5 Sci-Fi Movies That Were Huge in the 1980s (And Then Disappeared Without a Sequel)

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The 1980s were a fantastic decade for science fiction. Popular franchises like *Star Wars* continued with films like *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, while movies such as *Back to the Future* launched new series. Alongside these blockbusters, films like *Starman* and *Enemy Mine* offered thoughtful, independent sci-fi experiences. Truly, the ‘80s have some of the most compelling and diverse science fiction films ever created.

The 1980s saw some huge movie franchises begin, but many other popular films never got sequels, despite being well-received. These weren’t obscure or small films – they were often made by major studios, starred famous actors, and sometimes even did well in theaters. However, they remained standalone movies, for better or worse. Here are five sci-fi films from the ’80s that generated a lot of buzz but didn’t lead to any sequels.

5) Flight of the Navigator

Released in 1986, *Flight of the Navigator* was a well-received film for Disney, earning positive reviews as a fun and engaging sci-fi movie for families. It was also praised for its innovative special effects. The story centers on 12-year-old David Freeman, who is taken by aliens in 1978 and wakes up eight years later without having aged. When he returns home, it’s discovered that his brainwaves connect him to a crashed spaceship held by NASA, and he’s the only one who can help send it home. The film quickly became a fan favorite and a cult classic, particularly for its early use of CGI. Despite its popularity, a sequel never happened. While a remake was announced in 2021, it hasn’t been made yet.

4) Cocoon

As a big movie fan, I’ve always loved *Cocoon*. Released in 1985 and directed by Ron Howard, it’s one of those sci-fi films that really grabs you with its heart, drama, and humor. The story centers around a group of seniors who get a new lease on life thanks to some aliens who are secretly living nearby and using a swimming pool to prep for their journey home. It was a huge hit when it came out – the sixth highest-grossing film of ’85! And it even snagged two Oscars – Don Ameche won Best Supporting Actor, and they got one for Best Visual Effects. But honestly, I think the reason we never got a sequel isn’t because it *failed*, but because the ending is just so perfect. It wraps everything up so nicely, it doesn’t really *need* to be continued, you know?

3) The Last Starfighter

Released in 1984, *The Last Starfighter* was a groundbreaking sci-fi film, notable for its early and extensive use of computer-generated imagery. More than just a sci-fi movie, it’s a full-fledged space opera telling the story of Alex Rogan, a teenager who discovers an arcade game is actually a recruitment tool for an alien army. He’s chosen to fight in an interstellar war! The film was well-received by critics and audiences, and remains popular today with adaptations in various media like books, comics, and games. Despite its success, a sequel never materialized – at least, not until recently. Talks of a sequel have been ongoing since 2008, and as of 2020, a script was being written and the rights to the original film had been secured, suggesting a continuation might finally be in the works, similar to the potential revival of *Flight of the Navigator*.

2) Weird Science

As a total ’80s movie fan, I remember *Weird Science* being HUGE when it came out in 1985. John Hughes, the guy behind so many classics, directed it, and it starred Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and the amazing Kelly LeBrock. The story is just so creative – these two nerdy teens basically *build* their dream girl using computers and a little bit of electrical wizardry! It’s a really fun sci-fi comedy, perfectly capturing that ’80s teen vibe, and it did really well in theaters. It’s just a blast to watch now for the nostalgia. You might even be surprised to see a young Robert Downey Jr. playing a bully! Despite how popular it was, and honestly leaving you wanting more, they never made a sequel. There *was* a TV show based on the movie, but that didn’t come out until the ’90s.

1) E.T.

The 1982 film *E.T.* was a massive success, becoming one of Universal’s highest-grossing movies in North America for decades until *Wicked* surpassed it in 2024. The story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an alien and helps him return home, remains popular over 40 years later. While a traditional sequel never materialized, Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison did develop a treatment for one where Elliott and his friends would be kidnapped by hostile aliens and need E.T.’s assistance. Spielberg ultimately felt a sequel would diminish the impact of the original film. However, a short sequel was created in 2019 as a four-minute Xfinity commercial, featuring a now-adult Henry Thomas reprising his role as Elliott and E.T. returning to Earth for Christmas.

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2025-09-27 23:41