A pre-1990's Movie List for Gamers

"Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, it doesn't go away."

-Philip K. Dick ( VALIS, 1981)

I have tried to categorize films, but they are not really ranked by quality. More descriptions to follow:

Movies that take place on Earth, Historical Setting, Real:


1) Lawrence of Arabia ********(Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Omar Sharif) - Historical - Adventure - Biography -
          This has all what a film should be; it's nearly perfect. It is only more amazing by the fact that it is all based on, an arguably mostly, true story. Most GM's relish having a player with the guts and foresight exhibited by T.E. Lawrence. It's about adventure, humanity, and fate.

2) The Three Musketeers (1973; Michael York, Oliver Reed, Frank Finlay, Richard Chamberlain) Renaissance - Adventure - Directed by Richard Lester.
          I would like to thank everyone involved with this series for giving me so much fun watching this on tv as a child. I always wanted to be D'Artagnan. Now I like all four of the musketeers.

3) The Four Musketeers (1974; Charlton Heston, Faye Dunaway, Raquel Welch) Renaissance - Adventure - Directed by Richard Lester.
          This is one of the few sequels that surpasses a great original. This one is a bit darker, but it has more bite.

4) The Return of The Musketeers (1989; sequel to the 3 - & the 4 Musketeers; Michael York, Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, Frank Finlay, Kim Cattrall) Adventure - Directed by Richard Fleischer.
          This one didn't quite live up to the two from the 'seventies, but it had some problems. I only discovered its existence months ago on the IMDb, and I have only seen it once since then. Still worth a look as a follow-up to two much loved classics.

5) The Court Jester ********(1956; Danny Kaye, Angela Lansbury) Medieval - Adventure (Comedy)
          See this movie! It's funny, it has a great plot, and there is nothing wrong with it

6) The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938; Errol Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland) Medieval
          This movie entertains for every moment. It is a joy to watch.

7) Robin and Marion (1976; Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Nicol Williamson, Robert Shaw) Medieval - Directed by Richard Lester.
          This is a great, realistic love story. There is plenty of action, but I admire the realism throughout. It may be my favorite version of this story, although "The Adventures of Robinhood," is tough to beat; think of this as the sequel.

8) The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939; Errol Flynn, Bette Davis) Historical Drama
          There's some excellent acting by Flynn and Davis in this. It's probably more of a romance or love story, but it is rather insightful. It's a great movie, so I say, "See it."

9) The Prince and the Pauper (1937; Errol Flynn; Based on the story by Mark Twain) Renaissance -
          This is a great, realistic, and fun movie. It also has an insightful moment or two. Errol Flynn is great.

10) Crossed Swords (1978. a.k.a: The Prince and the Whipping Boy (Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, David Hemmings) (also based on Twain) Renaissance -
          I haven't seen this in many years, so I can't wait to see if it's as good as I remember. Directed by Richard Fleischer.

11) Cockeyed Cavaliers (1934, Medieval, in b&w)
          These guys are funny. The jokes in this movie may have been old in '34, but they are presented so freshly, they will still make you laugh. Something about the black & white makes this feel more authentic, like a window into the past.

12)Taras Bulba (Yul Brenner) Historical Adventure

13)Genghis Khan (Historical Adventure)

14) Quo Vadis (Historical Drama)

15) "Heloise and Abelard" (A French production about the Medieval lovers, *Not the actual title, sorry, it may be post 1985, and I think it has "Love" in the title.)
         This one is mostly realistic and has a very shocking moment

16) The Warlord (1965; Charlton Heston) Medieval. -
          I like the realism of this movie. It's a little slow-going and maybe more of a drama. The story is well told, and the setting is near perfect.

17) The Long Ships (Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier) Medieval
          I have tried to watch this two or three times, but I keep getting distracted. I'm sure it's a good movie, but maybe it is missing something for me. I will try again and give it a proper review.

18) Prince Valiant (James Mason) Medieval
          This one is really good. Chivalry, some mystery, duels and adventure

19) Henry V (1989; Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi) Historical Drama
          I liked reading Shakespeare better, but this is good, if you can't do that. Some great battles

20) Tom Jones (1963; Albert Finney) Historical Drama - Comedy
          The title character is bawdy. I think there is some singing, but it's still a well told, entertaining story.

21) The Lion in Winter (1968; Kathryn Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins) Historical Drama
          Lots of politics in this, but the acting is admirable.

22) Ivanhoe (1952; Richard Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor) Medieval - Historical Drama
          This is a classic story in the perfect knightly setting, based on Sir Walter Scott's tale. Good Performances and thoroughly entertaining. (I also like the 1982 Ivanhoe tv movie...)

23) The Name of the Rose (1986; Sean Connery, Christian Slater) Medieval - Mystery
          This one seems real, although it has some disturbing parts. It is intriguing and thoughtful.

24)The Fifth Musketeer * (1979; Lloyd Bridges, Beau Bridges, Alan Hale Jr.) Medieval

25) Lionheart (1987; Gabriel Byrne, Eric Stoltz) Medieval
          I like this film. It's not too edgy or fanciful. It's about the, "Children's Crusade," and mostly realistic.

26) Flesh and Blood (1985; Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh) Medieval
          This one seems realistic - almost too much. It's a gritty world with earthy characters. Definitely worth a look, especially if you need some grounding for your campaign.

27) The Vikings (1958; Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Ernest Borgnine) Medieval - Adventure - Directed by Richard Fleischer.
          I didn't discover this gem until recent years, and I don't know how I missed it. It seems authentic, and I highly recommend it.


Pirates or the High Seas:

28) The Sea Hawk 1940, Errol Flynn (Naval Adventure) - Directed by Michael Curtiz
         Naval / Sea adventure. Buckle your swash!

29) Captain Blood (Historical Adventure)
          Swashbuckling fun

30) The Black Swan (1942; Medieval)
          A bit of a sea adventure

31) Swashbuckler * (1976; Robert Shaw, James Earl Jones) Adventure
          I'm not sure if this is a bad movie or not. I rather like it. It's more of a historical pirate movie. It does have some inconsistency, but I would watch it again.


Roman - Bible era ("Peplum") movies:

32) Ben-Hur (1959; Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins) Biblical - Roman
          One of the great epics of all time. Great story, acting, action, and everything.

33) Spartacus (1960; Kirk Douglas) Biblical - Roman
          This is a great movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick (actually, I think he had to come in and 'save it' after another director)

34) The Robe (1953; PG; Richard Burton, Jean Simmons; 133 minutes) Biblical - Roman
         The sequel to this is: Demetrius and the Gladiators.

35) Demitrius and the Gladiators (1954; Victor Mature, Susan Heyward, Michael Rennie. - Biblical - Roman)
          The sequel to "The Robe" I like this one maybe better. It has some good scenes and great fights in the arena.

36) Barabbas (1962; Anthony Quinn, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Palance) Biblical - Roman
          Quinn is a great Barabbas, with real humanity. Directed by Richard Fleischer.

37) Cleopatra (1963; Elizabeth Taylor) Roman
          This is an epic. The sets and costumes - and the length. There's a lot to this film.

38) The Ten Commandments (1956; Charlton Heston) Biblical
          Does this need an explanation?

39) Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979 -R - Roman - Comedy)
          Another funny one, but its topic may offend some people. I took a year of Latin, so the "graffiti" scene gets me every time.

40) The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964; Alec Guiness, Sophia Loren, James Mason, Christopher Plummer, Omar Sharif) Before, Gladiator," there was this movie, which has many similarities.


Conquest of the new world:

40) 1492: Conquest of Paradise (Gerard Depardieu) Historical Drama
          This movie (like Braveheart and Gladiator,) seemed real while I was watching it, although it has been some years since then. Technically, it shouldn't be on this list....

41) The Mission (1986; PG; Robert DeNiro, Jeremy Irons; 128 minutes) Historical Drama
          This seemed very realistic and also tragic. It's very believable throughout.


Japanese / Samurai:

42) The Hidden Fortress ******** (1958; Action - Adventure)
         You have got to see this film.

43) Yojimbo (1961; Action - Adventure)

44) Seven Samurai (1954; Toshiro Mifune; Akira Kurosawa - Director) (Action - Adventure)

45) Zatoichi / the Blind Swordsman (any of 25 films: 1962 - 1973)(Shintaro Katsu) Action - Adventure
          Something about this "series" captures what feudal Japan must have been like. I feel I am transported to another place and time. Zatoichi is quite a character, and Katsu is charismatic. I have seen mostly the ones from the 1960's, and I may prefer the ones in color. Some are better than others, but they are are all worthy. Most are about family, right & wrong, and Honor.


Real World with Magic or Fantastic Elements:

46) Dracula (1979 Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier) Horror (modern)

47) Wolfen (1981; Albert Finney) Horror (modern)
          If you strip away the modern acoutrements, this could be your typical adventure module: "There is a monster running around, and the characters must find a way to stop it." I like the decrepit city, the "special-effects" and a really cool white wolf in this.

48) Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter (1974; Horst Janson, Caroline Munroe) Medieval - Fantasy
          This one captures enough realism to make the fantastic elements believable. The Captain can't be beat; so it's cool to watch him sword fight.

49) Cry of the Banshee (1970; Vincent Price, Peter Cushing) Medieval - Fantasy
          Another from the "Hammer school," there are character classes represented and a mini Dungeon crawl. This movie could have been better, but I think it's pretty cool for its day.

50) Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959; Sean Connery, Janet Munroe) Leprechauns (modern)
          I like this movie more around St. Patrick's day. The leprechauns are well defined (tricky.) The best is the banshee - it's scary as a ringwraith.

51) LadyHawk (1985; Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rutger Hauer) Fantasy
          I don't know how I missed this film for so many years. It's good and a bit of a love story. The synthesized music by Alan Parsons almost turned me off. I like the themes, but I prefer acoustic instruments to better accompany the movie world portrayed.

52) Old Legends Never Die (James Darren, Robert Colbert: Tony and Doug, from 'Time Tunnel'") Medieval
          I may have to check the title on this, or it was a re-release or compilation from the TV series. They travel through time, but the medieval parts are the best.


Arthurian Legend

53) Excalibur (1981, Nigel Terry, Nicol Williamson, Helen Mirren) Medieval - Fantasy
          This movie affected me as a child, and my friends and I saw it many times on HBO. Then we went into the woods and tried to re-enact portions. It was all I ever wanted and more than I ever imagined.

54) Camelot (1967; Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave) Medieval - Musical
          I think the period of this film is one of my favorites. The costumes, settings, and acting are all great. The singing... I could do without, but it's not so bad. I like the 'different' way Launcelot and Guinevere are handled.

55) Knights of the Round Table

56) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1973; Murray Head, Nigel Green, Robert Hardy; Medieval)
          This one is a little slow going, but it seems authentic.



Real World / Fantasy World:

57) Time Bandits (1981; PG; Kenny Baker, Jack Purvis, Sean Connery, John Cleese, Ian Holm; 115 minutes) Fantasy
          This movie is a lot of fun, although I wouldn't quite call it a comedy. It is never boring and really captures the feel of adventure.

58) Highlander (1986; R; Christopher Lambert) Medieval (modern)
         This may not be the greatest movie, although there are plenty of Highlander fans. I like the modern sequences as much as the scenic flashbacks to rural Scotland. Lots of action and sword fighting. "There can be only one!"

59) The Princess Bride (1987; PG; Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patankin, Andre the Giant) Fantasy
          One based on a much-loved book, about a boy and a book and a story. Really, if you haven't seen this, you should. It is much-quoted and a lot of fun.

60) The NeverEnding Story(1984; Noah Hathaway, Moses Gunn) Fantasy - based on novel by Michael Ende. Directed by Wolfgang Peterson
          I like the idea of the boy reading this book (which this is based-on.) It almost detracts from the fantasy immersion, until you have that "fourth-wall" moment. It's not the most serious film, but it is fantastical.

61) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975 -R - Medieval - Comedy)
          Hilarious. Maybe a bit too funny?

62) Mazes and Monsters (1982; Tom Hanks; based on Rona Jaffee's book) Real world / D&D -
          This is about a group of college kids who play the game in the title. It may have fed the stigma of anti- Dungeons & Dragons paranoia in the eighties, but it's still fun to watch. I want to play this game,in the caves, like they do!

63) The Company of Wolves (1984; Angela Lansbury, David Warner) Psychological horror/suspense, drama. -
         This may be the only, or closest to a, "chick-flick" on this list. There aren't any big sword fights. I like the atmosphere of this rather well told story. It has loads of symbolism - Freud would be proud. I also like the vivid imagery. Director Neil Jordan did a great job, and the performances are excellent. It may not be a great movie, or for everyone, but it's the only movie like this here, so I feel it rounds out the list.

64)Labyrinth (1986; David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly) Fantasy

65) The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe (1979; based on the C.S. Lewis series; Animated - Fantasy)
          This film has a lot of heart. The story transcends the animation. The voices are quite good, too; but you should really read the book first!



Ancient World, Mythical Beasts:

66) Clash of the Titans (1981; Harry Hamlin, Burgess Meredith, Sian Phillips) Fantasy - Mythology
          I missed this in the theatre somehow, but it was out when I was full-swing into playing D&D. It showed all of those things I had imagined. Maybe it was better back then, but I still have a fondness for it.

67) Jason & the Argonauts (1963; Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovac, Honor Blackman, Patrick Troughton, Nigel Green; Fantasy - Mythology)
          More awesome mythical creatures by Ray Harryhausen and a heroic quest.

68) The Wizard of Baghdad (1960; G; Dick Shawn, Diane Baker; 92 minutes) Fantasy -
          This movie doesn't take itself too seriously, but it is funny. Maybe it's more realistic because the "Wizard" is such a coward. I like the abundance of magic in this.

69) Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1974; John Phillip Law, Caroline Munroe, Tom Baker) Mythology - Adventure
          More cool monsters and an evil wizard villain (played by "Doctor Who"!)

70) 7th Voyage of Sinbad(1958; Kerwin Matthews, Kathryn Grant) Mythology - Adventure
          Another of the best version of a D&D movie before the game was even imagined. This one had to have some kind of influence on the creators. It is a good movie - fun to watch. Some creatures, lots of magic and a great wizard.

71) Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger(1977; Patrick Wayne, Jane Seymore) Mythology - Adventure
          More Harryhausen creature creations. I like this one, too. Some don't - that's all I 'll say, but I can't get enough of it.


Animated

72) The Last Unicorn (1982; - G - Fantasy, Animated; Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, Angela Lansbury, Christopher Lee, Alan Arkin)
          This is a sweet story, of mythic scope, about good and evil.

73) The Hobbit (1977 tv; John Huston, Orson Bean, Hans Conried; 87 minutes) Animated - Fantasy
          Like most of these animated Tolkien versions, the voices and acting are spot-on. They just seem perfect. Maybe it's because I remember them from when I was so young. This one is the most faithful to the book, and arguably the best Toklien-inspired movie.

74) The Lord of the Rings (1978 -PG - Anthony Daniels; 130 minutes) Animated - Fantasy
          I like Bakshi's animation, and this film works for me. Except that abrupt ending. It's really too bad, since the Ringwraiths here are truly spooky.

75) The Return of the King (1980; Roddy MacDowell; Animated - Fantasy, for TV)
          I still remember the first time I saw this and the "singing" orcs. Their song is a classic. It's a good telling of Tolkien's world, and I have nothing bad to say about it.

76) Vampire Hunter D (1985) Anime Fantasy
          This is here because of the horror-monster elements. Some well done vampire angst, and inspiring action scenes.

77) The Black Cauldron (1985; animated, based on Lloyd Alexander's series) Fantasy
          The books are so excellent; everyone should read them. This is a semi-dark tale with a few truly scary moments - for Disney. This is one series that cries out for a modern-day film series, but this is still a good version.



Alternate Fantasy World:

78) The Magic Sword (1963) Fantasy
          This is not the greatest movie, but it has real adventure. I have maybe seen it three times, but I would watch it a few more. A must for any gamer.

79)The Dark Crystal (1982; Jim Henson production) Mythology – Fantasy

80) The Beastmaster (1982; Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, John Amos, Rip Torn) Fantasy
          I like this the more I see it, but I disliked it when I first saw it in 1983. It's a pretty good story. I usually watch this when it comes on tv late at night, but it's better unedited.

81) Legend (1985; Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry) Fantasy
          This is a mythic love story. Jon Anderson's music is good, but some parts seem like they would be better in another movie. Just my pet peeve. I discovered this on cable tv, and I'll watch it whenever it's on.

82) Krull (1983; Ken Marshall, Lysette Anthony, Liam Neeson, Todd Carty, Robbie Coltrane) Fantasy
          Another one that I appreciate more since the years passed from when I saw it in the theatre. I like the outdoor mountain climbing scenes best. They have a pretty cool adventuring party. I always liked the bandits and still do. The music is quite good, and most of the costumes are cool.

83) Hawk the Slayer (1980; Jack Palance, Annette Crosbie) Fantasy
          This is one of those movies I didn't like when I was a child - I was too picky. Now I can appreciate more. It's still not a great movie, but any role-player should see it.

84) Dragonslayer (1981; Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson, Ian McDiarmid) Fantasy
          This one didn't impress me when I saw it in the movie theatre, because it can be a little slow-going in parts. The dragon is a great payoff at the end. I like it more and more, whenever I see it; I am more and more impressed. There is some beautiful scenery, scenes, and performances.

85) Sword of the Valiant (1984; Sean Connery, Miles O'Keefe, John Rhys Davies, Peter Cushing) Fantasy - Adventure
          This is the old myth of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and I like this interpretation of it, although it's not all serious. I think, "Humphrey," is a great side-kick to this sometimes bumbling beginning Hero. Gawain really transforms by the end.

86) The Sword and the Sorceror (1982; Lee Horsley, Richard Lynch, Richard Moll; Fantasy)
          Despite some of its problems, I liked this in the theatre. It has some outrageous moments, but it is good fun. I don't think they ever made the Talon's sequel as mentioned in the end credits: "Tales from the Ancient Empire," but I still want to see it!

87) Conan the Barbarian (1982; Arnold Swarzenegger, Sandhal Bergman, Mako) Fantasy
          This could have been slightly better, although I doubt a better version could be made today. There are some defining moments shown, and Arnold is so believable as Conan. One of the best things about this is the sweeping score by Basil Poledouris. They have to make the third one someday: "Conan the King"

88) Conan the Destroyer * (1984; Olivia D'Abo, Wilt Chamberlain, Mako, Grace Jones) Fantasy - Directed by Richard Fleischer.
          Instead of making a movie about Conan, they made a movie about Conan's adventuring party. I think this could have been a lot better, but I will still watch it over and over. Maybe because I couldn't go to see it when it came out.

89) Red Sonja * (1985; Brigette Neilson, Arnold Swartzenegger) Fantasy
         This movie had potential. It's worth watching if you haven't seen it, just so you can form your own opinion. Directed by Richard Fleischer.

90) Willow (1988; Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis) Fantasy
          Lots of action in this film.


Ever since playing a D&D "Dark Sun," campaign, I can't see those Roman and Bible films without thinking of Athas!)


I have tried to include films containing either: magic, religion, sword-fighting, monsters, mythology, adventure, and/or heroes.

and Yes, I have seen all of these films.  
(Ratings, Actors, more reviews, and Years are to come)

*    = not that great of a film (not for everyone)  
********* = See This Movie!  

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(-And, of course, here are a few exceptions -mainly recent, made-for-t.v.)  -

Merlin (1997) Sam Neil
Atilla (2000) Gerard Butler
Henry VIII (2003) Ray Winstone
I, Claudius (Derek Jacobi) 1979
Cadfael(series) 2000
By the Sword Divided I & II(Julian Glover) 1983-1987
Shogun (James Clavell's)(Richard Chamberlain)
The Celts (BBC documentary series, w/music by Enya)

Now check out: Young Blades on PAX (Thursdays at 8pm EST)
& W.I.T.C.H. on Family channel Saturday mornings

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"The WasteLand," list of Post-Apocalyptic adventures, including:  

1) Mad Max

2) The Road Warrior *********

3) Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985; PG-13; Mel Gibson, Tina Turner; 107 minutes)

4) Blade Runner *********(Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Darryl Hannah, Sean Young)

5) Damnation Alley (George Peppard, Jan Michael Vincent)

6) Phoenix the Warrior (Persis Khambata)

7) Logan's Run (Michael York, Jenny Augetter)

8) THX-1138 (Robert DuVall, Donald Pleasence)

9) Planet of the Apes (et.al.)(Charlton Heston)

10) The Last Chase  *   (Lee Majors, Burgess Meredith)

11) "V" - mini-series (Marc Singer, Faye Grant)

12) Threads

13) The Day After (Jason Robards)

14) Cherry 2000 (Melanie Grffith)

15) Night of the Comet

16) Red Dawn  (Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Jennifer Grey, Lea Thompson, C. Thomas Howell)

17) Steel Dawn (Patrick Swayze, Brion James)

18) Escape From New York (1981; Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau, Isaac Hayes)

19) The Aftermath!

20) A Boy and His Dog (Don Johnson)

21) The Terminator (Linda Hamilton, Arnold Swarzenegger, Paul Winfield)

22) Yor, the Hunter From the Future

23) Last Night (post - 1990, but...)

24) Zardoz (Sean Connery)

25) Heavy Metal (animated)(John Candy)

26) Element of Crime 1989

27) Testament ******** (1983; Jane Alexander, Lukas Haas, Roxana Zal, Rebecca DeMornay, Kevin Costner, Mako; 90 min.)

28) American Cyborg: Steel Warrior (Cyborg 2)

29) Thundarr, the Barbarian ('80-'81 cartoon series; Bob Ridgely, Nellie Bellflower, Henry Cardon)

30) The Island (Michael Caine)

31) The Omega Man (Charlton Heston)


32) In The Year 2889 * (1966; PG; 80 minutes)

33) Dr. Strangelove (or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb")********(Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Slim Pickins)

34) Cyborg (1989; Jean-Claude VanDamme, Deborah Richtor)

35) Ravagers (1979; Richard Harris) *

36) The Quiet Earth (1985)

37) Dawn of the Dead (1978) zombie fun

38) No Blade of Grass (1970) * pestilence & ensuing chaos


         ("The Wasteland," list is like a game of Gamma World, Aftermath!, or Twilight 2000)

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Since Role-Playing Games are all about playing your role, here are a few movies with different and interesting group dynamics, which could be translated to an adventuring party:

1) The Poseidon Adventure (Gene Hackman)
2) The Warriors
3) The Bad News Bears (Walter Mattheau, Tatum O'Neal)
4) Alien (Sigourney Weaver)
5) Aliens
6) Big Trouble in Little China (1986; PG-13; Kurt Russell, Kim, Cattrall; 100 minutes)
7) The Thing (John Carpenter's)
8) Jaws (Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss)
9) E.T. ********(Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore) - they play D&D!
10) Hatari! (John Wayne)
11) Kelly's Heroes (Clint Eastwood, Don Rickles)
12) The Big Red One (Lee Marvin, Mark Hammill)
13) The Goonies (Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Joe Pantoliano)
14) Mysterious Island (1961)

  -And I have left out a couple of obvious and influential series :


          Raiders of the Lost Ark   ********- a nearly perfect film

          Star Wars  - really more of a fantasy / mythology; as much as I enjoy it, see "The Hidden Fortress," above, which is basically the same idea set in Feudal Japan (in black & white, with subtitles.)

          The Empire Strikes Back
           Return of the Jedi

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-Also, many Westerns emulate the setting of a frontier world; whether desolate wasteland, lawless frontier, or hostile dungeon:


The Naked Spur (James Stewart)
The Outlaw Josey Wales
The Searchers ********(1956, PG, John Wayne, 119 minutes)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston)


(& almost any John Wayne or Clint Eastwood western)


         ---   War and Horror films...?


-- I recently discovered: http://www.imdb.com/
the internet movie database, so I'll give them a plug here. Tv-now.com and tvtome.com have also been a help. Thanks for looking!


update 2024: It has been nearly 19 years!
I recently re-watched the 80's Ivanhoe, which I probably hadn't seen since then, and it is enjoyable, although I missed the end.
My greatest discovery has been the 1980's: Robin of Sherwood especially the first 2 Seasons! (I have yet to finish season 3, but it definitely is worth multiple viewings. Easy to find in searches to view, free online.

(I also forgot to mention Dr Who. Tom Baker is alive in England, and I got his autograph, through the mail in 2018!