10 Sci-Fi Movies From The 80s That Are Completely Wacky But Still A Lot Of Fun

Some science fiction films feature deep, complex characters and multifaceted stories that manage to provide an engaging commentary on society while exploring the hidden realities of human nature. Others don’t; they don’t even try. While there were plenty of great sci-fi films in 2024, those from the 1980s were an absolute blast for audiences, regardless of the seriousness (or lack thereof) of their plots. While some ’80s Sci-Fi Movies Haven’t Aged Wellothers did. What these films lack in nuance, they make up for in incredible fight scenes, lovable characters, and out-of-this-world settings.

Nowadays, Much of the science fiction film world is dominated by big-budget franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Dune series. While these franchises are certainly loved by many, they distract from more unique science fiction films. Eras like the 1980s, however, feature tons of bizarre sci-fi films made with no thought for future sequels. This allowed the filmmakers to go all-in on their bizarre concepts, giving audiences plenty of futuristic madness. Even though (or perhaps because) their concepts are a little bizarre, these 80s sci-fi films promise non-stop fun for their viewers.

10

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the 8th Dimension (1984)

Directed by W.D. Richter

Sometimes every sentence said about a certain movie just makes it seem crazier and crazier. This is certainly the case with WD Richter’s offbeat sci-fi comedy, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the 8th Dimension.

The film stars Peter Weller as legendary neurosurgeon/adventurer/rock star Buckaroo Banzai, who must use his extensive abilities to stop an alien invasion after an otherworldly creature latches onto his Jet Car during an interdimensional test drive. What it does Buckaroo Banzai So fun is the way it wholeheartedly embraces the absurdity of its plot.

The film never takes itself too seriously, even with its cast of acclaimed actors (including John Lithgow, Jeff Goldblum, and Christopher Lloyd). Buckaroo Banzai It may not have all the qualities of an Oscar-winning film, but it has lots of crazy characters, incredible vehicles, fascinating costumes and even a rock concert. For fans of unique takes on the sci-fi genre, it’s almost impossible not to have fun with Buckaroo Banzai.

9

The Ice Pirates (1984)

Directed by Stewart Raffill

What would happen if a movie about futuristic space travel was combined with a movie about pirates? For the answer to this question, just look at Stewart Raffill’s 1984 science fiction film, The Ice Pirates. In the futuristic galaxy in which the film is set, water has become an incredibly rare and valuable resource. This makes those who have access to water try to hoard it all for themselves, and those who don’t, try to steal it at any cost. Madness ensues when an “ice pirate” named Jason impulsively kidnaps a princess while attacking a spaceship in search of ice.

Filled with everything from pirate antics to robot butlers, The Ice Pirates It’s a lot of fun for those who want to relax and have a good laugh. The film is driven by charming supporting performances from Golden Globe winners Angelica Huston and Ron Perlman. If nothing else, The Ice Pirates provides a creative answer to the question of what would happen if Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean were combined into a deliciously wacky film.

8

Flash Gordon (1980)

Directed by Mike Hodges

Based on the comics of the same name Flash Gordon follows the titular football player as he engages in an intergalactic battle to prevent the destruction of planet Earth by the evil Emperor Ming. At the beginning of the film, Flash takes control of a plane after it is hit by a meteor and makes it land at the residence of Dr. Hans Zarkov, a former NASA scientist who is building his own spaceship to confront aliens. he believes he is attacking Earth. Needless to say, the plot is not very realistic in any sense.

Flash Gordon contains practically everything the public wants to see in films; action, romance, a bold hero, a towering villain, the list goes on. The fact that the film includes things like high-speed spaceships and sword fights is purely an added bonus. Quirks and all, Flash Gordon in fact, it received at least some praise from critics, who admired its world-building and adorable, campy nature. Whether you take the story seriously or not, Flash Gordon It will certainly be a lot of fun for anyone watching.

7

Life force (1985)

Directed by Tobe Hooper

In 1985, Tobe Hooper, director of horror classics such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeistdecided to try to fuse some science fiction elements into his typical horror work. He did this with Life forcea film that presents a unique crossover between space travel and vampire attacks. The film follows the chaos that ensues after three vampire-like creatures are recovered from a destroyed ship and brought back to Earth by scientists unaware of the enormous threat they pose.

Although reviews of the film covered a wide range of opinions, all critics seemed to agree on at least one thing: Life force It’s absolutely crazy. The main difference is that some make this statement in a negative way, while others use it as an indicator that the film is non-stop fun from beginning to end. With space travel, vampire battles and even a pre-Star Trek performance by Patrick Stewart, Life force promises to be unlike any film you’ve seen before, making it an interesting option for viewers looking for something they can enjoy with a big bowl of popcorn.

6

Comet Night (1984)

Directed by Thom Eberhardt

When planet Earth passes through the tail of a comet at night, all humans who were not in reinforced steel containers are mysteriously transformed into zombie-like creatures. This mysterious event sets the stage for Comet Nighta 1984 science fiction horror comedy by Thom Eberhardt.

The film follows Reggie and Sam (played by Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney, respectively), two sisters who must learn to survive in the new red-sky version of the world in which they live. The lack of depth in the concept of Comet Night in fact, it’s part of what makes the film so enjoyable.

He does not delay unnecessarily in trying to rationalize his story. It only takes a moment or two to clearly establish what’s going on – a comet has turned almost everyone into zombies – and then spends the rest of the runtime making the most of that concept. With a satisfying mix of horror and comedy too, Comet Night is a science fiction film that is enduringly entertaining, regardless of its minimally explained concept.

5

Hell comes to Frogtown (1988)

Directed by Donald G. Jackson and RJ Kizer

With a name like Hell comes to FrogtownIt’s no big surprise that Donald G. Jackson and RJ Kizer’s 1988 film has a slightly wacky premise. In the world of the film, most of humanity has become infertile following the events of a massive nuclear war. Because of this, the few remaining fertile humans became extremely important. This includes Sam Hell, a scavenger who is given a crucial mission: to rescue a group of women from a town run by a society of anthropomorphic frog-like beings.

To make such a crazy plot as fun as it is, Hell comes to Frogtown needed a charismatic protagonist to help captivate the audience throughout the crazy story. Luckily, the filmmakers managed to find one in the form of none other than wrestling legend, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. The popular wrestling champion’s natural charm translated directly from the ring to the screen, with his performance providing non-stop entertainment throughout the unusual adventure. For a film dominated by Roddy Piper and a battalion of mutant frogs Hell comes to Frogtown It doesn’t disappoint in terms of fun.

4

The Last Starfighter (1984)

Directed by Nick Castle

Although there are clear similarities with Star Wars, The Last Starfighter is not as well known in the world of science fiction cinema. The film primarily follows the story of a teenager named Alex Rogan who is suddenly kidnapped from his trailer park home on Earth after achieving the highest score in the arcade game. Starfighterwhich secretly exists as a training mechanism for an intergalactic army. The Last Starfighter is the last film of The music man the career of star Robert Preston and the second film directed by Nick Castle, best known for his portrayal of Michael Myers in Halloween.

Perhaps the most prominent difference between The Last Starfighter and films like Star Wars or Dune it’s the way the film roots itself in the story of a human character from Earth. Alex’s humble origins (and eventual return to Earth) keep the story somewhat grounded, even when he’s fighting battles in outer space. By consistently remembering the human element of your story and being willing to recognize the humorous side of your circumstances, The Last Starfighter offers a fun and charming (if somewhat wacky) take on the idea of ​​interstellar war.

3

Turbulence flow (1989)

Directed by Steven Lisberger

Turbulence flow is another 80s sci-fi film from Steven Lisberger, the same mind that created Tron at the beginning of that same decade. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth in which the world is essentially controlled by the Slipstream, a huge and powerful wind current worshiped as a divine entity by many of the remaining humans. Turbulence flow explores the exciting adventures of several individuals who attempt to capture a mysterious prisoner to receive the bounty that has been placed on him.

While the idea of ​​a wind-dominated Earth is definitely a little unusual, Turbulence flow is thoroughly entertained by its cast. Mark Hamill demonstrates that his skills as a sci-fi protagonist go far beyond the realm of sci-fi. Star Warswith Bill Paxton also making the most of his screen time. Audiences are also rewarded with brief appearances from several recognized actors, including Oscar winners Ben Kingsley and F. Murray Abraham. With a stellar cast and lots of high-altitude action, Turbulence flow It’s a blast for all viewers.

2

Animals (1986)

Directed by Stephen Herek

With a slogan like, “They eat so fast you won’t have time to scream” spectators of Creatures can rest easy knowing that they will enjoy a sci-fi horror comedy. The film is largely set in a small Kansas town, where the lives of the humble Brown family are turned upside down by the arrival of some mysterious (and rather hostile) creatures from outer space called Krites. Things get even crazier when two shape-shifting bounty hunters arrive, trying to capture the violent creatures and return them to the asteroid prison where they were being held.

Nothing sets the tone for a wacky 80s sci-fi movie like the appearance of some weird-looking puppet characters, and Creatures It certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard. The Krites’ eerie, sharp-toothed smiles are the perfect mix of disturbing and cheesy that people love to see in films from this era. They may not be as threatening as the filmmakers originally intended, but that only adds to the fun of the film.

1

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

Directed by Randal Kleiser

Navigator’s Flight It may be far from Disney’s best-known film, but it’s still a fun chapter in the sci-fi genre, even with its rather unusual concept. The plot begins when 12-year-old David walks through the forest and returns eight years later, without having aged a day. It is gradually revealed that this is because David was actually abducted by a UFO, and that time passed differently while he was gone.

Navigator’s Flight combines classic science fiction tropes with the gripping Disney storytelling that audiences have known and loved for many years. Although the film is based on the concept of a random child being abducted by friendly aliens, it offers a relatively refined take on the idea of ​​time travel, using the concept with much more care and creativity than many other science fiction films. With an enjoyable story and adorably cheesy special effects, Navigator’s Flight is a fun and silly film for sci-fi fans everywhere.