The Other D&D Movie
Conan the Destroyer is a 1984 film that is often overlooked in the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) community, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it is, in fact, a D&D movie. From its epic quests and magical artifacts to its cast of diverse characters and fierce battles against evil, Conan the Destroyer has all the hallmarks of a classic D&D campaign.
The film follows the classic D&D trope of a group of heroes embarking on a quest to retrieve a powerful artifact. In this case, Conan and his companions are tasked with finding the Horn of Dagoth, a magical artifact that can awaken the sleeping god Dagoth. Along the way, they must overcome a variety of obstacles and battle a host of foes, from fierce monsters to powerful sorcerers.
Secondly, the characters in Conan the Destroyer are quintessential D&D archetypes. Conan himself is a mighty warrior with a code of honor, similar to the classic fighter class in D&D. His companions, including the thief Malak and the wizard Akiro, represent other classic classes such as rogue and wizard.
Finally, the battles in Conan the Destroyer are reminiscent of classic D&D combat encounters, with the heroes facing off against hordes of enemies and powerful bosses. The final battle against the resurrected god Dagoth, with Conan using the Horn of Dagoth to defeat the beast, is a perfect example of a climactic D&D encounter.
While it may not have been intentionally marketed as such, Conan the Destroyer is undeniably a D&D movie. It has all the elements of a classic D&D campaign, from its epic quests and diverse cast of characters to its fierce battles against evil. For fans of both Conan and D&D, this film is a must-see.