The 1980s are filled with cinematic classics like Field of Dreams, The Princess Bride, The Natural, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Shining.
These are the movies that defined a decade, but everyone knows them. What about the hidden gems?
We suggest the following films if you want to check out something new from this magical decade.
They Live – 1988
John Carpenter is known for iconic horror films like The Thing and Halloween.
His 1988 cult classic They Live deserves a spot among those classics. It’s a wonderful blend of sci-fi and political commentary that still rings true today. Plus, it’s great seeing Roddy Piper in the leading role.
The Last Starfighter – 1984
While it may have been a box office flop, The Last Starfighter has found a dedicated, passionate fan base over the years.
Along with Tron, it’s one of the earliest examples of CGI, helping to make its grand scope come to life. It’s not the most original film of all time, but there’s enough character and charm here to win you over.
The Legend of Billie Jean – 1985
A modern day retelling of Joan of Arc, The Legend of Billie Jean oozes style.
Helen Slater is everything you need from a lead to make the film work: cool, rebellious, and determined.
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Suburbia – 1983
John Hughes didn’t have a monopoly on the coming-of-age genre.
Starring Chris Pederson, Jennifer Clay, Bill Coyne, and Andrew Pece, Suburbia has a distinct punk-rock feel to the normally wholesome coming-of-age theme.
Real Genius – 1985
Before he was Iceman, Val Kilmer starred in the comedy Real Genius as Chris Knight, a slacker charged with developing the “Crossbow” leader weapon for the government.
While it falls victim to various college movie tropes, Real Genius sets itself apart by having plenty of heart, not to mention an ending that will make you change the way you see popcorn. Seriously, who hates popcorn?
Top Secret! – 1984
A year before starring in Real Genius, Kilmer was in another 1980s comedy.
Top Secret! is a parody from the directing trio of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, best known for their work in Airplane!
While Top Secret! lacks the widespread acclaim and popularity of Airplane!, its fanbase is just as devoted.
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka – 1988
More than just a clever title, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka is an excellent parody of 1970s blaxploitation films.
Best of all, its ensemble cast includes several actors who appeared in those films, most notably Isaac Hayes, Jim Brown, and Bernie Casey.
Repo Man – 1984
From one Punk Rock film to another. Repo Man is a cult classic that, even though it aims at America during the Raegan administration, still has messaging that rings true today.
Starring Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton, Repo Man presents itself as a satire of 1980s consumerism.
Heavy Metal – 1981
The animated anthology is adapted from Heavy Metal magazine and features over-the-top violence and adult themes.
It’s also never afraid to fully embrace its campiness, never taking itself too seriously. South Park would use the film as an inspiration for the 2008 episode “Major Boobage.”
The Hidden – 1987
I’ll admit that I’m a sucker for anything with Kyle MacLachlan. Even without him playing FBI Special Agent Lloyd Gallagher (he was born to play an FBI agent, wasn’t he), The Hidden would still shine.
Its ending may have rubbed people the wrong way, but this is the type of thriller that would have gone viral if it were released in the modern era. It’s a true cult classic that deserves your time.
The Great Outdoors – 1988
It’s a shame to call a John Hughes comedy starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd underrated, but here we are.
While Hughes didn’t direct, he wrote the film in which Akroyd and Candy lead their families on a vacation gone wrong. Although it may not have been as critically acclaimed as their other works, it’s still worth several good laughs.
Johnny Dangerously – 1984
A spoof on 1930s crime movies, Michael Keaton stars as Johny Kelley, aka Johnny Dangerously, an outstanding citizen who lives a double life as an up-and-coming gangster.
Keaton leads an all-star cast that features Joe Piscopo, Peter Boyle, Dom DeLuise, Danny DeVito, and Maureen Stapleton.
Time Bandits – 1981
Terry Gilliam’s fantasy adventure follows a group of themes who steal treasures throughout time and history.
Time Bandits is more kid-friendly than Gilliam’s normal films, but it’s still an excellent adventure everyone can enjoy.
Clue – 1985
A movie based on a board game that works? It’s true, although moviegoers didn’t appreciate it at the time.
Clue has become a cult classic over the years, thanks to its wacky premise that knows to respect that it’s a comedy based on a board game. It doesn’t try to do too much; instead, it just wants to deliver an entertaining movie.
A Fish Called Wanda – 1988
Is it weird to call a movie as acclaimed and beloved as A Fish Called Wanda underrated? It might be, but the unfortunate reality is that it never gets mentioned alongside other memorable comedies.
While John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Jamie Lee Curtis earn top billing, Kevin Kline steals the show. He would win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 61st Academy Awards.
Mask (1985)
Eric Stolz’s performance as Rocky Dennis is an emotional tour de force. Stolz and his co-star Cher would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
Mask is based on the true story of Rocky Dennis, a boy with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia that causes extreme facial disfiguring and an enlarged cranium.
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