Is Ladyhawke Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ladyhawke is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 121 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ladyhawke Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Ladyhawke emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lies a cruel curse. Unlike standard genre fare, Ladyhawke attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ladyhawke features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthew Broderick . Supported by the likes of Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ladyhawke (1985) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ladyhawke Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ladyhawke is a Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lies a cruel curse. Punished for loving each other, Navarre must become a wolf by night whilst his lover, Lady Isabeau, takes the form of a hawk by day. Together, with the thief Philippe Gaston, they must try to overthrow the corrupt Bishop and in doing so break the spell. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ladyhawke Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ladyhawke resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ladyhawke reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ladyhawke?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Ladyhawke Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ladyhawke Budget
The estimated production budget for Ladyhawke is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ladyhawke
- Matthew Broderick – Phillipe Gaston
- Rutger Hauer – Captain Etienne Navarre
- Michelle Pfeiffer – Isabeau d'Anjou
- Alfred Molina – Cezar
- John Wood – Bishop of Aquila
Top Highlights
Matthew BroderickPhillipe Gaston
Rutger HauerCaptain Etienne Navarre
Michelle PfeifferIsabeau d'Anjou
Alfred MolinaCezar
John WoodBishop of Aquila
Leo McKernFather Imperius
Ken HutchisonMarquet
Giancarlo PreteFornac
Loris LoddiJehan
Charles BorromelInsane Prisoner
Where to Watch Ladyhawke Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Ladyhawke is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Ladyhawke stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladyhawke movie hit or flop?
Ladyhawke is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy movies.
Is Ladyhawke worth watching?
Yes, Ladyhawke is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy cinema.
Where can I watch Ladyhawke online?
Ladyhawke may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Ladyhawke
Matthew Broderick is quite spritely in this mystical adventure. He breaks out from prison, using the sewers ("just like leaving the womb") where he, luckily, encounters "Navarre" (Rutger Hauer) just as he is about to become toast. The man travels with a hawk, and soon we discover that he and the hawk have a distinct synergy - the hawk is "Isabeau" (Michelle Pfieffer) by night; he a terrifying wolf then. How to break the curse? Well, they must face the ruthless bishop (John Wood) in his stronghold of Aquila, and the bishop's men are hunting all of them. It's quite an enjoyable fantasy this. Broderick talks too much (maybe I'd have hanged him too) but there is plenty of swordplay; mischief from Broderick's "Gaston the Mouse"; a little comedy from an on-form Leo McKern and it all looks quite stylish. It is a bit too long, it could probably lose twenty minutes, and there is far too much of the score but the falconry photography is fine and the ending lively. Worth a watch.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
