Join Rediscovered Realms as we revisit 16 iconic fantasy & adventure movies from 1974–1989 — the VHS-era classics that shaped Gen X and still spark epic debates today.
I find the generational date divisions are often blurred. According to some authorities, Gen X actually starts in 1960 which may move you to the other side of the line! Regardless though, great movies speak to kindred spirits across all time.
If the cutoff is 1960, then I'm still a boomer (just barely).
I agree that great movies speak to kindred spirits across generations. My millenial kids like many of the same 70s-90s movies that I like. Some they just don't get because of the cultural references that only made sense when the movie was released (a problem with too many movies that try to take advantage of trends).
I saw Flash Gordon, Raiders and Krull in the cinema. I saw Dragonslayer, Clash of the Titans, and Excalibur at the drive-in. All before I was 10 because my parents really had no clue.
I sneak watched Conan at my grandparents on cable.
I was born just a few years later than you. Still, the movie that will forever have a place in my heart is Krull…or maybe Beastmaster. Too close to call.
I know, right?! Both of those movies will always be some of my favorites. I've re-watched Krull in recent years but Beastmaster has been forever. Perhaps it's time . . .
Good additions, Jim! It's been forever since I watched those 2 movies, but I remember loving them back in the day. I'll be adding those to my watch list now!
Nice one, GMaia! That's one that I never really watched growing up for some reason, but did watch as an adult and really like. I mean, how can you go wrong when you have Rutger Hauer, Matthew Broderick, AND Michelle Pfeiffer in a fantasy movie?!!!
I'm a Boomer (that people say still hasn't grown up) and many of my favorite movies are on this list.
I find the generational date divisions are often blurred. According to some authorities, Gen X actually starts in 1960 which may move you to the other side of the line! Regardless though, great movies speak to kindred spirits across all time.
If the cutoff is 1960, then I'm still a boomer (just barely).
I agree that great movies speak to kindred spirits across generations. My millenial kids like many of the same 70s-90s movies that I like. Some they just don't get because of the cultural references that only made sense when the movie was released (a problem with too many movies that try to take advantage of trends).
Nice selection.
I'll take Flash Gordon over the Star Wars series.
I saw Flash Gordon, Raiders and Krull in the cinema. I saw Dragonslayer, Clash of the Titans, and Excalibur at the drive-in. All before I was 10 because my parents really had no clue.
I sneak watched Conan at my grandparents on cable.
Dude! You had some fantastic movie-going experiences. That is awesome.
I was born just a few years later than you. Still, the movie that will forever have a place in my heart is Krull…or maybe Beastmaster. Too close to call.
I know, right?! Both of those movies will always be some of my favorites. I've re-watched Krull in recent years but Beastmaster has been forever. Perhaps it's time . . .
Hey, I had emailed you back a while ago regarding the prize I won. Never heard back from you or received the prize.
Oh no! Let me check right now to find your response. I'll email you back to confirm.
lots of great titles from my early HS and Army years. remember seeing Flash in the theater
Flash Gordon in the theater had to have been epic!
Great list and I've realized now how many of my Top Ten movies have either Arnold or Ford in them, haha.
LOL, Eric! Two actors that made the 80s spectacular!
This is a solid list, and I have spent many hours watching these. I might add The Last Dragon and Iron Eagle to the mix.
Good additions, Jim! It's been forever since I watched those 2 movies, but I remember loving them back in the day. I'll be adding those to my watch list now!
If you set your VCR for SLP, you could fit three of these movies on one tape! Good times!
Now THAT was a blast from the past! "SLP". 🤯
Well, nothing against all these masterworks... for my personal taste the better movie of that age was Lady Hawke...
Nice one, GMaia! That's one that I never really watched growing up for some reason, but did watch as an adult and really like. I mean, how can you go wrong when you have Rutger Hauer, Matthew Broderick, AND Michelle Pfeiffer in a fantasy movie?!!!
We grew up on the same movies! I have seen every single one of those movies! You had good kid taste! lol and I still rewatch them all!
Right on, Robin! Any you can think of that I should have included?