1. The Last Emperor (1987)
The Last Emperor might not come up in conversations as often as other ’80s blockbusters, but its cultural impact is undeniable. It’s a sweeping epic that not only brought the story of China’s last emperor to life but also helped shape the way Hollywood viewed historical dramas. The film’s extravagant sets and costumes transported audiences to a time and place that was previously unexplored in mainstream cinema. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and yet, it’s often overlooked today when discussing ’80s classics.
Its influence can still be seen in how historical epics are crafted, blending stunning visuals with powerful storytelling. Though it may not be as talked about as E.T. or The Breakfast Club, The Last Emperor set a new standard for the genre. It showed that foreign stories could captivate global audiences and earn widespread recognition, something that paved the way for future films with international settings.
2. Repo Man (1984)
Repo Man is one of those cult classics that manages to sneak into conversations about ’80s counterculture. A mix of sci-fi, punk rock, and dark humor, this film captured the strange, rebellious spirit of the ’80s in ways few others could. Emilio Estevez plays a young man who gets caught up in the bizarre world of repossessing cars, and the storyline only gets more surreal from there. Though its quirky and often nonsensical approach made it tough for mainstream audiences, it left an imprint on future films and TV shows looking to embrace offbeat humor.
Its lasting legacy is in how it perfectly encapsulated the punk ethos, a theme that would influence countless films, music videos, and even television series in the decades that followed. The movie’s unique style and philosophical undercurrent about consumerism and the American dream are still relevant today, making it a hidden gem in ’80s cinema.
3. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
With a title as outlandish as The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, it’s easy to see why this film didn’t quite take over mainstream pop culture. However, it became a cult phenomenon thanks to its bizarre plot and its mash-up of science fiction, action, and rock ‘n’ roll. The film stars Peter Weller as Buckaroo Banzai, a brilliant neurosurgeon, physicist, and rock star, who battles alien invaders from another dimension. This oddball character and the film’s bizarre tone continue to influence niche works today.
Despite its box office disappointment, Buckaroo Banzai inspired a devoted fanbase, whose enthusiasm helped keep the movie alive through the years. Its influence can be seen in everything from geek culture conventions to the way modern films blend genres. The movie’s charm lies in its offbeat, never-take-itself-too-seriously nature, and that’s exactly why it’s still an underappreciated gem.
4. They Live (1988)
They Live is a film that has managed to transcend its status as a low-budget sci-fi flick to become an iconic piece of pop culture. Directed by John Carpenter and starring the iconic Roddy Piper, the film follows a drifter who uncovers a secret world where the elite control the population through subliminal messages. With its iconic “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I’m all out of bubblegum” line, the film has cemented its place in the annals of cult movie history.
Though it wasn’t a commercial hit upon release, They Live has become one of the most referenced films in pop culture for its biting social commentary on consumerism, corporate control, and class inequality. The movie’s surreal, almost dreamlike vibe set the tone for future dystopian films. It remains a quintessential ’80s film, though many still don’t realize its revolutionary impact on science fiction and social commentary.
5. The Last Dragon (1985)
Blending martial arts, comedy, and a bit of 1980s gloss, The Last Dragon is a movie that had all the elements to be a massive hit but somehow didn’t break into the mainstream consciousness. The story follows Leroy Green, a young martial artist searching for the “glow”—a mystical power that makes him the ultimate fighter. With its unique mix of kung fu action, ’80s music, and flashy style, The Last Dragon should have been a major cultural touchstone, but it remains a hidden treasure for fans of the era.
Despite its initial reception, the film’s soundtrack and fashion choices remain iconic in ’80s pop culture, influencing everything from hip-hop to modern-day superhero films. The movie was ahead of its time in its integration of different genres and themes, and it’s no surprise that many of today’s film and television creators have cited The Last Dragon as an influence. Its ultimate charm is how it mixed fun with empowerment and showcased the vibrant energy of ’80s pop culture.
6. My Dinner with Andre (1981)
While My Dinner with Andre isn’t your typical ’80s movie, its philosophical discussions and unique narrative approach made it one of the decade’s more impactful films. The entire movie consists of a dinner conversation between two men, one a playwright and the other a former theater director, about life, meaning, and existence. While this might sound like an odd premise for a film, My Dinner with Andre sparked a cultural conversation that’s still relevant today.
The film’s influence is seen in how movies began exploring more intellectual and thought-provoking themes, as opposed to purely commercial or action-driven plots. While it didn’t appeal to mainstream audiences, My Dinner with Andre found a special place in the hearts of film buffs and intellectuals, and its legacy can be felt in the modern-day resurgence of dialogue-heavy films that challenge conventional storytelling.
7. The Killing Fields (1984)
The Killing Fields is one of the most poignant films of the ’80s, telling the true story of a Cambodian journalist and his American friend as they try to survive the Khmer Rouge regime. The film’s brutal honesty and heart-wrenching portrayal of war and human suffering make it an essential piece of cinema that’s often overlooked in favor of flashier ’80s hits. Yet, The Killing Fields opened up audiences to the horrors of the Cambodian genocide, making it a highly influential film for those who witnessed it.
Though it was nominated for several Academy Awards, the film didn’t achieve the widespread attention it deserved. However, its impact can still be felt in the way filmmakers tackle stories of global suffering and injustice. It may not be a film you see often discussed, but its emotional depth and cultural significance are undeniable.
