12 Corny But Brilliant Conan Rip-Offs Who Expanded Sword & Sorcery Genre - Explored

[@juanvelez514]

No actor WILL EVER!, portray Conan The Barberian like Arnold Schwarzenegger did . He brought that character to life like no other actor could have ."NUFF SAID!"

[@RedRanger9305]

I completely agree and respect that, Juan. Arnold's performance as Conan is fantastic. Jason Mamoa's take on the character was pretty good as well.

[@diddymuck]

Don't forget the film Sword and the Sorcerer 1982, considered by an enormous crowd as the film Conan should have been. Michael Moorecock's Erlic of Melinbone was pale, sickly, slender instead of muscular, and powered by sorcerous medicines which made him invincible; he was popular enough to make a cameo appearance in an early Conan comic. The 1946 Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake starred the richly named Titus Groan. Probably the one that pre-dated all of 'em was Fritz Lieber's 1938 series Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser...one a seven foot tall swordsman and the other a five foot thief, duelist and wizard. DC published these two in a comic book series in the early to mid 70's.

[@presidentsnow7315]

I actually saw that movie decades ago when I was a kid but honestly remember almost nothing about it. I definitely need to re-watch it.

[@presidentsnow7315]

As an 80's kid, I absolutely LOVED He-Man and Skeletor, (still do), but looking back, I have a lot more appreciation for Thundar the Barbarian. To this day, I have not seen a movie, novel, or TV series that more perfectly mixes and balances Fantasy with Science Fiction.

[@davonhall9652]

Agreed. I own both series and remember the days where I would watch them as a kid; He-Man on weekdays after school and Thundarr on Saturday mornings. Classic times.

[@Kas58223]

I love the Scorpion King with Dwayne Johnson corny yes but it was a silly great macho movie

[@wisconsinking323]

I like that movie but I never saw the other ones, are they any good?

[@Kas58223]

@@wisconsinking323 nah they didn’t look too good from the clips stick to the first one with Dwayne Johnson

[@dravennevermore7860]

Krull was one of my favorites ...untill the boss fight at the end .....just couldn't wrap my head around the boss.

[@bjgonz871]

You forgot sword and the Sorcerer, krill, fire and ice,yor the hunter from the future ,blade master,ator and the warrior and the sorceress

[@marcppparis]

Red Sonja should be in the list

[@jeffwolcott7815]

I think John Carter of Mars and Den from Heavy Metal are also good examples, if you're not uncomfortable with the even more then usual amount of nudity.

[@6581punk]

Hawk the Slayer was before all of them. While low budget and cheesy it was great when you were about 10 years old.

[@sleeperyjeemtoybox]

Still got that on DVD, class.

[@jimgilbert9984]

"The Beastmaster" was NOT based on the novel by Andre Norton, it was a RIP-OFF of the book. The novel was a science fiction novel set on an alien world. The director just gave it a sword and sorcery setting for two reasons: (1) the popularity of the Conan movie, and (2) he hoped the change in setting would disguise his rip-off. But this jerk even included small details from the book, including having one of the ferrets dying in a fire (book = spaceship exhaust; movie = temple fire). This guy didn't list Ms. Norton's book in the credits as the basis for the movie in the theatrical release. It did appear in the videotape version (probably because he and the studio got sued for this blatant rip-off). It was a good movie, but I was royally pissed off by what is now called "intellectual property theft."

[@kaspertheghost5458]

I loved that book as a kid. She's one of my favourite authors. Like (different genre), Anne McCaffrey and the Dragonriders of Pern. How come no1 ever made a movie out of that???

[@jimgilbert9984]

@@kaspertheghost5458 I love all of the books by Ms. Norton that I've read. I especially love her Free Trader universe, as well as her Beastmaster stuff. A Canadian production company tried to get a TV series based on the Dragonriders of Pern started, but the special effects for the dragons were pretty horrible. There's a KZbin video that shows some of it. Watch it and you'll see what I mean. If you like the Dragonriders of Pern books, you'd probably love Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar stuff, starting with "The Arrows of the Queen." Just like the Dragonriders books, she is strong in developing her characters. To be honest, I don't really care for Mercedes' other works. They're okay, but they're not as good as her Valdemar stuff. If you haven't yet read the Valdemar books, you really should.

[@kaspertheghost5458]

@@jimgilbert9984 Thanks for the info. I've read some of her books, but not the Valdemar series yet. But, I will now. Good to meet a fellow enthusiast.

[@jimgilbert9984]

@@kaspertheghost5458 Yeah, I guess you could call me an enthusiast. I met some folks who had a table set up at the DragonCon that marked Anne's last visit to America. They were representing a fan club called Fort Weyr. They had members from all over the US, and they were at the con for a membership drive (and to enjoy the con, of course, especially since Anne was there). They produced a fanzine called "Harper Beat," to which I ended up contributing artwork, stories, and a comic strip called "Fortfolk." Anne gave them leave to use the Dragonriders of Pern setting/situations as long as they didn't use any of her characters. They solved this by setting their stories 50 years in the future. It was a good magazine, and I was happy to be a part of it and the club for several years. I sensed something in my last year with the group, I couldn't tell you what, but shortly after I dropped out of the fan club they shut down. (I'm not saying my leaving had anything to do with it. Just a weird confluence of circumstances.) While I was at the con, I gave Anne a copy of a cartoon I drew called "Learning to Chew Firestone" (which she found funny), and she autographed my copies of her books. I wished I could have spent more than a few minutes talking with her, but there was naturally a line, and each person was limited in their time with her. Understandable.

[@kaspertheghost5458]

@@jimgilbert9984 Wow...... You have done much more than I could have ever dreamed of. (although I have dreamed a couple times of traveling in those circles). I am but a humble reader. I've written a few things, but never even aspired to publish. Never been to any 'cons', although I do read about them. I've tried to spend my life out of the spotlight, hence the name. But I've been reading since I was 3. Done a few things that I accidentally won state championships for. Poetry ( ended up reading my poem before the house of representatives in my state capitol building), clarinet solos, drum solos, track. I once won a spelling bee on accident in the ninth grade. I only went because I wanted to get out of class. This was at a gifted and talented school. Ended up going to state. If you are at least my age, you will know what I mean. I'm over 40. Reading has always been my favorite pastime, hobby, relaxer, etc. But you have actually met the people whose books I read. I am humbled that you took the time to talk to me. Thank you

[@JBearwa]

How could you not do sword and the sorcerer also, Xena and Hercules! Plus the comic warlord, and John Carter of mars. Really this was a fun list. I appreciate it.

[@diddymuck]

the bullshit conan movies were insipid redos of Howard's maniacal but chivalrous hero, who was never enslaved, never educated in war outside of his tribe in Cimmeria, and did not sit with mouth agape as raiders murdered his village. NOBODY would survive an attack on Cimmeria, the toughest, cruelest, most battle hardened bunch in the Hyborian age. And Conan works out to be the baddest of that bunch.

[@davidhayward119]

Yes, finally someone who agrees with me. The Conan films were a terrible re-telling of REH. I think they used the material from Robert Jordan, who wrote some of the worst Conan stories I've ever read. I keep telling people that the true Conan wasn't some mindless ape, but could speak and write in several languages (he served as an officer in many different armies), led others as bandits, mercenaries, and even had his own kingdom (Aquilonia). The Schwarzenegger adaptation was terrible, and ruined a beloved character for many.

[@davidhayward119]

To add, they should have started his life with the raid on Venarium, as a teenager, then had him as the Cimmerian who travelled the land.

[@hamzaferoz6162]

Question: Would Samurai Jack be counted as Sword and sorcery?

[@SAM-ru4vx]

Nope

[@jameswilliams7873]

Yes

[@kuroihagane]

Wonderful video. Long live to Sword & Sorcery

[@paulajanevowles7221]

Another good one you left off the list was Wolfhound which is in some ways really similar to Conan.

[@SwordsmanMercenary]

You forgot 'The Sword and the Sorcerer." with the ridiculous tribladed sword that can launch blades like missiles.

[@thompsonm1a1]

Thundarr ain't no simp.😎

[@yourlocalyautjawarrior1887]

6:04 We know now where Bethesda got the inspiration for the steel battleaxe in Skyrim.

[@tunkunrunk]

wow !! so many nice barbarian cartoon to watch , for us who weren't born or too young when they were aired

[@HandsomeLoner758]

How's somethig a "Rip-Off" if it came 1st???

[@sleeperyjeemtoybox]

Adding to the comics S&S i still have a couple of Claw the Unconquered sitting (1975), and i suppose if its Sword and Sorcery you could add the Arion of Atlantis comics in as well. For films Boormans Excalibur did have a dark fantasy air to it.

[@RECOG121]

The Herculoids

[@eddhardy1054]

Guys am I the only person desperately waiting for HBO, Netflix or Prime Vid to make a series based on the Kane stories by Karl Edward Wagner? There's plenty of material to work with (3 novels, 3 novellas and about a dozen short stories). I heard there was a film in the works about ten years back but that seems to have disappeared into development hell. Come on guys, if enough of us want this we can make it happen 🥳🥳🥳

[@GothicXlightning]

...... AX BATTLER? would be interesting to see same concept for RED SONJA but hey i know Tyris Flare is out there WULF always reminded me of Simon Belmont a little bit

[@seanmcmillan472]

He Man is one of my favorites

[@AndymionD]

I'd say its also worth mentioning the anti-Conan. Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock. Still sword and sorcery but from the viewpoint character who would most likely have been a villain in a Conan story.

[@edwardx4979]

I know most of all those suggestions...crazy but I guessed it defined what I was watching back then. I remember as a lad watching Death Stalker and these films and some of them had sex, and I was like WTF are they doing?!? 😁

[@frankcortes6852]

Since you are milking Conan in theses days, well… here is an idea for you: Top 10 videogames inspired by Conan: Golden Axe, Black Tiger, Magic Sword, Rastan, Blade Master, Vandyke, Gauntlet, Danan: The Jungle Fighter, Sword Of Sodan, and Blades Of Vengance. 💪⚔️

[@jamesmcneil3412]

7:44 to be continued tomorrow

[@scotttrammell3913]

Hmm, I just had me an idea, Conan vs. The Barbarian Brothers. What do y'all think, yay or nay?

[@Kal-Grayskull]

Conan will trash them he's far more stronger than they are, and has faster reaction. I mean this Conan the Barbarian we are talking about the most brutal hero eve to live, and has taken out muscular twins before back in issue 53 so it's no surprise he will take out another set of brothers.

[@scotttrammell3913]

@@Kal-Grayskull I agree, however you forgot to mention Conan is also considerably more intelligent.

[@Kal-Grayskull]

@@scotttrammell3913 True, but in terms of being a skilled warrior and being one step ahead against his enemies and not knowledge wise I would consider being in that sort of level of intelligent.

[@l.blanton3019]

Beast master was good!

[@ronniejdio9411]

Thundarr came before blackstarr

[@juanspears5567]

Soooo...Mightor was a prequel to He-Man...

[@mikeyg8568]

Beastmaster was the SHIT

[@NGTASSASINOPStatus]

Well if they came out before Conan that’s disrespectful to say because they aren’t rip off’s at all.

[@mindgamewords]

The new conan comic is coming out this year

[@Kal-Grayskull]

Irrelevant to this video but I never liked the story where Conan and Wonder Woman teamed up back in 2017 it felt really unnecessary decision to take for team-up build story for both characters. Much similar case on how Marvel Comics treated Conan the Barbarian like dirt over the years and had him as part of the 2018's Savage Avengers team lineup.

[@ukaszmyszka1088]

Thorgal 🙂

[@rebeccaprice3296]

You are seriously one of my favorite KZbin channel. Today is my birthday, can you please give me a shout out in the comments for my 38th birthday?

[@GamingRoomOficial]

fun video, but Kull can't be a Conan rip-off

[@Donathon-xt2nl]

Does no one else remember Dax the Damned....any of Michael Moorcock eternal champions....or Hawk the Slayer (the best D& D movie ever made).... come on get out of the mainstream.... just my opinion

[@legendaryheroes1814]

None can match conan s story

[@OmarBhoo]

Yor? Severian?

[@Kingcj2001]

I'm shocked, shocked that the all-time great Crognard the Barbarian didn't make this list. Justice for Crognard! Huzzah!

[@cocodojo]

I'm equally shocked, SHOCKED! that Sergio Aragones's Groo didn't make it into the fray, and we all know how Groo loves being in the fray.

[@robertoacevedo6247]

I grew up watching sword and sandal movies with my favorite Steeve Reeves, Gordon Scott, Ed Fury, Reeves Park, Brad Harris,Alan Steel and many others, but in the 80s Conan the Barbarian brought another level in these movies, many trying to copy Conan but with no success, the Lou Ferigno Hercules movies were not that great, Ator with Myles O Keef were terrible. BEAS master the movie and T.V. series was o retty decent, but the Conan T.V. series with Rolf Moller was so n so, the Conan movie with Jason Mamoa was not good at all, he was a good Conan the movie sucked, I did like Scorpion King with the Rock it was decent, He Man with Dolph Loungdren was really corny and desapointing , in cartoons it was one of my favorite, the Barbarians with the twin brother David Paul and Peter Paul all do corny it was funny and entertaining, It was supposed to be a serious movie, the Paul Brothers knew that not to many people were going to take them serious so the changed the script a little and made it funny, now Kull the Conqueror with Kevin Sorbo was horrible I walked out of the theater and asked for my money back, of course they didn't give me cash but I got tickets to see another movie, sad cos Conan and kull were created by Robert E Howard, Kelly is Conan's great great grandfather from Atlantis. One good one and it's animated is Fire And Ice with the art of Frank Frazetta.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Thank you for not calling it "sword and sandal"...I don't know when that started or why people thought it sounded cooler than sword or sorcery.

[@eddhardy1054]

Mate Sword & Sorcery and Sword & Sandals are two different genres. Sword & Sorcery covers the films and suchlike mentioned in this video but Sword & Sandals is a genre of quasi historical films mostly from Italy and dealing with Greek, Roman and Biblical legends. The two are not the same.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

@@eddhardy1054 Ah yeah, good point. Something just puts me off about the name, haha. I don't know why.

[@eddhardy1054]

@@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth it happens to us all mate, no worries 😉

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

@@eddhardy1054 I also don't really watch those genres. I like them, but not that familiar with most of it. Mostly a horror guy. Cheers 🙂

[@TheOther644]

The Scorpion King, I heard is loosely based on a actual person around 3000+BC and was call King Scorpion or that's what I heard. Edit: I made a mistake, I thought Conan came first, but was wrong, Kull came out in 1929 and Conan in 1932.

[@horusheritic]

Well Tad you definitely heard wrong and should for sure stop spreading this bs. The Shadow Kingdom a Kull story was published in Weird Tales in 1929.

[@TheOther644]

@@horusheritic My bad, The Shadow Kingdom came out in 1929 and Conan's first appeared in the 1932 story The Phoenix on the Sword. Calm down, I'm spreading anything, it was just a mistake which I will edit.

[@horusheritic]

@@TheOther644 lol I should calm down for pointing out you don't know what you are talking about.😂