In many ways silly and strident, it’s still marvelous barbarian pulp, a beefcake fantasy of myth and magic built from grandiose sets, a magnificent score (one of the best from composer Basil Poledouris) and endless he-man matches of blood and brawn.

| Aug 19, 2023

Instead of placating his audience with a safe, PG-rated adventure, Milius does the opposite and narrows his viewership with an R-rated epic driven by some heady ideas and a concentration on narrative over adventurous derring-do.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 9, 2023

Conan is terrible, a truly disappointing movie from beginning to end.

| Jul 28, 2022

This is a film that lives in moments: the attack on Conan’s village; the “crush your enemies” scene; Conan practicing his swordsmanship on a windswept steppe; all enveloped in Basil Poledouris’ stirring, stentorian, never-bettered score.

| Jun 7, 2022

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the muscle man, stars in this mythical beast of a movie, based on pulp magazine tales of the 1930s. He's good as Conan, and the film is technically splendid, especially in the long opening sequences.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 11, 2021

A dynamite movie for comic book fans... The moment Thulsa Doom turns into a snake will either thrill you or make you squirm, but you will watch in fascination.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 9, 2021

It doesn't possess the serious edge necessary to effectively realize the source material's formidable warrior (nor does it stay faithful to the origins and conquests).

| Original Score: 5/10 | Aug 31, 2020

In the ongoing Sword-and-Sorcery Sweepstakes, while Conan is -- marginally -- less offensive -- because It Is less pretentious -- than Excalibur, It's nowhere near as good as Dragonslayer.

| Oct 17, 2019

Its plot is confusing and the production is limited. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Aug 22, 2019

[UPDATED 2024 4K + BLU-RAY REVIEW] A wooden Arnie is not yet seasoned enough to work up the charisma that would serve him well in later roles.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 4, 2015

essential 80s cinema with some amazing elements, including the unflinching violence for the time and the brilliant score by Basil Poledouris

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 26, 2013

Its magnificence stems from the very properties we should be condemning with all our might.

| Original Score: A | May 14, 2012

A classic tale is told through fascinating visuals, cheesy characters and good old fashioned muscle-bound strength.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Jan 29, 2012

A film that only wants to be described by the single adjective "awesome", though "epic" would do in a pinch.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 22, 2011

This primitive, mythic epic catapulted Schwarzenegger to movie stardom after being a famous body-builder.

| Original Score: B- | Aug 19, 2011

...ironically undone by its star, a preening peacock eager to sow the seeds of self-parody with a well-placed camel punch.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 11, 2011

Visualizing Robert E. Howard's creation in the midst of the Reagan era is an offer the auteur can't refuse

| Nov 17, 2009

There is a real anticipation as Schwarzenegger is unveiled as the barbarian and sets off on the road to independence. But for whatever reasons, the actor has a minimum of dialog and fails to convey much about the character through his actions.

| Mar 26, 2009

OK sandals and loin cloth muscle adventure...which made Arnold a star.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 17, 2008

Match verdict: no goals, slow build-up, but much absorbing action off the ball.

| Jun 24, 2006