Poster for The Beastmaster
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Year
1982
Country
USA
Runtime
118 min
Director
Don Coscarelli
Updated
9 Aug 2026
Obscurity
known (23/100)

The Beastmaster

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.

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Filed alongside

Poster for Hawk the Slayer▶ watchcult

Hawk the Slayer

1980 · UK/Australia · 93m

Jack Palance chewing a fantasy kingdom to splinters while a sword flies about on wires. Beloved for it.