There are officially five live-action theatrical Highlander movies in the main continuity, along with one animated film and numerous television series spin-offs. This article will delve into the history of the Highlander franchise, exploring each movie in detail and answering frequently asked questions to clarify the often-confusing timeline and lore.
The Five Main Highlander Movies: A Definitive List
The Highlander franchise began with the groundbreaking 1986 film Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, an immortal warrior. The success of this film spawned several sequels, each with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. While some are beloved by fans, others are considered less successful additions to the saga. Here’s the complete list of the core Highlander movie canon:
- Highlander (1986): The original and arguably the best, setting the stage for the Immortals and the Gathering.
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991): A controversial sequel that drastically altered the backstory and introduced aliens, widely considered to be non-canon by many fans.
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994): Attempted to return to the tone of the first film, introducing a new villain and disregarding the events of Highlander II.
- Highlander: Endgame (2000): Brought together Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul (from the Highlander: The Series television show) for a team-up.
- Highlander: The Source (2007): A widely criticized film that further muddied the lore and is generally considered the weakest entry.
Highlander: Beyond the Main Sequence
While the five films above represent the primary live-action theatrical releases, the Highlander universe extends beyond them.
Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (Animated Film)
This 2007 animated film, written by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, presents a standalone story and a different Immortal named Colin MacLeod. It offers a visually distinct take on the Highlander mythology and is generally better received than Highlander: The Source. While not part of the main continuity, it’s considered a significant addition to the broader franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Highlander Movies
Understanding the nuances of the Highlander movie series can be tricky. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How does Highlander II fit into the overall storyline?
Highlander II: The Quickening is the most divisive film in the franchise. Its drastic changes to the backstory, including the introduction of aliens and the Immortals being from the planet Zeist, are widely disregarded by fans. Later films, like Highlander III: The Sorcerer, explicitly ignore the events of Highlander II, further diminishing its canonicity. While it exists as part of the overall movie roster, its place in the established lore is highly contested and often dismissed.
Is there a correct order to watch the Highlander movies?
The simplest and most logical order is to start with the original Highlander (1986). After that, you can choose whether or not to watch Highlander II. Many fans suggest skipping it altogether. Following that, watch Highlander III: The Sorcerer, Highlander: Endgame, and Highlander: The Source in that order. Highlander: The Search for Vengeance can be viewed at any time, as it’s a standalone story.
Why are the Highlander sequels so different from the original?
Several factors contributed to the differences. Highlander II suffered from significant production problems and creative clashes. Later sequels attempted to recapture the spirit of the original but struggled to recapture the same magic. Changing writers, directors, and cast members also played a role in the varying quality and tone of the sequels.
Which Highlander movie is considered the worst?
Highlander: The Source (2007) is almost universally considered the worst film in the franchise. It received overwhelmingly negative reviews for its weak plot, poor acting, and confusing mythology. Highlander II: The Quickening is a close second, often criticized for completely rewriting the established lore.
Which Highlander movie is considered the best sequel?
While none of the sequels reach the heights of the original Highlander, Highlander III: The Sorcerer is often considered the least bad. It attempts to return to the tone and themes of the first film, and while flawed, it’s generally viewed more favorably than Highlander II and Highlander: The Source. Highlander: Endgame also has its fans, primarily for the crossover appeal of seeing Connor and Duncan MacLeod team up.
Does the Highlander TV series tie into the movies?
The Highlander: The Series television show, starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, is generally considered to exist in the same universe as the movies, albeit with some inconsistencies. Highlander: Endgame directly connects the series and the films, featuring both Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul. However, certain aspects of the television show’s lore differ from the movies, creating some continuity discrepancies.
Who is the better Highlander: Connor or Duncan?
This is a matter of personal preference. Connor MacLeod, portrayed by Christopher Lambert, is the original and arguably the more iconic character. Duncan MacLeod, played by Adrian Paul, had more screen time and character development thanks to the television series. Both characters have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is “better” is subjective.
Will there ever be another Highlander movie?
Despite the mixed reception of the later films, there have been numerous attempts to reboot the Highlander franchise. At one point, Ryan Reynolds was attached to star in a remake. Currently, Henry Cavill is set to star in a new Highlander film directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick). The film is planned to reboot the franchise entirely and introduce the world to a new generation.
What is the significance of “The Quickening”?
“The Quickening” is the energy and power transferred to an Immortal upon beheading another Immortal. It grants them their knowledge, skills, and memories. The Quickening is a crucial element of the Highlander mythology and a powerful motivator for the Immortals to fight each other.
What is “The Prize” that the Immortals are fighting for?
“The Prize” is the ultimate power and knowledge awarded to the last surviving Immortal. It’s a vague concept, but it’s often depicted as giving the winner the ability to shape the world and control the destiny of humanity. The exact nature of The Prize is open to interpretation, but its allure drives the Immortals to relentless conflict.
How does beheading kill an Immortal?
The act of beheading severs the connection between an Immortal’s head and body, preventing the Quickening energy from flowing properly. This effectively stops their regeneration and allows them to die. It’s the only known way to permanently kill an Immortal.
Are all Immortals evil?
No, not all Immortals are evil. While some, like The Kurgan, are purely malevolent, others, like Connor and Duncan MacLeod, are noble and fight to protect humanity. The Highlander universe presents a spectrum of Immortal characters, some using their powers for good and others for evil. Their inherent immortality doesn’t dictate their moral compass. The struggle between good and evil exists even within the ranks of the Immortals.