Ten 80s Blockbuster Movies You Totally Forgot About

The 1980s were a time of big hair, big music, big personalities … and big movies! The decade featured some of the most popular movies of all time, and we loved them all in their prime. But, even though they may have seemed timeless then, even big films slip from the limelight. That’s been the case for these ten 80s blockbuster movies you (probably) totally forgot about, but it’s time to appreciate them once again!

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

A truck driver, played by Kurt Russell, is roped into a centuries old mystical war when he finds himself stuck in the middle of San Francisco’s Chinatown. He joins up with an ancient sorcerer who has been fighting dark forces for hundreds of years to save his love interest from marrying a villainous gang leader turned demon king. The film features amazing fight scenes and special effects that made it one of Hollywood’s most expensive movies at the time.

The Goonies (1985)

A group of kids in their early teens are on an adventure to find a pirate’s treasure. They enlist the help of one of their parents, who is also a good friend and uncovers clues regarding what could be the legendary fortune that will save them from foreclosure. When they finally manage to get all but one chest – which contains jewels rather than gold doubloons – they’re forced into a mad dash with the Fratellis family hot on their heels. It has some corny moments but it holds up as one of Spielberg’s better films. The film stars Sean Astin, Ke Huy Quan, Josh Brolin, and Corey Feldman among others — and who can forget Sloth, the monster from The Goonies that’s a pop culture legend.

Wolfen (1981)

A New York City detective investigates a series of murders that are copycat killings derived from the victims’ nightmares. The culprit turns out to be a shape shifter – and the latest victim was himself murdered by this same creature, who now haunts him day and night at home in his dreams. It stars Albert Finney as an investigator for the NYPD’s homicide department, Diane Venora as one of its officers, Edward James Olmos as a Native American wolf shaman named John Firewalker, and Gregory Hines as Detective Logan. This film is based on Whitley Streiber’s novel “The Wolfen”. Its release date was September 19th, 1981 when it was in theaters.

Extreme Prejudice” (1987)

Starring Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe and Joie Lee. A tough Texas Ranger is ordered to team up with an FBI agent for the first time in his career on a high stakes manhunt of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Two Moon Junction (1988)

Starring Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Goldblum. A young piano prodigy moves to the Deep South for a summer job with her aunt’s family who are involved in some shady dealings of their own.

Midnight Run (1988)

Starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin and Yaphet Kotto. A bounty hunter is given the assignment to bring in a former cop who has been set up as an FBI informant.

Halloween III (1982)

Starring Tom Atkins, Ellie Cornell and Dick Warlock. A doctor with a past in mental health care is the only one to figure out that there’s something inhuman going on at an annual Halloween mask company event.

Raising Arizona (1987)

A comedy about an ex-con and his wife who live a life of luxury after stealing the baby of wealthy but irresponsible parents.

Mannequin (1987)

A mannequin comes to life and falls in love with a human artist’s model.

Time Bandits (1981)

Terry Gilliam directs this film about an 11-year old boy who joins six dwarfs on their magical crusade against the Supreme Being of Creation, having been chosen for his innocence by Evil himself.

(Like 80s Blockbuster Movies You Totally Forgot About? Then you might like our article on Hunky 80s Icons, click here.)

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