The 1980s were a transformative decade for science fiction cinema, witnessing the rise of blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek sequels, Aliens, and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. However, amid the well-known classics, there were several underrated sci-fi gems that deserve recognition. These films took creative risks, blending genres and exploring thought-provoking themes, often taking time to find their audience and critical acclaim. Let’s take a journey back to the 1980s and rediscover some of the hidden sci-fi treasures that still resonate today.
Altered States (1980)
Directed by the British provocateur Ken Russell and based on Paddy Chayefsky’s novel, Altered States offers a genuinely trippy experience. The film follows a professor, played by William Hurt in a magnetic film debut, who becomes obsessed with researching altered states of consciousness. As he experiments on himself, he embarks on a journey back to the very beginnings of life. Gloriously weird and delirious, Altered States is an intense and cerebral exploration of human consciousness.
Death Watch (1980)
From French director Bertrand Tavernier, Death Watch delves into the world of reality TV before it became a pervasive part of our lives. Harvey Keitel stars as a man with a camera implanted behind his eyes, tasked with secretly filming the last months of a terminally ill woman (Romy Schneider) for a TV network. The film is an eerily prescient take on reality television’s impact on society, and it unfolds as a slow-burn, thought-provoking drama.
Outland (1981)
Sean Connery stars in this sci-fi take on High Noon, set on a mining colony on Jupiter’s moon Io. Connery plays a marshal sent to maintain law and order, only to discover corruption and danger lurking around every corner. Directed by Peter Hyams, Outland blends elements of Western and sci-fi genres, delivering a solid and entertaining space adventure.
Scanners (1981)
Directed by the visionary Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg, Scanners introduces a new breed of telepaths known as “scanners.” A security and weaponry company seeks to exploit these dangerous telepaths, but the scanners have their own plans. The film’s iconic exploding head sequence and mind-bending ideas have earned it a special place in the hearts of genre fans, and its themes of human evolution and consciousness expansion continue to be praised within Cronenberg’s filmography.
2010 (1984)
Based on Arthur C. Clarke’s novel, 2010 serves as a sequel to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Director Peter Hyams takes audiences on a joint American-Soviet mission to investigate the spaceship Discovery’s disappearance. The film balances science-based storytelling with awe-inspiring visuals and a stellar cast, making it a satisfying continuation of the 2001 story.
The Last Starfighter (1984)
As a fun space opera, The Last Starfighter follows Alex, a trailer park teen who discovers that an arcade video game he plays is a recruitment tool for an interstellar war. This imaginative film, directed by Nick Castle, was one of the first to use CGI for visual effects after Tron, and it blends unknowns with well-worn character actors to create an entertaining and kid-friendly adventure.
Enemy Mine (1985)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, Enemy Mine tells the story of an Earth pilot (Dennis Quaid) and an alien Drac fighter (Louis Gossett Jr.) who must cooperate to survive on a hostile planet. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond as they overcome challenges together. The film explores themes of unity and overcoming prejudices, making it a thoughtful and affecting portrait of friendship.
The Quiet Earth (1985)
This New Zealand gem follows Zac, one of the few survivors on Earth after an experimental global energy grid causes most of the population to disappear. Zac, along with Joanne and Api, embarks on a journey to comprehend the inexplicable events unfolding around them. The film’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling ending have earned it a cult following, and its themes of loneliness and human nature still resonate.
The Stuff (1985)
Larry Cohen’s The Stuff satirizes American consumer society as a gooey alien substance is marketed as a dessert treat that becomes highly addictive. Michael Moriarty plays a man hired to destroy the Stuff, revealing the intersection of corporate greed and the power of consumerism. The film’s mix of horror and satire creates a sharp and biting commentary on society.
Miracle Mile (1988)
In this suspenseful and affecting film, Harry discovers that the world will end in a little over an hour due to a nuclear attack. Determined to find the girl he fell in love with earlier that day, Harry navigates chaos and uncertainty in the streets of LA. Miracle Mile, directed by Steve De Jarnatt, explores how we face the end of the world with dignity and compassion, leaving audiences with a hauntingly bleak ending.
They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s They Live presents a satirical and incisive view of consumer society, as an alien invasion covertly controls humanity. With the use of special glasses, the film unveils the truth about this hidden manipulation. Although not well-received upon release, the film has since gained recognition for its social commentary and unsettling relevance.
Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
As a significant entry in the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla vs. Biollante marks a shift towards darker and more adult-oriented storytelling. The film introduces a menacing Godzilla facing off against Biollante, resulting from a biotech engineering experiment. With an emphasis on quality scriptwriting and visuals, the film paves the way for the franchise’s resurgence and is a must-watch for kaiju enthusiasts.
The 1980s may have brought blockbuster sci-fi hits, but it also provided these underrated gems that continue to captivate and intrigue audiences with their unique and inventive storytelling. As we look back on this transformative decade for the genre, these lesser-known sci-fi movies serve as a reminder of the diverse and imaginative potential of science fiction cinema.
