Ranking the He-Man Movies: From Animated Specials to Live-Action Remakes
We have compiled a ranking of all the He-Man movies, including two animated films, based on their current Tomatometer ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. At the bottom of the list is the 1985 animated TV special, He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special, which combined the He-Man and She-Ra shows. Despite not having a Rotten Tomatoes score, the special has divided fans over the years, with some enjoying it as a guilty pleasure, particularly for its Skeletor storyline embracing the Christmas spirit.
In the third spot is the 1987 live-action movie, Masters of the Universe, starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man. Initially receiving negative reviews and performing poorly at the box office, the film has since gained a cult following, with Frank Langella's portrayal of Skeletor being a standout. The movie holds a 21% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a slightly higher Popcornmeter score of 41%.
Next in line is the 1985 animated fantasy film, The Secret of the Sword, with a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have praised the movie for its engaging narrative and hand-painted backgrounds. However, some critics have pointed out its episodic structure, as it combines the first five episodes of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
The latest addition to the He-Man franchise is the 2026 live-action remake by Amazon MGM Studios, which has garnered the highest rating among all He-Man movies. With a Certified Fresh score of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes from 103 reviews, the film has been commended for its visuals and story. While many critics appreciate the entertainment value, some have raised concerns about the film's comedic tone possibly being excessive.
In conclusion, the new live-action Masters of the Universe movie has set a new standard as the highest-rated installment in the franchise, receiving positive feedback for its visual appeal and engaging storyline.