Directors in the 1980s sought to expand the film genres that were popular in the previous decade, one of which was adventure films, and what came as a result were larger, and even weirder stories. The 80s saw the fusing of multiple genres into one film with adventure stories including bits of action, comedy and science-fiction. The blending of multiple genres allowed for more imaginative adventures to be told and strange elements to be explored.
Such films include Gelbert, The Ice PiratesAnd Enemy mine. The fun to be had with the weirdness of the ’80s adventure films comes in the form of dated special effects or original concepts that would not be taken seriously by modern audiences. As technology has advanced and the adventure genre has acquired several widely acclaimed films, audiences can feel nostalgic for the 80s films that possess a strange charm unique to the decade.
10
Yellowbeard (1983)
Directed by Mel Damski
Despite a stacked cast full of comedic actors like Cheech & Chong, Marty Feldman, and Monty Python’s Graham Chapman as the titular pirate, Gelbert Still failed to impress critics and audience and has since fallen into obscurity. The film follows the infamous pirate Yellowbeard who escapes from prison and sets out to search for buried treasure. Yellowbeard faces many obstacles as his rivals have their eyes on the same treasure.
The supporting characters are eccentric and entertaining, but do not differ much from others seen in more acclaimed adventure films about pirates. Instead, what is most beloved about Gelbert Is her comedy. The humor in the film, which is a mixture of American and British humor, does not always land, however Gelbert is filled to the brim with it, and sure that even if the audience is not wowed by the story or action of the film, they still leave with a good laugh.
9
The Ice Pirates (1984)
Directed by Stewart Raffill
While the production and budget complications for The Ice Pirates Certainly frustrating for the film’s creative team, they helped create an entertaining offbeat sci-fi adventure film. Set in the distant future where there is a high level of water scarcity, The Ice Pirates See its main characters, pirates Jason (Robert Urich) and Roscoe (Michael D. Roberts), help Princess Karina (Mary Crosby) to find her father who has gone missing looking for water. Actors such as Anjelica Huston, Ron Perlman and John Carradine play in supporting roles.
The Ice Pirates It wasn’t a massive hit at the box office by any means, but it did manage to make more than its $9 million budget. Although The Ice Pirates Currently sitting at a 17% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many negatively reviewing the film for its mindless absurdity, the film can still be enjoyed for its parody elements. Whether it was intentional or not, The Ice Pirates Is seen by many as a poor man Star Wars tear-off And falls under the category of “so-bad-it’s-good” films.
8
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)
Directed by Guy Hamilton
Based on The destroyer book series, spanning over 150 novels, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins was intended to be the start of the next adventure film franchise. In the film, Sam Makin is a New York cop recruited by a secret American organization known as CURE. Sam’s death is wrong, and he is given a new identity: Remo Williams, the main character of The destroyer Series. Remo, played by Fred Ward, is assigned to investigate a corrupt program in the US.
Ward doesn’t quite live up to the magnetic performances of other ’80s adventure heroes, but he still gives a compelling performance and has great chemistry with his on-screen mentor, martial arts master Chiun (Joel Grey). Remo Williams Combines espionage with martial arts and has a great mix of action and comedy. The film underperformed and earned negative reviews, killing the possibility of a full-blown franchise. yet, Remo Williams is full of impressive set pieces and action sequences that balance the more outlandish aspects and make the film worth watching.
7
legend (1985)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott started the ’80s with Blade RunnerWhich many now recognize as one of the best sci-fi films of all time. Scott’s next release was LegendAn epic fantasy adventure tale that failed to earn the same acclaim. Legend Starring a young Tom Cruise as Jack, a forest-dwelling boy determined to save Princess Lily (Mia Sara) and the World of Darkness (Tim Carrey). The Brothers Grimm fairy tales and Disney animation are two main inspirations for Scott.
These whimsical influences are evident in Legends visuals and story, but the latter element is severely lacking. The biggest issue many critics have had Legend Over the years, his story is cheap. yet, Legend Can, and should, be enjoyed for its enchanting fictional world. The weak story does not diminish the film’s ability to entertain. Audiences who are willing to give in to LegendThe missteps are treated with a strange, imaginative adventure unlike anything else in Ridley Scott’s filmography.
6
Enemy Mine (1985)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Many sci-fi adventure films about conflict between humans and aliens are loud and action-packed. however, Enemy mine Differs and focuses on the connection between two people from each side. in Enemy mineHumans are at war with the drakes, a reptilian race. When one man, Will (Dennis Quaid), is stranded on an alien planet with a dragon nicknamed Jerry (Louis Gossett Jr.), the two must work together to survive. Quaid and Gossett are incredibly well-matched on screen How their characters get their hatred for each other.
Many critical reviews of Enemy mine Agree that Will and Jerry’s relationship is the greatest strength of the film, which is even more obvious when other characters come in and disrupt the film’s flow. Enemy mine Didn’t make the biggest impact after failing to perform well at the box office, but the imaginative film, with all of its cheesy elements, is one that audiences can look back on with a nostalgic eye and enjoy.
5
Clash Of The Titans (1981)
Directed by Desmond Davis
in Clash of the TitansPerseus (Harry Hamlin), the son of Zeus, goes on a heroic adventure to save the princess Andromeda (Judy Bowker), whom he hopes to marry. On his journey, Perseus meets various mythological creatures that stand in his way. This is where Clash of the Titans Gets a little weird, like It incorporates stop-motion animation into its live-action scenes. Renowned animator Ray Harryhausen was in charge of bringing the creatures, including Medusa and the Kraken, to life.
Harryhausen previously worked on Jason and the ArgonautsAnother fantasy adventure film based on Greek mythology, and brought a similar eye-catching appeal to the mythological figures in Clash of the Titans. Despite the technological advances made in recent years, the elements of the film remain just as impressive. Clash of the Titans Got a 3D remake in 2010, and a sequel to the film in 2012, with bigger action sequences, but none of the later films could replicate the original 80s charm.
4
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
Directed by WD Richter
The wakefulness of The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Many critics have left indifferent about the sci-fi adventure film. Robocops Peter Weller stars in Buckaroo Banzai As the titular physicist, neurosurgeon and rock star tasked with saving the world from an alien invasion. Buckaroo Banzai Combines many genres and invites audiences to have fun in its well-constructed fictional world.
Actors like John Lithgow and Jeff Goldblum, in addition to Weller, play their roles with a sincerity that fans of a heroic parody film can appreciate. The crazy nature of this 80s sci-fi film is fitting for the decade it was released in and has captivated audiences over the years.Earnings Buckaroo Banzai A passionate cult following. Buckaroo Banzai spawned a book and comic book series based on the film’s character and has been referenced in many pieces of sci-fi media, including Steven Spielberg’s Ready player one.
3
The Last Starfighter (1984)
Directed by Nick Castle
The last starfighter Follows a teenager Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) whose highest score in his favorite arcade game allows him to be recruited by an alien defense force. Alex is seen as a character audiences can easily relate to as he was living an ordinary life before he was sent to space. Working for the defense force, Alex must test his video game knowledge in a real battle against aliens.
The last starfighter is seen as one of the better films to follow in the footsteps of Star WarsAnd although its creative concept is not original, it is executed well. Additionally, the film’s impressive visual effects have earned it high praise from critics. In addition to Throne, The last starfighter is one of the earliest examples of a film using extensive amounts of CGI. Used in the film’s space setting and various battle scenes, The last starfighterThe use of CGI imports audiences into his vast, action-packed fictional world.
2
Highlander (1986)
Directed by Russell Mulcahy
Highlander Known for its MTV-style filmmaking and rock-inspired soundtrack, featuring the music of Queen, it failed to impress critics when it was first released. The film has since gained a cult following that anticipates the upcoming Highlander Reboot starring Henry Cavill. The fan base around the original Highlander Led to many sequels that are weird with each new addition and are not all that necessary.
Highlander Follows an immortal swordsman from the 16th century, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), determined to defeat other swordsmen like him and prevent a warrior known as the Kurgan from winning “the prize.” Highlander is unique in this It subverts the expectations of the audience and brings the fantastic fight for the prize to New York City in 1985. The big, captivating action sequences and fast pace make up for many of Highlanders story and acting flaws and have caught the attention of fans of 80s action adventure films over the years.
1
Time Bandits (1981)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Known for his imaginative films filled with dark humor, Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits Has just the ideal amount of quirks to delight fans of his work. Time Bandits Combines history with fantastic adventures and tells the story of Kevin (Craig Warnock), a young boy who joins a group of bandits who travel through time and take various pieces of treasure from each historical era. The world on screen is unique and is brought to life with inviting set pieces and special effects.
Time Bandits Works as a children’s film but appeals to all ages as it explores themes of escapism and fantasy. Time Bandits Examines aspects of ordered society, and the need to escape it, through the eyes of a childKevin, with the same idea being explored in two of Gilliam’s following films, Brazil And The Adventures of Baron Manthausen. All three films are part of Gilliam’s “fantasy trilogy”.