15 Best Cheesy '80s Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked
15 Best Cheesy '80s Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked
Cheesy ‘80s sci-fi movies are perfect for watching with friends. The 1980s have produced some of the best movies of all time, and the era is often considered to be a launching point for the increasing popularity of the sci-fi genre. However, some titles haven’t had the same success as others. Many audience members now love plenty of ‘80s box office flops, mainly because they are receiving the much-needed appreciation that they deserve years after their initial release.
Science fiction is often perceived as deeply serious and full of intricate details that need to be completely accurate. However, this isn’t always true, and sci-fi comedies are incredibly successful because they focus on humor over factual information. Cheesy movies are loved because the titles don’t take themselves seriously, so when combined with sci-fi, they quickly become some of the best films to kick back and enjoy with friends.
They are:
- RoboCop (1987)
- Dune (1984)
- Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
- Howard The Duck (1986)
- Weird Science (1985)
- Masters Of The Universe (1987)
- Tron (1982)
- Flash Gordon (1980)
- Back To The Future (1985)
- Spaceballs (1987)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- The Running Man (1987)
- Trancers (1984)
- Hell Comes To Frogtown (1988)
How can this list even exist without They Live (1988)
This list is upsetting. The top 13 are big budget movies from major studios (ET was nominated for 9 Oscars, which is about as opposed to cheese as possible) and some are comedies that are deliberately cheesy, like Spaceballs, Flash Gordon, and Weird Science.
Robocop is the original Verhoven dark comedy satire which means the author of the article doesn't understand the movie as intended. Back to the Future is another actually good movie that was good on purpose and it seems disrespectful to be on the list for cheese. Same with Ghostbusters and Bill & Ted.
Again, this list is upsetting.
It’s a list of sci-fi that isn’t grimdark edgy wankery.
I'm not sure they know what cheesy is. I'd not include obvious comedies or actual big hits (although I'd allow Flash Gordon as it is camp).
So you'd have HCTFT, Trancers, and Flash Gordon and throw in Battle Beyond the Stars (and any number of Star Wars cash-ins like Starcrash), Spacehunter, The Stuff, Dune, Cyborg, The Last Starfighter, Fortress, Lifeforce Galaxy of Terror, etc.
The list is definitely out of whack. I'd throw in Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone and The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
Edit: just remembered The Hidden with Kyle MacLachlan.
2nd: likely blocked out of my mind for my own sake, but they left out Killer Klowns from Outer Space. More of a horror/sci-fi, but still.
I’m not sure they know what cheesy is.
No shit! Tron wasn't cheesy, it was groundbreaking.
I realise that tremors was released in 1990 but it was most certainly shot in the 80's
Edit: miracle mile should also be on the list
The 90s didn't really start until after terminator 2
How can you have a list of 80s cheesy sci-fi with no Troma? The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke Em High, Surf Nazis Must Die.
On top of being a list of big budget films these are supposed to be under appreciated? Ghostbusters had a sequel in the 80s, basically continuous TV presence for the past ~40 years, and unreasonably huge merchandiseing. It's one of the most successful franchises of all time.
Leaning closer towards the mainstream of the times, there was The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension.
If we're going to add fantasy to the mix - see: Ghostbusters, Masters Of The Universe, Howard The Duck, Flash Gordon - I'm gonna go ahead and say that Time Bandits deserves to be on this list more than others on it.
And if you want cheesy Sci-Fi, we need to talk about Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome.
No Ice Pirates.
Not seeing Solarbabies here.
Now that's a great shout.