10 Forgotten Films of the 1980s

The 1980s: neon lights, mullets, and synth music. It was a decade that gave us blockbuster hits like E.T. and Back to the Future, but for every movie that made it into the pop culture Hall of Fame, there were a handful of others that fell into cinematic obscurity. So, dust off your VHS tapes (or, you know, just stream these movies), and let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit 10 forgotten films of the 1980s that deserve more recognition than they’ve gotten.

The Last Starfighter (1984)

Who needs a pilot’s license when you can play video games, right? That’s the premise of The Last Starfighter, where a teenager is recruited to defend the galaxy after mastering an arcade game. The film’s premise may sound cheesy, but it’s a classic ‘80s blend of sci-fi, adventure, and heart. With a killer soundtrack, impressive (for the time) CGI, and a cast of lovable misfits, it’s got all the right ingredients for a cult classic. The fact that this movie didn’t take off as big as Star Wars is, frankly, a tragedy. Someone should’ve told George Lucas: “Hey, maybe make a space movie with video games in it!”

The Hidden (1987)

Imagine a buddy cop movie—now, replace the partners with an FBI agent and a mysterious, possession-hopping alien. The Hidden is a wildly fun blend of science fiction and crime thriller, with a touch of 1980s wackiness thrown in for good measure. The story revolves around an alien parasite that jumps from host to host, leaving chaos in its wake. The film has a tone that’s half action and half weird, but it all blends together perfectly. Sure, the ‘80s might’ve been a time for big explosions, but sometimes, you just want a bit of weird in your action flick.

They Live (1988)

Okay, I know, I know—They Live isn’t that forgotten. But hear me out: this John Carpenter gem is still underappreciated in some circles. This sci-fi thriller follows a drifter (played by pro-wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper) who discovers that the world’s elite are secretly aliens, manipulating the population through subliminal messages. The film is a satire, a conspiracy theory lover’s dream, and one of the best buddy-cop-style flicks that mixes action and social commentary. Oh, and did I mention that Piper delivers one of the most iconic fight scenes ever? If you haven’t seen it, you’ve been living under a rock—or, you know, a subliminally controlled one.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

Let’s talk about a movie that truly defies description. Buckaroo Banzai is a strange mash-up of sci-fi, comedy, action, and… well, whatever the heck else you want it to be. The film stars Peter Weller as a rock star, brain surgeon, and adventurer who battles alien invaders from the 8th dimension. If that sounds like the most ‘80s premise ever, it’s because it is. The movie’s nonsensical charm and star-studded ensemble cast (including Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, and Ellen Barkin) make it a beloved oddity, but it’s one of those films you either get or you don’t. And honestly, if you don’t, just enjoy the absurdity—it’s like trying to explain a dream.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

You thought clowns couldn’t get creepier? Think again. Killer Klowns from Outer Space is exactly what it sounds like—killer clowns from outer space. This B-movie cult classic is a quirky, campy, and completely over-the-top romp that blends horror, comedy, and sci-fi in the most offbeat way possible. The film’s premise is as ridiculous as it is charming, with the titular clowns terrorizing a small town using all sorts of silly yet sinister weapons, like cotton candy guns and popcorn projectiles. It’s the perfect kind of movie to watch when you want to laugh, cringe, and wonder how anyone thought this was a good idea. Spoiler alert: It was definitely a great idea.

The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)

Here’s one you probably haven’t thought about in a while—The Legend of Billie Jean. Helen Slater plays Billie Jean, a teenager who becomes a symbol of justice after a local boy damages her brother’s scooter, and she’s forced to take the law into her own hands. The film blends ‘80s teen rebellion with some surprisingly sharp commentary on gender and justice. Slater’s performance as Billie Jean is both empowering and vulnerable, making this film more than just a teen drama. It’s a feminist road trip flick that’s a lot more influential than people remember.

SpaceCamp (1986)

SpaceCamp is the movie you never knew you needed in your life. A group of teenagers gets more than they bargained for when they accidentally launch themselves into space after a summer camp experience goes awry. If the premise sounds like a cute Disney adventure, you’re not wrong—but it’s also equal parts charming and absurd. The movie didn’t exactly become the next Star Wars, but it’s the perfect ‘80s nostalgia trip for anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut. And let’s face it, who didn’t dream of being an astronaut in the ‘80s? (Still do, honestly.)

The Princess Bride (1987)

Okay, okay—The Princess Bride isn’t exactly forgotten, but it does tend to be overshadowed by bigger names in the fantasy genre. This quirky, adventure-filled romance blends wit, humor, and sword fights in a way that’s still as delightful today as it was in the ‘80s. With a cast that includes Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin, The Princess Bride is beloved by anyone who’s ever heard the phrase “Inconceivable!” However, it’s criminally underappreciated when it comes to mainstream recognition. This movie has stood the test of time as one of the best films to revisit when you need a little adventure with your heart.

My Science Project (1985)

Want a movie that feels like the love child of Back to the Future and Weird Science? Look no further than My Science Project. When a high school student builds a time-traveling device for a science fair project, he unleashes chaos as he and his friends end up jumping through time and getting into all sorts of mischief. It’s a forgotten ‘80s flick that blends time travel with the typical high school antics of the era. It may not be as well-known as other teen flicks of the time, but it’s definitely worth a watch for fans of the genre. If nothing else, it’ll make you wonder why we never had cool time machines like this in high school.

Mannequin (1987)

Mannequin is the kind of movie that could only exist in the ‘80s: a tale of a lonely artist who falls in love with a mannequin (played by Kim Cattrall) that comes to life. The film is a strange blend of romance, comedy, and fantasy, with the kind of wacky charm that’s impossible to replicate today. The film’s premise is pure ‘80s magic, and while it might seem goofy now, it has a certain weirdness that’s undeniably fun. If you’re in the mood for something offbeat, sweet, and surprisingly heartwarming, Mannequin is the perfect film to rediscover.