Ten overlooked films from the 1980s deserve a spot on your watchlist…
The 1980s were a vibrant, eclectic era for cinema, witnessing the rise of blockbuster franchises alongside a flourishing cult film scene fueled by the burgeoning home video market. But beyond the hits, a wealth of intriguing and often unfairly overlooked films deserve rediscovery.
Here are ten forgotten gems from the decade that deserve a place on your watchlist.
Body Double: De Palma on Crack
Table of Contents
- Body Double: De Palma on Crack
- The Wraith: Vengeance on Wheels
- The Man With Two Brains: Martin at His Finest
- Nighthawks: Stallone’s Underrated Thriller
- Roadgames: Australian Thrills
- Running Scared: A Buddy Cop Gem
- One Deadly Summer: Argento’s Stylish Thriller
- One From The Heart: Coppola’s Passion Project
- Avenging Force: Dudikoff’s Finest Hour
- Opera: Argento’s Italian Horror
What makes Brian De Palma’s 1984 film Body Double so compelling? It’s a twisting, turning, trashy, yet brilliant thriller that feels like a playful spoof of Hitchcockian suspense.
Released in 1984, Body Double didn’t achieve the same critical or commercial success as films like Carrie, Blow Out, Dressed to Kill, The Untouchables, or Scarface. However, Brian De Palma’s stylish thriller, starring Craig Wasson and Melanie Griffith, remains a standout in his filmography. De Palma dialed up his signature style, creating a visually stunning and technically masterful film that’s often underrated.
The Wraith: Vengeance on Wheels
If you enjoy films like The Crow, High Plains Drifter, Pale Rider, The Stranger, or Dolph Lundgren’s Missionary Man, you’ll find a lot to love in 1986’s The Wraith.
The plot follows a mysterious stranger, played by Charlie Sheen, who arrives in town to exact revenge on a ruthless gang. Adding a classic 80s twist, the hero does so while driving a souped-up black Dodge Charger. The film is filled with practical effects and thrilling car chases, making it a delightfully goofy and action-packed ride.
The Man With Two Brains: Martin at His Finest
Despite the talents of Carl Reiner, Steve Martin, and Kathleen Turner, 1983’s The Man With Two Brains remains a surprisingly underappreciated comedy.
Martin plays a brain surgeon who falls in love with a brain in a jar, offering a hilarious and endearing take on screwball comedy. The film is a playful homage to B-movies and the comedic style of Jerry Lewis.
Nighthawks: Stallone’s Underrated Thriller
Released in 1981, Nighthawks, starring Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams, is a largely forgotten but solid action thriller.
The film follows two undercover cops tasked with stopping an international terrorist, played by Rutger Hauer, who delivers a magnetic performance. While not as iconic as Stallone’s Rocky or Rambo films, Nighthawks offers a stylish and suspenseful thriller experience.
Roadgames: Australian Thrills
Fans of films like The Hitcher, Breakdown, Joy Ride, and Duel will appreciate 1981’s Australian thriller, Roadgames, starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Keach plays a truck driver who suspects a green car he’s been following is driven by a serial killer targeting women. The film delivers tension, action, and strong performances from its leads.
Running Scared: A Buddy Cop Gem
1986’s Running Scared, starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines, is a fun and often overlooked buddy cop film.
Crystal and Hines share great chemistry as the wise-cracking partners, making this a highly entertaining action comedy.
One Deadly Summer: Argento’s Stylish Thriller
Dario Argento’s 1983 film, One Deadly Summer, offers a unique blend of Hitchcockian suspense and stylistic flair.
The film follows a young woman who arrives in a small French village and attracts the attention of its male residents, using her sexuality to achieve her goals. Isabelle Adjani delivers a compelling performance in this gripping thriller.
One From The Heart: Coppola’s Passion Project
Francis Ford Coppola’s 1982 film, One From The Heart, was a critical and commercial failure but has gained appreciation over time.
The film is visually stunning and features strong performances from Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest. Fans of La La Land may find a lot to enjoy in this earlier musical.
Avenging Force: Dudikoff’s Finest Hour
1986’s Avenging Force, starring Michael Dudikoff, is a thrilling action film that often gets overlooked.
Dudikoff stars as Matt Hunter, who takes on a group of aristocratic hunters. The film features exciting set pieces and a likeable hero.
Opera: Argento’s Italian Horror
Dario Argento’s 1987 film, Opera, is a stylish and gruesome Italian horror film that caps off a strong decade for the director.
Filled with memorable set pieces and grotesqueries, Opera is a top-tier Italian horror film and arguably Argento’s last great work.
Related reading
