Arena (1988)

41% of users liked it
(671 ratings)

Though bereft of budget, the 1988 sci-fier Arena has its heart in the right place. The scene is a distant planet, where extraterrestrial gladiators square off in an arena. Earthling Steve Armstrong would like to prove his fighting skills, but the evil planetary ruler Marc Alaimo won't let him. After… More Though bereft of budget, the 1988 sci-fier Arena has its heart in the right place. The scene is a distant planet, where extraterrestrial gladiators square off in an arena. Earthling Steve Armstrong would like to prove his fighting skills, but the evil planetary ruler Marc Alaimo won't let him. After an intensive series of training sessions with martial-arts expert Claudia Christian, whose father used to run the arena, Armstrong is at last permitted to display his prowess in public. He also gets a chance to topple Alaimo's despotic regime, and, hopefully, to win himself a trip back to Mother Earth. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Peter Manoogian
Genres: Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Mar 29, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Sep 18, 1991

Critic Reviews

Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
I guarantee a good time going in to this "Star Wars" clone.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Phil H

Produced by the one and only Charles Band and this time pushing the boundaries of space and beyond with this sci-fi fighter. I do believe it actually did OK upon release back in the day. Call it what you will but there's a clear mix of many other films here from… More
Produced by the one and only Charles Band and this time pushing the boundaries of space and beyond with this sci-fi fighter. I do believe it actually did OK upon release back in the day. Call it what you will but there's a clear mix of many other films here from 'Bloodsport' to 'The Karate Kid' as the unknown underdog human competes against other fighters from around the galaxy to try and be the Champion...can you guess what happens? Now this is an old film and produced by Band so I'm sure if you know of Band you won't expect too much but to be fair this film was handled well and does show pretty competant action and effects. The aliens on show are a mix of rubbery masked puppets some humanoid some not, some look quite good some don't. If you picture your average 'Star Trek' episode alien then you have a good idea what they look like...kinda cheap looking and leagues behind even the most basic 'Star Wars' alien, actually some look almost like creatures that you might find in the Henson film 'Labyrinth'. The whole thing is virtually a script for a video game fighter and the acting isn't far behind haha add to that a wonderful wardrobe array of shiny tight spandex, the main bad guy looking like Dracula and we have a winner for so bad and cheesy its good. I think you can put it down to the quaint charm of the times.
Professor W

A mix of Star Wars and Rocky. 'Nuff said. Ratings: Acting: 6/10 Story: 7/10 Originalality: 6/10 Soundtrack: 5/10 Characters: 6/10 Overall: 7/10 Sexiness: (The following is my Review for the fappers 18+): Not impossible to fap to. There is a beautiful girl, Jade, who… More
A mix of Star Wars and Rocky. 'Nuff said. Ratings: Acting: 6/10 Story: 7/10 Originalality: 6/10 Soundtrack: 5/10 Characters: 6/10 Overall: 7/10 Sexiness: (The following is my Review for the fappers 18+): Not impossible to fap to. There is a beautiful girl, Jade, who is simply stunning. There's some decent scenes to keep you going. Very brief nudity. Fap Rating: 5/10
Jason R

The plot is great, and the movie features some really great make-up and special effects. A hidden gem amongst all the 80's Sci-Fi films that is a must see for fans of the genre.