Conan The Barbarian: The Ultimate Movie Guide

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Conan the Barbarian, focusing on those epic Arnold Schwarzenegger movies! If you're a fan of swords, sorcery, and sheer muscle, you're in the right place. We'll be looking at the Conan movies in order, giving you all the details you need to know. So, grab your broadsword (or maybe just your popcorn), and let's get started!

Conan the Barbarian (1982): The Epic Origin

Alright, let's kick things off with the one that started it all: Conan the Barbarian (1982). This movie is a true classic, and for many of us, it defined the fantasy genre. Directed by John Milius, it tells the story of Conan, a young Cimmerian warrior who witnesses the brutal slaughter of his family and village. Talk about a rough start, right? He's then enslaved and forced to fight, eventually growing into the legendary figure we all know. This film is all about revenge, survival, and the rise of a hero. The core plot revolves around Conan's quest to avenge his parents and defeat the evil sorcerer Thulsa Doom, played chillingly by James Earl Jones. The movie's visual style is a significant element, showcasing stunning landscapes, epic battles, and a raw, gritty aesthetic. The acting is phenomenal; Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his breakthrough role, delivers a performance that cemented his status as a cinematic icon. He brings Conan to life with a perfect blend of physicality, stoicism, and a surprising amount of emotional depth. Not to mention, the iconic score by Basil Poledouris is absolutely unforgettable, perfectly capturing the film's grandeur and intensity. Conan the Barbarian is more than just a movie; it's a cinematic experience that has inspired countless other fantasy films and games. The themes of good versus evil, the importance of honor, and the struggle for survival resonate deeply with audiences even today. The film's influence can be seen in the numerous Conan comics, books, and video games that followed, making it an essential part of the Conan legacy. If you're new to the world of Conan, this is the perfect starting point. You will see what it takes to be a barbarian. Prepare to be amazed by the raw power and unforgettable characters of this cinematic masterpiece!

The key elements that make this movie so iconic include its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects. The narrative is a straightforward revenge tale. Conan's journey from a young boy to a formidable warrior is portrayed with impressive attention to detail. Characters like Subotai (Gerry Lopez), and Valeria (Sandahl Bergman) are important in Conan's journey. Special effects, which were innovative for their time, create a sense of realism and immersion that pulls viewers into Conan's world. The sets, costumes, and overall art direction are top-notch, enhancing the movie's visual appeal. Conan the Barbarian is a must-watch for anyone interested in the fantasy genre, action movies, or simply a great story.

Conan the Destroyer (1984): A Quest for the Horn of Dagoth

Following up on the success of the first film, we have Conan the Destroyer (1984). Directed by Richard Fleischer, this sequel takes a slightly different approach, moving away from the dark, brutal tone of the original and embracing a more adventurous and family-friendly vibe. Don't get me wrong, it's still awesome, but it's a bit less heavy on the violence. In this film, Conan is tasked with a quest to escort a princess and a warrior to retrieve the magical horn of Dagoth. This quest quickly becomes far more complicated than it sounds. Conan teams up with a colorful group of characters, including the warrior, Zula (Grace Jones), the wizard, Akiro (Mako), and the princess, Jehnna (Olivia d'Abo). These allies help Conan battle against various enemies, including the evil wizard, Xaltotun, and a fearsome monster. While it isn't quite as gritty as the original, Conan the Destroyer is still a fun, action-packed adventure. The special effects are more advanced, and the battles are exciting. Arnold brings back his physicality and charisma to Conan, making him the hero we all love. The film’s pacing is faster, offering a variety of action sequences and set pieces to keep the viewer entertained. The relationships between characters also bring a fresh, dynamic element to the plot. You will enjoy the development of the characters, which makes the plot very interesting and engaging.

One of the greatest aspects of this movie is the diverse cast of characters. Grace Jones as Zula is particularly memorable, bringing a unique blend of strength and style to the role. Mako, as Akiro, delivers a performance that offers both humor and wisdom. They complement Schwarzenegger's Conan and create an engaging group dynamic. The film's storyline is more structured, taking the audience through various locations and challenges. The journey feels exciting and adventurous, making this a great option if you are looking for a bit more adventure. Despite the shift in tone, Conan the Destroyer is a worthwhile addition to the Conan saga. It's a great example of an action-adventure movie that is fun for all audiences. The sequel's success proves that the Conan franchise could still thrive. This movie remains a highlight for many Conan fans.

The Legend of Conan: The Unmade Sequel

Now, here's where things get interesting. After Conan the Destroyer, the plans for more Conan movies stalled for quite some time. Rumors and concepts for a third film, often referred to as The Legend of Conan, have been circulating for years. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has expressed his interest in reprising the role, and there were even scripts and development talks. The idea was to bring Conan back as an older, wiser warrior, reflecting on his past adventures and facing new challenges. The concept was meant to be a direct sequel to the original Conan the Barbarian, ignoring Conan the Destroyer. Imagine Conan after many years of ruling and battling! There was a script that promised a more mature and introspective take on the character, exploring themes of legacy, loss, and the weight of a warrior's life. The story was even supposed to acknowledge the events of the first film while creating a new, compelling narrative. Arnold has stated that this would be his return to the role that made him famous. Despite the development, The Legend of Conan never made it to production. The project faced several hurdles, including financial and creative disagreements. Although it never happened, the idea of an older Conan facing new challenges remained a strong point of interest for many fans. The excitement surrounding the project shows the enduring appeal of Conan as a character. Despite the cancellation, the anticipation surrounding The Legend of Conan kept the character in the spotlight.

The potential of The Legend of Conan was huge. It would have offered fans the chance to see Arnold's return to the role, which could have been a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The concept of an older, experienced Conan was interesting and would have brought a different perspective to the character. It also would have opened up possibilities for deeper character development, exploring the impact of years of fighting and ruling. While it is sad that this was never made, the idea still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It would have been a worthy addition to the Conan saga. While it never came to fruition, the idea of seeing Conan's legacy on the big screen will live on.

Other Conan-Related Movies and TV Shows

Besides the two Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan movies, the Conan universe has expanded through various media. There have been other movies, like Conan the Adventurer (1997), and Conan the Barbarian (2011), but they aren't directly related to the Schwarzenegger films. There have been animated series, and live-action TV shows, each exploring different aspects of the Conan lore. These spin-offs offer diverse storylines and interpretations of the character. Some of these productions provide new perspectives on Conan’s world, introducing new characters and exploring different cultures. These projects show the character's appeal, which has made Conan a popular figure across various formats. While these adaptations aren't always connected to the original films, they do help in expanding the Conan universe. They offer fans new content, and the chance to experience the Conan saga in different ways. If you're looking to explore more of the Conan universe, these alternatives are great for you.

The best way to enjoy these different versions is to look at them as separate adventures. Each adaptation offers its unique take on the Conan stories. If you want to dive deeper into the world of Conan, you’ll find plenty of content to enjoy. While these other adaptations do not match the Schwarzenegger films in terms of iconic status, they show how popular Conan still is. They offer additional content for the devoted fans.

Wrapping Up: Where to Watch and What's Next?

So, there you have it, folks! The Conan movies in order. You can easily find the Conan the Barbarian movies on streaming platforms. Check out services like HBO Max, Amazon Prime, or other movie channels to watch these classics. For further news on any new Conan-related projects, keep an eye on industry news websites. As for the Legend of Conan project, although it never materialized, there's always a possibility that it could be revisited. Fans are constantly hoping for a return to this fantasy world.

To sum it up, the Conan movies are a great example of classic fantasy action. They provide a fun and engaging viewing experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, these films offer a great experience. So, grab your friends, grab some snacks, and get ready for a Conan movie marathon! The thrilling adventure, the great action, and Arnold’s charisma make this one of the most beloved action movies of all time.

Enjoy the ride, and remember: CROM! (That’s Conan's battle cry, in case you were wondering.) Thanks for reading, and happy watching!