The 1980s were full of great comedy films whose legacies have endured for decades and overshadowed some equally funny films. Some of the most The decade's forgotten comedies went largely unnoticed due to competition from successful, star-studded, highly quotable films. Audiences who grew up with these films will probably have more fun remembering them, but for others, they have been forgotten, and unfairly so. These films have the same top-notch humor as the most recognized and celebrated films in the genre.
Several of the lesser-known comedies are indicative of other Hollywood trends of the time. Thanks to the success of the Brat Pack, Many 80s films focused on teenage stories, with some of them being told through a comedic lens.. Many comedy films of this era parodied classics of the genre and a good number of them also told science fiction stories. Although they are not as remembered as other comedies from the 80s, these films manage to get genuine laughs from audiences and are worth returning to.
10
One Crazy Summer (1986)
Directed by Savage Steve Holland
Starring John Cusack and Demi Moore, A crazy summer is a feel-good romantic comedy that remains funny to this day. The film follows Cusack's character as he travels to Nantucket with some friends the same summer he is working on his application to the Rhode Island School of Design. Although there is not much originality in the plot of A crazy summer, It's still an easy movie to enjoy.
Cusack and Moore have great on-screen chemistry and are supported by a host of fun characters. These characters engage in humorous feuds with some Nantucket residents, creating a compelling conflict throughout the film. It's not the director or cast's best work, but as far as teen romantic comedies go, A crazy summer never fails to genuinely entertain and make the audience laugh.
9
Summer School (1987)
Directed by Carl Reiner
The 1980s saw a rise in films centered on teenage experiences, with summer school being one of the films easily forgotten over the years. summer school stars Mark Harmon as a laid-back physical education teacher who is responsible for getting a group of unmotivated students to pass a test when summer school ends. Harmon's character is helped by a history teacher (Kirstie Alley), and the film tells a sweet story about mentorship.
The relationship Harmon has with his on-screen students is endearingand they end up learning a lot from each other at the end of the film. Although Harmon and Alley are the true stars of the film and do much of the heavy lifting, the supporting student archetypal roles round out the film well and add to its comedic achievements.
8
Change (1988)
Directed by Alan Metter
Richard Pryor is recognized as one of the most influential stand-up comedians of all time and has starred in a number of comedy films throughout his career. One of his most forgotten films is Movingwhere he plays a man who moves across the country, from New Jersey to Idaho. During his journey, he comes across a unique set of characters played by actors such as Dana Carvey, Rodney Dangerfield and Morris Day.
Pryor anchors the film with a humorous performance and Carvey serves as a necessary supporting character. who accompanies Pryor's Arlo Pear on his journey. Moving It hasn't received the best reviews over the years and isn't either actor's most memorable film. Still, it has admirable performances and a good number of effective jokes to keep the audience entertained.
7
Batteries not included (1987)
Directed by Matthew Robbins
The story of Batteries not included was originally going to be featured in the TV series Incredible storiesbut it impressed Steven Spielberg enough to warrant making an entire film. Batteries not included it has an appreciated balance between humor and heart. The film follows an elderly couple, Frank (Hume Cronyn) and Faye Riley (Jessica Tandy), who run a cafe and apartment building in New York.
After their building is damaged by a development manager, the couple finds help in the form of mechanical aliens. The aliens, known as “Fix-Its,” help repair the building and attract more customers to the cafe. By '80s standards, the special effects throughout the film work incredibly well, as does the film's humor.. The distinct cartoonish tenants and antagonists provide plenty of laughs in the film, especially the last one, who will do anything to gain control of Riley's building.
6
Crime Wave (1985)
Directed by Sam Raimi
After the success of The Evil Deaddirector Sam Raimi decided to make an unconventional comedy film with the help of the Coen brothers. Although fans of the directors probably saw Crime Wavethe comedy film was largely forgotten by the general public. The film follows its main character (Reed Birney) as he flashbacks to the adventures of his life that led to him being sentenced to death.
crime wave is ambitious in its attempt to mix slapstick humor with horror and action. Although it may be appreciated now for its B-movie qualities, the film flopped at the box office and was poorly received by critics. There were also many problems behind the scenes, as Raimi had little control over Crime Wave and was even banned by the production studio from editing the film.
5
Maid (1987)
Directed by Amy Jones
Following his roles in films such as The Breakfast Club and War gamesBrat Pack member Ally Sheedy led the fantasy comedy film Maid. The film puts a unique comedic spin on the Cinderella story and sees Sheedy as an obnoxious, spoiled girl whose reckless behavior makes her father spontaneously wish he had never had a daughter. When her wish comes true, Sheedy's character is greeted by a fairy godmother-like figure (Beverly D'Angelo) who helps her change her life.
The twist in the Cinderella story is commendable and works welllargely thanks to D'Angelo's pragmatic mentor role and Sheedy's convincingly self-indulgent personality. Although critical analyzes for Maid are mostly negative, Sheedy stands out as a talented comedic force. She hits all the comedy beats and manages to draw the audience to her side as her character evolves throughout the film.
4
UHF (1989)
Directed by Jay Levey
Best known for his comedy songs, “Weird Al” Yankovic starred in his first leading film role in UHFwhich he also co-wrote with director Jay Levey. In UHFYankovic plays a man who is given the responsibility of running a local TV station. There, Yankovic's character is successful with the series of humorous programs he launches, but finds himself in conflict with the CEO of a rival broadcaster. During its launch, UHF it faced stiff competition and ultimately didn't perform that well.
Therefore, audiences outside of Yankovic's fanbase will likely have forgotten the film existed, which is unfortunate. UHF features a variety of hilarious performances and is undeniably silly in the best way. Despite its inability to catch on when it was first released UHF found its audience when it was released on home video and is now seen as a cult classic.
3
Better Dead (1985)
Directed by Savage Steve Holland
Leaning into dark and surreal humor is the teen comedy Better dead. Starring John Cusack as a self-loathing teenager struggling to deal with being dumped by his girlfriend. Consumed by his heartbreak, Cusack's Lane decides that taking his life is the only way to move forward. Such a beginning already makes Better dead stand out from other teen comedies of the decade, although this contrast initially did not sit well with critics.
As the protagonist, Cusack appears charming and comfortable in his role, playing the type of character that appears frequently throughout his filmography. Surprisingly, The film's comedic elements pair well with its more intense scenes and themes related to mental health. In recent years, Better dead It has gained a cult following for its unique brand of humor more common in films today.
2
Top secret! (1984)
Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker
After the success of the disaster comedy film Plane!the trio of filmmakers known as ZAZ made an '80s action film that was a hodgepodge of references that audiences weren't ready for. From Elvis Presley musicals to classic spy films depicting the Cold War era, Top secret! it has everything. Val Kilmer leads the film as Nick Rivers, an American rock star who becomes involved in an underground German resistance movement.
As expected, Top secret! has the same type of comedy as Plane!but this time, the non-stop production of jokes and parodied moments failed to make such a strong impact on the public and critics. The film is in no way viewed negatively, but the success and legacy of Plane! often overshadows quality Top secret!
1
The War of the Roses (1989)
Directed by Danny DeVito
Having previously worked together on films Romance with the Stone and The Jewel of the Nileactors Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito reunite for dark comedy The War of the Roses. It's a film about divorce, with Douglas and Turner as the titular couple. During the divorce, tThe Roses become increasingly driven by revenge and the desire to acquire a variety of material goods. The two will stop at nothing to outdo the other and claim victory.
Revenge-based humor in The War of the Roses it's delightfully campy and the direction throughout the film is brilliant. The film had great commercial and critical success around the world, particularly in Germany. However, because of its dark themes and ending, it is probably an overlooked film when highlighting the best comedies of the 80s.