Highlander: The Movie
When Highlander was released in 1986, it stood out as a unique blend of historical drama, fantasy, and action that captivated audiences with its compelling tale of immortals, sword fights, and epic struggles. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the film, though initially receiving mixed reviews, quickly became a cult classic. Its themes of immortality, time travel, and historical adventure had far-reaching impacts on the fantasy genre, influencing various works that followed. The film’s legacy can be felt in modern franchises such as Outlander, Game of Thrones, and 300.
Highlander: The Series
Highlander: The Series, which originally aired from 1992 to 1998, carried the torch of the 1986 film Highlander, expanding the story of immortals who battle through the centuries for supremacy. While the television series was rooted in the same basic premise as the original movie, it introduced an ongoing serialized narrative, delving deeper into themes of immortality, destiny, and personal growth. As a result, Highlander: The Series became a pioneering force in fantasy television, influencing a wide range of later TV shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Shadowhunters.
Highlander Movies & Series: Comprehensive FAQ
General Questions
What is Highlander?
Highlander is a franchise that includes movies, television series, novels, comics, and video games. It follows a group of immortal warriors who can only die if they are beheaded. They fight throughout history, aiming to be the last one standing to claim “The Prize,” which grants immense knowledge and power.
Where can I watch the Highlander movie?
Highlander is available to watch on the Cineverse streaming network. Link to watch Highlander.
What is the main premise of Highlander?
The story revolves around immortal beings who live for centuries and can only die if they are decapitated. These immortals are drawn into an ongoing battle known as The Game, where they must fight each other until only one remains. The last surviving immortal is awarded The Prize, which is hinted to be ultimate knowledge, power, and the ability to influence the fate of humanity.
Movies
How many Highlander movies are there?
There are five official Highlander movies:
- Highlander (1986)
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer / Highlander III: The Final Dimension (1994)
- Highlander: Endgame (2000)
- Highlander: The Source (2007)
Which Highlander movie is the best?
The first film, Highlander (1986), is widely considered the best due to its unique concept, strong performances, and stylish action. It has a cult following and is praised for its soundtrack by Queen. The sequels, particularly Highlander II: The Quickening, have been criticized for inconsistent storytelling and contradictions in the mythology.
Do I need to watch all the Highlander movies to understand the story?
No. The Highlander franchise has multiple continuities. The original Highlander (1986) stands on its own, and the TV series follows a different storyline. Some films, like Highlander II, are often disregarded due to their controversial retcons.
What is the best order to watch the Highlander movies?
The best viewing order depends on which storyline you follow:
For the original movie experience:
- Highlander (1986) – The classic and essential film.
- Ignore the sequels (unless you’re curious).
For a movie-focused experience:
- Highlander (1986)
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994) (ignores Highlander II)
- Highlander: Endgame (2000) (connects to the TV series)
- Highlander: The Source (2007) (set in the future but widely disliked)
For a TV-based experience:
- Highlander (1986)
- Highlander: Endgame (2000) (connects the TV series to the movies)
- Watch Highlander: The Series instead of the other films.
Is Highlander II canon?
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991) is one of the most controversial sequels ever. It introduced the idea that immortals were actually exiled aliens from the planet Zeist, contradicting the first film. Later versions, including the Renegade Version and Special Edition, removed the alien elements but still conflicted with the franchise’s lore. Most fans and later Highlander projects ignore Highlander II.
What is The Prize?
In the original Highlander (1986), The Prize is the ultimate goal of The Game. It gives the last surviving immortal vast knowledge, telepathic communication with all humans, and the ability to age and have children. However, its exact nature is left somewhat ambiguous, and later films and series interpret it differently.
TV Series
What is Highlander: The Series?
Highlander: The Series (1992–1998) is a spin-off TV show starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, a different immortal from the same clan as Connor MacLeod (played by Christopher Lambert in the movies). The show expanded the mythology, introduced more immortal characters, and became a fan favorite.
How many seasons of Highlander: The Series are there?
The show ran for six seasons (119 episodes) from 1992 to 1998.
Is the Highlander TV series connected to the movies?
Yes and no. The TV series follows the continuity of the first movie but ignores the events of Highlander II. Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) appears in the first episode to pass the torch to Duncan MacLeod. Later, the series connects to Highlander: Endgame (2000), which ties the movies and TV show together.
Future of the Franchise
Will there be a new Highlander movie?
Yes. A Highlander reboot is in development, with Henry Cavill attached to star and Chad Stahelski (John Wick) directing. The film aims to revitalize the franchise and stay true to the original concept while introducing new elements.
Highlander Lore & Mythology
Why do immortals fight each other?
Immortals participate in The Game, where they battle for The Prize. The rules are:
- Immortals must fight one-on-one.
- They cannot fight on holy ground.
- The battle ends when one immortal beheads the other.
- The winner absorbs the fallen immortal’s power in an event called The Quickening.
What is The Quickening?
The Quickening is the transfer of power that occurs when one immortal beheads another. It manifests as an electrical storm, often accompanied by lightning, explosions, and supernatural energy.
Where can I watch Highlander?
Streaming availability varies, but the movies and TV series can often be found on services like Cineverse, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and DVD/Blu-ray collections.
