Must-See 80s Films You May Not Have Seen
Ah, the 80s. Marked by big hair, loud patterns, and heavily-synthesized tunes – it’s an undeniably recognizable decade. Even the movies from that time hold a special place in our hearts. We saw the rise of John Cusack, Molly Ringwald, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Winona Ryder, Eddie Murphy, and so many other legends.
If you too feel the need for a vacation from the safety of your own couch, then might we suggest a dip back in time? While most of us probably think we’ve seen every 80s hit there is to see, you’d be surprised by how many classics go under the radar. We’ve rounded up our top 80s picks that you may not have seen, and they’re available now on AMC.com and the AMC mobile apps.
First Blood (1982)
This early 80s film introduces Vietnam war veteran John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, and is the first installment of the Rambo franchise. The story begins with Rambo visiting a small town in Washington to see his friend. Instead of the peaceful visit he’s expecting, he encounters the town’s Sheriff who swiftly pushes him out of town. Of course Rambo returns, and he’s met by a sadistic police force led by chief deputy Art Galt.
They set Rambo off when they hold him down and try to dry-shave his head, triggering his memories of torture as a POW. Rambo manages to fight them off and escape on one of their motorcycles. Like any good action film, this is just the beginning.
Rambo is hunted by the town’s Sheriff and his men, as he uses his guerilla warfare experience to make his way out of town. But when he’s discovered, he’s forced to retaliate and fight them head on. We may be able to guess who wins, but it doesn’t take away from how glorious it is to witness.
Watch First Blood and the rest of the Rambo franchise on AMC.com and AMC apps.
Available through July 31st
Christine (1983)
This supernatural horror film is one of the many adaptations of Steven King’s novels. The story centers around Arnie Cunningham and the classic red and white 1958 Plymouth Belvedere he buys, named Christine. The car becomes a passion project for Arnie as he begins to restore it at a junkyard, since his parents won’t let him keep it at home. Soon Arnie learns that Christine is actually capable of restoring herself, among other things.
One after the other, frightening and often deadly events happen to those in Arnie’s world. Like when the windshield wiper breaks on the car and Arnie gets out at the drive-in theater to fix it. Suddenly the car locks on its own and his girlfriend begins choking on a hamburger as Arnie fruitlessly attempts to open the door and help her.
It’s not long before others become aware of the possessive and murderous nature of the car, and attempt to destroy it with their own hands.
Available through August 31st
Young Guns (1988)
This American Western centers around the adventures of outlaw and gunfighter, Billy the Kid, played by Emilio Estevez. The entire cast is a series of familiar faces, including Keifer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, and Dermot Mulroney.
John Tunstall, who owns a large ranch in Lincoln County, New Mexico, hires Billy the Kid to keep the peace between his working men and the working men of his competitor, Lawrence Murphy. When Tunstall ends up being murdered as a result of the ongoing violence, a group of men are appointed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
But Billy the Kid isn’t convinced these men are the right men for the job, and he takes matters into his own hands, seeking revenge against the men who killed Tunstall.
Available through July 31st
Roadhouse (1989)
Is there anything more 80s than a movie starring Patrick Swayze? No.
Swazye stars as James Dalton, a professional “cooler” (basically a bouncer), who leaves his job at a club in New York City to work at the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri. Dalton is different from the locals of the town, and he knows it. So he does what he can to keep a low profile, even hiding his Mercedes with New York plates in a garage, and riding around in a Buick Riviera instead.
Despite his attempts at blending in, his car is repeatedly vandalized. And when he attempts to break up a violent night at the club he’s stabbed and ends up in the hospital. What Dalton doesn’t know yet is that he’s being watched very closely by Brad Wesley, a rich man with a lot of power over the town. Wesley even knows about some of the dark things from Dalton’s past.
So when Wesley offers Dalton a job and Dalton declines, that doesn’t go over well. Wesley proceeds to make Dalton, and everyone else around him pay for the decision. Until of course, things come to a head and Dalton goes head to head with Wesley.
Available through August 31st
Keep an eye on AMC’s movie offerings as we bring you new 80s favorites all summer long.
