While the 80s were a great time for sci-fi films, there were some members of the genre that didn’t get the recognition they deserve and faded into relative obscurity. Many of them have generated quite a cult following over the years, yet they remain underrated pieces of cinema that demand to be seen by a much wider audience.
So, for audiences looking for a new sci-fi film to get involved with, check out these seven films from the ’80s that stand out as some of the genre’s unsung marvels.
The Last Starfighter (1984)
Director Nick Castles The ultimate starfighter depicts a teenager from Earth who is drafted into an intergalactic war after getting the highest score in a special arcade game. Basically, Star Warsmeet Tronthis space opera is not the most original sci-fi film released in the 80s.
However, it’s still a simple yet thrilling adventure that feels like it’s straight out of a video game, and there’s a tender sense of love and wonder to the story and its characters that can appeal to audiences of all ages. Similarly, special effects, while unrealistic today, are among the first large-scale uses of CGI to create a film, making it a must-see for movie buffs.
2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
Although 2010 is the sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s magnum opus, 2001: A Space Odyssey, a surprising amount of people don’t even acknowledge its existence. This film may not have reached the level of cinematic brilliance of Kubrick’s original film, but director Peter Hyams’ sequel is still a fantastic sci-fi adventure that answers lingering questions about what happened to Dave Bowman and HAL on their fateful journey to Jupiter. . . It also offers the audience a beautifully sincere ending that is sure to make them consider their place in the universe.
Time Bandits (1981)
Directed by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam, this surreal adventure follows a boy who is dragged through time by a group of thieves who steal treasures from different eras using a mystical map. With a band of time-travelling dwarves, an evil slug-hating wizard, and God as a giant echoing head, this film is the clever and quirky story you’d expect from a former python. Audiences will feel like they have fallen down a rabbit hole as they experience this film’s ambitious story, whimsical humor, and phantasmagorical imagery.
The Prince of Darkness (1987)
As the second film in John Carpenters’ Apocalypse trilogy, prince of darkness follows a priest and a group of quantum physics students as they encounter Satan in the form of a sentient green liquid that takes control of anyone it touches. Unlike most demonic possession movies, this one combines science and religion to create an intriguing and challenging idea of how God and the Devil could exist.
Carpenters fans The thing will no doubt see the similarities in both of these films, which, coupled with the performances of Donald Pleasance and Alice Cooper, make this cosmic horror worth a watch.
Society (1989)
This underrated horror comedy follows a troubled teenager who believes his wealthy family is part of a murderous sex cult. While this movie may be undercut by B-movie acting and humor, it still has a unique and amazing story with a clever commentary on the upper class of society that seems even more relevant today. In addition, the film’s shocking third act features some of the most realistic and grotesque body horror effects you will ever see.
Re-animator (1985)
Based on a short story by HP Lovecraft, this horror film follows two scientists who experiment with a neon-green serum that can resurrect corpses, which of course has dire consequences when used on human corpses in the vein of Cemetery for pets AND Frankenstein.
It can feel cheesy and over the top at times, but thanks to some killer practical effects and a scary soundtrack inspired by Psychopath, Resuscitator it retains a classic horror feel that should please die-hard fans of the genre.
The Entity (1982)
Unlike the other movies on this list, The entity it is actually based on a true story. The entity follows a single mother with a traumatic past who is stalked and sexually assaulted by an unseen, extradimensional force. Even if it is not as popular as similar classics The exorcist OR Poltergeist, is still a visceral and nightmarish depiction of trauma and how it can continue to play out in one’s life, enhanced by Barbara Hershey’s outstanding performance. It’s even been called one of the scariest movies of all time by none other than director Martin Scorsese, which should make any cinephile want to see it for themselves.
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