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Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery, Beatie Edney ... see more see more... , Alan North , Sheila Gish , Jon Polito , Ron Berglas , Anthony Fusco , Louis Guss , Damien Leake , Christopher Malcolm , Anthony Mannino , Buckley Norris , Hugh Quarshie , Gordon Sterne , Ian Tyler , Ed Wiley , Peter Diamond , Billy Hartman , James Cosmo , Peter Banks , John Allen Cassady , Frank Dux , Alistair Findley , Prince Howell , Celia Imrie , Ted Maynard , Sion Tudor Owen , Nicola Ramsey , Ian Reddinton , Waldo Roeg , Corrinne Russell , Helena Stevens , James McKenna

With the ultimate throw-down -- "There can be only one" -- Highlander captured the imaginations of fantasy fans seeking a well-executed swordplay epic, becoming a cult classic in the process. Connor M... read more read more...acLeod (Christopher Lambert) is one of a waning few survivors of a clan of immortals. The breed have been dueling each other for centuries in the quest to be the last one remaining, and hence achieve a supreme enlightenment that would be dangerous in the wrong hands. The immortals can only die by decapitation, so they hunt each other over the centuries and across continents to meet for each decisive duel, which will bring one of them a step closer to ultimate power. In present-day America, the troubled hero MacLeod lives a brooding and lonely existence, having lost his true love centuries ago. The evil Kurgan (Clancy Brown), an immortal who plans to use his power toward unspeakable ends, has fought MacLeod before but is still trying to finish him off. After emerging victorious from a parking garage skirmish with the third-to-last immortal, MacLeod knows that only Kurgan is left, and the two are on a collision path toward the inevitable. In the film's numerous flashbacks to the past, Sean Connery plays Ramirez, the immortal who first tutors MacLeod after the hero survives a mortal battle wound, prompting his fearful village to banish him. Roxanne Hart plays MacLeod's modern-day love interest, who tries to help him while struggling to believe his incredible story. The director's cut runs four minutes shorter. ~ Derek Armstrong, Rovi

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78% liked it

119,361 ratings

Critics

67% liked it

30 critics

R, 2 hr.

Directed by: Russell Mulcahy

Release Date: March 7, 1986

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DVD Release Date: March 15, 2000

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Stats: 6,308 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (6,308)

  • fb701560354
    January 3, 2012
    fb701560354
    Highlander is almost awesome in it's badness. From visible equipment, mismatched audio/visual, incredibly bad acting, cheesy and cringe-worthy dialogue, bad music, and some pretty awful special effects, Highlander had me torn: It has a really interesting and original concept th... read moreat made me want to keep watching, but at the same time, it was so bad that I just wanted it to stop. I can't believe that they made this into a 5 movie series. Who would go see it?? Not me, that's for sure.
  • garyX
    November 29, 2011
    garyX
    A race of immortals who have been living amongst us through the centuries are destined to fight to the death to claim "The Prize". With its formula of large men with phallic weapons lopping each others heads off in modern day New York City to a Brian May guitar riff, Highlander i... read mores one of those films that could only have been made in the 80s. The "modern day" scenes have actually aged rather badly thanks to some ropey effects, TV standard photography and dodgy score, but the real joy of Highlander is in the brilliant concept which is only really explored in the best parts of the film; the flashbacks. These are done so very well, and the presence of Sean Connery as Connor's mentor raises the film above its otherwise dubious pedigree. There's great chemistry between the stars and Clancy Brown makes an amusingly maniacal villain which makes it all the more obvious that there just isn't enough screen time devoted to the immortals themselves. A bit of a nostalgic guilty pleasure for me and I've still got a soft spot for Highlander despite its many flaws. There can be only one!
  • ajv2688
    November 13, 2011
    ajv2688
    There can only be one movie with immortal time crossing sword action packed adventure, romance, with a ton of awesome songs from Queen. This is that movie! Finally I watched the entire movie, and I loved it.
  • deano
    July 17, 2011
    deano
    Exciting cult film of a 16th-century nobleman known as the Highlander battles villians across Continents and centuries. I was especially impressed with the way that flashbacks were interwoven with the ongoing story. In fact, this is the only flashback movie I have ever liked.
    The... read more casting was excellent, as was the acting. With Connor Macleod I'm giving a fantastic character who is brilliantly realized through Chrisopher Lambert's complex performance. The change he goes through from young, innocent Scotsman to a sad, world weary antiques dealer is a wonderful achievement. I actually feel through his performance how lonely the life of an immortal must be, and how he keeps people at a distance whereas to not get too deeply involved. Sean Connery has a pleasant supporting role as an immortal who teaches Lambert the art of swordplay. Clancy Brown's performance as The Kurgan was joyfully terrifying.
    The special effects are very well done and the costumes are fantastic. And the sword-fighting scenes are quite okay.

    Best quotes: Hey, it's a kind of magic! and Don't lose your head.
  • FilmFanatik
    July 5, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    I'll be the first to admit that Highlander is not exactly the heights of quality, but I won't deny that this movie has high repeatability. Seeing Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery kicking ass in some nice sword fights is reason enough to see this little gem. So what if the act... read moreing isn't all that great, or the pacing of the movie isn't all that perfect. It's still enjoyable as hell.
  • shawnewing92
    June 14, 2011
    shawnewing92
    A classic fantasy adventure with great action sequences and the fantastic music of Queen to keep the momentum going. Highlander does have it's flaws, but it's characters, style, and action make this film very fun to watch.
  • allan913
    May 23, 2011
    allan913
    A timeless and utterly original epic that still has it all and proves it with all it's action-packed eternity. A masterpiece of the action-fantasy genre. A dazzling, stylish and breathtaking action-packed adventure. It packs powerful emotion, thrilling sword-play, a great soundtr... read moreack and fantastic characters all in one brilliant picture. Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery are magnificent. One of Director, Russell Mulcahy's best films.
  • SirPant
    February 21, 2011
    SirPant
    I think I was the only kid at school in 1986 who had not seen Highlander and I always felt I was missing out on something. It only took 25 years to catch up with it but I can't help but think that I probably would have enjoyed it more had I have watched it back then but I suppose... read more that's my point - Good for prosperity, like with most 80's films, but if you didn't see it then you probably won't like it now through the eyes of an adult. To be honest it's a rather stupid film with horrible acting, horrible script (not to mention racist and homophobic in places) and above all, it has a stupid story - I liked the idea of immortals that have been alive for centuries but it was never really used to its full potential I feel. I'm gluten for punishment though so I'll probably catch the sequels if they're on TV but I just find it hard to hide my disappointment with this one.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    January 5, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Highlander is the story of an immortal swordsman who is part of of a scottish tribe known as Highlanders. One of the fantasy action adventure films that I have ever seen, Highlander is one original piece of cinema from director Russell Mulcahy. The story is very thrilling and it'... read mores action packed with great sword fights and great acting. Christopher Lambert gives a great performance and so does Sean Connery. However the standout performance belongs to Clancy Brown as Kurgan, the main villain of the film who sets out to defeat the remaining Highlanders to get the ultimate prize. Director Mulcahy directs this incredible film with flair and his vision is astounding. Highlander is a well made, well told action fantasy film and is one of the best action films of the 1980's. There are many aspects to love about the film, one is the killer soundtrack by Queen and second is the awesome action that Highlander offers, and third its the concept of the entire film, very original and intriguing. The cast deliver strong performances and it elevates the film to a whole new level of good. If you love films such as Braveheart and The Lord Of The Rings and other fantasy action films, then give Highlander a viewing, it's a richly detailed action packed picture with a great story and terrific actors.Highlander is a highly underrated film that doesn't deserve the flack it has received. Watch only if you like fantasy action films.
  • Godless
    November 23, 2010
    Godless
    Still one of my favorite movies with one of the best villains. If I could time travel I would not kill baby Hitler but I would instead stop the sequels and TV show from being made.

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Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr
June 5, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Lambert, with his beetle brow, broken nose, and vaguely crossed eyes, remains an amiable oddball presence, and Sean Connery radiates charm and nobility in a bit as an elder immortal who shows Lambert ... Full Review

Walter Goodman
May 21, 2003
Walter Goodman, New York Times

Since none of the characters makes sense even on the movie's own terms, Highlander keeps on exploding for almost two hours, with nothing at stake. Full Review

R. L. Shaffer
November 6, 2010
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD

A bit clumsy in spots, but Highlander is a thoroughly entertaining action-fantasy picture. Full Review

Steve Crum
February 17, 2008
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan

OK fantasy adventure film that has achieved cult status to many.

June 5, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Connery, on the other hand, is a welcome sight. It is director Russell Mulcahy's style that doesn't work here. Full Review

Chris Hewitt (UK)
February 21, 2007
Chris Hewitt (UK), Empire Magazine

Don't go in expecting too much and you should be ok. Full Review

Derek Adams
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

It's a lot of utterly preposterous fun, even if it doesn't quite hang together. Full Review

Scott Nash
September 30, 2005
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Highlander's plot is one of the most original ever filmed. Full Review

Widgett Walls
October 10, 2003
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com

Great concept + sharp-edged weapons + Connery = enduring fantasy classic.

Ken Hanke
April 24, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

"There can only be one!" And that's one too many.

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    • Connor MacLeod: This Fasil was so upset about the lousy wrestling tonight, that he went down to the garage and in a fit of depression cut off his *own* head!
    • Connor MacLeod: I don't like boats and I don't like water. I'm a man, not a fish!
    • Kurgan: There can be only one!
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  • In what movie did Sean Connery help Christopher Lambert realize that he is immortal?  Answer »
  • Name the original Highlander in the series of films?  Answer »
  • In what movie will you hear this line "there can be only one"  Answer »
  • which actor played Connor Mcleoud in the 1986 movie "Highlander"?  Answer »
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