Top 10 Underrated 1980s Films You Need to Watch Now
Relive the 1980s with these 10 underrated English-language films, handpicked from r/underratedmovies. From The Lair of the White Worm’s campy horror to The Blood of Heroes dystopian action, these hidden gems showcase the decade’s wild creativity. Dive into cult classics now!
The 1980s were a cinematic goldmine, and we must give props to the decade for its fearless creativity. The movie industry was booming, with studios greenlighting everything from neon-soaked rock operas to quirky sci-fi comedies and skateboarding thrillers. This abundance of films meant bold, wild ideas often hit the market, but many slipped under the radar, overshadowed by giants like E.T. or Back to the Future.
On Reddit’s r/underratedmovies, a passionate community of over 121,000 film fans champions these forgotten treasures—movies that didn’t win critical acclaim but deserve love for their unique charm and daring spirit.
I’ve scoured the subreddit’s discussions to bring you the top 10 underrated English-language films of the 1980s, ranked by fan enthusiasm and cult appeal. From dystopian sports to campy horror, these picks capture the ‘80s’ untamed energy. Let’s dive into the synth-driven, big-hair era and unearth some classics.
1. The Lair of the White Worm (1988)
Directed by the eccentric Ken Russell, this horror-comedy is a gloriously unhinged tale of a snake-worshipping cult in rural England. Starring a young Hugh Grant and Amanda Donohoe, it’s a fever dream of campy visuals and dark humour. Despite a modest 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, r/underratedmovies fans adore its bold weirdness, with one user calling it “a batshit masterpiece of ‘80s excess.”
- Why It’s Underrated: Critics dismissed its over-the-top style, but that’s its charm.
- Watch If You Love: Offbeat horror like The Evil Dead or Re-Animator.
Fun Fact: Based on Bram Stoker’s lesser-known novel, it’s as far from Dracula as you can get.
2. Streets of Fire (1984)
Walter Hill’s rock-opera action flick blends 1950s greaser vibes with 1980s neon flair. Starring Michael Paré as a mercenary saving his ex from a biker gang led by a young Willem Dafoe, it’s a visual and musical feast. With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and a box office flop, it’s a subreddit favourite for its killer soundtrack and stylised action. “It’s like a music video you can’t stop watching,” one fan raved.
- Why It’s Underrated: Its genre mashup confused critics, but fans love its ambition.
- Watch If You Love: Stylised action like The Warriors.
3. Innerspace (1987)
This sci-fi comedy from Joe Dante sees a miniaturised Dennis Quaid injected into the body of a neurotic Martin Short. It’s a wild blend of laughs, heart, and groundbreaking effects, yet its 82% Rotten Tomatoes score didn’t spark mainstream success. r/underratedmovies users praise Short’s comedic genius, with one noting, “It’s a sci-fi gem that deserves more love.”
- Why It’s Underrated: Overshadowed by bigger ‘80s hits, it’s a quirky triumph.
- Watch If You Love: Sci-fi comedies like Back to the Future.
Did You Know? The film won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, beating Predator.
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4. Down by Law (1986)
Jim Jarmusch’s indie gem follows three misfits (Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni) in a Louisiana jail, blending deadpan humour and minimalist style. Despite an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s underseen by mainstream audiences. r/underratedmovies calls it “a quiet masterpiece,” perfect for indie fans.
- Why It’s Underrated: Its slow pace turned off some, but its subtlety shines.
- Watch If You Love: Indie dramas like Stranger Than Paradise.
5. The Mission (1986)
Roland Joffé’s historical epic stars Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons as Jesuit missionaries in 18th-century South America. Its sweeping visuals and Ennio Morricone’s haunting score (yes, the same Ennio Morricone who composed The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) elevate it, despite a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score. Subreddit fans highlight its emotional depth, with one saying, “It’s a tragedy more people haven’t seen this.”
- Why It’s Underrated: Outshone by flashier ‘80s epics, it’s a soulful standout.
- Watch If You Love: Historical dramas like Amadeus.
Pro Tip: Listen to Ennio Morricone’s score alone—it’s as powerful as his work on The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
6. History of the World, Pt. 1 (1981)
Mel Brooks’ comedy anthology spoofs historical eras with a cast including Dom DeLuise and Madeline Kahn. With an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s less iconic than Blazing Saddles but beloved on r/underratedmovies for its absurd sketches. “Brooks at his silliest,” one fan wrote.
- Why It’s Underrated: Eclipsed by Brooks’ bigger hits, it’s a riotous gem.
- Watch If You Love: Comedies like Young Frankenstein.
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7. The Hidden (1987)
Jack Sholder’s sci-fi action thriller stars Kyle MacLachlan as an FBI agent hunting an alien-possessed criminal. Its 76% Rotten Tomatoes score belies its cult status, with subreddit fans calling it “criminally underseen” for its intense action and clever premise.
- Why It’s Underrated: Lost in the ‘80s sci-fi boom, it’s a lean thrill ride.
- Watch If You Love: Sci-fi action like Terminator.
Fun Fact: MacLachlan filmed this just after Blue Velvet, showing his range.
8. Tuff Turf (1985)
This teen drama, directed by Fritz Kiersch, stars James Is this correct? Should it be James Spader? Spader as a rebellious newcomer battling a street gang, with a young Robert Downey Jr. stealing scenes. Its 17% Rotten Tomatoes score didn’t do justice to its ‘80s vibe, praised on r/underratedmovies for its soundtrack and Spader’s charisma.
- Why It’s Underrated: Dismissed as a generic teen flick, its style shines.
- Watch If You Love: Teen dramas like The Outsiders.
9. The Blood of Heroes (1989)
David Webb Peoples’ dystopian action flick stars Rutger Hauer in a brutal post-apocalyptic sport called “jugging.” Barely reviewed (no clear Rotten Tomatoes score), it’s a cult hit, with r/underratedmovies fans calling it “criminally unheard of” for its gritty intensity.
- Why It’s Underrated: Its niche premise kept it obscure, but it’s a bold experiment.
- Watch If You Love: Dystopian action like Mad Max.
Why It Stands Out: The sport’s raw energy feels like a proto-Hunger Games.
10. Gleaming the Cube (1989)
Directed by Graeme Clifford, this skateboarding thriller stars Christian Slater as a teen uncovering a conspiracy after his brother’s death. With a 29% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a niche gem, lauded on r/underratedmovies for its ‘80s energy. “Slater kills it,” one user raved.
- Why It’s Underrated: Its skateboarding focus limited its reach, but it’s pure nostalgia.
- Watch If You Love: Action thrillers like Point Break.
Why These Films Matter
The 1980s were a playground for filmmakers, and these movies prove it. From The Lair of the White Worm’s campy horror to The Blood of Heroes’s dystopian grit, they capture the decade’s willingness to take risks. r/underratedmovies users love them for their heart, style, and defiance of mainstream tastes. I rewatched Innerspace recently, and its wild humour still lands—trust me, it’s a blast. These films remind us why the ‘80s were so special: they dared to be different, even if critics didn’t always get it.
- How to Watch: Check streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Tubi, as many are available digitally. Physical media fans can hunt for Blu-rays on eBay/Amazon.
- Join the Conversation: Head to r/underratedmovies to share your thoughts or find more hidden gems.
Which of these ‘80s treasures will you watch first? Drop your pick in the comments and share your own underrated finds!
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