The first installation of the Highlander movie series was released in 1986. The movie follows Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scottish swordsman, as he battles other immortals in order to become the last one standing. The franchise caught on quickly and spawned several sequels and spin-offs.
Between 1986 and 2007 franchise released 5 movies in total. The latest movie of the series, Highlander: The Source, was released direct-to-video in 2007.
Many television series have been inspired by the Highlander movie series, most notably the Syfy channel series Highlander: The Series, which ran for six seasons from 1992-1998.
The Highlander movies are noted for their use of time travel as a plot device and for their catchy rock songs, including Queen’s “Princes of the Universe” and “Who Wants to Live Forever?”
The movies have been generally well-received by audiences and critics alike, with the first movie being the most successful.
Highlander is a live-action fantasy adventure franchise that began with a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Russell Mulcahy and starring Christopher Lambert.
The Highlander films center around the Immortals, individuals who cannot die, and take place across multiple centuries. Here is the list of all the Highlander movies in release order:
List of The Highlander Movies in Release Order
- Highlander (1986)
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994)
- Highlander: Endgame (2000)
- Highlander: The Source (2007)
Highlander (1986)
Director: Russell Mulcahy | Writers: Gregory Widen, Gregory Widen | Stars: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown | Country of origin: United Kingdom, United States | Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 56 minutes. | Release Date: March 7, 1986 | Language: The language is English. | Genres: The movie genres are action, adventure and fantasy. | Filming Locations: Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh, Highland, Scotland, UK | Production Companies: Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment, Davis-Panzer Productions, Highlander Productions Limited | Budget: The budget of the movie was $19 million. | Box Office: The film grossed $12 million.
The first movie in the Highlander franchise is titled Highlander. The movie was released in 1986, directed by Russell Mulcahy and written by Gregory Widen and Gregory Widen. Highlander stars Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, Sean Connery as Juan Ramírez, and Clancy Brown as the Kurgan.
The movie was a success at the box office, grossing $12 million on a budget of $19 million. Highlander was generally well-received by critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a 73% rating. Highlander was also nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Sound Editing and Best Makeup.
In 1985, Imam Fasil attacked Connor MacLeod and other Immortals in New York City. Connor defeats him but is gravely wounded. He is nursed back to health by Dr. Brenda Wyatt, who later becomes his lover.
Meanwhile, Kurgan, another Immortal, arrives in New York City and begins killing other Immortals. Connor challenges Kurgan to a duel, which Connor wins. Connor then travels to Scotland, where he meets his clansman Heather MacLeod. Connor and Heather fall in love and get married.
Juan Sanchez, originally from Egypt, tracks down Connor and challenges him to a duel. Connor wins but spares Juan’s life. Connor then meets Rachel Ellenstein, an Immortal from Israel who is being hunted by the Nazi war criminal Kurt Zorin. Connor defeats Zorin, but Rachel is killed.
Some years later, Connor and Heather have a son named John MacLeod. Connor is visited by the Immortal Methos, who tells Connor that Kurgan is still alive and is planning to use an ancient artifact known as the Holy Grail to become invincible.
Connor sets out to stop Kurgan but is defeated and mortally wounded. Kurgan then uses the Grail to become immortal but is immediately killed by Connor’s son John.
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
Director: Russell Mulcahy | Writers: Gregory Widen, Brian Clemens | Stars: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Michael Ironside, Virginia Madsen | Country of origin: United Kingdom, France, Argentina | Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 31 minutes. | Release Date: November 1, 1991 | Language: The language is English. | Genres: The movie genres are action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller. | Filming Locations: Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina | Production Companies: Davis-Panzer Productions, Harat Investments, Lamb Bear Entertainment | Budget: The budget of the movie was $30 million. | Box Office: The film grossed $15 million.
In 1999, Professor Allan Neyman and Connor MacLeod developed a shield that would protect the Earth from the harmful effects of the sun’s radiation. However, when Connor learns that the shield will cause the planet to become a desert wasteland, he tries to stop it. Meanwhile, an evil Immortal named Kane is also after the shield and will stop at nothing to get it.
Highlander II: The Quickening was released in 1991 and was directed by Russell Mulcahy. Highlander II: The Quickening stars Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Michael Ironside, and Virginia Madsen.
The movie was a box office bomb, grossing only $15 million on a budget of $30 million. Highlander II: The Quickening was savaged by critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a 5% rating.
Five hundred years ago, Ramirez chose Connor to be his pupil and trained him in the ways of the Immortals. In 1536, Connor met and fell in love with an Immortal named Fiona. However, their happiness is short-lived as Kurgan kills Fiona. This sets off a series of events that leads to Connor defeating Kurgan in the final duel.
In 1986, Connor and Ramirez were engaged in a duel when they were unexpectedly transported to the year 2024. There, they find that the world has been devastated by an environmental disaster known as “The Quickening.”
They also meet Rachel Ellenstein, who is now a scientist working on the way to stop The Quickening. Connor and Rachel develop a plan to use the power of the Holy Grail to reverse the effects of The Quickening, but they are opposed by Kurgan, who has also been transported to the future. In the end, Connor and Rachel succeed in their plan, and Connor defeats Kurgan once again.
Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994)
Director: Andrew Morahan | Writer: Gregory Widen, Brad Mirman | Stars: Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, Deborah Kara Unger | Country of origin: United Kingdom, United States, Japan | Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 39 minutes. | Release Date: November 30, 1994 | Language: The language is English. | Genres: The movie genres are action, adventure and fantasy. | Filming Locations: North Carolina, USA | Production Companies: Davis-Panzer Productions, Highland Productions Limited, Takara Company | Budget: The budget of the movie was $27 million. | Box Office: The film grossed $36 million.
When an Immortal kills Connor MacLeod’s wife named the Kurgan, Connor sets out to find him. However, when he finally confronts the Kurgan, Connor is mortally wounded. As he lies dying, Connor is visited by an ancient sorcerer who gives him a second chance at life.
Highlander III: The Sorcerer was released in 1994 and was directed by Andrew Morahan. Highlander III: The Sorcerer stars Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, and Deborah Kara Unger. The movie was a box office bomb, grossing $36 million on a budget of $27 million. Highlander III: The Sorcerer was savaged by critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a 4% rating.
In the 16th century, Connor MacLeod met an Immortal named Nakano after his wife Heather’s death. Nakano is a sorcerer who is seeking a powerful artifact known as the “Eye of Judgment.” Connor defeats Nakano and takes the Eye of Judgment for himself.
In 1994, Connor’s nephew John MacLeod arrived in Japan, where he was met by Nakano’s daughter Mio. Mio explains that Connor killed her father, and she wants revenge. John is reluctant to fight Connor, but Mio eventually convinces him to challenge him to a duel. John wins the duel, but instead of killing Connor, he gives the Eye of Judgment to him and leaves.
Highlander: Endgame (2000)
Director: Douglas Aarniokoski | Writer: Gregory Widen, Eric Bernt | Stars: Christopher Lambert, Adrian Paul, Bruce Payne, Lisa Barbuscia | Country of origin: United States | Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 27 minutes. | Release Date: September 1, 2000 | Language: The language is English, French, and Gaelic. | Genres: The movie genres are action, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy. | Filming Locations: Bucharest, Romania | Production Companies: Davis-Panzer Productions, Dimension Films | Budget: The budget of the movie was $25 million. | Box Office: The film grossed $15 million.
Connor MacLeod and his mentor, Duncan MacLeod, are on a mission to stop the evil Immortal Jacob Kell from obtaining an ancient artifact that will give him the power to enslave all Immortals. Along the way, the two Macleods must deal with their own past and Kell’s henchmen.
Highlander: Endgame was released in 2000 and was directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. Highlander: Endgame stars Christopher Lambert, Adrian Paul, Bruce Payne, and Lisa Barbuscia. The movie was a box office bomb, grossing $15 million on a budget of $25 million. Highlander: Endgame was savaged by critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a 4% rating.
In 1855 A.D. Connor kills Jacon and Father Rainey, two Immortals who were planning to use an ancient artifact known as the “Jewel of Arian” to gain immortality.
In 2000, Connor and his protégé Duncan MacLeod were living in hiding from the Hunters, a group of Immortals who wanted to kill all other Immortals. One day, Connor is confronted by an old enemy, Kortan, who the Hunters have sent to kill him.
Connor defeats Kortan but is mortally wounded in the process. Duncan then faces Kortan in a duel and kills him. With his dying breath, Kortan tells Duncan that the Hunters have captured Connor and are holding him prisoner.
Duncan goes to the Hunters’ base and rescues Connor. The two then travel to Scotland, where Heather MacLeod, Connor’s wife, meets them. Duncan challenges Connor to a final duel, which Connor wins. With his dying breath, Connor tells Duncan that he is the last of the Immortals and that he must take his place as the protector of mankind.
Highlander: The Source (2007 TV Movie)
Director: Brett Leonard | Writer: Stephen Kelvin Watkins, Mark Bradley | Stars: Adrian Paul, Thekla Reuten, Cristian Solimeno | Country of origin: United Kingdom, Lithuania | Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 26 minutes. | Release Date: August 19, 2007 | Language: The language is English. | Genres: The movie genres are action, adventure, drama, mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy. | Filming Locations: Lithuania | Production Companies: Davis-Panzer Productions, Handmade Films, IAC Films | Budget: The budget of the movie was $13 million. | Box Office: The film grossed $3 million.
In the year 2025, the world is on the brink of destruction. An immortal warrior named Duncan MacLeod must travel to The Source, a mystical energy field that is the source of all immortality, in order to save the world.
Highlander: The Source was released in 2007 and was directed by Brett Leonard. Highlander: The Source stars Adrian Paul, Thekla Reuten, and Cristian Solimeno. The movie was a box office bomb, grossing $3 million on a budget of $13 million. Highlander: The Source was savaged by critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a 4% rating.
In 1985, Connor MacLeod defeated Kurgan in a final duel, becoming the last Immortal. In 2000, Connor’s protégé Duncan MacLeod defeated Kortan, the last of the Hunters. With his dying breath, Kortan tells Duncan that the Hunters have captured Connor and are holding him prisoner.
In 2007, Duncan went to the Hunters’ base and rescued Connor. The two then travel to Scotland, where Heather MacLeod, Connor’s wife, meets them. Duncan challenges Connor to a final duel, which Connor wins. With his dying breath, Connor tells Duncan that he is the last of the Immortals and that he must take his place as the protector of mankind.
Highlander Movies In Order by IMDB Rating
| Movies | Rating on IMDB |
|---|---|
| Highlander | 7.1/10 |
| Highlander II: The Quickening | 4.3/10 |
| Highlander III: The Sorcerer | 4.5/10 |
| Highlander: Endgame | 4.7/10 |
| Highlander: The Source | 3.1/10 |
Highlander Universe: List of All Highlander Movies, Animation Films, and Television Series In Order of Release
- Highlander (1986)
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
- Highlander: The Series (1992–1998)
- Highlander: The Animated Series (1994–1996)
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994)
- Highlander: The Raven (1998–1999)
- Highlander: Endgame (2000)
- Highlander: The Source (2007)
- Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007)
- The Methos Chronicles (2001)
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FAQs
Are All of The Highlander Movies Part of The Same Series?
Yes, all of the Highlander movies are part of the same series. The first movie was released in 1986, and the most recent movie was released in 2007.
What Is The Best Highlander Movie?
There is no clear consensus on what the best Highlander movie is. Some fans prefer the original Highlander, while others prefer one of the later sequels. Highlander III: The Sorcerer is generally considered the worst movie in the franchise, so it is unlikely that anyone would consider it the best.
Are The Highlander Movies Connected?
The Highlander movies are all connected, with each movie featuring characters from the previous movies. The first three Highlander movies form a trilogy, with the fourth movie being a spin-off and the fifth and sixth movies being sequels to the original trilogy.
Are Highlander Movies And TV Shows Connected?
The Highlander movies and TV shows are connected, but they are not all part of the same continuity. The first movie was released in 1986, and the most recent movie was released in 2007. The TV show ran from 1992 to 1998, and the animated series ran from 1994 to 1996.
There have also been two made-for-TV movies, Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007) and The Methos Chronicles (2001).
What is the difference between the Highlander movies and the TV show?
The main difference between the Highlander movies and TV shows is that the TV show is set in the present day, while the movies are set in the past. The TV show also has a more light-hearted tone, while the movies are darker and more serious.
Where did the Immortals come from in Highlander?
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991) attempted to give an origin story for the Immortals, but it was later retconned in Highlander: Endgame (2000). As of now, the origin of the Immortals is unknown.
How many Highlander TV series are there?
There are two Highlander TV series: The Series (1992-1998) and Highlander: The Raven (1998-1999). There is also an animated series, Highlander: The Animated Series (1994-1996).
Conclusion
This list of Highlander movies is correct in release order. It’s interesting to see how the story progresses and how the characters develop over time. The movies are all great, and I would definitely recommend watching them all!
Do you agree with this list? What is your favorite Highlander movie? Let me know in the comments! We hope you enjoyed this article!
Hey, My name is Charles Eames, I am a designer, filmmaker, and lover of photographic arts. And I usually write about movies, Famous/Influential People. I am running this blog with my girlfriend Bernice.