15 Lesser-known 80s Nostalgia Movies That Deserve a Second Chance

These films may not have had the same cultural impact as The Breakfast Club or E.T., but they offer a unique and nostalgic journey back to the rad decade that was the 80s.

Updated on December 6th, 2023 by Louise Everitt: This article has been refreshed with new entries and some additional insights and trivia to keep things exciting and relevant for you. We've added new content, so revisit to see what's changed and stay informed.

1. Night of the Comet (1984)

After a comet wipes out most of humanity, leaving behind dust and zombie-like creatures, two Valley Girl sisters navigate the post-apocalyptic world, discovering both the dangers and the excitement of this new existence.

2. The Last Starfighter (1984)

A teenager, skilled at an arcade game, discovers it's a recruitment tool by an alien defense force and is whisked into outer space to fight in an interstellar war, realizing his gaming skills could save the universe.

3. The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)

A Texas teenager becomes an outlaw and a pop culture icon after a local dispute escalates into a crusade for justice, leading her and her friends on a cross-state run from the law.

4. Explorers (1985)

Three young boys, fascinated by space, build a spaceship in their backyard, leading to an extraordinary adventure as they are taken by aliens on an intergalactic journey, exploring themes of friendship and curiosity.

5. Time Bandits (1981)

A young boy joins a group of time-traveling dwarfs on an adventure through history, stealing treasures, encountering historical figures, and clashing with an evil being, in a quest to repair the fabric of time.

6. Repo Man (1984)

Alex Cox's directorial debut is an offbeat gem that's part punk rock, part science fiction, and all around 80s madness. Emilio Estevez stars as a punk rocker turned repo man in a dystopian Los Angeles, and the story just gets weirder and more delightful from there. A rogue's gallery of characters, bizarre dialogue, and a plot about a Chevy Malibu with a potentially apocalyptic secret in its trunk make Repo Man one of the most unique cinematic experiences of the 80s. It's a film that deserves a second chance because, beneath its oddball exterior, it's a clever commentary on consumer culture and the existential angst of the era.

7. Real Genius (1985)

Before Big Bang Theory made nerds mainstream, Real Genius was the go-to nerd fest. Val Kilmer stars as Chris Knight, a brilliant, irreverent science prodigy who, along with a group of misfit geniuses, unwittingly develops a powerful laser for the military. The film is a wacky celebration of science, intelligence, and the joy of popcorn (you'll get it when you see it). It's also got a heart, making a case for science used for the betterment of humanity rather than destruction.

8. Midnight Madness (1980)

Ah, Midnight Madness, the progenitor of every wild-night-out movie you've ever seen. Five teams embark on an all-night scavenger hunt throughout Los Angeles, each with their own quirks and eccentricities. This film is 80s nostalgia to the core, from the colorful fashion to the pre-GPS, analog clues. While it's not Oscar material, it's an entertaining, harmless romp that captures the spirit of youthful adventure. It's like a time capsule of late-night, pre-internet fun that absolutely deserves a revisit.

9. After Hours (1985)

When you think Martin Scorsese, you probably think of crime dramas like Goodfellas or Taxi Driver, but in 1985, he took a detour into comedy with After Hours. This darkly comedic film follows an ordinary man's increasingly absurd and surreal night in SoHo. Scorsese's sharp direction and Griffin Dunne's hapless everyman performance make After Hours a quirky masterpiece. It's a tense, funny, and occasionally disturbing trek through late-night New York.

10. River's Edge (1986)

Closing out this list is River's Edge, a disturbing yet compelling film about a group of teenagers who discover that one of their friends has murdered his girlfriend. With a young Keanu Reeves and Crispin Glover giving intense performances, this film is a haunting exploration of apathy and moral decay among youth. It's a tough watch but provides a stark contrast to the often-romanticized portrayal of the 80s.

11. Miracle Mile (1988)

Have you ever picked up a ringing payphone? Harry Washello did, and boy, did it change his night. Miracle Mile begins as a sweet romantic comedy about two people who meet at the La Brea Tar Pits. However, after Harry answers a misdirected call warning of nuclear holocaust, it morphs into a frantic race against the clock. It's a weird blend of romance, suspense, and existential dread, but that's what makes it special. This film captures the nuclear paranoia of the Cold War era (just don't forget to brace yourself for its haunting ending.)

12. Return to Oz (1985)

This is not your grandmother's Wizard of Oz. It's darker, weirder, and much more unsettling. A young Fairuza Balk stars as Dorothy, who finds Oz in a state of ruin upon her return. The film's bizarre creatures (Wheelers, anyone?) and dark tone turned off audiences expecting a lighthearted sequel. But it's that daring departure from the norm that makes Return to Oz a curiosity worth revisiting. Plus, it features one of the most terrifying depictions of a queen in children's films. Seriously, Mombi and her interchangeable heads are nightmare fuel.

13. Better Off Dead (1985)

The 80s was a decade rife with teen comedies, but Better Off Dead manages to stand out from the crowd. The film follows Lane Myer (John Cusack), a teenager who becomes suicidal after his girlfriend dumps him. While that premise might sound morbid, the film is anything but. It's a surreal, offbeat comedy filled with everything from a hamburger playing guitar to a relentless paperboy demanding his two dollars.

14. Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

A neurosurgeon, rock star, and physicist walk into a bar... No, it's not a setup for a joke; it's the premise for Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. This sci-fi comedy is about a genius multitalented hero, Buckaroo Banzai, who fights against alien invaders from the 8th dimension. It's a wild, absurd, and genre-blending trip that manages to be both self-aware and serious about its premise.

15. Strange Brew (1983)

And last, but certainly not least, we have Strange Brew, a film about two beer-loving Canadian brothers who get jobs at a brewery only to uncover a sinister plot. This film is based on the Great White North sketches from SCTV and stars the hilarious duo Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. With its quotable lines and affable characters, Strange Brew is a delightful concoction of humor and heart.