 Sheena (1984)

After her parents are killed by a cave-in, leaving their youngest child, Janet, behind, the youth is raised by a tribe called the Zambouli. Deemed to be a hero of prophecy, the tribe raises her as Sheena, teaching her to communicate with animals to keep them safe.

This is put to the test when Sheena's adoptive mother is framed for murder by the evil Prince Otwani, who is looking for a means to take over the Zambouli's land. With the aid of reporter Vic Casey, Sheena must fight to clear her mother's name and save her land.

Commercial Flop to Cult Favorite

Legendary director John Guillermin, who brought the likes of King Kong to the screen, certainly fell flat with his attempt to bring the Will Eisner superhero to the screen. Sheena was critically panned for its nonsensical plot, poor acting, and general cheesiness that was not appreciated at the time of release.

However, the film saw a slight cult resurgence thanks to its overt camp, and actor Tanya Roberts found appreciation for her screen presence and physical prowess rather than her acting abilities. Stream Sheena on Prime .

15 The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989)

Down in the dumps, Toxie is trying to figure out how to pay for eye surgery for his girlfriend Claire to restore her sight. This leads the Toxic Avenger to become a new spokesperson for the corrupt chemical company Apocalypse Inc. to help raise funds. However, the Toxic Avenger soon finds himself caught up in a yuppie lifestyle and loses his way. Once he learns that his new boss is the devil in disguise, Toxie has a new enemy and is called, once again, to save the people of Tromaville.

A Generation of Toxic Heroism Patters Out

The Toxic Avenger became the face of Troma entertainment, and for good reason. The mix of crass humor and gross-out gore spoke to horror and cult comedy fans alike. However, by the third and final entry of the 1980s, the radioactive superhero was starting to falter among even the most dedicated.

The formula was a bit tiresome, and it was objectively not as good as the previous films in the franchise. It is still worth a watch for those wanting to consume all the toxic waste they can, but it is not necessarily a highlight in the impressive career of the Toxic Avenger. Stream The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie on Peacock, Shudder, or Tubi .

20 Weirdest Superhero Movies of All Time

14 condorman (1981).

Woodrow Wilkins, a comic book illustrator, decides to bring one of his creations to life when he dons the moniker and wings of Condorman . Wilkins then finds himself recruited by the CIA to help in the defection of a former Soviet KGB agent named Natalia Rambova from the grips of the ruthless Krokov.

Disney's Early Dabblings in Superhero Movies

Condorman is a pretty by-the-numbers superhero movie with little grit or intrigue to draw the audience into the world of superheroes; it was met with a lukewarm reception on release. That said, there is a certain comfort in a superhero under the eye of early Disney , where they put an emphasis on family-friendly entertainment.

The gadgets and costumes, while outdated now, have their own charms, and you can see the inklings of a greater superhero that just never managed to fully take flight. Including the infamous British rebel Oliver Reed as the villain will be enough reason for some to check this one out. Rent Condorman on Apple TV, Prime or YouTube .

13 Howard the Duck (1986)

Howard the duck.

Hailing from a world of intelligent duck people, Howard is transported to the parallel Earth and lands in Clevland, Ohio. Howard befriends a struggling rock singer named Beverly and a nerdy scientist named Phil, and the three soon find themselves facing off against an alien invasion led by the evil Dark Overlord. Utilizing his sardonic wit and 'Quack Fu,' Howard assists his friends in saving the world.

Can't Keep a Good Duck Down

Howard the Duck is almost synonymous with the ' box office bomb ,' having lost a substantial amount and released to critical scorn. Still, the movie has developed a cult following, with many loving the comedic misadventures of the wisecracking, anthropomorphic duck.

It is difficult to say that the film has aged well with time, and a degree of nostalgia might be in play for those who appreciate the Hollywood oddity, but it does have its charms and is worth watching at least once. Rent Howard the Duck on Apple TV, Prime, or YouTube .

12 Supergirl (1984)

Supergirl (1984).

*Availability in US

Not available

After losing a powerful orb, Kara Zor-El is sent to Earth to retrieve it for her people. Upon arriving, the young Kryptonian learns she has the same powers as her famous superhero cousin, Superman, and soon dons the Supergirl moniker. Her search for the orb soon becomes a fight as a powerful witch using occult magic also seeks the orb's power.

Supergirl is a bit of a frustrating outing. Helen Slater is perfect in the role, and the movie has a wonderful score from Jerry Goldsmith. It had a budget to back it up, giving it decent effects rivaling her more popular cousin. However, there are a lot of inconsistencies and a flimsy plot that weighs this one down, making it, overall, middling.

Still, with a lighthearted, upbeat tone and a great lead in Helen Slater, Supergirl still stands out among others of the decade. Rent Supergirl on Apple TV, Prime, or YouTube .

The Toughest Female Superheroes, Ranked

11 hero at large (1980).

A hopeful yet struggling actor, Steve Nichols, changes his life after he makes the news after stopping a robbery. The press deems him a real-life superhero, given his act of bravery happened while wearing the costume of "Captain Avenger," a superhero character from a film he was hired to help promote.

Steve decides to embrace the role out of a general passion for helping others and trying to impress the girl he has a crush on. As the community embraces him, he finds being a superhero more difficult than he thought when his life becomes threatened.

A Comedic Gem from the '80s

Starring comedy staple of the era, John Ritter, Hero At Large is a somewhat forgotten gem of the comedy genre. It leans largely on Ritter's infectious personality, which shines as a hopeful yet naive superhero struggling with his newfound stardom. However, the upbeat tone and humor are consistently entertaining, making it a well-rounded comedy . It won't blow viewers away, but it deserves more love in the scope of '80s superhero movies. Stream Hero at Large on Tubi .

10 Wild Thing (1987)

After his parents are murdered by drug dealers in front of their child, the young kid withdraws into the streets, where he raises himself among violence and poverty. Years later, and now an adult, the man known as 'Wild Thing' emerges to help the residents who are being terrorized by violent gangs and drug dealers. With his knowledge of the streets and physical prowess, Wild Thing soon emerges as a champion of the people.

Tarzan of the Urban Jungle

Batman meets Tarzan, Wild Thing may not entirely capitalize on this wonderful amalgamation of ideas. Still, cool elements are abundant here, from the bleak, almost dystopian backdrop of the area known as "the zone" to Wild Thing's various tools to extract justice.

The script by writer/director John Sayles (Lone Star (1996), Brother from Another Planet ) is solid, and the performances are memorable. It's a mostly forgotten superhero film of the '80s that deserves re-discovery. Stream Wild Thing on Streampix .

9 The Wraith (1986)

A small town's teens are terrorized by Packard and his gang, who force people into deadly races to 'win' their cars off of them. When this con leads to the death of one man, he soon comes back in the form of a mysterious, armored, gun-wielding hero driving a black Tubro Inceptor. Now, Packard and his gang start to get slowly picked off one by one as the vengeful 'Wraith' evades the local authorities and brings hope to those abused by Packard and his gang.

Vengeance from Beyond

While slightly too on the nose with a by-the-numbers plot and villains so despicable that it is difficult to take them seriously, The Wraith still succeeds thanks to its strong visual presence and cathartic revenge story . Its starring of a young Charlie Sheen and Nick Cassavetes makes for perfect '80s nostalgia-soaked entertainment.

The fact that the Wraith is an original hero is also a pleasant surprise, as the origin story feels like it is pulled straight from the pages of a comic book. Stream The Wraith on Starz or Plex .

Best Revenge Movies of All Time, Ranked

8 the toxic avenger part ii (1989).

The Toxic Avenger is tricked into heading to Japan to find his estranged father. In Tokyo, he befriends a girl named Masami, and the two face all manner of bizarre monsters and henchmen. At the same time, with Tromaville without its protector, the evil company Apocalypse Inc. uses Toxie's absence to launch its own terrorist attack against the radioactive town. Will Toxie escape Tokyo and return in time to save his beloved Tromaville?

Radioactive Comedy

While the initial Toxic Avenger had its share of absurd and dark humor, the franchise's direction after the first began to focus almost entirely on crass comedy and gross-out practical effects. This proved to be very successful for the second film in the franchise, and it cemented Toxic Avenger as a more comedic hero than his more grim origin story. For fans of crass comedy, The Toxic Avenger II is a treat. Stream Toxic Avenger II on Peacock, Shudder, or Tubi .

7 Superman III (1983)

Superman iii.

A corrupt billionaire, Ross Webster, hires a down-on-his-luck computer programmer, Gus, to help him gain control of a highly advanced supercomputer and a powerful weather satellite that will allow him to start a nuclear war between nations. However, Gus has a change of mind and reaches out to Superman for help. The evil billionaire already, forseeing this interference, uses a corrupted clone to try to stop the Man of Steel and ruin his reputation.

The Last Great Christopher Reeve Superman Movie

While the third film in the Superman franchise led by Christopher Reeve was met with mixed reception due to its over-reliance on slapstick and rehashing past plot points, Superman III is still a fun entry in the series.

Christopher Reeve is still impeccable in the role, and the inclusion of Annette O'Toole as Lana Lang gave the movie a memorable romance to help offset the overt silliness of the movie. Including Richard Pryor as Gus is also a treat here, as even though his role is minor, some of the movie's best comedic moments come from the veteran stand-up's performance. Stream Superman III on Max .

6 The Wizard of Speed and Time (1989)

An aspiring special effects creator named Mike Jittlov (played by Jittlov himself) is looking to break into Hollywood with his years of self-taught special effects know-how. However, as an outsider, he finds a system that at every turn tells him he can't participate.

When he meets with a dying studio, causing two producers to bet on his success, he is given a chance to have a short in an upcoming feature about Hollywood's best special effects artists in the industry. Mike has to pull off the impossible with no money and a limited time restraint.

A Super Hero in His Own Mind

Largely lost to time (pun intended), Mike Jittlov's passion project certainly flew under the radar, but it still exists as one of the most unique movies of the '80s. While largely a satirical comedy on the state of Hollywood , The Wizard of Speed and Time is loaded with feats of heroism thanks to Jittlov's array of gadgets and his ability to tap into super speed and teleportation using his homespun special effects.

The movie also resonates with a love of all things superheroes, with Jittlov being the obvious product of someone who grew up lost in comics. The Wizard of Speed and Time is not available for rent or streaming .

5 The Punisher (1989)

Skipping over an origin story, The Punisher exists in a world where the titular vigilante is already trying to clean up a dirty city. Having disrupted the mobsters by stopping their operations at every turn, things become more violent when the Yakuza decides to take over the city, giving Frank Castle a new deadly enemy. Still, nothing will stop the one-man army from keeping New York City safe.

Gritty and Violent

The placement of The Punisher so high on this list may be contentious for some, given that the action film is cliché and drenched in so much machismo, with Dolph Lundgren as the brooding muscular lead. Still, those who love action movies of the '80s and '90s with big, overtly masculine men kickin' a ***, shooting guns, and trash-talking will love how violent and explosive this one gets.

Dolph Lundgren is perfect in the role, and the film is under 90 minutes long with non-stop action, ensuring ample entertainment that does not overstay its welcome. The Punisher is currently unavailable for stream or rent .

45 Best Action Movies of All Time, Ranked

4 swamp thing (1982), swamp thing.

After an accident in his lab, Alec Holland is exposed to a secret formula of his own creation, and he is transformed into the monstrous 'Swamp Thing.' When the aptly named Dr. Arcane tries to steal the formula to achieve immortality, Alec emerges to fight the evil scientist and his henchman to stop them from harnessing the power he created. Along the way, he falls for Arcane's daughter, Abby, and he slowly begins to reveal himself to her.

Wes Craven's Take on a Fan-Favorite Comic Creation

While still a slightly silly take on the dark, environmentalist hero Swamp Thing , horror maestro Wes Craven did a much better job adapting Swamp Thing to the screen than the previously mentioned Jim Wynorski entry. There is the right amount of B-movie camp here, including scenes of Swamp Thing driving a jeep or emerging through a faucet for a surprise attack, and the humor is pretty sharp.

Of course, having the screen goddess of the era, Adrienne Barbeau, as the romantic interest certainly does not hurt the longevity of Swamp Thing on top of carrying Wes Craven's name. Stream Swamp Thing on Prime or Tubi .

3 The Toxic Avenger (1984)

The toxic avenger.

Melvin is an awkward and nerdy janitor who finds himself the constant target of bullying. One day, this escalates to the point where he is thrown out of the window into a vat of Toxic Waste, which sees him transform into a hideous monster. Trying to hide, he comes upon a small shack where a blind woman lives, and he soon starts a romantic relationship with her. This gives him the courage to don The Toxic Avenger moniker and change Tromaville for the better.

The People's Superhero

The Toxic Avenger franchise has certainly had its ups and downs, and it recently resurgence with the 2023 reboot of the same name. Still, the first film remains the perfect balance of gore, action, tragedy, and radioactive paranoia. This movie put Troma on the map , cementing the production company as the premier home for cult entertainment, and launched a surprise successful media empire: cartoon adaptation, action figures, comics, etc.

The Toxic Avenger is undeniably silly and crass, but it is also a memorable origins story backed by great characters and special effects. It may be a cult hit, but it is still one of the greatest superhero movies of the '80s. Stream The Toxic Avenger on Peacock, Shudder, or Tubi .

2 Superman II (1980)

Superman ii.

Three villainous Kryptonians, General Zod, Ursa, and Non, escape from the Phantom Zone and come to Earth seeking revenge. Learning they receive the same powers as Superman, the trio begins to wreak havoc. Meanwhile, Superman, having given up his powers to be with Louis Lane, struggles to find a way to combat the new threat to his beloved Metropolis.

One of the Best Superhero Sequels

One can rarely say a sequel outdoes the original, but Superman II makes a case for it. Offering more of what audiences loved in the 1978 Superman movie, the relationship between Clark and Lois (Cristopher Reeve and Margot Kidder) is at its best and most delightful here, and the special effects continued to impress audiences with its large-scale chaos in Metropolis.

Director Richard Lester also conjured up a tighter and more engaging narrative than the original, and the villainous Zod is one of the best ever to grace the genre. This would have been an easy pick for the best superhero movie of the '80s if not for the decade going out with our top pick. Stream Superman II on Max .

15 Best Superhero Sequels of All Time, Ranked

1 batman (1989), batman (1989).

Tim Burton's take on Batman, in a slight re-telling using the red-hood origin , has become a classic of the '80s. The movie pits the Bat against his greatest foe, the Joker, as 'The Clown Prince of Crime' terrorizes Gotham.

The Joker accomplishes this by lacing hygiene products with a deadly toxin called "Smylex," which causes its victims to die laughing. At the same time, the Joker takes a liking to Bruce Wayne's romantic interest in Vicki Vale, making it both a matter of saving Gotham and the one he loves as the caped crusader tries to stop the Joker.

Easily the Best Superhero Movie of the '80s

Burton's Batman is an obvious pick here. Sneaking in at the end of the 1980s, it would become one of the definitive superhero movies, even outperforming any movie in the Superman franchise. The atmosphere, the perfect performances from Micheal Keaton, Jack Nicolson, and Kim Basinger, and the spot-on score combined to make Batman the definitive superhero movie of the era.

There were a lot of great superhero movies in the 1980s, but Batman is by far the best. Stream Batman on Prime or Max .

REVIEW: Conan the Barbarian Battle of the Black Stone by Jim Zub (W) and Jonas Scharf (A)

Graphic Novel Reviews
May 18, 2024
By Robin Marx

Set some years after the events of the current Conan the Barbarian story arc, Conan is shown working out of Fort Tuscelan, defending the frontier outpost from incessant attacks by the Picts (making this story a prequel to the 1935 Robert E. Howard story “Beyond the Black River”). Raids have been a constant threat since the kingdom of Aquilonia carved out the province of Conajohara from the Pictish wilderness, but Conan is troubled by their growing frequency and intensity. After defeating a particularly formidable foe, he discovers evidence of dark forces at work: a medallion carved with a strange “searing eye” symbol. Laying eyes on the sigil causes a flood of memories to rush over to Conan: recollections of his deadly encounters with the malignant Black Stone and its undead minions. Simultaneously, in other lands and eras distant from Conan’s Hyborian Age, other heroes have their own encounters with the mysterious searing eye…

Conan the Barbarian FCBD 2024: Battle of the Black Stone

While I’m excited to see the direction in which Jim Zub takes the story, while reading this issue I had a distinct sense of déjà vu. Back in 2019, when Marvel Comics still had the license for the character, Zub penned a title called Conan: Serpent War . The four-issue miniseries involved snake-worshipping cultists attempting to summon a malign god, an interdimensional and epoch-spanning threat that compelled Conan to join forces with some of Howard’s other characters, Solomon Kane and Dark Agnes de Chastillon, with James Allison appearing as part of the framing device. While there are some new additions, the Battle of the Black Stone prelude also includes those same three characters grappling with a supernatural menace that affects their own disparate eras in parallel. The apparent similarity between Conan: Serpent War and what we’ve seen thus far of Battle of the Black Stone makes me wonder if Zub is attempting to realize a creative vision that was either thwarted or otherwise left unfulfilled during his tenure on the Marvel Comics Conan the Barbarian . Either that, or Heroic Signatures (the rightsholder for Robert E. Howard’s various literary creations) is planning to launch new comic titles for non-Conan characters and is hoping to raise their profiles in advance.

The Jonas Scharf artwork in this issue appeals. His Conan is a bit hairier than many depictions, certain to please the subset of fans who prefer to see the barbarian with chest hair and furry forearms. Scharf’s expressive faces are another highlight of the issue.

For those who were unable to acquire Conan the Barbarian Free Comic Book Day 2024: Battle of the Black Stone from their local comic store, a digital edition is available directly from Titan Comics. Foreshadowing an exciting event, this issue is engaging for existing fans while simultaneously providing a gentle introduction to newcomers to Conan the Barbarian .

Read Conan the Barbarian FCBD 2024: Battle of the Black Stone by Jim Zub (W) and Jonas Scharf (A)

Born in Spain and raised in the United States, Robin Marx has lived in Japan for more than two decades. He works in the video game industry, handling localization and international licensing. In addition to over a dozen video games, his writing has appeared in a number of role-playing game supplements. He lives with his wife and their two daughters. You can link up with Robin over at: https://mastodon.social/@RobinMarx

REVIEW: The Savage Sword of Conan #2 Jim Zub (W), Richard Pace (A), and Patch Zircher (W, A)

May 15, 2024

REVIEW: The Savage Sword of Conan #1 by John Arcudi (W), Jim Zub (W), and Max von Fafner (A)

May 13, 2024

REVIEW: When the Blood Has Dried #2 by Gary Moloney (W) and Daniel Romero (A)

May 12, 2024

Grimdark Magazine

TURN YOUR INBOX INTO A GRIMBOX

Quick links.

Book Reviews
All Products
Subscriptions
Advertising
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Diversity and harassment policies
Review Guidelines

GET GRIT IN YOUR INBOX

Stay on top of all the latest book releases and discussions—join our mailing list.

The 20 most forgettable comic book movies

Posted: 24 July 2023 | Last updated: 15 April 2024

<p>Over the last four decades, comic book fans have been inundated with big-screen adaptations of their favorite graphic novels, which has been both a blessing and a curse. For every "Superman" or "Spider-Man 2," there are seemingly twice as many failures and outright debacles. It'd be easy to single out "Howard the Duck" and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," so let's instead take a deeper dive into the dumpster of comic-book inspired rubbish.</p>

Over the last four decades, comic book fans have been inundated with big-screen adaptations of their favorite graphic novels, which has been both a blessing and a curse. For every "Superman" or "Spider-Man 2," there are seemingly twice as many failures and outright debacles. It'd be easy to single out "Howard the Duck" and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," so let's instead take a deeper dive into the dumpster of comic-book inspired rubbish.

<p>In the wake of the success of "Batman Returns," Warner Bros immediately began developing a spinoff for the film’s breakout star, Catwoman. Initially, the studio wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to reprise the role she’d flat-out nailed in the 1992 sequel but turned away from the dark tone of Burton’s Batman movies when Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever” was a smash in 1995. The project went through different iterations (Ashley Judd was once in talks to star) before the studio went with Halle Berry in the title role. The 2004 film was directed by an idiosyncratic French director named Pitof and is now considered one of the worst comic book movies ever made.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_films_that_should_have_a_prequel/s1__38606812'>20 films that should have a prequel</a></p>

"Catwoman" (2004)

In the wake of the success of "Batman Returns," Warner Bros immediately began developing a spinoff for the film’s breakout star, Catwoman. Initially, the studio wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to reprise the role she’d flat-out nailed in the 1992 sequel but turned away from the dark tone of Burton’s Batman movies when Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever” was a smash in 1995. The project went through different iterations (Ashley Judd was once in talks to star) before the studio went with Halle Berry in the title role. The 2004 film was directed by an idiosyncratic French director named Pitof and is now considered one of the worst comic book movies ever made.

You may also like: 20 films that should have a prequel

<p>Todd McFarlane’s “Spawn” was all the rage with cool-kid comic book consumers in the 1990s, and, given the number of issues sold over that period, hardly qualifies as forgettable. The film, however, is best left to the scrap heap of failed adaptations, even if it actually performed solidly at the box office. Unfortunately, fans and critics alike hated it; the script is dopey, the direction amateurish and the CG effects primitive.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Spawn" (1997)

Todd McFarlane’s “Spawn” was all the rage with cool-kid comic book consumers in the 1990s, and, given the number of issues sold over that period, hardly qualifies as forgettable. The film, however, is best left to the scrap heap of failed adaptations, even if it actually performed solidly at the box office. Unfortunately, fans and critics alike hated it; the script is dopey, the direction amateurish and the CG effects primitive.

<p>The comic-strip adventures of ace reporter Brenda Starr seemed ripe for a feature film spinoff in 1986, with Brooke Shields handpicked to star in the title role. The film, alas, was shelved due to distribution disputes until 1989, when it received a quiet release in France. The film finally trickled out to U.S. theaters in 1992. Reviews were savage, and no one turned out to see it. Maybe now, 28 years later, it’s time for another go.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_best_conspiracy_thrillers/s1__38207746'>The 25 best conspiracy thrillers</a></p>

"Brenda Starr" (1992)

The comic-strip adventures of ace reporter Brenda Starr seemed ripe for a feature film spinoff in 1986, with Brooke Shields handpicked to star in the title role. The film, alas, was shelved due to distribution disputes until 1989, when it received a quiet release in France. The film finally trickled out to U.S. theaters in 1992. Reviews were savage, and no one turned out to see it. Maybe now, 28 years later, it’s time for another go.

You may also like: The 25 best conspiracy thrillers

<p>Damon Wayans co-wrote and starred in this goofy update on the nerd-turned-superhero narrative. The idea was to present Blankman as a scrappy, somewhat clumsy version of Batman, but Wayans couldn’t muster enough laughs to put the concept across. The highlight of the film is David Alan Grier as Blankman’s sidekick, “Other Guy.”</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Blankman" (1994)

Damon Wayans co-wrote and starred in this goofy update on the nerd-turned-superhero narrative. The idea was to present Blankman as a scrappy, somewhat clumsy version of Batman, but Wayans couldn’t muster enough laughs to put the concept across. The highlight of the film is David Alan Grier as Blankman’s sidekick, “Other Guy.”

<p>Jennifer Garner was a big deal in the mid-2000s thanks to “Alias” and her scene-stealing work as Elektra in 2003’s “Daredevil.” 20th Century Fox was hot to make a spinoff movie starring the lethal assassin, and the results were not pretty. “Elektra” bombed so hideously, it actually managed to make less at the box office than one of the all-time comic book disasters, “Howard the Duck.”</p> <p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/15_reality_shows_youre_not_watching_but_should/s1__39031102'>15 reality shows you're not watching but should</a></p>

"Elektra" (2005)

Jennifer Garner was a big deal in the mid-2000s thanks to “Alias” and her scene-stealing work as Elektra in 2003’s “Daredevil.” 20th Century Fox was hot to make a spinoff movie starring the lethal assassin, and the results were not pretty. “Elektra” bombed so hideously, it actually managed to make less at the box office than one of the all-time comic book disasters, “Howard the Duck.”

You may also like: 15 reality shows you're not watching but should

<p>Based on the Dark Horse comic book, “Barb Wire” might’ve been something had the producers cast a reasonably talented actress in the lead role. Instead, they went for pin-up sensation Pamela Anderson, who struggles with pretty much every aspect of her performance. Curiously, the film is a quasi-remake of “Casablanca.” You might remember this if you were one of the dozens of people who paid to see “Barb Wire” in the theater.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Barb Wire" (1996)

Based on the Dark Horse comic book, “Barb Wire” might’ve been something had the producers cast a reasonably talented actress in the lead role. Instead, they went for pin-up sensation Pamela Anderson, who struggles with pretty much every aspect of her performance. Curiously, the film is a quasi-remake of “Casablanca.” You might remember this if you were one of the dozens of people who paid to see “Barb Wire” in the theater.

<p>Director Terry Zwigoff had a huge critical hit with his adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ alternative comic book “Ghost World” in 2000, but the duo whiffed with this comedy-drama about a young artist’s introduction to art school. Whereas “Ghost World” had a haunting, darkly comedic vibe, “Art School Confidential” comes off as mean. The film always keeps you at a distance.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_20_cheesiest_disaster_movies_of_all_time/s1__26791637'>The 20 cheesiest disaster movies of all time</a></p>

"Art School Confidential" (2006)

Director Terry Zwigoff had a huge critical hit with his adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ alternative comic book “Ghost World” in 2000, but the duo whiffed with this comedy-drama about a young artist’s introduction to art school. Whereas “Ghost World” had a haunting, darkly comedic vibe, “Art School Confidential” comes off as mean. The film always keeps you at a distance.

You may also like: The 20 cheesiest disaster movies of all time

<p>Comedian Robert Townsend had his heart in the right place when he made this superhero yarn targeted at young urban viewers. He wanted to present a vision of hope and goodness to counter the myriad gang movies that began popping up in the wake of “Boyz N The Hood.” Unfortunately, the movie just didn’t work. Townsend couldn’t merge the comedic and fantastical tones, and the finished film fell flat with audiences and critics.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"The Meteor Man" (1993)

Comedian Robert Townsend had his heart in the right place when he made this superhero yarn targeted at young urban viewers. He wanted to present a vision of hope and goodness to counter the myriad gang movies that began popping up in the wake of “Boyz N The Hood.” Unfortunately, the movie just didn’t work. Townsend couldn’t merge the comedic and fantastical tones, and the finished film fell flat with audiences and critics.

<p>Josh Brolin’s take on the scarred bounty hunter "Jonah Hex" was an unmitigated disaster in every way. The film was plagued by production troubles and the fairly significant issue that no one outside of DC Comic fandom had ever heard of the character. Westerns are a tough enough sell nowadays. Why WB and DC decided to waste time on an unpopular character is utterly baffling.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_best_movies_about_american_history/s1__39035981'>25 best movies about American history</a></p>

"Jonah Hex" (2010)

Josh Brolin’s take on the scarred bounty hunter "Jonah Hex" was an unmitigated disaster in every way. The film was plagued by production troubles and the fairly significant issue that no one outside of DC Comic fandom had ever heard of the character. Westerns are a tough enough sell nowadays. Why WB and DC decided to waste time on an unpopular character is utterly baffling.

You may also like: 25 best movies about American history

<p>Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Conan the Barbarian” is one of the great he-man epics of the 1980s. The 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa (best known as Khal Drogo) from “Game of Thrones” was a listless, CG-heavy bore that only made you want to go home and watch the original.</p> <p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Conan the Barbarian" (2011)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Conan the Barbarian” is one of the great he-man epics of the 1980s. The 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa (best known as Khal Drogo) from “Game of Thrones” was a listless, CG-heavy bore that only made you want to go home and watch the original.

<p>The star of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s sci-fi anthology “2000 AD,” Judge Dredd is a “street judge” who serves as judge, jury and executioner. He’s a troubling character. So it’s not surprising that the Disney-owned Hollywood Pictures sanded down the fascist edges for this 1995 flop starring Sylvester Stallone. “Ex Machina” director gave the character another go in 2012, and the reaction from fans and critics was much more enthusiastic.</p> <p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_21_best_offbeat_rom_coms/s1__38495465'>The 21 best offbeat rom-coms</a></p>

"Judge Dredd" (1995)

The star of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s sci-fi anthology “2000 AD,” Judge Dredd is a “street judge” who serves as judge, jury and executioner. He’s a troubling character. So it’s not surprising that the Disney-owned Hollywood Pictures sanded down the fascist edges for this 1995 flop starring Sylvester Stallone. “Ex Machina” director gave the character another go in 2012, and the reaction from fans and critics was much more enthusiastic.

You may also like: The best songs with a day of the week in the title

<p>Long before The CW revived the character for its hit television show, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind attempted to spin off "Supergirl" into a film that was supposed to tie into their ongoing (if struggling) Superman franchise. Helen Slater was chosen to play the Kryptonian hero, but she never stood a chance with this dumpster of a screenplay. The film was dumped in the crowded summer of 1984 and was trashed by critics. It was the beginning of the end for the Salkind’s Superman series.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Supergirl" (1984)

Long before The CW revived the character for its hit television show, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind attempted to spin off "Supergirl" into a film that was supposed to tie into their ongoing (if struggling) Superman franchise. Helen Slater was chosen to play the Kryptonian hero, but she never stood a chance with this dumpster of a screenplay. The film was dumped in the crowded summer of 1984 and was trashed by critics. It was the beginning of the end for the Salkind’s Superman series.

<p>Lee Falk first published his comic strip in 1936, which created quite a marketing challenge for Paramount Pictures. The comic’s popularity had waned over the decades and was probably best remembered by fathers, who had a rough time convincing their kids to see an adventure flick about a guy in purple tights. The movie is actually quite fun, but it couldn’t find an audience in the summer of 1996. It’s more of a cult favorite nowadays. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/laugh_tracks_18_of_the_funniest_songs_in_rock_history/s1__38889806'>Laugh tracks: 18 of the funniest songs in rock history</a></p>

"The Phantom" (1996)

Lee Falk first published his comic strip in 1936, which created quite a marketing challenge for Paramount Pictures. The comic’s popularity had waned over the decades and was probably best remembered by fathers, who had a rough time convincing their kids to see an adventure flick about a guy in purple tights. The movie is actually quite fun, but it couldn’t find an audience in the summer of 1996. It’s more of a cult favorite nowadays.

You may also like: Laugh tracks: 18 of the funniest songs in rock history

<p>In the early 1990s, when writer Chuck Pfarrer came up with the idea of a “Thing”-like horror film set on a research vessel, he wrote a comic book as a sort of proof-of-concept pitch. In 1999, CG effects were finally ready to handle the gruesome creatures, so Pfarrer and producer Gale Anne Hurd turned it into a movie. What felt novel on the page turned out to be highly derivative and dull on the screen.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Virus" (1999)

In the early 1990s, when writer Chuck Pfarrer came up with the idea of a “Thing”-like horror film set on a research vessel, he wrote a comic book as a sort of proof-of-concept pitch. In 1999, CG effects were finally ready to handle the gruesome creatures, so Pfarrer and producer Gale Anne Hurd turned it into a movie. What felt novel on the page turned out to be highly derivative and dull on the screen.

<p>This DC Comics character was envisioned as a Superman substitute after the publisher killed off its second-most popular character in the early 1990s. When it came time to make a Steel movie, Warner Bros. turned to the biggest Superman fan on the planet: Shaquille O’Neal. The result isn’t quite as screamingly awful as Shaq’s “Kazaam.” It’s just a really cheap-looking kids movie that should’ve never made it past the development stage. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/just_for_kicks_20_memorable_songs_about_shoes/s1__38815917'>Just for kicks: 20 memorable songs about shoes</a></p>

"Steel" (1997)

This DC Comics character was envisioned as a Superman substitute after the publisher killed off its second-most popular character in the early 1990s. When it came time to make a Steel movie, Warner Bros. turned to the biggest Superman fan on the planet: Shaquille O’Neal. The result isn’t quite as screamingly awful as Shaq’s “Kazaam.” It’s just a really cheap-looking kids movie that should’ve never made it past the development stage.

You may also like: The most unusual inspirations for feature films

<p>Based on the London Evening Standard comic strip, this Joseph Losey-directed spy flick is the first English-language showcase for Italian beauty Monica Vitti. It’s episodic, and rather flat as satire, but Vitti is always stunning in a variety of imaginative costumes. If some of that design inventiveness went into the writing of the script, this might’ve been more than a curiosity. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Modesty Blaise" (1966)

Based on the London Evening Standard comic strip, this Joseph Losey-directed spy flick is the first English-language showcase for Italian beauty Monica Vitti. It’s episodic, and rather flat as satire, but Vitti is always stunning in a variety of imaginative costumes. If some of that design inventiveness went into the writing of the script, this might’ve been more than a curiosity.

<p>Warner Bros had high, franchise-building hopes for this $200 million tentpole release, but the film left comic book fans cold. It’s a shame when a film this pricey (led by a star with as much charm as Ryan Reynolds) fails to connect, but the mixture wasn’t right here. It was just a great big bore. Still, The Green Lantern universe is vast and varied and really ought to be explored again.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_20_best_fictional_film_rock_stars/s1__38592730'>The 20 best fictional film rock stars</a></p>

"Green Lantern" (2011)

Warner Bros had high, franchise-building hopes for this $200 million tentpole release, but the film left comic book fans cold. It’s a shame when a film this pricey (led by a star with as much charm as Ryan Reynolds) fails to connect, but the mixture wasn’t right here. It was just a great big bore. Still, The Green Lantern universe is vast and varied and really ought to be explored again.

You may also like: The 25 most surprising movie cameos

<p>The indie comic book hit created by Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin missed the riot grrrl heyday by a couple of years, but even if it had been delivered on time, it’s unlikely “Tank Girl” would’ve found much of an audience. Though it’s got a rowdy punk-rock energy (largely supplied by star Lori Petty), it’s ultimately a sloppy movie that’s nowhere near as clever as its comic book inspiration.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"Tank Girl" (1995)

The indie comic book hit created by Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin missed the riot grrrl heyday by a couple of years, but even if it had been delivered on time, it’s unlikely “Tank Girl” would’ve found much of an audience. Though it’s got a rowdy punk-rock energy (largely supplied by star Lori Petty), it’s ultimately a sloppy movie that’s nowhere near as clever as its comic book inspiration.

<p>The Punisher is a one-dimensional killing machine with a cool skull insignia. That’s it. That’s his appeal. There have been three Punisher movies (starring, in chronological order, Dolph Lundgren, Tom Jane and Ray Stevenson), and none has caught on with critics or audiences. Perhaps Lexi Alexander’s “Punisher: War Zone” (2008) comes closest to getting the appeal of the character, if only because the film is hysterically, graphically violent.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/which_films_turn_50_in_2023/s1__38186801'>Which films turn 50 in 2023?</a></p>

"The Punisher" (1989) (2004) (2008)

The Punisher is a one-dimensional killing machine with a cool skull insignia. That’s it. That’s his appeal. There have been three Punisher movies (starring, in chronological order, Dolph Lundgren, Tom Jane and Ray Stevenson), and none has caught on with critics or audiences. Perhaps Lexi Alexander’s “Punisher: War Zone” (2008) comes closest to getting the appeal of the character, if only because the film is hysterically, graphically violent.

You may also like: Which films turn 50 in 2023?

<p>A labor of love for legendary comic book writer/artist Frank Miller, this adaptation of Will Eisner’s beloved comic strip leaned heavily on the largely monochromatic style pioneered by Miller and Robert Rodriguez for “Sin City.” As such, it looked like a knockoff, even though Miller had a hand in its development. Audiences unfamiliar with the cult character couldn’t be bothered, and the film bombed despite fun villain turns from Samuel L. Jackson, Paz Vega and Scarlett Johansson.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

"The Spirit" (2008)

A labor of love for legendary comic book writer/artist Frank Miller, this adaptation of Will Eisner’s beloved comic strip leaned heavily on the largely monochromatic style pioneered by Miller and Robert Rodriguez for “Sin City.” As such, it looked like a knockoff, even though Miller had a hand in its development. Audiences unfamiliar with the cult character couldn’t be bothered, and the film bombed despite fun villain turns from Samuel L. Jackson, Paz Vega and Scarlett Johansson.

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.

More for You

The warning signs of bipolar as chef Heston Blumenthal reveals diagnosis

No, fillet is not the best cut and six other steak myths debunked

Map reveals when and where thunderstorms will hit UK today

8 Foods to Lower Uric Acid and Protect Your Kidneys

Why The Challenger Space Shuttle Exploded | Countdown To Catastrophe | Spark

‘I started strength training at 62 after a double organ transplant—now I'm stronger than ever'

My dad is getting old. Should I make an effort to improve our relationship?

Living with my depressed husband is ripping me apart. What can I do?

Tesco apologises as Black magazine publisher ‘racially profiled’ and offered bananas

How This Super Ugly US Plane Can Carry an Entire House Inside its Head

Theatre director Zhenya Berkovich and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk

Theatre director and playwright go on trial in 'absurd' case over 2020 play

Why Gen Z Hates Working

Wobbly, pear shape or beer belly? What your tummy says about your health

Salman Rushdie says a Palestinian state formed today would be ‘Taliban-like’

Solve this to get into Cambridge

Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie caught on camera trying to open champagne bottle after Manchester City win premier league.jpg

Phil Foden’s five-year-old son spotted trying to open champagne bottle after Manchester City win Premier League

Northern Lights returning to the UK tonight - here's where you can see them

When can we next see the Northern Lights above UK?

Biotin For Hair Loss, Thinning Hair | Top Biotin Rich Food - Dr. Vivek Joshi

Circa 1935: A man sitting in the driver's seat of an automobile opens his car door in order to look at the car's rear tyre, which is flat

Ask the Expert: Should I buy a spare wheel, or rely on tyre sealant?

What Happens if You SURFACE LAY Potatoes Instead of BURY?

Billie Eilish and Becky Hill’s grim take on growing up in today’s world

COMMENTS

Conan the Barbarian movie review (1982)
There are a lot of battles and a few interesting nights at crude wayside inns and, in general, nothing to tax the unsophisticated. "Conan the Barbarian" is, in fact, a very nearly perfect visualization of the Conan legend, of Robert E. Howard's tale of a superman who lived beyond the mists of time, when people were so pure, straightforward, and ...
Conan the Barbarian
Rated: 3.5/4 Mar 9, 2023 Full Review Phil Edwards Starburst Conan is terrible, a truly disappointing movie from beginning to end. Jul 28, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews Audience Reviews
Conan the Barbarian movie review (2011)
Powered by JustWatch. "Conan the Barbarian" involves a clash of civilizations whose vocabularies are limited to screams, oaths, grunts, howls, ejaculations, exclamations, vulgarities, screeches, wails, bellows, yelps and woofs. I'd love to get my hands on the paycheck for subtitling this movie. The plot involves — oh, never mind.
Conan the Barbarian (1982) Movie Review
What you will—and won't—find in this movie. Positive Messages Not present. Conan is more "heroic" than just about e. Violence & Scariness. Bloody sword impalings, a crucifixion, a dog attac. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Sex and partial nudity. Topless and nearly naked s. Language Not present.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Conan the Barbarian: Directed by John Milius. With Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman. A powerful warrior seeks to avenge the genocide of his people and the murder of his parents at the hands of a snake cult.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
10/10. What is best in film. dworldeater 1 December 2014. With 1982 classic Conan The Barbarian, writer/director John Milius and champion bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger not only made the best fantasy adventure movie of the 1980's, but also one of the finest motion pictures ever. I applaud director John Milius's choices.
Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)
Conan the Barbarian is a 1982 American epic sword and sorcery film directed by John Milius and written by Milius and Oliver Stone.Based on Robert E. Howard's Conan, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones, and tells the story of a barbarian warrior named Conan (Schwarzenegger) who seeks vengeance for the death of his parents at the hands of Thulsa Doom (Jones), the leader of ...
Conan the Barbarian
Rated 0.5/5 Stars • Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/24 Full Review Alain M "Conan the Barbarian" (2011) featuring Jason Momoa earns a respectable 3.5-star rating, offering a modern take on the ...
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Conan the Barbarian: Directed by Marcus Nispel. With Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols, Ron Perlman. A vengeful barbarian warrior sets off to get his revenge on the evil warlord who attacked his village and murdered his father when he was a boy.
Conan the Barbarian
The screenplay, written based on the original stories, takes place in an uncertain time in Antiquity, and begins with the massacre of a town or village by a group of warriors. A child, Conan, is taken as a slave and grows up as such, acquiring enormous stamina and strength at the expense of hard work. He thus becomes a bounty fighter and learns ...
'Conan the Barbarian' Review
Screen Rant's Ben Kendrick reviews Conan the Barbarian. Aside from the Terminator, Conan the Barbarian is arguably one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's most iconic roles. The original Conan was a campy (and bloody) swords and sorcery adventure - which, thanks to a strong dedication to the various iterations of the source material, has endured the test of time and remains a guilty pleasure for many ...
'Conan the Barbarian' With Jason Momoa
R. 1h 53m. By Manohla Dargis. Aug. 18, 2011. A heavy-metal fantasia scrawled in red, "Conan the Barbarian" now comes with 75 percent more gore. That's only an estimate, though to judge by ...
Conan the Barbarian
Full Review | Jun 7, 2022. Peter Stack San Francisco Examiner. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the muscle man, stars in this mythical beast of a movie, based on pulp magazine tales of the 1930s. He's good ...
All 7 Conan The Barbarian Movies & Shows, Ranked Worst To Best
Hoped to be the renaissance the Conan movies desperately needed after decades of inactivity, 2011's Conan The Barbarian doubled-down on some of the franchise's worst tendencies. The script was almost universally criticized as blunt and cliché-ridden, while the movie's many action set-pieces were dismissed for their overreliance on CGI - explaining the movie's dismal 25% rating on Rotten ...
Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Barbarian - review. This sword-and-sorcery yarn may have replicated the essential elements of Robert E Howard's barbarian action hero, but it's still a bit of a bore. Xan Brooks. Wed ...
Conan the Barbarian (1982) movie review
This is the original review of Conan the Barbarian by Siskel & Ebert on "Sneak Previews" in 1982. All of the segments pertaining to the movie have been inclu...
Conan the Barbarian Movie Review
Positive Messages. Conan is mostly motivated by revenge, and he achie. Positive Role Models. Conan occasionally works with others, but he mostl. Violence & Scariness. The movie's gruesome violence may be fantasy relat. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Conan rescues several topless slave women and brin. Language.
Conan the Barbarian Review
Conan the Barbarian is a slightly better than expected return for the Cimmerian, but one that lacks the mystique, conviction and edge that made the character a big screen sensation to begin with ...
Conan the Barbarian
Conan is not designed to have broad appeal. It is a well-made motion picture, but it is constricted by the constraints of the genre. As the movie opens, Conan (Jorge Sanz), is a boy learning the "Riddle of Steel" from his father. Shortly thereafter, the young barbarian is in chains, a prisoner of the wizard Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and ...
Conan the Barbarian: Film Review
The new Conan the Barbarian may be the first film — and the first of many, one fears — to be aimed entirely at video gamers. The filmmakers throw story and character to the wind to send an ...
Conan the Barbarian 4K Blu-ray Review
The film is available either as a standalone release or as part of The Conan Chronicles boxset with its sequel Conan the Destroyer.The review copy seen here is the disc that is part of the …Chronicles set but I believe that the discs themselves are the same in either release.. As well as the region free 4K UHD blu-ray that houses the three different cuts of the film - 127-min theatrical ...
Conan the Barbarian movie review
After a couple decades, they have finally remade "Conan the Barbarian"...but is it (or the 3D) worth it? Jeremy gives his review.See more videos by Jeremy he...
Conan the Barbarian: Limited Edition (4K UHD Review)
A review of John Milius' Conan the Barbarian (1982) in 4K Ultra HD by Todd Doogan, ... Conan the Barbarian starts like most myths... with a message. In a time before recorded history, the Hyborean Age, a boy and his father sit high upon a mountain top. ... Arrow's 4K Ultra HD package is a 2-disc set that includes the UHD movie disc along ...
Every American Superhero Movie From the 1980s, Ranked
20 Super Fuzz (1980) A rookie police officer named Dave Speed (Terence Hill) gains superpowers—strength, invulnerability, speed, etc.—after being exposed to radiation from a nuclear explosion ...
Conan the Barbarian (1982 movie)
Conan the Barbarian is a 1982 American fantasy-adventure movie directed by John Milius.Based on the stories of Robert E. Howard, the movie tells the story of a warrior prince (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who must battle and defeat Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones), an evil sorcerer who murdered his parents. Although initial reception for the film was poor, it was a box-office hit and launched ...
REVIEW: Conan the Barbarian Battle of the Black Stone by Jim Zub (W
Subtitled "Battle of the Black Stone," this year's Free Comic Book Day issue of Conan the Barbarian is intended to serve as the prelude for a large-scale event that will get underway this autumn in The Savage Sword of Conan issue #4 and the Conan: Battle of the Black Stone miniseries. While the monthly Conan the Barbarian title has featured other non-Conan characters created by Robert E ...
Conan el Bárbaro (película de 1982)
Conan el Bárbaro (Conan the Barbarian según su título original en inglés) es una película estadounidense de espada y brujería escrita y dirigida por John Milius y estrenada en 1982. El filme narra la historia de un bárbaro llamado Conan que busca venganza por la muerte de sus padres a manos de Thulsa Doom, el líder de una secta que adora a las serpientes.
Barbarian (2022 film)
Barbarian is a 2022 American horror thriller film written and directed by Zach Cregger in his solo screen writing and directorial debut. It is produced by Arnon Milchan, Roy Lee, Raphael Margules, and J. D. Lifshitz.The film stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long.The plot sees a woman finding out that the rental home she reserved has been accidentally double-booked by a man ...
Vtg 1984 Conan the Destroyer Sleeveless Muscle T-shirt Gray L 80s
Share more specifics to help us review this item and protect our marketplace. ... Vtg 1984 Conan The Destroyer Sleeveless Muscle T-Shirt Gray L 80s Arnold Schwarzenegger Fantasy Action Movie Single Stitch Barbarian ... Vtg 1984 Ghostbusters T-Shirt White S/M 80s Bill Murray Comedy Movie Single Stitch
The 20 most forgettable comic book movies
Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Conan the Barbarian" is one of the great he-man epics of the 1980s. The 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa (best known as Khal Drogo) from "Game of Thrones" was a ...