Conan the Barbarian
Universal Pictures | Release Date: May 14, 1982
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 154 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
123
Mixed:
26
Negative:
5
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
MarkA.Jul 22, 2009
Whenever I tell people that one of my favorite movies is "Conan the Barbarian" they tend to tilt their heads and wonder why. I receive the same reaction when I admit the same thing about "Spirited Away". Both movies stir my imagination to Whenever I tell people that one of my favorite movies is "Conan the Barbarian" they tend to tilt their heads and wonder why. I receive the same reaction when I admit the same thing about "Spirited Away". Both movies stir my imagination to the point of having to love them. I don't care if the acting can occasionally reach cheesy levels, this will continue to be in my top 10.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful
10
bitskullAug 18, 2011
This movie contains much more then most people can understand because it is about power of spirit. Total classic and still one of the best fantasy movies.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
TheQuietGamerJul 27, 2011
This movie has aged very well, while some moments are cheesy, it's still a highly enjoyable movie for fans of fantasy epic movies, a truly unique movie that's a lot of fun to watch.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
HighwayUKNov 6, 2011
The long drawn out silence and "high adventure" perfectly set the grand scale of the Conan universe, doubtful you'll ever see a better performance from Arnie... the action is done very well, the dialogue is minimal but perfect for the broodyThe long drawn out silence and "high adventure" perfectly set the grand scale of the Conan universe, doubtful you'll ever see a better performance from Arnie... the action is done very well, the dialogue is minimal but perfect for the broody character, the visuals are wonderful, the music is amazing, personally can't find a flaw in this first outing. 10/10… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
adpirtleJul 3, 2015
The early 80's were bombarded with a whole slew of 'epic sword and sorcery' films, from the visually splendid "Excalibur" to the ridiculous but inexplicably charming "The Beastmaster." But none of them were responsible for catapulting theirThe early 80's were bombarded with a whole slew of 'epic sword and sorcery' films, from the visually splendid "Excalibur" to the ridiculous but inexplicably charming "The Beastmaster." But none of them were responsible for catapulting their lead to super-stardom like "Conan the Barbarian." Sure, it's cheesy and Arnold Schwarzenegger was an even more limited actor then than now, but the 10 year old me that first saw the film thought it was the greatest thing since Star Wars, and that's all that matters. :P… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
CraigP.Jan 20, 2008
Classic...changed my life. "Conan:what is best in life? To crush your enemy, to see them flee before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women."
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
michaelcOct 5, 2007
great style mood and grace, while parts of it are comical the amazing musical score and breathtaking scenery, the first 28 minutes of the movie is without dialog, a testament to how a score can drive a film
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
thvazSep 12, 2014
Don't be fooled - this is a pure art movie. No other like it before or since (not even the sequel - it sucks, by the way)
Amazing soundtrack (how it didn't even got nominated for the Oscar is beyond me)
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
lordbostonDec 14, 2016
This is arguably the greatest movie of all time, starring a man seemingly born to do the role, with one of the most underrated Directors ever to be black listed into oblivion by left wing idiots infesting Hollywood ever. This is not maryThis is arguably the greatest movie of all time, starring a man seemingly born to do the role, with one of the most underrated Directors ever to be black listed into oblivion by left wing idiots infesting Hollywood ever. This is not mary sue star wars or game fo thrones female fanservice nonstop. Quite the opposite!! The man starts with nothing and is white, nuked the trope of the black man starting with nothing. He reaches the top. In fact if you arent racist a black amn could jsut see it as a man not a white blue eyed man. He grinds for years to buidl strength as a salve, then is taught by ornetal weapons temple masters and goes on to defeat the evil pope of his world. An amazing pro capitalism anti authroity movie. Facism and nazi are after all left wing jsu tyoutube yaron brook on that one. Hitler was a democrat fascist. Fasism is communism is socialism. The cure is individualism and freedom with property aka capitalism! Dont start reading the book by robert e howard l sprage de camp lin carter steve perry john maddox roberts and robert jordan because they are so darn good you will be ruined for anything except jack vance ae van vogt michael moorock glen cook eric frank russel lawrence watt evans and paul hogan.
To those who have not seen it I salute you! I wish they brought back the selfish sneeky wiseass turn the tables on you comedy of 80s movies this one exibits.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
bendy303Jan 2, 2019
Orchestral score is second to none. Considered by many one of the greatest scores in film history. That alone warrents a 10.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Dsims37Jun 16, 2019
Probably the best sword and sorcery movie ever made. The score alone makes it a great.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
TrefferaufnahmeAug 11, 2019
Hervorragender Film mit guten Special Effekts. Etwas in die Jahre gekommen aber absoluter Kult. Auch an der Aufmachung ist bis heute nichts auszusetzen.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
jediboySep 20, 2011
Epic swash-buckling fantasy adventure in the true sword & sorcery style.
Arnold personifies Robert E. Howard's Conan like no one else could and delivers what the target audience expects. Visceral Combat, One-liners and a camel-punch or two.Epic swash-buckling fantasy adventure in the true sword & sorcery style.
Arnold personifies Robert E. Howard's Conan like no one else could and delivers what the target audience expects. Visceral Combat, One-liners and a camel-punch or two.
Right up there with "The Princess Bride" and "Ladyhawke."… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
LionheartedJan 22, 2013
"What is best in life? ..." "the riddle of steel" The gold of Conan the Barbarian isn't really the excellent story telling or Swartzneggers prolifically suited role but in the truth of life we must digest while immersed in this "survival of"What is best in life? ..." "the riddle of steel" The gold of Conan the Barbarian isn't really the excellent story telling or Swartzneggers prolifically suited role but in the truth of life we must digest while immersed in this "survival of the fittest" . The beauty of Conan here is not great acting but rather the story of passion, the fight of good and evil and the triumph of justice and triumph of the human spirit. Conan the Barbarian as a "cultural artifact" is for many the beginning nothing more than slew of meaningless "adventure movies" that proceeded afterwards, for myself though Conan means a kind of "hope" in many respects .. and that hope while imperfect makes up for a lot of the "movie sin".… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
ballpark_frankNov 24, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With a mix of fantasy, humor, and Arnold's big arms, this flick is one that I think gets better and better with repeat viewings. I haven't read the Howard books, so I can't make any comparison. But until I do read them, Schwarzenegger is my first thought when I hear "Conan" (with O'Brien a distant second). The classic saga of a boy who eventually extracts revenge on the person who was responsible for killing his parents (Holy Batman!), the film traces the training (strength through slavery) Conan receives as a child. This leads to a life as a gladiator, thief, and eventually vigilante. I find the ending to be 'lacking', and rather bland, but the final scene 'promises' more high adventure (re: Conan the Conqueror). As I mentioned, there is actually quite a bit of humor in this film (which helps to maintain the fantasy elements, I believe), with some of the better quotes that I remember. The assorted members of Conan's loose cadre offer various aspects: Valeria (sex), Subota (loyal companion - like a proto-'George Stone' of "The Untouchables"), and The Wizard (start thinking of a Dungeons and Dragons quest party). I've really started to like this movie (since AMC seems to offer it on a regular basis), and though I pretty much know the dialog by heart, it still offers light entertainment.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
gracjanskiFeb 15, 2020
For its time the movie was surely great, today a bit outdated. But still the world they created is great: savage and wild. Music is fantastic. Of course Schwarzenegger was perfect for this role and the director and cameraman put him perfectlyFor its time the movie was surely great, today a bit outdated. But still the world they created is great: savage and wild. Music is fantastic. Of course Schwarzenegger was perfect for this role and the director and cameraman put him perfectly into the scenes.
The plot and some fights are outdated. Especially the end fight is too simple. But I liked the fantasy elements in the movie, they fit very well.

I am laughing about the "professional" = left corrupted critics.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
FranzHcriticJul 10, 2014
'Conan' possesses an eeriness, an unorthodox form of story telling that I doubt we often see. It may not seem like it at first, but in the film there is a philosophical view, of power, vengeance, and loss. Arnold Schwarzenegger gives his'Conan' possesses an eeriness, an unorthodox form of story telling that I doubt we often see. It may not seem like it at first, but in the film there is a philosophical view, of power, vengeance, and loss. Arnold Schwarzenegger gives his deepest role, but the problem was simply his accent. James Earl Jones, in his small yet pivotal role, is the most captivating as the mystical snake priest. The film comes off too eerie for me, but the action and dialogue really pushed me to sit through the whole movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Kai82Jan 22, 2021
Conan is based on tales from Robert Ervin Howard starting in 1932. He is one of the fathers of the “Low Fantasy” genre or a least a really well know contributor. Low Fantasy is a setting that is our world with some magic, mythical orConan is based on tales from Robert Ervin Howard starting in 1932. He is one of the fathers of the “Low Fantasy” genre or a least a really well know contributor. Low Fantasy is a setting that is our world with some magic, mythical or supernatural elements but more dark and grim as it hides not the dark sides of human nature (Like the Witcher for example). The movie itself is well know for being an epic sword and sorcery tale and the first big role of Arnold Schwarzenegger which was also a financially successful movie. Be warned it is a show not tell approach and there will be blood and nudity which is fitting for the movie and setting. It is set in the Hyborian Age which is created / defined by Robert E. Howard as between the sinking of Atlantis and the beginning of recorded history. Conan is a young boy and son of a blacksmith. His father tells him about the riddle of steel he must solve as this is important to his people the Cimmerians. Shortly after the village is ambushed and the few survivors including Conan are sold into slavery. This is the set up and beginning of his adventures as he wants revenge and answers. The story is great sword and sorcery material. It delivers and uses all tropes in a good way. This means the story is engaging and you are invested into the characters. There are some good reveals and ideas like for example the riddle of steel, what is greatest in life, a ritual I cant spoil and other scenes that are homages or the approach of the villain to gain power. I don't know why many rated it lower because you have to adapt to the genre. If you don't believe me try comparing 2 classic of different genres like for (an extreme) example Schindlers List to Spaceballs or for a milder case The Great Dictator to The Godfather. No one expects a Shakespearean tale here and for its genre and setting it does a great job. The actors deliver. Arnold Schwarzenegger creates the template for the Barbarian character in fantasy and fiction. He has the looks for this and even his acting works well enough. Then we have the legend himself James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom. He is a great antagonist as he is smart, a great schemer and uses his abilities to full potential. He is one of the underrated movie characters and I praise the performance. Jorge Sanz as young Conan does a good job in his short role. I always say you should praise good child actors as it is hard to perform at this age. Sandahl Bergman as Valeria and Gerry Lopez as Subotai are great additions to the cast. Overall for the genre we got a satisfying performance. The battles and fights were great and bloody as they shy not away from brutal depictions. Here I must warn you as it is to brutal for some. However it is a grim and dark world so it is fitting for the setting. This is also valid for the sets. It is a world full of dark and grim things as much as debauchery in rich cities for contrast. All sets are a good representation you expect for this setting. What impressed me was the immersive and awesome score. Basil Poledouris enhances the scenes with his composition and reminds me of Ennio Morricone who could also tell a story just with the score. An underrated performance. Overall this movie delivers and became a cult classic for some. It is not an intellectual movie but has an appeal and is entertaining. Bonus knowledge 1: Believe it or not Conan is at the time of writing a Marvel character and he found his way into some events. In a what if story it was also shown that he is worthy to pick up Thors hammer. Bonus Knowledge 2: Conans answer to “What is the greatest in life” is actually what Genghis Khan answered to the same question.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
kyle20ellisMar 28, 2022
While a little too long and a little too simplistic in the storytelling, there is a lot that makes Conan the Barbarian entertaining. It looks fabulous, with beautiful scenery, sets, costumes and cinematography, while the score is brilliantWhile a little too long and a little too simplistic in the storytelling, there is a lot that makes Conan the Barbarian entertaining. It looks fabulous, with beautiful scenery, sets, costumes and cinematography, while the score is brilliant particularly in the first fifteen minutes. The dialogue is pretty good as is the direction, while the action sequences are top notch and the special effects decent. The pacing is brisk enough, while the acting I had little problem with. Arnold Schawarznegger is great as Conan, while James Earl Jones has fun as Thulsa Doom and Max Von Sydow is good value as King Osric. All in all, while no masterpiece Conan the Barbarian is very entertaining and worth watching at least once. 8/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
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10
ThazariOct 21, 2021
Conan the Barbarian is pretty much unsurpassed as a movie.

The character arc of Conan is interesting, in how he starts as a nobody with many years of extreme hardship and destitution moulding him into what he is. While the epic revenge arcConan the Barbarian is pretty much unsurpassed as a movie.

The character arc of Conan is interesting, in how he starts as a nobody with many years of extreme hardship and destitution moulding him into what he is. While the epic revenge arc is cliche, the way it is delivered is not.

This is how heroic characters are created, not as Mary Sue or Chosen One. This hero is a hero because the world threw a lot of sh-t at him and he overcame it. The movie illustrates this brutal reality well at the beginning, when there are 30 or so other kids put in the same situation. Each could have been a Conan, but only one overcame the harsh reality and survived, by sheer determination, rather than special powers.

By the time Conan and his pals reach the apex of their power and slaughter an entire squad of armoured horseman, it feels well-deserved, rather than driven by cringy character shielding and railroaded plot like in so many movies.… Expand
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7
actiniumApr 26, 2021
/ /
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7
danf96May 1, 2022
Good movie! I like how the movie takes time to show you how he became so strong and such a good fighter. The characters are pretty bland and Arnold doesn’t have many lines. Best part is where he punches a Camel.

The action is also good. VeryGood movie! I like how the movie takes time to show you how he became so strong and such a good fighter. The characters are pretty bland and Arnold doesn’t have many lines. Best part is where he punches a Camel.

The action is also good. Very brutal and Barbaric hence the name. The bad guy is nothing special but he does a good enough job. Like i said there isn’t much personality from Arnold but he plays a good emotionless killing machine at least lol.

This movie is far from a masterpiece but its one of Arnolds top 10 films i think. I fun film nonetheless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DizzyajmerianJun 4, 2020
Probably the most underrated film of all time. It's score is acknowledged as one of Hollywood's finest, it's philosophical themes are unmatched (directed by the writer of Apocalypse Now) and it's the most true to history (even despite being aProbably the most underrated film of all time. It's score is acknowledged as one of Hollywood's finest, it's philosophical themes are unmatched (directed by the writer of Apocalypse Now) and it's the most true to history (even despite being a fantasy) to the bronze age- Iron age man… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
WeinstockJul 2, 2021
This movie is under rated. One of the best fantasy movies ever made. Sure some parts might be dated but the story telling is solid. This movie is almost a silent film with it's dialog. Some people don't get that. Also it is brutal and tellsThis movie is under rated. One of the best fantasy movies ever made. Sure some parts might be dated but the story telling is solid. This movie is almost a silent film with it's dialog. Some people don't get that. Also it is brutal and tells next story of strength and overcoming. I can see in this day in age the concept might seem much for some. Bat they are just weak. Writen by Oliver stone, and directed well. For whatever reason they didn't bring back the crew from this film to do the second movie. It was made to be a trilogie. Ahh that's how it goes. This is one of my favorite movies.… Expand
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7
NickTheCritickApr 24, 2022
Conan's tribe knows the secret of steel and forges invincible swords, but the evil Tulsa Doom and his men burn the village to the ground. Only a few children are saved, including Conan, who are captured and enslaved. Conan grows big, strongConan's tribe knows the secret of steel and forges invincible swords, but the evil Tulsa Doom and his men burn the village to the ground. Only a few children are saved, including Conan, who are captured and enslaved. Conan grows big, strong and determined to avenge the death of his people. Film entrusted to the skilful direction of Milius and to the muscles of Schwarzenegger. This is a good film, a film of great inspiration for subsequent epic / revenge films and inspired in turn by Hamlet. Good direction by Milius and screenplay by Oliver Stone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
mariohr2020Feb 13, 2022
Una obra maestra en tanto que la construcción de un universo intrigante y misterioso. Un una iconografía y filosofía fascinante, en que se contraponen el acero (materialidad) y la ideología (metafísica).
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