Summary
Cheesy ‘80ssci-fimovies are perfect for watching with friends. The 1980s have produced some ofthe best movies of all time, andthe era is often considered to be a launching point for the increasing popularity of the sci-fi genre.However, some titles haven’t had the same success as others. Many audience members now love plenty of‘80s box office flops, mainly because they are receiving the much-needed appreciation that they deserve years after their initial release.
Science fiction is often perceived as deeply serious and full of intricate details that need to be completely accurate. However, this isn’t always true, andsci-fi comedies are incredibly successful because they focus on humor over factual information.Cheesy movies are loved because the titles don’t take themselves seriously, so when combined with sci-fi, they quickly become some of the best films to kick back and enjoy with friends.
10 Best Sci-Fi Movies Of All Time, Ranked
Sci-fi is one of Hollywood’s biggest markets, and these films are the best of what the genre has to offer, from space operas to family adventures.
Hell Comes to Frogtownis a quintessential ’80s movie that perfectly encapsulates the over-the-top and camp charm of the overall genre.Roddy Piper’s wildMad Maxrip-offis fantastic, and his portrayal of Sam Hell and his battles against the amphibian villains are brilliant throughout. It’s remembered for its amazing blend of action-packed sequences, eccentric characters, and wacky special effects, all of which make it a memorable and enjoyable watch in the sci-fi genre.Hell Comes to Frogtownis ridiculously self-aware,but even paired with its low budget, it’s still a fun experience because of its nonsensical storyline.
Trancersbeautifully blends sci-fi and 1940s-style noir to create a compelling story about a time traveler who goes back to the ‘80s to bring his enemy to justice.Tim Thomerson’s portrayal of the gritty and sarcastic protagonist, cop Jack Deth, is a particular stand outin the film.
What’s so fascinating aboutTrancersis that the mix of the dystopian future and the 1980s makes it so engaging, even if it is a bit cheesy.
What’s so fascinating aboutTrancersis that the mix of the dystopian future and the 1980s makes it so engaging, even if it is a bit cheesy.Trancersis full of cringey one-liner jokes and an absurd plot, but that’s what makes it such a great piece of ‘80s B-movie cinema.
10 Great Cult Sci-Fi Movies From The 1980s You Need To See
Many great cult sci-fi movies slipped under the radar in the 1980s, but several of them hold up today and are still worth checking out.
The Running Manis rife with action and comedy. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance as Ben Richards is one of the most notable parts of the film, and it also highlights his various abilities as an actor.The Running Manoften jumps between classic camp humor and being deeply serious,which is jarring sometimes, but it also works well with the film’s story. The titular game show is eerie and unnerving, but it interestingly reflects modern society. Hopefully,The Running Manremakewill achieve the same success as the original, which leaves audiences both satisfied and thoughtful after the credits roll.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrialis an incredible piece of ‘80s cinema and a staple of the era in general. The film famously contains one ofSteven Spielberg’s best action scenes, which encapsulates the overall message and emotion of the piece. The story is both feel-good and deeply profound, which is a result of the characters’ compelling quest to keep the titular alien safe from the government.E.T. the Extra-Terrestrialis a movie that is easy to invest in – a timeless tale about seeking justice and being fair to those who are different,but it’s amazingly cheesy, too.
Why The ET Sequel Never Happened
E.T could have come back to Earth in a sequel, but Steven Spielberg decided not to move forward with it – and it was for the better. Here’s why.
Ghostbustersis a defining sci-fi movie title and the beginning of one of the biggest film franchises of all time.The original titular group set a standard for sci-fi that many other movies have borrowed from,using a blend of silly comedy and zany responses toGhostbusters’unique storyline to connect with audiences.Ghostbustersis one ofBill Murray’s best movies, and Peter Venkman’s hilarious antics throughout the film are one of the best parts.TheGhostbustersmoviesare all legendary ‘80s pieces, even the installments from recent years, which have plenty of nostalgic elements.
Spaceballsis one ofthe best sci-fi comedies ever made, and not just because it’s a fabulousStar Warscomedy. The 1987 movie is packed with wacky humor and features top-notch performances from stars like Rick Mornais and Joan Rivers. Even director Mel Brooks features as two characters.Spaceballsis a film that is relevant even in the present day.The use of slapstick comedy and the ridiculous mocking of sci-fi movie tropes is what makes the film so cheesy,but it’s also the reason why it has continued to be so popular decades after its initial release.
Back to the Futureis easily the most important time travel movie in existence. Many otherfilms and TV shows rip offBack to the Futurebecause of how it redefined the sci-fi genre and introduced the concept in a way that other projects hadn’t before.Doc Brown and Marty McFly are both massive ‘80s figures,and even in laterBack to the Futuremovies, they always bring a sense of nostalgia for the time period. From the DeLorean to typical ‘80s slang and phrases,Back to the Futurecontinues to be a timeless cheesy classic.
Back To The Future: 10 Hidden Story Clues You Probably Missed
It is well known that the Back to the Future trilogy contains all kinds of incredible story setups and payoffs, but these 10 may be the most subtle.
Flash Gordonis a ridiculously cheesy ‘80s film, but it’s also one of the most notable films of the era.It’s hard not to find Gregory “Flash” Gordon’s journey to a far-away planet and fight against intergalactic supervillain Ming the Merciless as cringy at times,especially withFlash Gordon’s poor special effects, but it also adds to the overall charm of the film.Flash Gordon’s movies and TV showsall follow the same concept, but the 1980 film is the best in terms of embodying the bright and camp atmosphere of the comic book source material.
Gordon’s Alive: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Flash Gordon
Although the 1980 Flash Gordon movie bombed in most markets, it has since gone on to become a beloved cult classic. Here’s 10 facts worth knowing.
Tronis a terrificmovie about playing video games. The film is best remembered for its bold creativity and groundbreaking CGI for its time, butthe story is generally considered to be cheesy because of Kevin Flynn’s shift from video game designer to one of its characters.Video arcade gaming is both corny and nostalgic of the ‘80s, and the space-age imagery throughoutTronmakes it that much more immersive.Tron’s neon landscaping and iconic costuming are staples of popular culture, even nowadays, but it’s also why the film is cheesy.
Masters of the Universetruly embraces its camp qualities in a fascinating blend of comedy, sci-fi, and fantasy. However, the cheesiest part of the film is its cast.Dolph Lundgren’s scene-stealing performance as He-Manis an intriguing replication of the original cartoon character, and Frank Langella’s role as the baffling and diabolical Skeletor is perfectly cringeworthy.
Despite its low-budget visual effects,Masters of the Universe’s costuming makes up for it,although the combination of the two gives off a brilliant ‘80s vibe overall. He-Man and Skeletor provide a fantastic battle between good and evil, which creates a compelling watch.
Lundgren was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Diamond Award at the CineRockom International Film Festival in 2013.
