The first big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi best-seller stars Kyle MacLachlan as a potential messiah caught between rival factions battling for control of the planet Dune, where the empire’s most valuable substance is mined. The amazing cast includes Max von Sydow, Jose Ferrer, Jürgen Prochnow, Patrick Stewart and rocker Sting. Though Lynch distanced himself from the film, the dark undercurrents and occasional bizarre twists for which the director is famous remain.

A kinder, gentler Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads Akiro (Mako) and Zula (Grace Jones) on a quest to save a princess. Also stars Wilt Chamberlain (!) and Tracey Walter. Written by Marvel Comics titans Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, stunningly photographed by the incomparable Jack Cardiff and saturated with a more go-for-broke, gonzo appeal than its slightly more serious predecessor.

Before he was the Terminator, before he was the governor, he was the Barbarian, seeking vengeance against the sorcerer who massacred his village. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the film adaptation of the Robert E. Howard novels. Writer-director John Milius’ intelligent and visceral sword-and-sorcery film features Ron Cobb and William Stoudt’s beautiful production design and an inspiring score by Basil Poledouris. Co-starring James Earl Jones and Max Von Sydow.