If you're a fan of the 1983 cult classic 'Deathstalker' and its blend of sword-and-sorcery action, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same thrilling mix of fantasy, adventure, and over-the-top heroics. Whether you love the gritty battles, mythical quests, or cheesy charm of 'Deathstalker,' these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more epic tales.

Hawk the Slayer (1980)
Description: Low-budget quest fantasy with a brooding hero assembling a team to fight dark magic, featuring slow-motion sword fights, rubbery monsters, and a synth-heavy score.
Fact: Notorious for its wooden acting and cheap effects; developed a cult following for its earnest cheesiness.


Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Description: Epic fantasy adventure with a muscular hero battling dark sorcery and evil rulers in a mythical, ancient world. Features brutal combat, scantily clad warriors, and a quest for vengeance.
Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakout role; the iconic score by Basil Poledouris is considered one of the greatest in fantasy cinema.


The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)
Description: Low-budget fantasy with a rebellious hero wielding a three-bladed sword against an evil sorcerer-king, featuring gory battles, damsels in distress, and dark magic.
Fact: The triple-bladed sword was a unique and memorable weapon; one of the more successful indie fantasy films of its era.


Krull (1983)
Description: Space-fantasy hybrid where a prince battles an alien beast and his army with a magical glaive, blending medieval tropes with sci-fi elements in a visually striking world.
Fact: Features early work by future Academy Award-winning composer James Horner; the glaive weapon became iconic among fans.


Sorceress (1982)
Description: Exploitation-tinged fantasy about twin enchantresses battling an evil warlock, filled with gratuitous nudity, rubber monsters, and psychedelic magic effects.
Fact: Originally shot in 3D to capitalize on the brief 80s 3D revival; produced by B-movie legend Roger Corman.


The Warrior and the Sorceress (1984)
Description: Post-apocalyptic fantasy with a wandering warrior caught between warring factions, featuring a desert wasteland setting, bizarre creatures, and mystical elements.
Fact: Shot in Argentina to save costs; heavily inspired by Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo but with fantasy elements.


The Dungeonmaster (1984)
Description: Anthology fantasy where a computer programmer faces off against a demonic sorcerer in a series of magical challenges, blending medieval fantasy with 80s tech paranoia.
Fact: Directed by seven different filmmakers including Charles Band and David Allen; features early stop-motion effects.


Wizards of the Lost Kingdom (1985)
Description: Cheesy adventure following a young wizard and a warrior on a quest to save their kingdom, featuring laughable effects, stilted dialogue, and bargain-basement fantasy tropes.
Fact: Filmed in Argentina with an international cast; spawned an unrelated sequel years later.


The Barbarians (1987)
Description: Campy tale of twin barbarians battling an evil sorceress, filled with over-the-top muscle flexing, ridiculous dialogue, and a total embrace of 80s fantasy excess.
Fact: Starred the twin bodybuilders Peter and David Paul; filmed in Italy to capitalize on the post-Conan sword-and-sorcery craze.


Red Sonja (1985)
Description: Sword-and-sorcery tale with a fierce female warrior seeking revenge against a tyrannical queen, filled with magical elements, brutal fights, and a hyper-masculine fantasy aesthetic.
Fact: Brigitte Nielsen's first major film role; loosely based on a character created by Robert E. Howard (same creator as Conan).
