3 Hidden ’80s Fantasy Gems You Probably Missed On VHS

ByCallum Price Published:

VHS tapes ruled the living room back in the 1980s, and fantasy movies were everywhere on those dusty rental shelves.

While blockbusters like The NeverEnding Story got all the attention, plenty of magical adventures slipped through the cracks.

Whether you were too busy rewinding E.T. or just never spotted them at your local video store, these forgotten treasures deserve a second look.

1. Ladyhawke (1985)

Ladyhawke (1985)
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

A cursed couple transforms between human and animal forms, never meeting except at twilight. Rutger Hauer plays a brooding knight while Michelle Pfeiffer becomes a hawk by day.

Sword fights mix with romance in medieval Europe, creating an unforgettable love story. The synthesizer soundtrack might sound dated now, but it adds quirky charm. If you love tales where magic ruins everything, grab some popcorn and press play.

2. The Last Unicorn (1982)

The Last Unicorn (1982)
Image Credit: Aagnverglaser, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Animated beauty meets melancholy as a lone unicorn searches for others of her kind. Mia Farrow voices the graceful creature who discovers she might be the last one alive.

Evil King Haggard has imprisoned all unicorns in the sea, and our hero must break the spell. Stunning hand-drawn animation and haunting music by America make every frame memorable.

3. The Dark Crystal (1982)

The Dark Crystal (1982)
Image Credit: Sierra On-Line, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Jim Henson crafted an entire alien world using only puppets, no humans in sight. Gelflings must heal a broken crystal before evil Skeksis drain the planet’s life force.

Intricate creature designs and a haunting score create an atmosphere both beautiful and unsettling. Kids might find it scary, but the artistry remains unmatched. Groundbreaking puppetry makes every character feel alive and breathing.

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