Entertainment,  Film,  Underrated Gems

Underrated Gems of the 1980s

Photos courtesy of The Samuel Goldwyn Company, Columbia Pictures, and Warner Bros.

The 1980s are one of the most notable decades in film. John Hughes dominated the 1980s with his films centering around teenagers. They are as follows: Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Pretty in Pink (1986), and Some Kind of Wonderful (1987). The 1980s also saw the emergence of major blockbusters like the Indiana Jones film series—Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)—and The Terminator (1984). While there were blockbusters and commercially successful films, there are quite a few that didn’t get the recognition they truly deserve.

Here are some underrated gems from the 1980s.

St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

St. Elmo’s Fire is a 1985 coming of age film that is directed and co-written by Joel Schumacher. The films features and ensemble cast: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, and Andie MacDowell. Its premise focuses on a group of recent college graduates and their adjustment to post-graduation life and the responsibilities of being an adult. The film made $37.8 million against a $10 million budget.

If I had my choice on whether to watch The Breakfast Club or St. Elmo’s Fire, I would pick St. Elmo’s Fire. I’ve seen The Breakfast Club so many times. Don’t get me wrong, I do love that film. I haven’t seen St. Elmo’s Fire as many times. I prefer the story of the film. The film is relatable and explores various themes throughout. It’s one of my favorite films of all time.

The Lost Boys (1987)

The Lost Boys is a 1987 teen black comedy horror film directed by Joel Schumacher. The cast includes: Jason Patric, Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Edward Herrmann, and more. Its premise follows two brothers who move to a new town and discover that it’s overrun by vampires. The title pays homage to Peter Pan and Neverland as they never grow up just like vampires. The film grossed $32 million against a $8.5 million budget.

This film is one of the most underrated films that exist. While it was a critical and commercial success when it was released, it has been overlooked since then. My mom, who’s a baby boomer, introduced me to it. I’m glad she did. I do want to give a trigger warning because there are a few intense scenes so you may want to skip them or just close your eyes. 

Big (1988)

Big is a 1988 fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall. The cast includes: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, and more. Its premise follows a young boy who makes a wish to be “big” and is aged to adulthood overnight. It grossed $158 million against an $18 million budget and received wide critical acclaim as well as being nominated for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

While it was a critical and commercial success when it was released, it has been overlooked since then. I have loved this film for a long time. It feels like a warm hug and the acting is so good. The story is entertaining and the film itself is extremely charming.

Coming to America (1988)

Coming to America is a 1988 romantic comedy film directed by John Landis. It’s based on an original story by Eddie Murphy, who stars as the title role. It co-stars Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, and John Amos. Its premise follows Akeem Joffer, an esteemed crowned prince of a fictional kingdom located in Africa called Zamunda, who travels to the United States in the hopes that he will find a woman to marry. It grossed between $288.8 and $350 million against a $36 million budget.

A sequel Coming 2 America was released on March 4, 2021 on Amazon Prime.

While receiving mostly positive reviews and two Academy Award nominations, the film is extremely underrated. I heard of the film from my mom but I never ended up watching it until I heard that a sequel was being released. It’s one of the funniest films I’ve ever watched. If you are ever in need of a laugh, this film will deliver.

Mystic Pizza (1988)

Mystic Pizza is a 1988 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Donald Petrie. The film stars Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish, Lilli Taylor, Conchata Ferrell, and others. Its premise follows a trio of women who navigate love and life while working at a pizza shop in Mystic, Connecticut. It grossed $14 million against a $6 million budget. Many critics praised the performances of the three female leads. The film was director Petrie’s feature film directorial debut as well as Matt Damon’s film debut. This film was Roberts’ breakthrough.

This film is one of my favorites of all time. It has heart and humor. Julia Roberts is mesmerizing to watch and she portrays Daisy Arujo so effortlessly. 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this list of underrated gems from the 1980s. Please give them all a watch if you haven’t already. I promise you won’t regret it. 

Please feel free to DM me on my Instagram and let me know what your favorite 1980s films are.

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