Based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, Conan the Barbarian (1982) is a sword-and-sorcery epic that follows the journey of Conan, a warrior seeking vengeance against the warlord who destroyed his village and enslaved him as a child. As he grows into a formidable fighter, he encounters allies and enemies across a savage, mystical landscape filled with brutal combat, ancient magic, and larger-than-life adventures. The film blends action, mythology, and philosophy as Conan confronts his destiny and the nature of power.

The film was shot on location in Spain, making use of its rugged terrain to create a convincingly harsh and fantastical world. Director John Milius employed practical effects and large-scale sets, avoiding extensive special effects in favor of a more grounded, visceral aesthetic. The fight choreography, heavily influenced by Japanese samurai films and historical European combat techniques, lends the action a raw and weighty realism. The film’s score, composed by Basil Poledouris, is widely regarded as one of the greatest in fantasy cinema, with its sweeping orchestral themes adding to the grandeur and intensity of Conan’s journey.

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger,  James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Gerry Lopez and Mako. Directed by John Milius, who co-wrote the screenplay with Oliver Stone.