Red Sonja (1985)

19% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
35% of users liked it
(34,080 ratings)

Brigitte Nielsen appears as warrior woman Sonja, who unites with a couple of other gladiator types (including Arnold Schwarzenegger) to overthrow the evil queen Gedren (Sandahl Bergman) and avenge the deaths of Sonja's family. This story descends from the writings of Robert E. Howard (author of… More Brigitte Nielsen appears as warrior woman Sonja, who unites with a couple of other gladiator types (including Arnold Schwarzenegger) to overthrow the evil queen Gedren (Sandahl Bergman) and avenge the deaths of Sonja's family. This story descends from the writings of Robert E. Howard (author of Conan). ~ Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Richard Fleischer
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jul 3, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Jul 6, 2004
Studio: MGM/UA

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The dialogue passages don't exactly play like Noel Coward, but this is a movie that succeeds rousingly well on its own humble, Saturday-night terms.
Variety Staff, Variety
Red Sonja returns to those olden days when women were women and the menfolk stood around with funny hats on until called forth to be whacked at.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Mr. Fleischer brings absolutely no playfulness to what might, at least, have been enjoyably light. And he brings out the worst in a cast that was ill-chosen to begin with.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
The film is at least as good as Conan the Destroyer. Which is faint praise, indeed.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Sure, there are a few funny moments here and there with several obviously intended jokes, but director Richard Fleischer never milks the elements of self-parody for what they're worth.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Worst of all, there's a charmless brat prince for Sonja to take under her wing.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It's a truly horrible concoction, filled with stiff, overly serious dialogue, wretched performances, bad lighting and a lazy score by the otherwise great Ennio Morricone.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Unwatchably bad sword-and-sorcery nonsense.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Red Sonja and Kalidor wear each other out sword fighting. I was worn out trying to stay awake during the film.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...pure silliness, but not silly enough to qualify as amusing. Face it; it's just dull.
Staci Layne Wilson, Fantastica Daily
Red Sonja is certainly a forgettable flick, but I have to admit: it's entertaining enough while it lasts.
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Hilariously awful
Kevin A. Ranson, MovieCrypt.com
No, he's NOT Conan this time!
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Horrible spawn of the mediocre Conan the Barbarian.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Tim S

Terrible flick, but fun to watch and snicker at.
Curtis L

It's sad to find out that this movie came out as late as 1985. Other films of superior quality such as Willow had already come out, leaving this movie to look like it came from the 70's. Still, pretty cool sets for sure. The story was pretty shallow and it mostly… More
It's sad to find out that this movie came out as late as 1985. Other films of superior quality such as Willow had already come out, leaving this movie to look like it came from the 70's. Still, pretty cool sets for sure. The story was pretty shallow and it mostly dribbles down to a bunch of sword fights (yawn). And that Asian kid was even more annoying than Shortround.
Tsubaki S

Boy did Nielsen seriously worn out more quicly than a pair of running shoes. This cheese already smelled back in those days, but it did have some fun parts.
Kylie B

Vocal performances aren't impressive (most sound like they're reading the lines off an autocue) but you can get into the story if you ignore it. I also enjoyed the spontaneous castle explosion at the end.
Dean !

More swordplay simialr to the Conan the barbarian films, but with a female lead.
Stuart B

Poor movie
Jason S

It was good but you spend the whole movie wishing that Arnold was playing Conan instead.
xGary X

Brigitte Nielsen turns in one of the most wooden, characterless performances in history in a stupid sword and thongfest kept watchable only by Arnies appearance as a Conan wannabe.
Dean M

Not bad in a sword and sorcery epic having a female lead.
Dann M

Red Sonja is a sword-and-sorcery film that attempts to capitalize on the popularity of the Conan series. Based on the works of Robert E. Howard, sword master Red Sonja sets out on a quest to destroy a talisman that an evil queen is using to destroy kingdoms. Newcomer Brigitte… More
Red Sonja is a sword-and-sorcery film that attempts to capitalize on the popularity of the Conan series. Based on the works of Robert E. Howard, sword master Red Sonja sets out on a quest to destroy a talisman that an evil queen is using to destroy kingdoms. Newcomer Brigitte Nielsen leads the cast and is joined by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately, most of the characters aren't very likable or compelling; particularly Red Sonja. The action sequences are fairly good and the film is quick paced, but the story is formulaic and stale. Red Sonja is little more than a generic adventure film that lacks originality.
Steven V

Neither Brigitte Nielsen or Arnold Schwarzenegger are really good actors when it comes to dialog. But, the acting is bad and the speeded up combat sequences are pathetic. Some of the visuals are nice. Overall the movie isn't worth seeing.
Alec B

What could have been an immensely fun movie, was turned into one of the most boring things I've ever seen. Seriously, this is one of the few times I openly declare that Hollywood should bring on the remake.
Doctor S

Bwahaha! Too bad a planned remake with Rose MacGowan fell through.
Matthew A

Considering this starred Arnie, it wasn't such a thrilling movie. It was spot on average. The actress who played Red Sonja was all right. She kicked ass in action scenes and all, but not so much in acting. In fact acting in general wasn't top notch in this movie. However… More
Considering this starred Arnie, it wasn't such a thrilling movie. It was spot on average. The actress who played Red Sonja was all right. She kicked ass in action scenes and all, but not so much in acting. In fact acting in general wasn't top notch in this movie. However there were plenty of sword-fighting action scenes, but they weren't much different from one another. I was a bit disappointed that Arnie didn't get much screen time in this. He kept on disappearing and reappearing constantly. Oh and that little cheeky kid was pretty annoying. But kid's bodyguard with a huge bone was funny though.
Barry L

Quality vixen.