Imagine you’re in a dark theater, filled with the smell of popcorn. Suddenly, a muscular warrior with a big sword appears on the screen. You’re about to start an epic journey through the Hyborian Age with Conan the Barbarian.
Instructions to Watch Conan The Barbarian Movies (1982)
Instructions to watch Conan The Destroyer
The sword and sorcery movies about this legendary hero have thrilled fans for years. They take you to a world of mythical creatures, powerful sorcerers, and exciting adventures. Must read for all Conan the Barbarian fans “Best Conan the Barbarian Comics”
Since Robert E. Howard’s stories first came to the movies, Conan the Barbarian films have been a key part of fantasy movies. These films let you dive into a world where strength, bravery, and magic are everything. Whether you’re a big fan or new to Conan’s stories, watching him fight through the Hyborian Age is always exciting. Get pricing and availability of Conan The Barbarian (The Complete Quest)
Key Takeaways
- Conan the Barbarian movies bring Robert E. Howard’s literary creation to life
- The franchise spans multiple films set in the fictional Hyborian Age
- Sword and sorcery elements define the epic nature of these fantasy films
- Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa have both portrayed the iconic hero
- The movies blend action, adventure, and mythical elements
The Origins of Conan: From Pulp Fiction to Silver Screen
Conan the Barbarian has been a favorite for many years, starting in pulp fiction. Robert E. Howard created this legendary warrior, showing the power of imagination and storytelling.
Robert E. Howard’s Literary Legacy
In the 1930s, Robert E. Howard brought Conan to life in Weird Tales magazine. His stories were full of vivid descriptions and thrilling plots. This set the stage for a character that went beyond pulp fiction.
Howard’s tales took readers to the mythical Hyborian Age. It was a world full of adventure and danger.
The Rise of Conan in Popular Culture
In the 1960s, Conan became even more popular thanks to L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter. They added to Howard’s stories, introducing Conan to new fans. Frank Frazetta’s artwork made Conan a muscular, axe-wielding hero in people’s minds.
Adapting Conan for Cinema
The move from books to movies started in the 1970s. Producers Edward R. Pressman and Edward Summer wanted to make Conan a fantasy film star. They got the movie rights in 1975 and planned to bring Conan to the big screen.
They chose Arnold Schwarzenegger for the lead and Oliver Stone to write the script. This was the start of Conan’s transition from a pulp fiction hero to a movie icon.
“I live, I burn with life, I love, I slay, and am content.” – Conan the Barbarian
Conan The Barbarian (1982): A Cult Classic Emerges
The 1982 release of Conan The Barbarian changed action adventure movies forever. It introduced a muscular hero who became a genre icon.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Breakout Role
Arnold Schwarzenegger made a big splash as Conan. This role made him a star. His big build and charisma made the Cimmerian warrior real.
Schwarzenegger did many of his own stunts. He used real swords for added realism.
John Milius’ Vision and Direction
Director John Milius brought Robert E. Howard’s stories to life. He added elements from Japanese films and Howard’s stories to the script. This made the movie gritty and visually stunning.
The Iconic Soundtrack and Visuals
The film’s visuals were stunning. It was shot in Spain and featured detailed sets by Ron Cobb. These sets were inspired by Dark Age cultures and Frank Frazetta’s art.
The violence in the movie was intense. This led to cuts to get a wider release.
The battle between Conan and Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones, is unforgettable. Their fight showed the film’s mix of mysticism and brutal fighting.
“To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women.”
This famous line by Schwarzenegger shows the film’s raw power. It made Conan The Barbarian a hit in action adventures.
Conan The Barbarian Movies: A Franchise Takes Shape
The success of Conan the Barbarian in 1982 started a new era of fantasy films. You might remember the iconic muscular hero wielding his sword against mythical foes. This movie set the stage for a franchise that would thrill audiences for years.
In 1984, fans got a sequel: Conan the Destroyer. This film kept the sword and sorcery story alive, making Conan a pop culture icon. The franchise grew into various media, including:
- Multiple films
- TV shows
- Comic books
- Video games
The original Conan the Barbarian became a hit with home video. By 2007, it had made over $300 million. This success led to more sword and sorcery stories, inspiring many fantasy films.
“Conan the Barbarian set the standard for action-packed fantasy adventures, influencing countless films that followed.”
The Conan franchise’s impact on movies is huge. It opened doors for more adaptations of pulp fiction and fantasy novels. Today, seeing a hero fight mythical creatures on screen is thanks to Conan the Barbarian’s legacy.
The 2011 Reboot: Reimagining the Cimmerian Warrior
In 2011, a new Conan the Barbarian movie came out, giving fantasy films a fresh look. This reboot aimed to introduce the Cimmerian warrior to a new audience.
Jason Momoa as the New Conan
Jason Momoa took on the role of the legendary barbarian, adding his own intensity. His strong build and deep charisma gave a new spin to the character.
Comparing the Reboot to the Original
The 2011 version had a grittier take on the Hyborian Age. It kept Conan’s story core but added new special effects and a darker tone. Some fans liked this new view, while others missed the old film’s campy feel.
Fan Reception and Critical Response
Reviews for the reboot were mixed from critics and viewers. Many liked Momoa’s acting and the action scenes. However, some thought it didn’t have the magic of the 1982 film. Still, it brought Conan to new fans and sparked interest in the character again.
- Praised for its updated visual effects
- Mixed opinions on the darker tone
- Debate over Momoa’s portrayal versus Schwarzenegger’s
The 2011 Conan the Barbarian reboot, even if not a hit with everyone, showed the Cimmerian warrior’s lasting appeal in today’s fantasy films.
The Impact of Conan on Sword and Sorcery Films
Conan the Barbarian made a big splash in 1982, changing fantasy films forever. This legendary character, from the Hyborian Age, set the tone for sword and sorcery adventures. Conan’s impact goes far beyond his own movies.
After Conan’s success, many films followed in the 1980s and later. Filmmakers aimed to bring to life heroes with swords and magic. Conan’s strong build and bold spirit inspired many action heroes.
“Conan the Barbarian redefined the sword and sorcery genre, paving the way for a new era of fantasy films.”
Conan’s influence spread beyond movies too. It touched:
- Comic books with sword-wielding heroes
- Video games in fantasy settings
- TV shows in mythical worlds
The Hyborian Age, Conan’s world, inspired creators to build detailed, engaging worlds. This focus on world-building is now a key part of great fantasy films. When you watch a sword and sorcery movie today, you’re seeing Conan’s legacy.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Conan The Barbarian
Conan the Barbarian movies have made a lasting impact on fantasy films. The Cimmerian warrior’s story has moved from pulp fiction to the movies, captivating fans for many years. You’ve seen how this iconic character has changed over time through different movies, each adding something new to the sword and sorcery genre.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa have both played Conan, each bringing their own take to the role. Conan stands as a symbol of heroic fantasy. The movies have also influenced action-adventure films, making the Hyborian Age come alive for viewers.
As you grow more interested in fantasy films, there’s still a chance for more Conan movies. Conan’s lasting popularity means his stories will keep thrilling and inspiring new fans. Conan’s legacy will continue to grow, reminding us of the magic in epic quests and heroic figures.
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FAQ
What is the origin of the Conan the Barbarian character?
Conan the Barbarian was first brought to life by author Robert E. Howard in the 1930s. He appeared in the magazine Weird Tales. The character became popular again in the 1960s through novels by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter.
Who played Conan in the original 1982 film?
Arnold Schwarzenegger played Conan in the 1982 film. This role helped launch him to international fame.
What was the critical and commercial reception of the 1982 Conan the Barbarian film?
The 1982 film was made on a $20 million budget and made between $68.9-79.1 million worldwide. Critics had mixed opinions at first. But now, it’s a cult classic. Fans love Schwarzenegger’s acting and the movie’s look.
How did the Conan franchise expand after the success of the 1982 film?
After the 1982 film’s success, the Conan series grew with a sequel in 1984. It also expanded into TV shows and other media.
Who played Conan in the 2011 reboot film?
Jason Momoa took on the role of Conan in the 2011 reboot. This film aimed to bring the character to a new audience.
How did the 2011 reboot compare to the original 1982 film?
The 2011 reboot was compared to the 1982 film. Fans and critics looked at how Momoa’s performance matched Schwarzenegger’s. Opinions were mixed, with some liking the new take and others sticking with the original.
What impact did the Conan the Barbarian movies have on the sword and sorcery genre?
The Conan movies greatly influenced fantasy films with swords and magic. The 1982 film led to many similar movies in the 1980s and later. It set the stage for heroic adventures in magical, violent worlds.
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Source Links
- https://www.imdb.com/list/ls560595676/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conan_the_Barbarian_(1982_film)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Conan_the_Barbarian_films