Masters of the Universe (1987)

He-Man battles the sinister Skeletor across worlds in this live-action fantasy adventure based on the iconic Mattel toy line.

Masters of the Universe - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Masters of the Universe
  • Release Year: 1987
  • Directed by: Gary Goddard
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Thriller
  • Age Rating (US): PG
  • Runtime: 1h 46m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 7, 1987 (Netherlands - 14), August 7, 1987 (United States - PG), December 26, 1987 (United Kingdom - PG), December 17, 1987 (Germany - 12), December 9, 1987 (France - TP), September 17, 1987 (Australia - PG), June 30, 1988 (Brazil - L), September 5, 1987 (Italy - T), December 3, 1987 (Spain - APTA)
  • Alternative Titles: 决胜时空战区 (CN), マスターズ/超空の覇者 (JP), He-man ve Dünyalar Hâkimi (TR), Masters of the Universe: The Motion Picture (US), He-Man - Universums härskare (SE), הי-מן ושליטי היקום (IL), He-Man e os Mestres do Universo (BR), Vládci vesmíru (CZ)
  • Production Companies: Pressman Film, The Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Masters of the Universe - Plot

When the evil Skeletor finds a mysterious power called the Cosmic Key, he becomes nearly invincible, seizing Castle Grayskull and the surrounding city. The Sorceress is now Skeletor's prisoner and he begins to drain her life-force as he waits for the moon of Eternia to align with the Great Eye of the Universe which will bestow god-like power upon him. However, courageous warrior He-Man locates the locksmith inventor Gwildor, who created the Key and has another version of it. During a battle, one of the Keys is transported to Earth, where it is found by teenagers Julie and Kevin. Now, both He-Man and Skeletor's forces arrive on Earth searching for the potent weapon.

Masters of the Universe - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the battle for Eternia unfold:

A battle fought in the stars...now comes to Earth.

Where to Watch Masters of the Universe

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Masters of the Universe - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Gary Goddard

Main Cast

  • Dolph Lundgren
  • Frank Langella
  • Meg Foster
  • Billy Barty
  • Jon Cypher
  • Chelsea Field
  • Courteney Cox
  • Robert Duncan McNeill
  • James Tolkan
  • Christina Pickles

Writers

  • David Odell

Producers

  • Yoram Globus
  • Menahem Golan

Masters of the Universe - FAQs

Where can you stream Masters of the Universe?

Masters of the Universe (1987) is available to stream for free on Tubi TV, Plex, and YouTube Free (with ads). It is also accessible via History Vault. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.

Is Masters of the Universe based on a true story?

No, Masters of the Universe is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the Mattel toy line and the animated television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which debuted in 1983. The film translates the fantasy world of Eternia into a live-action theatrical feature.

Who plays He-Man in Masters of the Universe?

Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren plays He-Man, the heroic warrior of Eternia. Frank Langella portrays the villain Skeletor, and Courteney Cox — in one of her earliest film roles — plays Julie Winston, a teenager who discovers the Cosmic Key on Earth.

What is Masters of the Universe about?

The film follows He-Man as he battles the power-hungry Skeletor, who has seized Castle Grayskull and imprisoned the Sorceress. When a dimensional device called the Cosmic Key is accidentally transported to Earth, He-Man and Skeletor's forces both race to retrieve it, turning a suburban American town into a battleground.

What is the age rating for Masters of the Universe?

Masters of the Universe is rated PG in the United States. The film contains action violence, fantasy combat, and some intense scenes involving the villain Skeletor, but is generally considered suitable for family viewing with parental guidance for younger children.

Is there a post-credits scene in Masters of the Universe?

Yes, Masters of the Universe features a brief post-credits scene. Skeletor rises from the depths and declares “I'll be back!”, teasing a sequel that was ultimately never produced. This moment has become one of the film's most memorable and frequently discussed curiosities among fans.

How long is Masters of the Universe?

Masters of the Universe has a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes (106 minutes). Directed by Gary Goddard and released on August 7, 1987, the film was produced by The Cannon Group and Golan-Globus Productions on a budget of approximately $22 million.

What movies are similar to Masters of the Universe?

If you enjoyed Masters of the Universe, you might also like Ladyhawke (1985), The Matrix (1999), or Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). These films share elements of fantasy adventure, heroic battles, and imaginative world-building that appeal to fans of the genre.

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