5 Perfect Fantasy Movies to Watch If You’re Excited for Masters of the Universe

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It’s tough for modern movies to capture the same magic as those from the 1980s, and that’s not about special effects – it’s about the sheer energy and grand scale those films delivered. Masters of the Universe perfectly embodies that era, which is why the franchise is getting a big reboot. He-Man’s story is a classic fantasy tale, full of magic, castles, mythical beasts, and the legendary Power Sword, all set in a unique world that blends medieval settings with futuristic tech. The trailer for the new movie is already creating a buzz, and excitement is incredibly high. So, how can fans get ready for its release?

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve been revisiting some classics to get me hyped for the new film. I’ve chosen five fantasy movies that really capture the wild, exciting spirit of the original story – stuff that’ll get you in the right headspace. Whether you grew up with Masters of the Universe or are totally new to this world, these are the films to watch before you head to the theater this June!

5) Highlander

While a movie like Highlander might not succeed if released today, that’s precisely why it remains so enjoyable. The film centers on Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), an immortal swordsman who battles other immortals across centuries, leading to an ultimate showdown. It’s a wildly over-the-top concept, but the movie fully embraces it, creating a rich fantasy world with compelling rivalries, unique rules, and increasingly exciting sword fights. It shares a similar energetic and grand scope with classic ’80s fantasy films like Masters of the Universe.

Everything about this movie is over-the-top – the big scenes, the powerful dialogue, and especially the epic music. While some of the filmmaking techniques feel a bit dated now, the movie’s unique personality shines through. It’s not perfect, and a new version might fix some flaws, but it remains a grand, classic film.

4) Masters of the Universe (1987)

I have a soft spot for the 1987 Masters of the Universe movie, honestly. It’s way more fun than it gets credit for! The story follows He-Man, played by Dolph Lundgren, as he fights Skeletor – Frank Langella is brilliant, by the way – while their world, Eternia, is falling apart. They ended up setting a lot of it on Earth, though, which I always figured was down to budget. It’s definitely cheesy and the script isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t hold up to today’s big-budget films, but you have to remember the original cartoon was completely wild and over-the-top too. That’s what made it special, and the movie really captures that same energy.

The movie wasn’t made with a huge budget, especially compared to other fantasy films from the same time, but that’s okay because it’s still a He-Man story at heart. It’s meant to be a fun adventure, so it’s best not to overthink the special effects or technical details. It’s a bit rough around the edges and definitely not polished, but it’s a good reminder of the character’s potential, and it’s interesting to see how it stacks up against the new adaptation.

3) Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Considered one of the greatest sword-and-sorcery films ever made, Conan the Barbarian is a cornerstone of the fantasy genre. The movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, who seeks revenge after witnessing his family’s murder by the sinister Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). However, the film’s true strength isn’t the plot itself, but its incredibly immersive atmosphere – a sense of weight and danger that’s difficult to replicate. It doesn’t over-explain things; instead, it lets the stunning visuals and world-building draw you in.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was perfectly cast in this role, as the character didn’t require a lot of dialogue or emotional depth. Like Masters of the Universe, the story was revisited in 2011, but the original 1982 film remains the definitive version. Its influence is clear in later movies, particularly those centered around warriors and prophecies. It’s still a cornerstone of the fantasy genre and a must-include on any list like this.

2) Krull

Does anyone remember the movie Krull? It’s a bit like the filmmakers took every fantasy idea they could think of – swords, magic, spaceships, aliens, prophecies, even cyclopes – and crammed it all into one adventure. The story centers on Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall) who must rescue his bride from a menacing alien conqueror called the Beast. Despite the seemingly random combination of elements, the movie is surprisingly enjoyable, even if it’s not a universally loved fantasy classic.

The film succeeds because it feels authentic and driven by real ambition, even when the story isn’t perfect. It consistently strives to create a vast and imaginative world, constantly introducing new creatures, settings, and visuals. This approach makes it far more engaging than many modern movies that rely on generic imagery. For fans of Masters of the Universe, particularly those who enjoy the franchise’s blend of science fiction and fantasy, this film perfectly captures that adventurous and chaotic spirit.

1) Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon is a truly over-the-top movie, and that’s a good thing! It follows Flash (Sam J. Jones), an athlete unexpectedly transported to another planet where he must battle Emperor Ming (Max von Sydow) to protect Earth. The story is straightforward, but the film isn’t about subtlety. It’s a visually chaotic experience with extravagant costumes and massive sets. If you loved 80s fantasy films, you’ll find it wonderfully nostalgic, and it’s remarkable how seriously the movie plays itself despite being so wonderfully absurd.

Many movies today try too hard to seem realistic or grown-up to prove they’re good, but this film does the opposite. It fully leans into the fun, over-the-top side of sci-fi and fantasy, and that’s what makes it special. It feels like the original inspiration for a lot of similar films, and if you’re excited about the new Masters of the Universe, this movie is a great look at where it comes from. It doesn’t try to be serious or realistic at all – the bold, colorful, and slightly silly style is completely on purpose. It’s a visual feast! And, like Highlander, the music by Queen really adds to the experience.

Masters of the Universe hits theaters on June 5.

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2026-05-22 02:11