Some ’80s movies became legendary, while others faded into obscurity, despite having great concepts, memorable characters, and loads of untapped potential. With today’s advances in special effects, fresh storytelling approaches, and nostalgia at an all-time high, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of these underrated gems. Whether they were cult classics, box office disappointments, or just ahead of their time, these films deserve another shot at greatness. Let’s take a look at 14 forgotten ’80s movies that deserve a modern reboot.
1. The Last Starfighter (1984)
At a time when every kid dreamed of video games leading to something bigger, The Last Starfighter made that fantasy a reality. The film followed a teenager who beats an arcade game, only to discover it was actually a test to find real-life star pilots for an intergalactic war. While it had some of the earliest CGI effects in film history, a modern version could bring the space battles to life in a way the original never could. With gaming and sci-fi bigger than ever, this one is overdue for a comeback.
2. Enemy Mine (1985)
This underrated sci-fi drama told the story of a human pilot and an alien soldier forced to rely on each other after crash-landing on a hostile planet. The film had strong performances from Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr., but its special effects, though impressive for the time, haven’t aged well. A reboot could expand on the themes of survival, friendship, and overcoming differences while delivering cutting-edge visuals. Given today’s advancements in creature effects and space epics, this story would resonate more than ever.
3. The Flight of the Navigator (1986)
A young boy is abducted by an alien spaceship, only to return to Earth years later without having aged—this premise was pure ’80s sci-fi magic. Flight of the Navigator had adventure, mystery, and a talking spaceship (voiced by Paul Reubens) that added plenty of humor. While it has its cult following, modern audiences could benefit from a reboot with updated effects and a deeper exploration of its time-travel elements. With today’s focus on nostalgic sci-fi storytelling, this film could absolutely take flight again.
4. Explorers (1985)
Directed by Joe Dante, Explorers followed a group of kids who build their own spaceship and make first contact with aliens, only to discover that their new extraterrestrial friends are just as fascinated by Earth as they are by space. Despite having future stars like Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, the film never reached the success of The Goonies or E.T. A reboot could expand on the wonder of discovery while delivering even more imaginative alien worlds. With today’s resurgence of kids’ adventure films, this story could finally get the recognition it deserves.
5. Ladyhawke (1985)
This medieval fantasy romance told the tragic tale of a knight and his love, cursed to never be together—he’s a man by day and a wolf by night, while she’s a woman by night and a hawk by day. Starring Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ladyhawke had a beautifully unique story, but its execution and pacing left room for improvement. A modern remake could embrace its fantasy elements even more, with stunning cinematography and a more developed mythology. With the success of Game of Thrones and The Witcher, a reboot of Ladyhawke could soar.
6. The Black Hole (1979, but widely seen in the ’80s)
Disney’s dark and ambitious space adventure was their attempt to compete with Star Wars, but while it had incredible visuals and eerie themes, it never quite reached mainstream success. The story of a lost ship on the edge of a black hole, captained by a scientist with sinister motives, has all the makings of a gripping modern sci-fi film. Today’s CGI could create mind-blowing space sequences while deepening the philosophical and horror aspects of the story. Given Disney’s love of reboots, this one feels like a no-brainer.
7. Dreamscape (1984)
Before Inception, there was Dreamscape, a film about a government program that allows people to enter others’ dreams. The plot follows a psychic recruited to stop an assassination attempt inside the mind of the U.S. president, blending sci-fi, horror, and action. While the original was a fascinating concept, it had a low budget that limited its full potential. A modern take could dive deeper into dream logic and create visually stunning, surreal sequences that push the boundaries of imagination.
8. Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
This bizarre, genre-bending sci-fi comedy followed rockstar, physicist, and adventurer Buckaroo Banzai as he battled interdimensional aliens. Despite its cult following, the film’s wild mix of comedy, action, and sci-fi was a bit too ahead of its time. Today’s audiences are far more accepting of quirky, over-the-top adventures (Guardians of the Galaxy, anyone?), making this the perfect time for a reboot. A modern version could fully embrace its weirdness and introduce Buckaroo to a whole new generation.
9. The Beastmaster (1982)
A sword-and-sorcery epic about a warrior who can communicate with animals, The Beastmaster was a favorite among fantasy fans, but its effects and storytelling feel dated today. A remake could bring fresh life to its magical world, with epic battle sequences and a deeper exploration of its mystical elements. With the continued popularity of fantasy franchises, The Beastmaster could finally get the blockbuster treatment it deserves. Plus, who doesn’t want to see a warrior teaming up with animals in battle?
10. Night of the Comet (1984)
A blend of sci-fi, horror, and comedy, Night of the Comet followed two sisters who survive a comet disaster that turns most of the population into zombies. The film had a great mix of humor, action, and apocalyptic survival, but its low budget held back what could have been an even bigger cult hit. A reboot could give it slicker effects while keeping its fun, self-aware tone. With today’s love for post-apocalyptic stories and female-led action, this one is ripe for a comeback.
11. Krull (1983)
A mix of fantasy and sci-fi, Krull had a unique concept but suffered from an uneven script and limited effects. The story of a prince who wields a mystical weapon called the Glaive to rescue his bride from an alien overlord had all the makings of an epic adventure. A modern take could improve the pacing, develop its characters more deeply, and give the Glaive the screen time it deserves. With today’s visual effects, Krull could finally be the legendary film it always wanted to be.
12. The Hidden (1987)
This overlooked sci-fi thriller followed an alien parasite that jumps from body to body, turning normal people into violent criminals. The concept was gripping, and its mix of horror and action made it a cult favorite. A reboot could lean into the psychological horror elements while taking advantage of today’s special effects for even more unsettling transformations. With the success of body-horror films and sci-fi thrillers, The Hidden could find new life in a modern setting.
13. Batteries Not Included (1987)
This heartwarming sci-fi film about tiny alien robots helping a group of struggling tenants save their building had charm and humor but never got the long-lasting recognition it deserved. A reboot could update the visual effects while keeping the story’s emotional core intact. With today’s technology, the robots could be even more expressive and interactive. This one could be a feel-good sci-fi hit for a new generation.
14. Time Bandits (1981)
Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits was a wild, surreal adventure through history, but its mix of humor and darkness made it an odd fit for mainstream audiences. A reboot could refine the storytelling while keeping the imaginative, unpredictable spirit of the original. With today’s CGI and world-building capabilities, Time Bandits could be a visually stunning time-travel epic. Given the success of whimsical fantasy films, this one is overdue for a revival.
Hollywood loves a good reboot, and these forgotten ’80s films have the potential to shine brighter than ever with the right modern updates. Whether through improved effects, deeper storytelling, or just the chance to introduce these classics to a new audience, these movies are ready for a second chance. If done right, they could become the next big nostalgia-fueled blockbusters.
