Conan the Barbarian (1982)
John Milius's epic sword-and-sorcery adventure that turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into a global icon and redefined the fantasy action genre.
Conan the Barbarian - Movie Information
- Original Title: Conan the Barbarian
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: John Milius
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 16, 1982 (Spain - 16), May 14, 1982 (United States - R), April 2, 1982 (United Kingdom - 15), August 25, 1982 (Germany - 16), April 7, 1982 (France - TP), December 16, 1982 (Australia - M), July 9, 1982 (Brazil - 16), September 10, 1982 (Italy - VM14), May 20, 1983 (South Korea - 19)
- Production Companies: The De Laurentiis Company, Pressman Film
- Production Countries: United States of America
Conan the Barbarian - Plot
A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing machine, Conan travels into the wilderness to seek vengeance on Thulsa Doom, the man responsible for killing his family. In the wilderness, Conan takes up with the thieves Valeria and Subotai. The group comes upon King Osric, who wants the trio of warriors to help rescue his daughter who has joined Doom in the hills.
Conan the Barbarian - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and witness the legend of Conan begin:
Thief. Warrior. Gladiator. King.
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Conan the Barbarian - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Milius
Main Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- James Earl Jones
- Max von Sydow
- Sandahl Bergman
- Ben Davidson
- Cassandra Gava
- Gerry Lopez
- Mako
- Valérie Quennessen
- William Smith
Writers
- John Milius
- Oliver Stone
- Edward Summer
Producers
- Raffaella De Laurentiis
- Buzz Feitshans
- Dino De Laurentiis
Conan the Barbarian - FAQs
Who plays Conan in the 1982 film?
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Conan in the 1982 film. It was a career-defining role that launched him to global stardom. James Earl Jones co-stars as the menacing villain Thulsa Doom, and Max von Sydow appears as King Osric, rounding out an impressive cast.
Is Conan the Barbarian based on a true story?
No, Conan the Barbarian is not based on a true story. It draws from the fictional Conan the Barbarian character created by author Robert E. Howard in a series of pulp fantasy stories published in the 1930s. The film adapts Howard's sword-and-sorcery world into a sweeping cinematic adventure.
What is Conan the Barbarian about?
The film follows Conan, a boy who witnesses his parents' slaughter at the hands of the warlord Thulsa Doom and is enslaved for years. After winning his freedom and honing his fighting skills, he sets out for revenge, teaming up with thieves Valeria and Subotai along the way.
What is the famous riddle of steel in the film?
The 'Riddle of Steel' is a philosophical thread running through the entire film. Conan's father teaches him that steel is the greatest power, but Thulsa Doom later argues that flesh — meaning human will and devotion — is stronger. Conan ultimately resolves the riddle through his journey of vengeance and self-discovery.
Where can I stream Conan the Barbarian 1982?
You can stream Conan the Barbarian on AMC+, AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, and Philo. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
How long is Conan the Barbarian?
Conan the Barbarian runs for 130 minutes, or about 2 hours and 10 minutes. It's a full-blooded epic that takes its time building Conan's world, his backstory, and his relentless march toward vengeance, making every minute feel purposeful.
Did Conan the Barbarian win any awards?
Conan the Barbarian earned significant recognition for Basil Poledouris's iconic score, which is widely considered one of the greatest film soundtracks ever composed. The film was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and has since become a beloved cult classic celebrated by fantasy and action fans worldwide.
What is the age rating for Conan the Barbarian?
Conan the Barbarian is rated R in the United States. The film contains intense battle sequences, graphic violence, and some adult content, making it suitable for mature audiences. In the UK it carries a 15 certificate, while other countries applied their own equivalent ratings upon release.
More About Conan the Barbarian
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