The Beastmaster
The Beastmaster is a 1982 film from the USA, directed by Don Coscarelli, running 118 minutes. reelscum files it under sword & sorcery.
- Year
- 1982 · 1980s films
- Country
- USA
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Director
- Don Coscarelli
- Updated
- 10 Aug 2026
- Obscurity
- known (23/100)
Defined in the glossary: Sword & sorcery
The one that is actually fun. Ferrets steal the film.
The sword-and-sorcery film that is actually fun. A warrior who can communicate with animals, aided by an eagle, a black tiger and two thieving ferrets, seeks revenge on an evil priest, and the film has a warmth and sense of adventure the grimmer barbarian pictures lacked. The ferrets steal every scene they are in.
Don Coscarelli, of Phantasm, directs it with real affection, and it became a cable-television staple beloved by a generation. It is closer to a fantasy adventure for the whole family than to the sleazier entries.
The most likeable film of the barbarian boom, and a genuine cable-era favourite.
Trailer
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Where to watch
Legal options in USA
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Filed alongside
The Sword and the Sorcerer
A three-bladed sword that fires two of the blades. Sold on that alone.
Yor, the Hunter from the Future
Starts as caveman fantasy, becomes science fiction with no warning.
Deathstalker
Corman in Argentina. The genuine article, for better and worse.
Ator the Fighting Eagle
Joe D'Amato's Conan, giant puppet spider and all. Miles O'Keeffe swings the sword.
Barbarian Queen
Corman's Argentine Conan-with-women, honest bottom-shelf swords and loincloths.
Conan the Barbarian
The good one that caused all the others. Poledouris score is the best part.
Conquest
Fulci does Conan through so much fog you can barely see the gore. Somehow that helps.
Hawk the Slayer
Jack Palance chewing a fantasy kingdom to splinters while a sword flies about on wires. Beloved for it.