Get Ready for a Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane!
When we think of the term “cheesy,” many might picture something dull or in poor taste. But for me, cheesy movies are a delightful escape! They are fun, silly, and often filled with laughable moments. Today, I’m sharing 13 cheesy movies from the 80s that are sure to entertain you, despite their flaws. Let’s dive into this nostalgic list!
1. Flash Gordon (1980)
A Campy Sci-Fi Adventure!
In Flash Gordon, Max Von Sydow plays the villain Ming the Merciless, who wants to destroy Earth for fun. Flash, a quarterback for the New York Jets, travels to Mongo to stop him. This film is so cheesy that it features Flash playing football in Ming’s imperial courtroom! The retro vibe and Queen’s soundtrack make it a cult classic. Despite its initial box office failure, it’s a favorite for many.
2. Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (1983)
A Wild Rescue Mission!
This film stars a young Molly Ringwald and features a mercenary on a mission to rescue three stranded women on a dangerous planet. The villain, played by Michael Ironside, is half-robot and not as threatening as he seems. The plot is silly, but that’s what makes it fun!
3. Howard the Duck (1986)
A Duck Out of Water!
Howard the Duck is a bizarre film where a duck from outer space gets romantically involved with a human. The confusion over its target audience led to its box office flop. However, its 80s charm, including a rock concert finale, makes it a guilty pleasure. The stop-motion animation is a nostalgic treat!
4. TerrorVision (1986)
Aliens and Antennas!
In TerrorVision, an alien creature arrives on Earth through a giant TV antenna. The characters are hilariously 80s, from a Madonna-dressed teen to a stoner boyfriend. The film is pure insanity, filled with fun makeup effects and quirky humor. It’s a must-watch for fans of cheesy horror!
5. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Circus of Horror!
This film features alien clowns who harvest humans for their blood. The humor lies in their ridiculous methods, like drowning people in pies! With a spaceship shaped like a circus tent, this movie is a wild ride filled with laughs and creative effects.
6. Ice Pirates (1984)
A Hilarious Space Adventure!
Ice Pirates is set in a universe where water is scarce. The heroes steal ice to sell it. The film is packed with absurdity, including a scene where robots poop nuts and bolts! Ron Perlman and Angelica Huston add to the fun in this over-the-top comedy.
7. The Last Dragon (1985)
A Kung Fu Fantasy!
This film follows Bruce Leeroy, who must protect his family’s restaurant from a gang of martial artists. The characters glow when they use martial arts, and the film is filled with cheesy 80s music. It’s a unique blend of kung fu and comedy that’s worth watching!
8. My Demon Lover (1987)
A Love Story with a Twist!
In this film, a guy turns into a demon whenever he gets intimate. The transformation effects are gooey and entertaining, typical of 80s horror. It’s a quirky mix of romance and supernatural fun!
9. Eliminators (1986)
A Silly Sci-Fi Adventure!
Eliminators features a half-man, half-robot hero and a team that includes a ninja and a lady scientist. The plot involves time travel and prehistoric adventures. It’s a cheesy romp that’s sure to entertain!
10. Rock and Roll Nightmare (1987)
A Heavy Metal Horror!
Directed by and starring Thor, this film is about a heavy metal band facing off against the devil. The absurdity of the plot and the ridiculous puppet devil make it a hilarious watch. It’s so bad that it’s good!
11. Troll (1986)
A Fantasy Horror Classic!
The original Troll features a little girl possessed by an evil troll. The film has cheesy dialogue and puppetry, but it retains a certain charm. Sonny Bono’s character adds to the humor with his outrageous antics.
12. Alan Quartermain and The Lost City of Gold (1986)
An Indiana Jones Knockoff!
This sequel to King Solomon’s Mines tries to capture the spirit of adventure but falls short due to its low budget. With campy sets and over-the-top performances, it’s a fun watch for fans of cheesy adventure films.
13. Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)
A Dance Extravaganza!
Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo is often hailed as one of the cheesiest films ever made. The plot is nonsensical, featuring characters who breakdance for no reason at all. One memorable scene shows a character miraculously walking out of a hospital after a leg injury, thanks to the power of dance! The film also tackles the classic 80s theme of community versus corporate greed, as the characters fight to save their community center. With its over-the-top dance sequences and quirky dialogue, it’s a film that guarantees laughs.
Honorable Mentions
While I could only cover 13 films, there are many more cheesy gems from the 80s worth mentioning. Here are a few that didn’t make the list but are still fun to watch:
- Galaxina (1980): A space comedy with a quirky plot.
- Over the Top (1987): A father-son story centered around arm wrestling.
- The Stuff (1985): A horror-comedy about a mysterious dessert that takes over people.
- The Dungeon Master (1984): A fantasy film with a mix of sci-fi elements.
- The Beastmaster (1982): A sword-and-sorcery adventure with a charming hero.
Cheesy movies from the 80s hold a special place in our hearts. They may not have the best plots or acting, but their charm lies in their silliness and creativity. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these films are sure to entertain.
So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and enjoy a cheesy movie night! And don’t forget to share your favorite cheesy films from the 80s in the comments below!