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Flash Gordon

Play trailer Poster for Flash Gordon PG 1980 1h 50m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Although NASA scientists are claiming the unexpected eclipse and strange hot hail are nothing to worry about, Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol) knows better, and takes football star Flash Gordon (Sam Jones) and travel agent Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) with him into space to rectify things. They land on planet Mongo, where the despot Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) is attacking Earth out of pure boredom. With the help of a race of Hawkmen, Flash and the gang struggle to save their home planet.
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Flash Gordon

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Critics Consensus

Campy charm and a knowing sense of humor help to overcome a silly plot involving a spacefaring ex-football player, his adoring bevy of groupies, and a supervillain named Ming the Merciless.

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Critics Reviews

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Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard Aug 10, 2020
4/5
Basically, whether laughing with this film, or at it, you'll have a blast. Go to Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian Jul 31, 2020
4/5
Perhaps, like many a superhero film, this one flags just a little in the final battle sequences, but Von Sydow is always there to keep things bizarre, playing it absolutely straight. Go to Full Review Anton Bitel Little White Lies Jul 31, 2020
a mid-air skirmish of corny old-fashioned retrofuturism and knowing postmodernism, even as its veneer of homespun innocence keeps being subverted by the corrupting powers of kink. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Nov 30, 2023
5/5
...a deserved cult-classic with the widest of appeal. It’s camp, it’s silly, it’s funny and it manages to update the Boys Own charm of the original serials... Go to Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills Sep 7, 2022
The movie itself is pure fun, and its status has only benefitted from the resurgence of interest in Queen, who wrote and performed the original score. Go to Full Review Alan Jones Starburst Jul 26, 2022
If the character of Flash Gordon reminds you of Buster Crabbe's exploits in vintage 1930s serials, then this new version of Flash Gordon is definitely for you. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jacob W @RT17896586 1 hr ago A Classic See more Peter W @RT12077588 Oct 23, 2026 Flash Gordon is nothing short of a wildly fun psychedelic ride straight out of the 80s. Sure, the acting and line delivery may not always be top tier, but that is honestly part of the film’s charm. What truly makes this movie so entertaining is its incredible sci fi world building, richly imaginative costume designs, impressive props and vibrant visual style that constantly bursts with creativity. Most importantly, the legendary soundtrack by Queen absolutely rocks and injects the film with endless high energy. It is fun, ridiculous, over the top and undeniably entertaining from beginning to end. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 3, 2026 The Songs by Queen were great, I loved the campiness of this movie! See more Max L @RT64587319 Jul 26, 2026 This is a fun film to watch. From Queen's bespoke songs to the full on lean into the camp. It holds up well over time See more Daniel G. @d_grady Feb 22, 2026 Should be a three star genre film on merits alone, but the art direction, wink-and-nod campiness and Queen soundtrack coalesce into something unique and fun. See more Joey A. @TheJoe1991 Feb 12, 2026 Okay, I'm a homer, I grew up watching this movie and it's very nostalgic for me. Strangely enough I love this movie, before I even knew anything about the band Queen, and now they're my favorite band. See more Read all reviews
Flash Gordon

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Cast & Crew

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Mike Hodges

Director

Sam Jones

Flash Gordon

Melody Anderson

Dale Arden

Max von Sydow

The Emperor Ming

Topol

Dr. Hans Zarkov

Ornella Muti

Princess Aura

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Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon (1980) Flash Gordon (1980) Flash Gordon (1980) Flash Gordon (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Although NASA scientists are claiming the unexpected eclipse and strange hot hail are nothing to worry about, Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol) knows better, and takes football star Flash Gordon (Sam Jones) and travel agent Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) with him into space to rectify things. They land on planet Mongo, where the despot Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) is attacking Earth out of pure boredom. With the help of a race of Hawkmen, Flash and the gang struggle to save their home planet.
Director
Mike Hodges
Producer
Dino De Laurentiis
Screenwriter
Alex Raymond, Michael Allin, Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Distributor
Cinema Classics, Video Classics, MCA/Universal Pictures [us], Universal Pictures
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Rating
PG
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 5, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2012
Runtime
1h 50m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Scope (2.35:1)
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