1. The Last Starfighter
Back in 1984, The Last Starfighter gave kids everywhere the ultimate wish-fulfillment fantasy: being so good at a video game that aliens recruit you to save the galaxy. It blended arcade culture with sci-fi adventure, and while some of the early CGI effects were groundbreaking at the time, they look pretty dated now. The story itself, though, still holds up, and it’s one of those underappreciated gems that could thrive with today’s technology. Imagine a reboot that taps into modern gaming culture, VR, and esports.
A new version could easily reintroduce the idea of a reluctant hero who has to rise to the occasion, while also reflecting how much gaming has evolved. It could be darker, bigger, and more immersive, but still keep that wide-eyed sense of adventure. With today’s visual effects and streaming budgets, The Last Starfighter could go from cult favorite to mainstream sensation.
2. Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke was a moody, medieval fantasy romance starring Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer. The premise is wonderfully tragic: cursed lovers who can never be together in human form because he turns into a wolf at night, and she becomes a hawk during the day. It had a sweeping, fairy tale quality that was only slightly undercut by the very ’80s electronic soundtrack.
A reboot could lean into a more atmospheric fantasy tone, like Game of Thrones or The Witcher. The story of star-crossed lovers stuck in an impossible situation feels timeless, and with modern visual effects, the shapeshifting sequences could be stunning. This is a love story that deserves to break hearts all over again.
3. Explorers
Joe Dante’s Explorers brought together a trio of kids who literally build a homemade spaceship from junk and go on an interstellar adventure. It was one of Ethan Hawke’s earliest roles, and it had all the charm of childhood imagination mixed with genuine sci-fi wonder. The movie didn’t quite land commercially, partly because of studio meddling, but the concept has endless potential today.
In an era when space exploration is back in the headlines, a reboot of Explorers could be inspiring for a whole new generation. The idea of kids inventing their way to the stars feels more relevant than ever, especially with today’s focus on STEM. With updated effects and a fresh cast, it could strike the same chord that Stranger Things does—mixing nostalgia with adventure.
4. The Secret of NIMH
Don Bluth’s animated classic The Secret of NIMH terrified and enchanted kids in equal measure. The dark, atmospheric tale of a widowed field mouse uncovering the secrets of a government experiment still resonates today. Its hand-drawn animation was gorgeous, but the story itself deserves another chance to shine with a modern reboot.
A new version could dive deeper into the ethical and environmental themes that feel even more pressing now. Done right, it could blend the intensity of something like Watership Down with the emotional pull of Pixar films. The right creative team could turn The Secret of NIMH into a modern animated masterpiece.
5. Flight of the Navigator
Flight of the Navigator was pure ’80s sci-fi fun, about a boy who disappears for years only to return the same age, thanks to an alien ship that takes him on a journey. It had humor, heart, and a quirky spaceship voiced by Paul Reubens. The premise still feels ripe for reinvention.
A reboot could lean into the mystery and emotion of the time lost, while still keeping the wonder of space travel. With today’s family films striking a balance between heartfelt and exciting, Flight of the Navigator could be a crowd-pleaser again. Disney actually owns the rights, so it might just be a matter of time.
6. The Monster Squad
This cult classic mashed up horror and adventure by pitting a group of kids against Dracula, the Wolfman, and other classic movie monsters. It was like The Goonies but with more fangs and fur. While it didn’t make waves on release, it’s become a beloved favorite for fans of ’80s genre films.
A reboot could be an absolute blast, especially with the recent resurgence of monster movies. With a fresh group of kids, sharper writing, and more elaborate effects, it could recapture that balance of fun and fright. Done right, The Monster Squad could easily appeal to both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
7. Starman
John Carpenter’s Starman was a sci-fi love story that leaned more into emotion than spectacle. It followed Jeff Bridges as an alien who takes on the form of a grieving woman’s late husband, leading to an unexpected romance. It’s a unique blend of alien contact, road movie, and human drama that hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention.
A modern reboot could dive even deeper into themes of loss, connection, and what it means to be human. With today’s appetite for character-driven sci-fi, it could find a strong new audience. The story is heartfelt enough to hold up, and with updated visuals, it could become a new favorite.
8. Krull
Krull was a fantasy adventure that tried to be the next Star Wars but never quite pulled it off. Still, the world-building, monsters, and that unforgettable weapon—the Glaive—gave it a devoted cult following. Its mix of swords, sorcery, and outer space made it unlike anything else at the time.
With fantasy epics thriving on both the big and small screen, Krull feels overdue for a revival. A modern retelling could embrace its weirdness while streamlining the story. The right director could finally give it the sweeping scope it always deserved.
9. Real Genius
Real Genius was a smart, quirky comedy about college prodigies accidentally inventing a weapon. Val Kilmer gave one of his most memorable performances as the charismatic, rebellious genius who didn’t take anything seriously. The humor was sharp, but the underlying theme of young minds being exploited by authority still feels timely.
A reboot could easily update the setting to today’s world of tech start-ups, artificial intelligence, and innovation wars. The mix of comedy, science, and moral questions would translate perfectly. It could be both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a sharp commentary on modern technology.
10. Cloak & Dagger
This underrated thriller followed a young boy caught in a spy plot after stumbling onto a video game cartridge containing government secrets. It mixed Cold War paranoia with kid-centric adventure, creating a tense but fun ride. While it wasn’t a huge hit, it had all the elements of a gripping story.
In a reboot, the outdated video game angle could be swapped for modern digital espionage, hacking, or cybersecurity. The idea of an ordinary kid uncovering something dangerous still has legs, especially in today’s tech-driven world. With the right updates, Cloak & Dagger could be as suspenseful as ever.
11. Time Bandits
Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits was a wild, imaginative romp about a boy who joins a group of dwarfs on a time-traveling treasure hunt. It was quirky, unpredictable, and full of strange encounters with historical figures. The mix of humor, fantasy, and adventure made it a one-of-a-kind film.
A reboot could really embrace its chaotic, surreal tone while using today’s visual effects to create dazzling worlds. With audiences loving multiverse and time-travel stories, this could be the perfect time to revisit it. A new Time Bandits could keep the spirit of the original while making it even bigger and bolder.
12. The Last Dragon
This martial arts musical comedy combined kung fu, Motown, and comic book-style villains. It followed Leroy Green, a young martial artist searching for “the glow,” a mystical power that would make him the ultimate fighter. The mix of action, comedy, and music made it unlike anything else in the ’80s.
A reboot could thrive today, especially with the current popularity of martial arts and music-driven films. With the right cast and soundtrack, it could be both a celebration of its campy roots and a fresh new hit. The story’s themes of self-discovery and inner strength are as relevant now as ever.
13. They Live
John Carpenter’s They Live has never really been forgotten, but it feels like it’s more relevant now than it was in the ’80s. The story of a drifter who discovers that aliens secretly control the world through subliminal messaging hit hard then and would hit even harder now. Its famous fight scene and “obey” imagery are iconic.
A modern reboot could update the satire for today’s media landscape, with social media, algorithms, and surveillance culture taking center stage. It could be sharper, scarier, and even more biting in its commentary. They Live might be overdue for a fresh, chilling retelling.
14. Legend
Ridley Scott’s Legend was visually stunning, with its dreamy sets, dark fairy tale atmosphere, and an unforgettable performance from Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness. But its story about innocence, temptation, and good versus evil never quite clicked with mainstream audiences. Still, its fantasy world has remained haunting and influential.
With the right writer and director, a reboot could give Legend the narrative weight it always needed to match its visuals. Fantasy fans today are hungry for immersive, gothic worlds, and this one is tailor-made for a comeback. A modern take could finally let Legend live up to its name.
