15 Underappreciated 1980s Films That Deserve Your Attention

Though the 1980s are best remembered for their legendary blockbusters, a wealth of underappreciated cinematic gems is hidden under the neon light and big hair. These movies demonstrate the decade’s vivid inventiveness that enthralled viewers in ways that call for a closer examination. Here are 15 films from the 1980s that will have you wondering how they were overlooked.

“Miracle Mile” (1988)

This apocalyptic thriller stars Anthony Edwards as a man racing against time to save his love interest after overhearing a phone call regarding an impending nuclear attack. Shot primarily in real-time, the film’s relentless pace and ghostly late-night Los Angeles setting create a palpable sense of dread.

“The Hidden” (1987)

Kyle MacLachlan shines as an FBI agent hunting a body-snatching alien in this sci-fi action gem. Blending elements of “The Terminator” with “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” it delivers equally high-octane thrills and dark humor. Trivia buffs will love knowing the film’s alien slug was operated by the same puppeteer behind Jabba the Hutt!

“Streets of Fire” (1984)

Starring Michael Paré and a young Willem Dafoe, this neon-soaked action musical mashup features a fantastic soundtrack and unforgettable set pieces. The film’s influence can be seen in everything from music videos to video games. Director Walter Hill’s “rock & roll fable” failed at the box office but has since gained cult status.

“After Hours” (1985)

The black comedy by Martin Scorsese follows Griffin Dunne through a nightmarish odyssey in New York City’s SoHo district. The film’s surreal tone and mounting absurdity perfectly capture the paranoia and isolation of urban life. Interestingly, Scorsese made this low-budget feature while waiting for “The Last Temptation of Christ” to secure funding.

“The Last Starfighter” (1984)

The charming sci-fi adventure tells the tale of a teen gamer recruited to fight in an interstellar war. Notable for its early use of CGI in place of practical effects, it’s a nostalgic mix of space opera and a coming-of-age story. The film’s arcade game was also designed to be released in real life.

“Q: The Winged Serpent” (1982)

Larry Cohen’s monster movie mashes up film noir with creature feature schlock. Michael Moriarty steals the show as a small-time crook who discovers a giant flying lizard nesting in New York’s Chrysler Building. The practical effects still impress today, with the stop-motion creature work rivaling that of Ray Harryhausen’s classics.

“Liquid Sky” (1982)

This indie sci-fi picture about aliens feeding on the endorphins of drug users and humans is as bizarre as it sounds. Its new-wave aesthetics and exploration of gender fluidity were far ahead of their time. The film’s star, Anne Carlisle, plays both the female lead and her male rival.

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

In this genre-bending cult classic, Peter Weller plays a scientist, rock musician, and neurosurgeon who must battle extraterrestrials. The rapid-fire dialogue and dense world-building have inspired devoted fans for decades. The flick’s end credits promise a sequel that never materialized, leaving viewers to wonder about Buckaroo’s further escapades.

“Near Dark” (1987)

Before “The Hurt Locker,” Kathryn Bigelow directed this neo-Western vampire thriller starring Lance Henriksen and Bill Paxton. Its gritty take on bloodsuckers predates the grunge vampire trend by decades. Remarkably, the word “vampire” is never uttered in the film, adding to its unique approach to the genre.

“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” (1982)

Steve Martin stars in this inventive noir parody that seamlessly integrates classic film footage with new scenes. Directed by Carl Reiner, it’s a loving tribute to and clever send-up of 1940s detective films. The movie features Martin interacting with silver screen legends like Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman through careful editing.

“The Brother from Another Planet” (1984)

John Sayles’ indie sci-fi gem showcases a mute, three-toed alien navigating New York City’s racial and social dynamics. Its humor and social commentary blend offers a distinctive perspective on 80s urban life. The film’s lead, Joe Morton, went on to star in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “Scandal.”

“Ms. 45” (1981)

The contentious revenge thriller by Abel Ferrara centers on a silent seamstress who, after being subjected to vicious attacks, becomes a vigilante. It subverts the typical payback narrative with its complex portrayal of trauma and violence. The lead actress, Zoë Lund, later co-wrote Ferrara’s infamous “Bad Lieutenant,” continuing their creative partnership.

“They Live” (1988)

John Carpenter’s sci-fi satire showing aliens controlling humanity through subliminal messages has grown more relevant. Pro-wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper gives an iconic performance and one of cinema’s greatest one-liners. The motion picture’s famous five-and-a-half-minute fight scene was choreographed by Piper and co-star Keith David.

“Thief” (1981)

James Caan is a professional safecracker searching for his final big payday in Michael Mann’s elegant feature debut. Its moody visuals and Tangerine Dream soundtrack set the template for Mann’s future projects. Real-life thieves were consulted for the safecracking scenes, lending authenticity to the film’s depiction of high-stakes heists.

“The Changeling” (1980)

This creepy ghost story, starring George C. Scott, centers on a composer discovering sinister secrets in his new house. The movie’s eerie atmosphere impacted subsequent horror films. It was based on incidents that writer Russell Hunter claimed to have happened while he was residing at Denver’s Henry Treat Rogers home.