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.

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.

How many Highlander movies are there?

There are five official Highlander movies: 1. Highlander (1986), 2. Highlander II: The Quickening (1991), 3. Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994), 4. Highlander: Endgame (2000), 5. Highlander: The Source (2007).

What is the best order to watch the Highlander movies?

The best viewing order depends on continuity preference. For the original movie experience: Watch Highlander (1986) only. For a movie-focused experience: 1. Highlander (1986), 2. Highlander III: The Sorcerer, 3. Highlander: Endgame, 4. Highlander: The Source. For a TV-based experience: 1. Highlander (1986), 2. Highlander: Endgame, then watch Highlander: The Series instead of the other films.

Is Highlander II canon?

Highlander II: The Quickening is one of the most controversial sequels ever. It introduced the idea that immortals were exiled aliens from the planet Zeist, contradicting the first film. Later versions removed the alien elements but still conflicted with the franchise's lore. Most fans and later Highlander projects ignore Highlander II.

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. The show expanded the mythology, introduced more immortal characters, and became a fan favorite.

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.

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, and 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 Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and DVD/Blu-ray collections.

Highlander Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Highlander Franchise FAQ

It’s true that the “Highlander” franchise has a complex and sometimes convoluted mythology! Here’s a breakdown of frequently asked questions, covering the movies and the series:

Core Concepts:

Immortals:
- These are individuals who cannot die of old age or by conventional means.
- They can only be killed by decapitation.
- When an Immortal decapitates another, they absorb their victim’s “Quickening,” a surge of energy and power.
The Quickening:
- This is the energy released when an Immortal is decapitated.
- It’s absorbed by the victor, making them more powerful.
“There can be only one”:
- This phrase refers to the ultimate goal: for one Immortal to remain, claiming “The Prize.”
- The Prize is often depicted as immense power and knowledge.
Holy Ground:
- Immortals are traditionally unable to fight on holy ground.

Frequently Asked Questions:

“Wasn’t Connor the last Immortal in the first movie? What happened to ‘There can be only one’?”
- This is a common point of confusion. The original film was intended to be a standalone story.
- The sequels and TV series expanded the mythology, introducing more Immortals.
- Explanations vary, but it’s often suggested that Connor’s “Prize” was one of many, or that the Gathering continued.
“What powers do Immortals have?”
- Immortals do not age after their first death.
- They can heal from most wounds.
- They can sense other Immortals.
- They gain the knowledge and power of the immortals that they decapitate.
- In later versions of the story, some immortals exhibit further powers.
“What are the rules for being an Immortal?”
- They cannot have biological children.
- They are to fight one on one.
- They are not to fight on holy ground.
“How do the ‘Highlander’ movies and TV series connect?”
- “Highlander: The Series” expanded the universe, introducing Duncan MacLeod.
- There are some crossovers and connections between the series and the films, though continuity can be inconsistent.
“What is the correct order to watch the Highlander franchise?”
- A common suggested viewing order is to watch in release order. This allows the viewer to see the expansion of the mythology as it happened.
- That would look like this:
  - Highlander (1986)
  - Highlander 2: The Quickening (1991)
  - Highlander the series (1992-1998)
  - Highlander 3: The sorcerer (1994)
  - Highlander: Endgame (2000)
  - Highlander: The source (2007)
  - Highlander: The search for vengeance (2007)

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