Ah, the ’80s! It was an exciting time with George Romero’s zombie movies, Madonna and Michael Jackson ruling the radio, and powerful hair products everywhere.
Just like the unique hairstyles and fashion, the ’80s had a special vibe in movies, featuring everything from comedies with Steve Martin to horror comedies by Joe Dante. Many great films from that decade are now available to stream, so you can enjoy some ’80s nostalgia easily.
Here are some underrated ’80s movies that everyone should watch!
1. Parenthood
Three adult siblings (played by Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest, and Harley Jane Kozak) raise their children in very different ways. They discover both the joys and challenges of being parents, along with some funny mishaps.
Most of Steve Martin’s movies from the ’80s are great, and Parenthood is definitely one of the best. It explores the ups and downs of parenting while highlighting the sweet moments that come from caring for kids, even the awkward ones.
2. She’s Gotta Have It
A free-spirited young woman (played by Tracy Camilla Johns) feels pressure to settle down with just one man, but she has to choose between three romantic partners (played by Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee).
She’s Gotta Have It is Spike Lee’s first film and shows how talented he was from the start. His fast-paced dialogue and relatable stories helped him move from indie films to mainstream success by the end of the ’80s.
3. Fletch
A sharp-witted reporter (played by Chevy Chase) is hired to kill a man (Tim Matheson) who is said to have a terminal illness. Using different disguises, he tries to figure out the mystery behind why his client wants this done.
After becoming famous on SNL, the ’80s were the height of Chevy Chase’s solo career. In Fletch, he plays a character that perfectly matches his sarcastic and dry sense of humor, resulting in some really fun moments.
4. The ‘Burbs
When a quirky family moves into a quiet suburban neighborhood, the homeowners start to wonder if their new neighbors have dark secrets hidden behind closed doors.
Director Joe Dante might not be as famous as other ’80s filmmakers like George Romero, Wes Craven, or John Carpenter, but his movies are still really good. In The ‘Burbs, Dante uses a fantastic cast, including Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Carrie Fisher, to poke fun at the ordinary life of suburbia while mixing in his love for 1950s B-horror films.
5. Road House
When a professional bouncer (played by Patrick Swayze) moves from New York City to a small town in Missouri, he takes a job at a rough bar. Unbeknownst to him, this puts him in conflict with a shady businessman (Ben Gazzara) who basically controls the town.
Some people think Road House is a movie that’s so bad it’s good. But no one can deny that Patrick Swayze is charming and lovable as Dalton, a skilled martial artist who brings justice to a corrupt town, much like Clint Eastwood or John Wayne in classic Westerns.
6. Born on the Fourth of July
An idealistic young man (played by Tom Cruise) joins the U.S. Army to serve his country and fights in the Vietnam War. After getting injured, he returns home to find that people are indifferent to the war and aren’t paying much attention to the veterans.
Born on the Fourth of July is an underrated ’80s film that helped establish Tom Cruise as a leading man in Hollywood. It’s a powerful anti-war movie that criticizes the Vietnam War. Cruise shines as political activist Ron Kovic, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
7. Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
After their time together as a group, Monty Python had some final surprises for fans, including one last film (The Meaning of Life) and a live show at the famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Live at the Hollywood Bowl features a mix of new and classic sketches, making it a great farewell for the Pythons. The group shines with their comedic chemistry, and both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy the show, whether it’s the Ministry of Silly Walks or the catchy “Bruces’ Philosophers Song.”
8. The Land Before Time
A group of young dinosaurs, separated from their families, teams up to journey across the prehistoric landscape. They have to avoid a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex while trying to reach the legendary Great Valley.
It might be hard to believe, but in the 1980s, Disney wasn’t the only big name in animation. New animators were starting to make their mark, especially Don Bluth with films like The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, and The Land Before Time.
9. Out of Africa
A Danish rancher (played by Meryl Streep) is unhappy in her convenient marriage in early 20th century Kenya. She meets and falls in love with a big-game hunter (Robert Redford).
The movie Out of Africa has a slow pace that might make some viewers lose interest, but at its core, it features a beautiful romance between Streep and Redford. The film also offers stunning visuals of Africa in the 1910s, with each sweeping view of the plains looking like a beautiful painting.
10. Twins
A genetically perfect man (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) finds out he has a long-lost twin brother (Danny DeVito). When he searches for him, he discovers that his brother is completely different in every way.
Calling Twins an excellent movie might be too much, but thanks to the performances of the cast, especially the fun chemistry between Schwarzenegger and DeVito, and its lighthearted tone, the film delivers plenty of laughs to keep
11. The Four Seasons
Three middle-aged couples have a friendly tradition of vacationing together every season. But when one of the friends (played by Len Cariou) gets divorced and brings a younger woman (Bess Armstrong) to their trip, the other couples start to feel uncomfortable with the sudden change.
The Four Seasons, featuring the amazing Alan Alda and Carol Burnett, is a light and enjoyable romantic comedy. It explores friendship and shows how time changes us in many ways, including our interests, relationships, and romances.
12. Rocky IV
Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) is defending his world title against all challengers, but he faces his toughest opponent yet: Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a fierce and towering boxer from the Soviet Union.
Like Rocky III and Rocky V, Rocky IV often gets a lot of criticism as one of the weaker films in the series. However, with the recent release of Creed II, it’s now considered a must-watch in the Rocky/Creed universe. The movie also offers a humorously outdated look at Cold War politics in American pop culture.