The Most Underrated Movie From Every Year of The 1980s

The 1980s were a fantastic time for movies, especially action, and adventure films, and many all-time classic blockbusters came out during that decade. Even now, the 80s are remembered for some of Hollywood’s most popular and well-loved films, but the era also produced a lot of great movies that didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

The 1970s paved the way for low-budget films to become popular, and the 1980s continued this trend with a wealth of movies that didn’t receive much attention at the time. While the decade gave us many classic hits like *Back to the Future*, *The Empire Strikes Back*, and *Die Hard*, there were also numerous excellent films that deserve a second look.

1980s Most Underrated Movie Is Altered States

The 1980s began with many now-classic films, like Stanley Kubrick’s *The Shining*, Martin Scorsese’s *Raging Bull*, and John Landis’s *The Blues Brothers*. However, Ken Russell’s strange and dreamlike science fiction film, *Altered States*, is surprisingly overlooked despite being a standout of the decade.

Featuring a captivating performance by William Hurt as a scientist pushing the limits of human experience, *Altered States* is a truly mesmerizing and visually stunning science fiction film. It’s packed with memorable images and builds to a remarkably powerful and unforgettable climax.

1981’s Most Underrated Movie Is Excalibur

The story of King Arthur has been retold many times, with some versions becoming very popular and well-regarded. While 1981 gave us iconic films like *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, *Blow Out*, and *Escape from New York*, John Boorman’s fantasy film deserves to be remembered alongside those classics.

Excalibur is a visually stunning and epic film, boasting incredible characters, a fast-paced story, and some of the most thrilling action scenes in recent years. Even if you’re not usually a fan of fantasy, Excalibur makes the classic Arthurian legends feel exciting and engaging.

1982’s Most Underrated Movie Is One from the Heart

Francis Ford Coppola is a highly acclaimed director, so it’s surprising to think any of his films could be overlooked. However, his 1982 musical, *One from the Heart*, was a commercial failure that nearly ruined his company and has since been largely forgotten.

Despite its troubled history, Coppola’s musical is visually stunning, boasting incredible sets, costumes, and camerawork – some of the best the genre has offered in years. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring contributions from music icon Tom Waits. *One from the Heart* is ambitious, a bit chaotic, and that’s precisely what makes it worth rediscovering.

1983’s Most Underrated Movie Is The Hunger

I’ve always been a huge fan of Tony Scott – he really defined action movies in the ’90s and early 2000s with films like *Man on Fire* and *Deja Vü*. But you know what? I think his first movie, 1983’s *The Hunger*, doesn’t get nearly enough credit. It’s a seriously underrated gem from a director who became a total master of the genre.

Featuring Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon, and the iconic David Bowie, *The Hunger* explores the lives of vampires dealing with the challenges of living forever, their own unique experiences of decline, and the constant pull of love and desire. The film is a visually stunning and haunting experience, boasting memorable acting and a particularly powerful ending. It’s a true gem that deserves more recognition.

1984’s Most Underrated Movie Is Streets of Fire

1984 was an amazing year for movies! We got huge franchises like *The Terminator*, *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, and *Ghostbusters*, but it also gave us some seriously cool, lesser-known films. I’m thinking of movies like Alex Cox’s *Repo Man*, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz’s wonderfully weird *The Toxic Avenger*, and honestly, Walter Hill’s *Streets of Fire* – a rock ‘n’ roll action movie that *everyone* should see, but somehow doesn’t get enough love!

With a unique blend of 1950s style, 1980s energy, and a futuristic setting, *Streets of Fire* is a wildly entertaining film that successfully combines musical numbers, thrilling action, and a touch of romance. The story is fast-paced and engaging, the soundtrack is fantastic, and the acting is superb. It’s a movie that deserved to launch a franchise, but sadly, it faded into obscurity.

1985’s Most Underrated Movie Is To Live and Die in L.A.

William Friedkin is a hugely influential American director, and films like *The French Connection*, *The Exorcist*, and *Sorcerer* are considered classics. However, one of his best, but often overlooked, movies is *To Live and Die in L.A.* from 1985.

This movie centers around a federal agent hunting down his partner’s killer, and it constantly keeps you guessing from beginning to end. *To Live and Die in L.A.* is a thrilling and expertly crafted film, and its unique style – including its realistic violence and unusual storytelling – has subtly inspired many other movies over the years.

1986’s Most Underrated Movie Is From Beyond

1986 was a fantastic year for movies, giving us classics like *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*, *Stand By Me*, *Blue Velvet*, and *Aliens*. But beyond the blockbusters, the year also produced some wonderful, lesser-known independent films. Titles like the over-the-top *Highlander*, the charming *True Stories*, and the wildly strange *Maximum Overdrive* all deserve a look, though none quite reach the level of the decade’s most celebrated films.

With its mix of disturbing body horror, exploitation elements, and classic 80s style, *From Beyond* is a truly wild ride. The special effects are fantastic for the era, and the story keeps you hooked. It features everything from portals to other dimensions and Lovecraftian creatures to subtle sexual themes, making it a must-see for horror fans – and a film that deserves more recognition from everyone.

1987’s Most Underrated Movie Is Matewan

Okay, so I’m a huge horror fan, but sometimes you need something completely different. And let me tell you, John Sayles’ *Matewan* is that something. It’s a world away from cheesy horror like *From Beyond*, but it completely blew me away. Honestly, I think it might be the most overlooked *and* best film of 1987. It’s a really powerful, sad movie about a coal miners’ strike in 1920s West Virginia. It really makes you think about what’s fair, the importance of sticking together, and the struggles people faced – it’s just a deeply moving film.

As a serious film fan, I truly believe John Sayles is one of the most overlooked directors of the last thirty-five years, consistently creating beautiful and unique films. His *Matewan* is a real masterpiece, and a huge part of what makes it so special is the incredible cast. It’s packed with fantastic character actors – people like Chris Cooper, David Strathairn, and the amazing James Earl Jones. If you care about quality cinema, you absolutely need to see it.

1988’s Most Underrated Movie Is Bull Durham

Baseball movies, like most sports films, often tell predictable stories – the underdog overcoming the odds, a hero’s journey with setbacks, or a touching story of loss. However, Ron Shelton’s *Bull Durham* stands out as something different and refreshing.

Often considered better than his famous *Field of Dreams*, *Bull Durham* is a thoughtful story about finding contentment, connecting with others, and appreciating your talents. Surprisingly, the film focuses more on the characters than the baseball itself, which is what makes it so unique and enjoyable. It’s a brilliantly written, funny, and insightful look at the people involved in the game, making it one of the best sports movies ever made.

1989’s Most Underrated Movie Is Casualties of War

When people discuss 1980s war movies, films like Oliver Stone’s *Platoon* and Stanley Kubrick’s *Full Metal Jacket* are usually the first mentioned. Though both are truly excellent films, it’s unfortunate that Brian De Palma’s powerful *Casualties of War* doesn’t get the same level of recognition.

Featuring strong performances from Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn as soldiers with conflicting beliefs, *Casualties of War* tells a difficult but important story based on the true events surrounding the kidnapping and mistreatment of a Vietnamese woman. The movie is deeply affecting, complex, and remarkably realistic in its portrayal of violence, making it a truly heartbreaking watch. It’s a remarkably overlooked war film, and arguably the most underrated movie of 1989.

2025-10-18 18:14