Prince Adam of Eternia learned fabulous secrets when he was given the Sword of Power, and became his alter-ego, He-Man, but not every version of the character across the Masters of the Universe franchise has the same level of power. In his souped-up form, he is nearly invisible as he takes on a host of enemies trying to disrupt the peace of the universe. Throughout his over-40-year TV and film career, He-Man has had many different iterations. While they all followed a set of very similar rules, some of his qualities were either amped up or toned down.

Since the toy line came out in the 1980s, He-Man has been an inspiration for children and adults alike, and his many on-screen outings have resonated with many different generations. With a new live-action Masters of the Universe movie on the way, a whole new audience will be re-introduced to this heroic character. Whether animated, digitally enhanced, or flesh and blood, there is something special about every single version of He-Man.

It must be noted that there is no separating Adam from He-Man, as one would not exist without the other. It is Adam who must wield the sword and summon the power of Grayskull to become the mighty He-Man. It is Adam's personality, empathy, and instincts that make He-Man who he is, and therefore, are a version of him in some way. In his human form, the character is the most vulnerable, but no less courageous. That said, this is his weakest form by default in every iteration of the Masters of the Universe franchise.

8 New Adventures He-Man (1990)

Voiced by Garry Chalk

This reimagining for a new decade saw the costume and haircut receive a re-styling, as well as the Sword of Power. As this iteration of the character travels the galaxies and fights various intergalactic threats, his powers seem to be slightly different as well. While he seems much more nimble and agile, his strength is not quite as impressive as in other versions. The previous version saw him stop a comet with his bare hands and future ones gave him the ability to level cities with his own brute force.

The animated silhouette is also more toned and sleek compared to other, more beefy takes on the character. This allows him to fight in a more fluid and acrobatic way which is more in line with the space setting. His sword also seems to have more in common with a lightsaber, and the reliance on technology is much more evident in this version of He-Man. His transformation also is slightly less drastic than in other shows.

7 Masters of the Universe (1987)

Played by Dolph Lundgren

The first live-action He-Man iteration brought with it a slightly more realistic approach to the character. While Dolph Lundgren certainly committed to the role and showcased impressive physical prowess, the character was given more limitations than the animated versions. He was certainly very strong and a master swordsman, but he didn't feel invincible. In fact, he struggled in many of the battles and showed signs of injuries as well.

Interestingly, Prince Adam is not his alter ego at all, and it could be that the bit of humanity represented by him, was simply incorporated into He-Man himself. His leadership abilities were very proficient and he was able to wield many weapons, as well as his own sword. He did prove himself against the powered-up version of Skeletor though, showing that he was a worthy warrior.

6 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021)

Voiced by Yuri Lowenthal

This version of He-Man is very strong indeed, but he is also one of the youngest and most inexperienced. He is still mastering his incredible power as he navigates his new skills. With the source of his powers rooted in the elements and technology rather than magic alone, it's one of the more grounded depictions of He-Man's abilities. This He-Man show served as more of a reimagining of the universe, rather than a nostalgic nod, hence the many changes to the character.

He has incredibly quick healing abilities and is a master of whatever weapon he has access to, which he can also power up with his sword.

After his transformation, Adam is much larger and a godlike creation that can blast through mountains and make the ground shake with his force. He has incredibly quick healing abilities and is a master of whatever weapon he has access to, which he can also power up with his sword. The CGI adds a lot more realistic dynamism to the fight scenes and is an interesting bridge between classic animation and a live-action production.

5 Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021)

Savage He-Man, played by Dee Bradley Baker

This version comes to life when Adam summons the power of Grayskull without the Power Sword. The lack of a focal point for the immense force turns the prince into this beastly version of the hero. His instincts are dimmed, and his reflexes aren't as sharp, but his strength makes him incredibly dangerous. With a lack of inhibitions, he is able to launch himself into precarious situations that the traditional He-Man might need to strategize for.

In one of the most epic fights between himself and Skeletor, the two nemeses nearly take out a whole city with the sheer power of their blows. As they trade punches through portals and throw themselves fully into the battle, buildings around them collapse as the ground shakes. It's this recklessness that is his weakness, as He-Man would never endanger innocent people and wield his power much more responsibly.

4 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)

Played by John Erwin

Iconic and classic, this first on-screen outing introduced the world to a world of magic and adventure, as well as a superhuman hero. The He-Man of the 1980s was all-powerful and just. He protected the people of Eternia with honor and made sure he upheld his values in every fight. His powers were vast, from tossing boulders with ease to withstanding magical blasts and blows from any type of weapon.

Due to this version predominately being aimed at younger viewers, the rules behind his powers are also slightly inconsistent.

In one episode he was able to destroy a powerful magic gem with his bare hands, yet in another, he was chained to the ground by a simple spell from Skeletor. That could be chalked up to having an off day, because, by and large, he showcased unlimited strength that could see him topple planets, and thwart every single one of Skeletor's plans.

3 Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021)

Played by Chris Wood

This reimagining of the hero pays homage to the show of the 1980s while unlocking new levels of power for the character. Partly due to the technological advancements in animation, but also due to the much more harrowing character arc that he has to go through. His maturity and introspection allow him to contemplate the meaning behind his power and what best to do with it, meaning that he acts in a considered way.

Just as in the other iterations, he is assumed to be invincible. However, this is so far the only version of the character to die, not once but twice. As he takes on one of the most powerful versions of Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe franchise, he must sacrifice himself to protect Eternia from being destroyed. This shows that the only person who can defeat He-Man is himself.

2 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002)

Played by Cam Clarke

This version can be described as battle-hardened, as he shows more depth than many of the other iterations. He is skilled at hand-to-hand combat and is shown to be a skilled strategist and leader as well. His sword proves to be a much more elevated version as well, expelling forceful energy blasts as well as the usual protection tricks like deflecting blasts and stabbing things. He relies on his instincts instead of brute force only.

This He-Man is controlled and poised, as well as brave and honorable.

This version seems the most comfortable and confident in his own identity as well. It's this confidence in his abilities and power that makes him one of the strongest versions of the character. This He-Man is controlled and poised, as well as brave and honorable. His superior skills are both due to the natural evolution of the character as well as the evolution of the story, with more depth and reasoning behind his actions.

1 Masters Of The Universe: Revolution (2024)

Played by Chris Wood

This latest version of the Masters of the Universe saga serves as a continuation of the world built in Masters Of The Universe: Revelation and starts with a pretty powerful iteration of He-Man already. But, by the end of its five-episode run, audiences saw the superhuman hero receive even more of an upgrade in the power stakes. With another level of power unlocked within the sword itself, it also meant more of it for not just He-Man, but Teela as well.

With the help of Orko and Gwildor, who were able to find out more about the potential within the Sword of Power, these new abilities mix both technology and magic. Though the full potential of this power is not fully explored within this Masters of the Universe series yet, it is evident that these powers take his original abilities to the next level. It also shows He-Man and Teela teaming up both romantically and in combat, meaning that the power not only lies within him but also in the partner fighting by his side.