If you loved the brutal action and epic fantasy of 'Conan the Barbarian' (2011), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same raw intensity, sword-swinging battles, and mythical adventures. Whether you crave more barbarian lore or dark fantasy sagas, these picks will satisfy your thirst for blood and glory.

Clash of the Titans (1981)
Description: A mythological adventure featuring gods, monsters, and a hero's journey, with a strong emphasis on practical effects and grand-scale battles.
Fact: The film's stop-motion animation was done by Ray Harryhausen, a pioneer in special effects. The iconic mechanical owl, Bubo, was added at the last minute to appeal to younger audiences.


Excalibur (1981)
Description: A visually stunning retelling of Arthurian legend, filled with swordplay, mysticism, and a dark, brooding atmosphere.
Fact: The film's armor and costumes were so heavy that actors often needed assistance to move. It was also one of the first major films to feature a young Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart.


The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)
Description: A swashbuckling fantasy adventure with a rebellious hero, dark magic, and a quest to overthrow a tyrannical ruler.
Fact: The film was a surprise box office hit and helped revive the sword-and-sorcery genre in the early 1980s. Its success led to a planned sequel that was never produced.


Willow (1988)
Description: A high-fantasy adventure featuring a reluctant hero, magical creatures, and a battle against an evil queen, blending humor with epic storytelling.
Fact: George Lucas conceived the story as a way to create a fantasy film with a more intimate scale than his Star Wars saga. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for the time.


Kull the Conqueror (1997)
Description: A barbarian hero rises to power and battles dark sorcery, blending high adventure with supernatural elements in a savage, ancient world.
Fact: The movie was initially developed as a third Conan film before being reworked into a standalone story. It features elaborate practical effects and a mix of action and dark fantasy themes.


The 13th Warrior (1999)
Description: A lone warrior joins a band of Norsemen to battle a supernatural threat, blending historical grit with dark fantasy elements.
Fact: The film is based on Michael Crichton's novel Eaters of the Dead, which reimagines the Beowulf legend. The production faced numerous delays and rewrites, leading to a troubled release.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: A warrior of unmatched strength embarks on a perilous journey to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, featuring intense combat and mythical undertones.
Fact: This film served as a spin-off from The Mummy franchise and was Dwayne Johnson's first leading role in a major motion picture. It blends historical and fantastical elements in a desert setting.


Pathfinder (2007)
Description: A visceral tale of survival and revenge set in a harsh, prehistoric world, featuring brutal combat and a lone warrior's struggle against overwhelming odds.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, with the crew enduring extreme weather conditions. It was marketed as a darker, more violent take on Viking lore.


Red Sonja (1985)
Description: A sword-and-sorcery epic featuring a fierce warrior on a quest for vengeance, set in a mythical, brutal world filled with magic and monstrous foes.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct sequel to Conan the Barbarian, but the script was rewritten to focus on a new character. It was also one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's few roles where he played a supporting character rather than the lead.


Solomon Kane (2009)
Description: A grim, action-packed story of a cursed warrior seeking redemption through bloodshed, set in a dark, supernatural version of the past.
Fact: The character of Solomon Kane was created by Robert E. Howard, the same author who created Conan. The film was in development for over a decade before finally being made.
