The Beastmaster

The Beastmaster

Year: 1982

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Don Coscarelli

ActionAdventureFantasy

In a primitive world where magic and might clash, Dar, a beastmaster with a unique connection to animals, undertakes a dangerous journey. He seeks to rescue a captive woman from a cruel sorcerer. Guided by his telepathic abilities, Dar must face an ancient, malevolent force and form an unexpected alliance to free his captive and ultimately secure his own freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Beastmaster yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Beastmaster (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Beastmaster (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a mythical time period where ancient gods and prophecies dictate the lives of men. It is a time of brutal warfare, sacrifices, and the fight for power, enveloped in a mystical atmosphere where supernatural elements impact the fate of kingdoms.

Location

Aruk

Aruk is an ancient city known for its towering ziggurat and its deep connections to dark prophecies and the vengeful god Ar. It serves as the backdrop for an epic struggle between good and evil, marked by sacrifices and the quest for power. The city’s harsh environment and political intrigues heighten the stakes of the unfolding drama.

🏰 Kingdom 🌄 Ancient City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Main Characters – The Beastmaster (1982)

Meet the key characters of The Beastmaster (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maax

Maax is the high priest of the god Ar, driven by ambition and a desire for power. His malevolence is showcased through his dark schemes and willingness to sacrifice innocents for his gain. Despite being banished from Aruk, his influence looms large, posing a constant threat to Dar and his allies.

🕵️‍♂️ Villain ⚔️ Ambitious

Dar

Dar is the protagonist of the story, gifted with the ability to communicate with animals. He transforms from an innocent boy into a fierce warrior as he confronts his destiny and embraces his role as a protector. His journey is marked by loss, love, and the quest for justice.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 🧙‍♂️ Protector

Kiri

Kiri is a spirited slave girl trapped in Maax’s domain, embodying resilience and courage. Her plight calls to Dar, urging him to fight against tyranny. Their strong bond and shared goals drive the narrative, highlighting themes of freedom and empowerment.

👧🏼 Resilient ✨ Hopeful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Major Themes – The Beastmaster (1982)

Explore the central themes of The Beastmaster (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Heroism

The theme of heroism is central to the journey of Dar, who evolves from a village boy into a brave warrior. His quest to rescue Kiri and confront Maax reveals the inner strength that emerges when facing adversity. Through courage and determination, Dar embodies the essence of a hero willing to fight against tyranny and protect the innocent.

🦁 Friendship

Dar's bond with his animal companions, including Sherak, Kodo, and Podo, highlights the importance of friendship in overcoming challenges. Their loyalty and support are crucial to his journey, showcasing that true strength often comes from the bonds we forge with others, both human and animal.

🔮 Destiny

Destiny plays a significant role throughout the narrative, as Dar learns of his birthright and the sacrifices made for him. The interplay between fate and choice emphasizes that while prophecies may guide paths, individual actions ultimately shape one's true legacy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Dark fantasy swashbuckling adventures like The Beastmaster

Heroic adventures set in brutal worlds of dark magic and vengeance.If you enjoyed the grim world and heroic action of The Beastmaster, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar dark fantasy stories with fast-paced quests, vengeful heroes, and epic battles against malevolent sorcerers in primitive, magical settings.

epicgrimheroicswashbucklingvengefulmythicaction-packed

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a linear hero's quest against a powerful, evil antagonist. The journey is driven by a clear goal like revenge or rescue, featuring frequent action sequences and a progression of escalating challenges. The narrative is straightforward, focusing on the hero's physical and moral triumph over a dark force.

Why These Movies?

They share a core combination of a dark, mythic tone with fast-paced, heroic action. The emotional experience is defined by high-intensity swashbuckling set against grim backdrops, creating a specific brand of 80s-style fantasy adventure that is both thrilling and uncomplicated.

Movies with animal companion heroes like The Beastmaster

Protagonists with a unique bond to animals embark on perilous journeys.Fans of Dar's unique bond with his animal allies in The Beastmaster will enjoy these films. Discover similar movies where heroes rely on their connection with creatures to complete their quests, featuring themes of loyalty, teamwork, and overcoming evil with the help of animal friends.

animal companionshiployaltyheroicadventurousteamworkunique powersquest

Narrative Summary

The central narrative revolves around a hero whose special ability to communicate with animals is key to their success. The animal companions provide unique skills, aid in battles, and offer emotional support, turning the tide in a quest for salvation or revenge against overwhelming odds.

Why These Movies?

They are united by the core theme of animal companionship as a primary power and narrative device. This creates a specific vibe where the hero is never truly alone, blending action and adventure with a sense of loyal partnership that appeals to a specific audience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Beastmaster

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Beastmaster in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Beastmaster is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Beastmaster Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Beastmaster, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Beastmaster Summary

The Beastmaster Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Beastmaster with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Beastmaster Timeline

The Beastmaster Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Beastmaster that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Beastmaster Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Beastmaster

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Beastmaster: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Beastmaster