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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Highlander

Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action-adventure film that launched the Highlander franchise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action-adventure film that launched the Highlander franchise. It follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish immortal who must battle other immortals across centuries, with the story culminating in a confrontation in modern New York City. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the film stars Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery.

Plot

The film follows Connor MacLeod from his origins in Scotland to his battles as an immortal in modern-day New York. He learns that immortals can only be killed by decapitation and that the surviving immortal will win the Prize.

Cast and production

Highlander was directed by Russell Mulcahy and written by Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, and Larry Ferguson. Its principal cast includes Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery.

Franchise

The 1986 film became the basis for a broader Highlander franchise. Available sources indicate that the franchise includes multiple sequel films and a television series spin-off.

Key facts

  • It is the first installment in the Highlander franchise.
  • The story centres on Connor MacLeod, a Scottish immortal.
  • The film’s mythology includes duels between immortals and the idea that only one can remain.
  • It stars Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod.
  • Sean Connery appears as Ramirez, Connor’s mentor.
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Canadian context

Highlander has had broad international popularity, including in Canada through film, television, and home-video circulation; no specific Canada-only origin or setting is indicated in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Highlander?
In the film, the Highlander is Connor MacLeod, a Scottish immortal swordsman.
What is the Highlander movie about?
It is about Connor MacLeod, an immortal who fights other immortals over centuries, leading to a final battle in New York City for the Prize.
Is there a Highlander TV series?
Yes. Sources describe a 1992 television series spin-off set in the same franchise.
How many Highlander movies are there?
The franchise began with the 1986 film and sources here describe four film sequels, for a total of five Highlander films including the original.
Who played the Highlander?
Christopher Lambert played Connor MacLeod, the Highlander.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_(film)
    Supports: Film identification, release year, plot, cast, director, and franchise status.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091203/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot details about Connor MacLeod, immortality, and the Prize.
  3. Fandom — https://highlander.fandom.com/wiki/Highlander
    Supports: Franchise information including sequel films and a television spin-off.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/highlander-1986
    Supports: Release date, cast, director, and basic plot description.