The fantasy films of the eighties are my home. I grew up in a post-apocalyptic land of Oz. I loved that a dragon was free to look like a dog, and wanted a collection of artifacts just like Ariel's. Ask any twentysomething to choose between animatronics and computer imaging, and the former is certain to see favoritism.

It's said that the kids of the eighties and nineties - my generation - are the most nostalgic generation of all. We'll snatch up revamped merchandise without a second thought, and while some suggest that the original hypermerchandization of our childhood fantasy heroes is to blame, I think something else deserves credit: the movies of the eighties, especially the fantasy ones, are still especially cool.

Excalibur (1981)

This retelling of the King Arthur legend features two versions: PG and R, allowing for distribution to a very wide audience. The R version is about 30 minutes longer, and contains graphic violence and sex. Excalibur was the 18th best grossing film of 1981.

The film covers the life of King Arthur almost entirely, from his teen years to death. Adapted from a three hundred year old version of the story, the film is a dependably accurate account of the King Arthur legend.

Heavy Metal (1981)

I first discovered this film on television when I was thirteen - it was my first experience with adult animation, and I was transfixed. Be warned: this animated film, which tells its stories using both fantasy and science fiction elements, is not for children.

While the animation styles are eclectic and impressive for their time, and the stories scary but humorous, most of them contain obvious drug use, nudity, and graphic violence. The many mini-plots follow an interdimensional "sum of all evils," the Loc Nar, a glowing green orb which serves thematically as a self-aware Pandora's Box.

It could be said that the voluptuous depictions of wanton women in the film is antifeminist or sexist; however, the hero of the story arc is a stoic, strong female warrior as well. Women are depicted both as wanton objects and as heroic human figures.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

While Conan's sequel, 'Conan the Destroyer,' contains many magical and fantasy elements, the more successful, original Barbarian is set in the bronze age, and uses mostly realistic elements. The film is considered Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakthrough role, transporting him from bodybuilding to film; a first-time viewer of this cult classic can look forward

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