Peter Bradshaw Guardian May 4, 2026 4/5

Those who can indulge it will find it uniquely quirky, funny and eccentrically ambitious.

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Niall Browne Movies in Focus May 3, 2026 4.5/5

Russell Mulcahy’s Highlander is without a doubt one of the finest cult films of the 1980s. This 1986 film is a wonderful action-fantasy romp that pretty much works on every level.

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Derek Malcolm Guardian Jul 30, 2024

Even Gerry Fisher's camerawork can't convince me that this is other than the most inutterable tosh.

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Victoria Mather Daily Telegraph (UK) Jul 30, 2024

Made with such superstyle Highlander does have entertainment value but this can only be a one-off.

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Nigel Andrews Financial Times Jul 24, 2024

Close your brain to the illogicalities of the time-chopping structure and there is much to marvel at.

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Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Jul 20, 2024 3/10

As the climax approaches, this sci-fi/fantasy blend tends to bore, struggling to turn sword-fighting and an inevitable showdown for an undefined “prize” into excitement.

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Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Feb 15, 2023 2.5/4

It’s easy to see why many love this picture but just as easy to see why many despise it.

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Douglas Davidson Elements of Madness Dec 21, 2022

The film is a little sad, a little comic, a little horrific, and a little sexy and, now, it’s out on home video for the first time in 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and a bevy of bonus features.

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Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Sep 6, 2021 4/5

‘…there’s a reason why Scotland punches above its weight in terms of talent, in terms of acting, writing and ideas, and that eternal struggle finds one of its most daft yet entertaining manifestations in Highlander’s gloriously deadpan fantasy epic…’

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David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Apr 1, 2021 2.5/4

...watchable yet sluggish...

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Ed Travis Hollywood Jesus Apr 7, 2020

Highlander is a visionary action/sci-fi film which deftly explores themes of eternal life, the temptation of power, and true love.

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Sergio Benítez Espinof Aug 27, 2019

Its relevance in the imaginary of those who grew up in the eighties is such that none of its two horrendous sequels are capable of destroying it. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Paul Attanasio Washington Post Jan 3, 2018

It's all here, folks: fancy wipes, expressionistic angles, quick-cut close-ups, stylized backlighting, camera moving in endless illogic.

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Adam Lowes CineVue Jul 11, 2016 4/5

Highlander is the visual counterpart to rock band Queen (who supply a number of songs on the soundtrack) - big, brash and operatic filmmaking of the highest order.

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Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Apr 2, 2016 4/5

Before it came to a thudding halt with a craven, creatively bankrupt franchise cash-grab, the rich world of "Highlander" - in all its bombast and bereavement - was, and is, worth getting lost in for two hours.

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R.L. Shaffer IGN DVD Nov 6, 2010 8/10

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

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Steve Crum Kansas City Kansan Feb 17, 2008 3/5

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

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Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Jun 5, 2007

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 the rules of the game.

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Chuck O'Leary FulvueDrive-in.com May 7, 2007 3/5

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Chris Hewitt (UK) Empire Magazine Feb 21, 2007 2/5

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

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