Where to start
Conan the Barbarian
3 versions · originally a film, 1982
Themes: Revenge, Survival, Loss of Innocence, The Hero's Journey, Good vs. Evil.
These visceral tales chronicle the brutal, mythic path of a lone warrior seeking vengeance for his slaughtered kin.
✦ Most fans start here
The Northman (2022)
The original movie
Conan the Barbarian
John Milius · Film · 1982
Conan the Barbarian (1982) serves as the definitive cinematic foundation, establishing the iconic archetype of a vengeful, enslaved survivor who masters the art of combat to reclaim his stolen humanity.
1984 film
Conan the Destroyer
Richard Fleischer · Film · 1984
Conan the Destroyer (1984) shifts the tone toward a classic quest-driven adventure, focusing on a high-stakes mission to retrieve a magical artifact while navigating the deceptive politics of a powerful queen.
Inspired by
✦ Start hereThe Northman
Film · 2022
The Northman (2022) offers a visceral, modern reimagining of the core revenge narrative, grounding the mythic cycle of violence in a gritty, historical Viking setting that emphasizes the weight of ancestral duty.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Conan the Barbarian movies in?
You should watch the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian first to establish the origin story. Following that, you can proceed to the 1984 sequel, Conan the Destroyer, which continues the adventures of the same character in a similar sword and sorcery setting.
Is Conan the Barbarian related to The Northman?
The Northman is not a direct sequel or adaptation of Conan the Barbarian. However, both films share themes of visceral revenge and ancient warrior culture. If you enjoyed the tone and brutal action sequences found in Conan the Barbarian, The Northman provides a similar cinematic experience.
How long is the original Conan the Barbarian movie?
The 1982 film Conan the Barbarian has a runtime of approximately 129 minutes. This duration covers the full narrative arc of the character's journey from his youth to his final confrontation, establishing the foundation for the subsequent sequel, Conan the Destroyer.
Should I watch Conan the Destroyer after Conan the Barbarian?
Yes, if you want to continue the story of the protagonist, you should watch Conan the Destroyer. It serves as the direct follow-up to the 1982 Conan the Barbarian movie, featuring the same lead character as he embarks on a new quest.