The ’80s were a great time for film fans. Tons of classic films hit the theaters and fans have kept their flames burning for decades. But, if you want to go exploring for some ’80s gems in the age of streaming, what’s out there that’s worth watching?
Here are twelve movies you can stream right now that some might consider hidden gems from the ’80s.
Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
Available on Netflix.
Elisabeth Shue plays Chris, a teenager who gets stuck babysitting 8-year-old Sara on a night where everything starts to go crazy. This goofball comedy is a smile-inducing experiment in ludicrous conflict escalation. Plus, Marvel fans will enjoy the numerous references to Thor, Sara’s favorite hero.
*batteries not included (1987)
Available on Netflix.
Produced by Steven Spielberg and with a script from Brad Bird (The Incredibles), this is a kooky little tale about an apartment building where some old folks are about to be evicted. Lucky for them that they get visited by tiny robotic aliens who have come to save the day. This is a whimsical little tale that often gets lost in the shuffle of bigger ’80s genre fare.
The Beastmaster (1982)
Available on Amazon Prime.
The director of the cult classic horror film Phantasm tried his hand at sword and sandals fantasy and gave us The Beastmaster. This unabashedly pulpy flick managed to spawn two sequels, but the original has somewhat fallen out of public view. It’s not quite as polished as something like Conan the Barbarian, but its charm is undeniable and it deserves to be rediscovered.
Demons (1985)
Available on Shudder.
This Italian slice of über-horror is produced by maestro Dario Argento (Suspiria) and directed by Lamberto Bava, son of the legendary genre director Mario Bava. It’s got a great premise — a late night film screening gets overrun by bloodthirsty demons — and a ton of style. When it comes to grindhouse horror movies, Demons is definitely one to go digging for.
Eyewitness (1981)
Available on Netflix.
Sigourney Weaver is always great to see in a lead role and Eyewitness is one of her films that gets completely overlooked. Add to that an eerie supporting role by William Hurt and this is a well-constructed thriller that no one ever seems to talk about. It’s not a spectacular film but it’s awesome to see Sigourney Weaver anchor such an adult-oriented suspense tale.
The Gate (1987)
Available on Shudder.
We don’t get a lot of horror movies aimed at kids these days. But back in the ’80s, we got stuff like The Gate. It’s a simple story about a kid who finds a gateway to Hell in his backyard. The movie is filled with wonderfully weird moments that are genuinely freaky without being too transgressive for a younger audience. A necessary viewing for young fans wanting to get into horror.
Invaders from Mars (1986)
Available on Hulu.
Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) helmed this remake of the 1953 classic and went all out with the gonzo special effects. Granted, Invaders from Mars isn’t a fantastic film but it’s another movie like The Gate: a delightful genre film aimed squarely at a younger audience. If you have young kids you want to introduce to ’80s genre fare, this is a fun place to start.
Invasion U.S.A. (1985)
Available on Hulu.
Chuck Norris was a trashy action hero during the ’80s, but out of all his starring flicks, Invasion U.S.A. is easily one of the best. The exploitation premise has a bunch of terrorists invading Florida and running afoul of the one man army that is Chuck Norris. It’s a move littered with explosions, gunplay, and action cheese a-plenty.
Manhunter (1986)
Available on Hulu.
Director Michael Mann got to try his hand at Hannibal Lecter way before The Silence of the Lambs and Anthony Hopkins made the character a pop culture mainstay. Mann’s film is appreciated by film buffs but doesn’t get a lot of recognition by wider audiences. If you loved Hannibal or the remake of this, Red Dragon, you’ve got to check out Mindhunter.
Ninja III: The Domination (1984)
Available on Hulu.
Ninja III: The Domination is what happens when you throw The Exorcist, Flashdance, and a ninja into a blender. This is a nutso flick from the schlockmeisters over at Cannon Films — they’re also responsible for Invaders from Mars and Invasion U.S.A. — and it’s something you’ve got to see with a group of friends. If you don’t laugh during Ninja III: The Domination, you might need to check your pulse.
Night of the Creeps (1986) (Shudder)
Available on Shudder.
The ’80s were a golden era for effects-driven horror movies, and one of the few that flies under a lot of radars is Night of the Creeps. It’s a tongue-in-cheek splatstick romp with tons of laughs and gooey gags to keep you squealing the whole time. If you’re looking for a movie that will earn you some serious horror credibility, Night of the Creeps is a choice pick.
