10 Fun and Cheesy 80s Action Movies You’ve Probably Never Seen

THE The 1980s was a genre-defining era for action films. Countless iconic action franchises were started in this decade; Superior weapon, Road house, The Terminatoras well as a handful of 007 films, among many other instant classics. All of these films feature incredible heroes, intense conflicts, and of course, lots of high-energy action sequences.

Of course, Not every 80s action film received the same level of recognition as Die Hard or Lethal weapon. However, even if they didn’t break box office records or win major awards, many of these films are still a lot of fun to watch. The plots can be a little cheesy and the action can be over the top, but sometimes this is exactly the kind of movie audiences want to see. When looking for a new movie to watch, these ’80s action movies promise to include all the fun, cheesy action audiences are dying to see.

10

Fugitive (1984)

Directed by Michael Crichton

When looking for an action movie that promises non-stop fun, a great place to start is with the 1984 film, Fugitive. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, the original author of Jurassic Park, Fugitive takes place in an alternate version of the 1990s in which robots have become a staple of daily life. Of course this will bring with it its own set of problems; hence why the main characters work as part of a new police unit dedicated entirely to dealing with robots that malfunction and turn violent.

The cast of Fugitive is led by Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes and Kirstie Alley, with the villain being played by none other than Kiss singer/guitarist Gene Simmons. As if the cast alone didn’t promise enough fun for audiences, the sci-fi action film also features plenty of unusual gadgets and weapons; Heat-seeking “smart bullets,” spider-like killing machines, and of course, tons of robots. Fugitive It may not have been a huge hit when it was released, but all of these elements combine to form a film that is non-stop entertainment for viewers.

9

The Specter (1986)

Directed by Mike Marvin

Fans of automobile-based action sequences will definitely want to check it out The Spectera 1986 fantasy action film directed by Mike Marvin. Nick Cassavetes plays Packard Walsh, the leader of a shadowy group of car thieves. Walsh is ultimately threatened by the arrival of Jake Kesey (played by Charlie Sheen), a mysterious figure with a mystical car that not only reaches incredible speeds, but can rebuild itself when destroyed. The introduction of these two characters lets the audience know that an exciting showdown is certainly on the horizon.

The Specter offers a unique blend of high-speed action sequences with fantasy elements not normally included in action films. The unconventional film is full of things action buffs love to see; Amazing characters, exciting car races and lots of explosions. The Specter not exactly what one would consider an Oscar-worthy masterpiecebut the film clearly knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want to see.

8

Nighthawks (1981)

Directed by Bruce Malmuth

Bruce Malmuth’s 1981 crime action film, Nighthawksstars Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams as two skilled NYPD officers who are assigned to a new squad tasked with thwarting the biggest threats to America and its civilians. The film is full of twists and turnsas well as many high tension scenes. Of course, any great action movie needs to have an interesting villain, and Nighthawks certainly finds this in Wulfgar (played by Rutger Hauer), who acts as a true agent of chaos in New York City.

NighthawkThe film’s non-stop action covers a wide variety of settings, with exciting scenes taking place in subway stations, nightclubs, and even on a Roosevelt Island tram.r (among many other places too). The film promises big risks, big explosions and even Stallone in disguise (more than once). While Nighthawks nearly quadrupling its box office budget, the film was generally overshadowed by other action films of the time. However, it promises everything that action lovers want in the films they watch.

7

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)

Directed by Guy Hamilton

Sometimes a title perfectly sums up a film. This certainly appears to be the case Remo Williams: the adventure beginswhich is as cheesy as it is action-packed – making it a highly entertaining film for fans of the humorous side of the genre. The film stars Fred Ward as a New York police officer who is reluctantly recruited to be trained as an assassin by a secret agency, which gives him his new identity: Remo Williams. The film also stars Joel Grey, who scored a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.

While some (if not most) elements of the film have not aged particularly well, Remo Williams: the adventure begins it will certainly provide consistent entertainment either way. Part of the film’s charm lies in the sheer implausibility of its various elements; magically dodging bullets, running on water, fighting on top of the Statue of Liberty, etc. These events may not reflect a deep and complex plot, but they certainly ensure that Remo Williams: the adventure begins will be serving up fun from start to finish.

6

Running Scared (1986)

Directed by Peter Hyams

Part of the appeal of action as a genre is the ease with which it can be fused with other types of film. The 1986 film, Running in fearfor example, it effectively combines action and comedy into one entertaining film. The film stars Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines as a pair of Chicago police officers who decide to retire from the force to open a bar together in Key West. Before they can head south, however, a personal connection leaves them determined to solve one last case.

The undeniable chemistry between Crystal and Hines works effectively with the film’s epic soundtrack to keep the audience completely engrossed throughout the film’s entire duration. Running in fear proves that humor and action can be an excellent combination when well balanced.

5

Shining the Cube (1989)

Directed by Graeme Clifford

Shining the cube is a 1989 film by Graeme Clifford that combines several action genre tropes with the exciting sport of skateboarding. The film stars Christian Slater as Brian, an underachieving high school student who uses his skateboarding skills to help him investigate the mysterious death of his adoptive brother. Even though the main character is a high school student, the film doesn’t shy away from intense action and high-stakes violence.

Filled from start to finish with shootouts and skateboarding tricks, Shining the cube It’s a lot of fun for the audience. This underrated film offers something for everyone; action, friendship, romance and even the appearance of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. Additionally, Shining the cube it also presents a very moving story at its core, highlighting the lengths a boy goes to out of love for his brother.

4

Eye of the Tiger (1986)

Directed by Richard C. Sarafian

Nothing paves the way for a thrilling action movie like a well-defined revenge story. This is what sets the stage for Eye of the Tigera 1986 action film starring Gary Busey as Buck Matthews. Upon finally returning to his hometown after being wrongfully imprisoned for years, Buck discovers that the city has fallen under the malicious rule of a motorcycle gang led by a man known only as Blade. When his wife is killed by gang members, Buck takes it upon himself to get every member out of his beloved city, dead or alive.

Eye of the Tiger is packed with epic gunfights and satisfying revenge, making it an underrated thrill ride of the action genre. The film features more than its fair share of motorcycle stunts, explosions, and even a thrilling climax involving a bomb-dropping duster. Like many great action films, Eye of the Tiger it doesn’t need an overly complex plot to satisfy its audience. Buck is simply a man who wants to give people what they deserve, and viewers will have a lot of fun watching him do that.

3

The Long Knights (1980)

Directed by Walter Hill

Western films are another popular genre that can be combined with action films.. An excellent example of the action/western mix would be Walter Hill’s 1980 film, The Long Knights. The Long Knights explores the lives of the James-Younger Gang in post-Civil War America. The film offers an unusually sympathetic portrait of the group of outlaws led by Jesse James and Cole Younger, making it a unique addition to the world of Westerns. Although the film underperformed at the box office, it was generally well received by critics.

In addition to his unconventional stance towards the controversial figures he portrays, what really makes The Long Knights What stands out is its cast. Staying true to the sibling dynamics that existed in the real James-Younger gang, the film uses multiple groups of brothers to portray the characters. This includes the iconic families of the Quaids (Dennis and Randy), the Guests (Christopher and Nicholas), the Keaches (James and Stacy) and the Carradines (David, Keith and Robert). The natural chemistry of these groups of brothers makes the characters fascinating to watch.

2

Iron Eagle (1986)

Directed by Sidney J. Furie

Superior weapon wasn’t the only action film about two friends flying planes to be released in 1986. Sidney J. Furie’s thrilling film, Iron Eagletells the story of Doug Masters, a man rejected by the US Air Force who must team up with Chappy, a Vietnam veteran played by Louis Gossett Jr., to save his father who will soon be executed in a foreign country. Together, the two steal two military jets and set out to save Doug’s father.

Spectators of Iron Eagle You’ll probably have to suspend your disbelief a bit, as the plot is certainly a bit eccentric. For those who can make it though, the film is full of cheesy, action-packed fun from start to finish. Iron Eagle It’s a great movie option to watch when you just want to relax and enjoy some great action without having to think too much. More, the aerial combat sequences are great for some high-altitude thrills.

1

Blind Fury (1989)

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Phillip Noyce’s 1989 film, Blind Furyis a good-natured and exciting action film that is, above all, a lot of fun. The action comedy film stars Rutger Hauer as Nick Parker, a United States Army veteran who became permanently blind while serving in Vietnam. Although Nick lost his sight, he simply redirected his focus and became a master swordsman. Years later, Nick must put his swordsmanship skills to the test as he travels across the country to rescue his former army friend, Frank, and his family.

Led by a charismatic performance from Hauer Blind Fury presents the perfect mix of action and comedy, with a good dose of heart too. Many action films feature characters who will do anything to save the people they love, but none do it in the same way as Blind Fury. After all, there aren’t many other films where the protagonist is a blind master swordsman. With a unique concept and lots of heart and humor, Blind Fury is a great (and deliciously cheesy) option for a fun action movie.