The 1980s were a golden era for cinema, producing films that have become cultural touchstones. Yet, in some cases, the promotional taglines crafted to market these movies have outshone the films themselves, embedding deeper into our collective memory. Let’s journey back and explore 14 such taglines from the ’80s that have achieved iconic status, sometimes eclipsing the very movies they were meant to promote.
1. “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
This chilling line was the tagline for 1986’s The Fly, a sci-fi horror film about a scientist’s transformation after a teleportation experiment goes awry. The phrase became an instant classic, perfectly capturing the film’s unsettling tone. Over the years, it has been widely quoted in pop culture, often used humorously to warn of impending trouble. Many people who use the phrase today might not even realize its origin.
2. “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…”
Serving as the ominous warning for 1978’s Jaws 2, this tagline played on the lingering fears from the original Jaws film. The phrase became so well-known that it has been parodied and referenced in everything from television shows to political commentary. While Jaws 2 was a respectable sequel, it never reached the cultural heights of its predecessor. The tagline, however, remains one of the most quoted in movie history.
3. “In space, no one can hear you scream.”
This haunting tagline was crafted for 1979’s Alien, setting the tone for the film’s blend of science fiction and horror. The eerie wording was incredibly effective, immediately instilling a sense of isolation and dread. Even those who haven’t seen the movie recognize the phrase, as it has been referenced and parodied countless times. While Alien remains a classic, the tagline has taken on a life of its own.
4. “The snobs against the slobs!”
Used to promote 1980’s Caddyshack, this tagline succinctly captured the film’s central conflict between the affluent and the working-class caddies at a golf club. The phrase itself has been used to describe class conflicts in real life, cementing its place in pop culture. While Caddyshack is well-loved, the tagline has arguably become even more iconic. It perfectly sums up the film’s humor and rebellious spirit.
5. “One man’s struggle to take it easy.”
This ironic tagline was used for 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, encapsulating the film’s plot about a high school student’s elaborate plan to skip school. It humorously reframes Ferris’s day of fun as some sort of heroic quest, making it instantly memorable. The phrase is still used today to describe those who find creative ways to avoid responsibility. Even people unfamiliar with the movie have heard the tagline in one form or another.
6. “Man is the warmest place to hide.”
Promoting John Carpenter’s 1982 horror film The Thing, this unsettling tagline hinted at the movie’s themes of paranoia and alien assimilation. The phrase is deeply disturbing, making it stand out even in the crowded field of horror marketing. While The Thing is now considered a cult classic, it wasn’t an instant hit upon release. Its tagline, however, immediately caught on, adding to the film’s mystique.
7. “The adventure continues…”
This simple yet effective tagline was used for 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. While the movie itself is an undisputed classic, this tagline has taken on a broader meaning. It has been used in countless other contexts, often when teasing sequels or new chapters in various franchises. The phrase’s universality has helped it transcend its original purpose.
8. “You’ll wish it were only a nightmare…”
Used for 1980’s Friday the 13th, this tagline played on the universal fear of nightmares becoming reality. It added an extra layer of dread to an already terrifying premise, making it incredibly effective. Over the years, the phrase has been used in various horror-themed promotions and discussions. While the Friday the 13th series is widely recognized, this tagline is often remembered just as fondly.
9. “They’re here.”
This brief but eerie tagline was used for 1982’s Poltergeist, hinting at the supernatural presence haunting a suburban family. Spoken in the film by the young girl Carol Anne, it became one of the most iconic horror lines of all time. The phrase has been widely quoted and parodied, appearing in everything from sitcoms to political ads. Even those unfamiliar with Poltergeist recognize the tagline instantly.
10. “Part man. Part machine. All cop.”
This tagline introduced audiences to 1987’s RoboCop, summarizing the film’s premise about a cyborg law enforcer. The phrase’s rhythmic structure made it instantly catchy, helping it stick in people’s minds. While RoboCop remains a beloved action film, its tagline has been referenced in discussions about technology and law enforcement for decades. It’s an example of marketing done perfectly.
11. “The tide of terror that swept America is here.”
Used for 1980’s The Shining, this tagline announced the arrival of a horror masterpiece. While The Shining was already a deeply unsettling film, this phrase helped build its reputation as a true nightmare on screen. Even those who haven’t seen the movie recognize the ominous nature of the tagline. It adds to the film’s eerie, psychological tension before a single frame is even shown.
12. “You’ll believe a man can fly.”
Promoting 1978’s Superman, this optimistic tagline promised audiences a sense of wonder and disbelief. It perfectly captured the feeling of watching Superman take flight for the first time, making it one of the most effective marketing lines ever written. Over the years, the phrase has been used in countless contexts, particularly in discussions about special effects. While the movie itself was well-received, the tagline remains one of the most quoted in superhero history.
13. “You’ll never go in the water again.”
Following the legacy of Jaws, this tagline emphasized the terror of the ocean in a way that resonated with audiences. The phrase was highly effective, making people think twice before stepping into the sea. While Jaws was already a cultural phenomenon, the tagline helped solidify its place in the public imagination. To this day, the phrase is used to describe any movie that makes people afraid of everyday activities.
14. “A comedy with bats and balls.”
Used for 1989’s Major League, this tagline played on the double meaning of the words, emphasizing the film’s mix of sports and humor. The clever wordplay made it stick in people’s minds, even if they didn’t see the movie. Major League remains a fun sports film, but the tagline has taken on a life of its own. It’s been referenced in discussions of baseball movies ever since.
Reflecting on these taglines, it’s evident that a few well-chosen words can leave a lasting impression, sometimes even more so than the films they’re associated with. These phrases have become part of our cultural lexicon, demonstrating the power of effective marketing in the film industry.
