From CBR · Dannielle Beardsley · · 2m
10 Forgotten Adventure Movie Masterpieces From the 1980s
10 underrated 1980s adventure films that no one remembers.
In brief
10 underrated 1980s adventure films that no one remembers. The 1980s produced forgotten adventure films like Innerspace, Time Bandits, and Enemy Mine that deserve more attention. Originally reported by CBR.
Innerspace: A Neglected 1980s Sci-Fi Adventure
The 1987 sci-fi comedy Innerspace follows a test pilot who volunteers for an experiment that goes sideways.
“Meg Ryan, Martin Short, and Dennis Quaid star in the high-energy journey that explores our fascination with what goes on inside the body.”
Time Bandits: A Forgotten Cult Classic
Terry Gilliam's 1981 fantasy adventure film Time Bandits features a chaotic cast including John Cleese and Sean Connery.
“It’s hard to imagine a film with a cast including katherine helmond, shelley duvall, ian holm, john cleese, and sean connery that could ever be forgotten by audiences.”
Young Sherlock Holmes: A Teen Detective Story
The 1985 mystery adventure Young Sherlock Holmes follows teenage detective Sherlock Holmes at boarding school.
“The gothic tone is spot on in this fast-paced origin story of these two famous characters.”
Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone
The 1983 sci-fi action film Spacehunter features a bounty hunter on the hunt with retro 3-d effects.
“Released the week before return of the jedi, it’s not surprising spacehunter: adventures in the forbidden zone isn’t on people’s beloved sci-fi adventure films list, but it should be.”
Enemy Mine: Enemies Turned Friends
The 1985 sci-fi adventure Enemy Mine follows two enemies who become true friends in space.
“The heartfelt performances by dennis quaid and louis gossett jr. as bitter enemies turned true friends are the standout aspect of the film.”
Miracle Mile: A Rom-Com Gone Wrong
The 1988 thriller Miracle Mile blends romantic comedy with an apocalyptic storyline over one day.
“After oversleeping and missing their date, harry tries to call julie from a pay phone outside her work to apologize.”
The Ice Pirates: A Star Wars Parody
The 1984 space opera comedy The Ice Pirates parodies Star Wars with crude humor and absurdity.
“When water becomes scarce, space pirates have to steal ice from the evil water-hoarding templars.”
The Journey of Natty Gann: A Depression Tale
The 1984 adventure The Journey of Natty Gann follows a lonely child searching for her father during the Great Depression.
“You won’t know what will move you more: the realistic, poignant 1930s visuals or james horner’s haunting score.”
Adventures of Baron Munchausen: A Chaotic Fantasy
Terry Gilliam's 1988 fantasy adventure The Adventures of Baron Munchausen features a chaotic cast including robin williams.
“An unbelievable supporting cast of eric idle, uma thurman, oliver reed, bill paterson, and robin williams portrays characters who blur the line between historical accuracy and myth.”
Streets of Fire: Music as a Main Character
The 1984 crime drama Streets of Fire features rock singer Ellen Aim kidnapped by a biker gang.
“In a retro-futuristic dystopian world, rock singer ellen aim is kidnapped by a biker gang.”
Why These Films Were Forgotten
These films were overlooked due to their niche appeal and the rise of blockbuster franchises in the 1980s.
“Well-known stars often have films that fall through the cracks, and movies that tank have the most loyal cult following.”
The Legacy of Forgotten Films
These 1980s adventure films have influenced modern cinema and continue to be celebrated by fans.
“The gothic tone is spot on in this fast-paced origin story of these two famous characters.”
What Happens Next
These films are now being re-released and celebrated as cult classics in the 21st century.
“The 1980s were a golden era for adventure films, with movies like the goonies and back to the future being quick fan favorites.”
The bottom line
The 1980s produced forgotten adventure films like Innerspace, Time Bandits, and Enemy Mine that deserve more attention.
