14 Underrated 1980s Movies That Deserve A Second Chance

14 Underrated 1980s Movies That Deserve A Second Chance

The 1980s gave us more than just neon lights, shoulder pads, and John Hughes movies — it was a decade that defined entire genres and reimagined what Hollywood could do. Yet, for every Back to the Future or E.T., there were dozens of hidden gems that never quite got their due. Some flopped at the box office, others were overshadowed by bigger hits, but all of them deserve a second look.

1. The Last Starfighter (1984)

Long before video games became billion-dollar franchises, The Last Starfighter imagined what would happen if your arcade skills could actually save the galaxy.

The story follows Alex Rogan, a bored teenager who discovers that his favorite game is actually a recruitment test for interstellar pilots. Suddenly, he’s blasting off into space, proving that even small-town kids can be heroes. The film’s pioneering use of CGI — years before Toy Story or Jurassic Park — gave it a futuristic flair that felt revolutionary for its time.

While it wasn’t a huge success upon release, its charm, optimism, and ahead-of-its-time visuals have earned it a passionate cult following. In a world obsessed with reboots, this is one ‘80s gem that truly deserves a revival.

2. Starman (1984)

Jeff Bridges gave one of the most heartfelt performances of his career in Starman, playing an alien who crash-lands on Earth and takes the form of a grieving woman’s late husband.

What unfolds isn’t just a sci-fi road movie — it’s a tender exploration of love, loss, and what it means to be human. Bridges’ uncanny physicality and innocence make his character both alien and achingly familiar. Karen Allen shines as the woman caught between grief and wonder, guiding her unlikely companion across the country.

Despite critical praise, Starman was overshadowed by flashier blockbusters. Yet it remains one of the rare ‘80s sci-fi films that manages to be both cosmic and deeply personal.

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

Few films have ever packed as much chaos, creativity, and charisma into one story as Buckaroo Banzai.

Starring Peter Weller as a neurosurgeon, rock star, and physicist who fights evil aliens from another dimension, the movie feels like a comic book fever dream come to life. It’s absurd, self-aware, and way ahead of its time — the kind of movie that leaves you grinning and asking, “What did I just watch?”

While audiences in 1984 didn’t quite know what to make of it, today it’s celebrated for its originality and fearless weirdness. Buckaroo Banzai didn’t just break the rules — it rewrote them.

4. Somewhere in Time (1980)

Few romantic films capture longing as beautifully as Somewhere in Time. Christopher Reeve steps far outside his Superman persona to play Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes transfixed by an old photograph of a woman from 1912. His obsession leads him to attempt the impossible — to travel back through time using sheer willpower to meet her.

When he finally finds Elise McKenna, played with timeless grace by Jane Seymour, their connection feels instant and fated. The chemistry between them, paired with John Barry’s lush score, creates an atmosphere of aching nostalgia that lingers long after the credits. Every glance and word feels like it’s suspended in another era.

Though critics initially dismissed it as overly sentimental, the film has found enduring love among fans who appreciate its sincerity. It’s one of the few movies that treats love not just as emotion, but as a force capable of transcending time itself.

5. The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Don Bluth’s The Secret of NIMH remains one of the most beautifully animated — and deeply unsettling — family films ever made.

At a time when Disney was struggling creatively, Bluth delivered a visually stunning, emotionally complex story about courage, intelligence, and survival. The tale of Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse who must save her family, manages to be both dark and inspiring. The animation, filled with glowing colors and eerie shadows, still holds up today.

Though it never reached Disney-level box office success, it built a legacy among animators and fans who recognized its artistry. For anyone who grew up in the ‘80s, it’s a haunting reminder that “kids’ movies” once had real emotional depth.

6. My Bodyguard (1980)

This small, heartfelt drama captures the essence of growing up in the early ‘80s better than many flashier films ever could.

When a new kid at school becomes the target of a bully, he hires a misunderstood older boy to protect him — but what follows is more about friendship than fighting. The film quietly explores themes of insecurity, loyalty, and how kindness can look different for everyone.

It’s not loud, it’s not flashy, and that’s exactly what makes it timeless. My Bodyguard feels like a genuine slice of adolescence, complete with awkwardness, empathy, and unexpected heroism.

7. Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

Disney doesn’t usually make horror movies — but when they did, the result was this eerie adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel.

The story of two boys facing a sinister carnival that preys on people’s deepest desires feels like a childhood nightmare brought to life. Jonathan Pryce’s performance as the mysterious Mr. Dark is both magnetic and terrifying. The visuals are moody, the music spine-tingling, and the moral lessons timeless.

While too dark for some audiences at the time, Something Wicked This Way Comes is now appreciated for its courage to mix fear and wonder. It’s Disney at its most daring.

8. Runaway Train (1985)

If you’ve never seen Runaway Train, you’re missing one of the most intense thrillers of the decade — and one of Jon Voight’s best performances.

The film follows two escaped convicts trapped on an out-of-control locomotive barreling through Alaska. What could’ve been a simple action flick turns into a philosophical exploration of freedom, fate, and human endurance. The performances are raw, the pacing relentless, and the scenery breathtaking.

It’s gritty, existential, and unforgettable — a rare ‘80s film that makes you think while it keeps your pulse racing.

9. To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Few crime thrillers capture moral ambiguity like William Friedkin’s To Live and Die in L.A.

Centered on a Secret Service agent bent on avenging his partner’s murder, the film dives deep into obsession, corruption, and the thin line between justice and chaos. The neon-soaked cinematography and pulsating Wang Chung soundtrack give it a stylish, dangerous energy that screams ‘80s.

It didn’t earn the same recognition as The French Connection, but its influence on later crime dramas is undeniable. Stylish, cynical, and endlessly rewatchable — it’s pure neo-noir gold.

10. Local Hero (1983)

This charming Scottish dramedy proves that not every great story needs explosions or romance — sometimes all you need is a small town and a big heart.

When an American oil executive travels to a seaside village to buy the land for drilling, he slowly falls in love with its people, their quirks, and their pace of life. What starts as corporate greed becomes a meditation on belonging and beauty.

Gentle humor and quiet emotion make Local Hero one of those rare films that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll. It’s a warm, witty ode to slowing down and noticing the world around you.

11. Manhunter (1986)

This charming Scottish dramedy proves that not every great story needs explosions or romance — sometimes all you need is a small town and a big heart.

When an American oil executive travels to a seaside village to buy the land for drilling, he slowly falls in love with its people, their quirks, and their pace of life. What starts as corporate greed becomes a meditation on belonging and beauty.

Gentle humor and quiet emotion make Local Hero one of those rare films that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll. It’s a warm, witty ode to slowing down and noticing the world around you.

12. The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)

“Fair is fair!” became the rallying cry of a generation in this fierce and feminist cult classic.

The story follows a teenage girl who becomes an accidental outlaw after standing up to injustice. With her cropped hair, leather jacket, and fierce attitude, Billie Jean was the ‘80s heroine no one saw coming — equal parts rebel and role model.

The movie didn’t make money, but its message about standing your ground still resonates. It’s raw, empowering, and deserves to be mentioned alongside the decade’s biggest icons.

13. After Hours (1985)

When Scorsese takes a break from mobsters, you get a movie like After Hours — a darkly comic descent into one man’s night from hell.

A meek office worker heads to SoHo for what he thinks will be a date, only to get trapped in an increasingly surreal series of disasters. The film balances absurd humor and existential dread so perfectly that you’ll laugh and wince in equal measure.

Weird, stylish, and endlessly rewatchable, it’s a masterclass in controlled chaos. If you’ve ever had “one of those nights,” you’ll feel this one in your soul.

14. The Mission (1986)

Some films don’t just entertain — they move you on a spiritual level. The Mission is one of them.

Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro star as Jesuit missionaries in 18th-century South America, torn between faith, duty, and colonial greed. Backed by Ennio Morricone’s breathtaking score, it’s both visually stunning and emotionally devastating.

While often forgotten amid the decade’s action-heavy lineup, The Mission remains one of the most profound and beautiful films of its era — a quiet, aching masterpiece about redemption and sacrifice.