10 ’80s Fantasy Movies That Deserve a Remake
These 10 fantasy movies from the 1980s had creative ideas and strong potential but would benefit from a modern remake with updated effects and deeper storytelling.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1980s saw a wave of imaginative fantasy films that combined adventure, magic, and strange worlds. While many became cult classics, some were limited by the technology or storytelling trends of the time. With today’s filmmaking tools and audience interest in fantasy, these titles deserve a second chance.
1. The Last Starfighter (1984)
GabboT on Wikimedia Commons
Aliens recruit a teenager to fight in a space war after reaching a high score on an arcade game. The story combines science fiction and fantasy, with themes of destiny and courage. The original effects were groundbreaking but now feel outdated. A remake could expand the universe and bring the visuals up to today’s standards.
2. Legend (1985)
Rayukk on Wikimedia Commons
Directed by Ridley Scott, this film stars Tom Cruise in a battle against darkness to save a magical world. The practical effects and makeup were impressive for the time but limited by the available technology. Its world-building was strong, but the story felt uneven in some versions. A modern remake could keep the visual style but tighten the plot and improve character development.
3. Krull (1983)
Karen Seto on Wikimedia Commons
Krull tells the story of a prince who must rescue his bride and defeat an alien creature in a fantasy world. It mixed medieval settings with science fiction elements, which was unusual at the time. Despite its ambition, it struggled with pacing and special effects. A remake could give it a more focused story and improved visuals.
4. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Walt Disney Productions on Wikimedia Commons
This Disney animated film is based on The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. It featured darker themes and more serious tones than most Disney films of the time. The film was not a success at release and was criticized for its uneven tone and underdeveloped characters. With better animation and a stronger script, a live-action or high-quality animated remake could finally do justice to the source material.
5. The Flight of Dragons (1982)
NovelAI on Wikimedia Commons
This animated film explored the clash between science and magic through a fantasy adventure involving dragons and wizards. The concept was unique and based on two separate books. While charming, the animation and pacing show their age. A remake could bring new life to its complex themes using modern storytelling and design.
6. Willow (1988)
Willow on Wikimedia Commons
This fantasy tale of a young farmer helping protect a baby from an evil queen became a cult favorite. While a sequel series was made in recent years, a full remake of the original story could explore the characters more deeply. The original practical effects were impressive but now feel dated. A remake with modern visual effects could make the story more immersive for today’s audience.
7. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Mimooh on Wikimedia Commons
This animated film follows a brave field mouse trying to save her sick child and uncover the truth about genetically enhanced rats. Based on the book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, it touched on dark and intelligent themes. The animation was detailed but limited by its budget. A remake could offer a more faithful adaptation of the book and expand on its ideas.
8. Time Bandits (1981)
Robert Hoetink on Wikimedia Commons
This fantasy adventure follows a boy who travels through time with a group of dwarves using a stolen map. It mixes history, mythology, and satire in a fast-moving story. The film had a unique style but also felt chaotic and uneven at times. A remake could keep the quirky spirit while refining the structure and making the tone more consistent.
9. Ladyhawke (1985)
Rhododendrites on Wikimedia Commons
Ladyhawke tells the story of two lovers cursed to be together but always apart, one human by day and the other by night. The film had a strong romantic angle and a medieval fantasy setting. Its unusual music choices and some slow scenes held it back. A remake could update the soundtrack, sharpen the pacing, and deepen the emotional impact.
10. Clash of the Titans (1981)
Gordon Correll on Wikimedia Commons
This story, based on Greek mythology, follows Perseus on a quest involving gods, monsters, and magic. Its stop-motion animation was impressive at the time but has aged. A remake was already attempted in 2010, but it changed the tone and missed what made the original stand out. A more faithful remake could focus on myth, character depth, and storytelling while using modern effects.