7 1980s Sci-Fi Movies You Forgot Were Awesome

The 1980s were a uniquely creative period for science-fiction movies. Films from that decade weren’t afraid to combine very different styles and themes in surprising ways. For example, *Weird Science* blended teen comedy and questionable science with mature content, while *Gremlins* successfully mixed sci-fi, comedy, and horror – so much so that it helped create the PG-13 rating. This willingness to experiment is what makes many ’80s sci-fi films so memorable, but what about the ones that have faded from our memories?

Here are 7 great sci-fi movies from the 1980s that don’t get talked about as much as they should. In today’s world, where old favorites can suddenly become popular again online, these films deserve a fresh look.

7) The Miracle Mile

The Miracle Mile is a film that has gained a dedicated following over the years simply because people kept recommending it. The story begins when a man named Harry (Anthony Edwards) meets a woman named Julie (Mare Winningham) while exploring the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles, near the La Brea Tar Pits. They connect and plan a date, but Harry misses it – a crucial mistake, as tensions between the US and the Soviet Union suddenly erupt into World War III. As society crumbles around them with the threat of nuclear war, Harry frantically searches the city to find Julie.

The Miracle Mile perfectly captures the feel of 1990s romance, but with a surprising and suspenseful sci-fi twist – the world is about to end! Though it’s a product of its time, the film’s energetic and chaotic portrayal of Los Angeles still feels fresh and exciting, even for modern audiences.

6) The Hidden

I recently revisited a really interesting early role of Kyle MacLachlan’s, right before *Twin Peaks* made him a household name. He starred in this cool sci-fi horror film directed by Jack Sholder – you might know him from some *Nightmare on Elm Street* work. MacLachlan plays an FBI agent, Lloyd Gallagher, investigating these seemingly random, violent outbursts. It quickly gets weird because these aren’t just crimes of passion; people are being taken over by these creepy, slug-like aliens! But here’s the kicker: Gallagher isn’t who he seems. Turns out *he’s* one of the aliens too, and he’s been secretly tracking down the person who murdered his family and partner. It’s a really clever setup and a fun watch if you’re into that 80s practical effects vibe.

These days, it’s popular for actors to play different versions of the same character, but the idea of body possession, clones, or alternate reality duplicates really took off in science fiction movies from the late 1970s and 1980s. While fans often mention films like John Carpenter’s *The Thing* (1982) or *Invasion of the Body Snatchers* (1978) as prime examples, *The Hidden* deserves more attention too.

5) Scanners

Today, many science fiction fans probably recognize the name “Cronenberg” from the TV show *Rick and Morty* instead of from the director’s actual films. But *Scanners* is one of David Cronenberg’s movies that should be just as well-known and discussed as his more famous work, like *The Fly*.

The film centers around Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack), who initially believes his powerful psychic abilities are a sign of mental illness. He soon discovers he’s one of 237 individuals known as “scanners.” This community includes both benevolent and dangerous people. If you’re fascinated by psychic powers—or want to see the origin of those famous exploding head scenes—Scanners is a must-watch.

4) Escape from New York

John Carpenter’s *The Thing* is a beloved sci-fi horror film often considered one of the best of the 1980s. Carpenter also collaborated with Kurt Russell, who starred in *The Thing*, on another popular, action-packed sci-fi film: *Escape from New York*.

In a not-so-distant future, America is plagued by a massive increase in crime due to worldwide conflicts and dwindling resources. Manhattan Island is transformed into a high-security prison, cut off from the mainland by only a handful of bridges. The situation escalates when terrorists attack Air Force One, forcing the President to eject in an escape pod that crash-lands in Manhattan. With no other options, the government reluctantly enlists Snake Plissken (Russell), a highly skilled ex-soldier and notorious thief, to rescue the President. In exchange for completing the dangerous mission and freeing the President, Snake will earn his own freedom from being trapped inside Manhattan.

Escape from New York uniquely portrays a dystopian New York City, a vision that no other science fiction film has quite matched. It represents John Carpenter expanding his creative scope, delivering a thrilling and unconventional B-movie experience. However, that intensity is really amplified in his over-the-top sequel, Escape from L.A.

3) Innerspace

In the movie, Dennis Quaid stars as Lt. Tuck Pendleton, a character from the 1980s, who signs up for a top-secret experiment to shrink his size. During the process, the lab is attacked, and Tuck—along with his tiny submarine—accidentally ends up inside Jack Putter, an ordinary grocery store employee played by Martin Short. Now, they have a critical mission: keep Jack from panicking while they figure out how to safely remove Tuck and the submarine before time—and air—runs out.

The 1980s setting and political intrigue give the science fiction story a thrilling feel. Director Joe Dante, known for films like *Gremlins*, is strongly associated with that era, so it’s fitting that even his remake of the 1966 film *Fantastic Voyage* has become memorable and influential.

2) Enemy Mine

The movie *Enemy Mine* remains surprisingly relevant today, even more so than when it was released in 1985. Set during a future war between humans and a reptilian alien race called the Dracs, the film tells the story of a human pilot (Dennis Quaid) and a Drac pilot who crash-land on a dangerous planet. Initially enemies, they’re forced to cooperate to survive after a fierce battle leaves them stranded together for years.

Wolfgang Petersen, the German director known for classics like *Das Boot* and *The NeverEnding Story*, also made popular films like *Air Force One* and *Troy* that people still talk about. However, *Enemy Mine* is arguably his most impactful film. It uses the science fiction genre brilliantly, creating a fantastical story that speaks to the very real divisions between people. It’s a film that feels especially relevant and worth watching even today.

1) The Last Starfighter

Nick Castle, famous for playing Michael Myers in the original Halloween, didn’t stop there. He became a director and took a risk early on with computer-generated imagery. His film, The Last Starfighter, is about Alex Rogan, a teenager living in a trailer park who’s obsessed with an arcade game called Starfighter. He soon discovers the game isn’t just for fun – it’s actually a way to recruit soldiers for a real war in space! Alex is chosen, and after leaving a look-alike to take his place on Earth, he’s transported to another galaxy to battle the villainous Xur.

Films like *Tron*, *Flight of the Navigator*, and Disney-Pixar’s *Elio* all follow a similar theme to *The Last Starfighter*, but arguably none capture the magic as well for those who grew up with it. In 1984, the idea that video games could lead to real adventure, or that computer effects could revolutionize sci-fi, was groundbreaking. Despite showing its age, *The Last Starfighter* deserves recognition as a key film that paved the way for a new generation of science fiction.

2025-10-19 07:12