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The 1980s is widely regarded as a pivotal decade in the history of pop culture, particularly in the realm of film. It marked a resurgence of studio movies and a rise in B-rated horror films. While science fiction had long been explored in various forms, the ’80s witnessed a unique blend of sci-fi and horror elements, with a focus on space exploration and a more overt examination of political themes.
The roots of science fiction in cinema trace back to the silent film era with the 1902 production, “A Trip to the Moon.” Despite its early origins, this film is considered a pioneering work in the sci-fi genre. Noted for its groundbreaking special effects, “A Trip to the Moon” served as inspiration for filmmakers for many decades.
The influence of “A Trip to the Moon” extended into the 1950s, shaping the era’s creature features and stories about scientifically altered creatures and extraterrestrial beings. However, it took nearly 80 years from its premiere for science fiction to experience a significant boom. Against this backdrop, the 1980s saw a remarkable sci-fi film released each year, each contributing to the genre’s growth and evolution during that decade.
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The Best Sci-Fi Movie of Every Year in the 1980s
1980: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
In 1977, George Lucas revolutionized cinema with the creation of one of the most successful film franchises ever. Three years later, The Empire Strikes Back debuted, featuring the inaugural confrontation between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
Following the rescue of Princess Leia in A New Hope, the Rebels find themselves pursued by the Death Star across the galaxy. Recognizing his need for training before facing Darth Vader, Luke seeks guidance from Jedi Master Yoda. The film’s compelling conclusion sets the stage for what is technically the trilogy’s “final” installment.
What Sets It Apart: In 1980, the sci-fi genre saw few major releases, but the highly anticipated second Star Wars installment overshadowed all. The Empire Strikes Back skillfully embraced the fascination with space exploration, evident in the meticulous puppet effects of characters like Yoda. The use of practical effects throughout the film enhances the enduring appeal of the early Star Wars movies. Exploring new realms and introducing diverse creatures and characters, The Empire Strikes Back expands the Star Wars universe. Available for streaming on Disney+.
1981: Escape from New York
Escape from New York, a cherished 1997 action/sci-fi film directed by John Carpenter, unfolds in the aftermath of a major global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. The entire state of New York is converted into a high-security prison during the war, housing characters like Snake Plissken (played by Kurt Russell). When the President is kidnapped, Snake is given a chance to secure his freedom by undertaking a mission to rescue the President.
The film is celebrated for being a political commentary by Carpenter, delving into a fractured society. Its messages are embedded within the storyline and action sequences, with Snake’s true goal being his own liberation. Some parallels can be drawn between Snake and the Terminator, who made his debut a few years later.
What distinguishes Escape from New York from other films of its time is its remarkable ease of viewing. The abundance of action sequences and straightforward mission objectives make it more accessible for the average viewer, especially when compared to the complexity of David Cronenberg’s Scanners. You can watch it on Tubi.
1982: The Thing
The Thing is hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi/horror films, celebrated for its impressive practical effects and exploration of isolation-induced paranoia. Set in an icy tundra, the story begins when a seemingly ordinary dog at an isolated base unveils a terrifying secret. The mysterious entity assimilates and imitates the men, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
What sets The Thing apart is its visceral impact on viewers, delving into themes of isolation, anxiety, and paranoia within an all-male Arctic base. The film’s ambiguous ending invites diverse interpretations and theories. While some suggest a battle between two entities throughout the movie, preserving the film’s ambiguity allows audiences to engage in the same uncertainty experienced by the characters. This element, according to Screen Rant, is what makes The Thing the standout film of 1982.
1983: Videodrome
David Cronenberg is renowned for his expertise in practical effects and his contribution to the body-horror genre. “Videodrome,” released in 1983, marked Cronenberg’s first Hollywood-backed film, paving the way for his later success with “The Fly” in 1986.
The plot revolves around Max Renn (played by James Woods), the president of a struggling television channel. During a brainstorming session, Max stumbles upon a mysterious program called “videodrome,” which captivates him with its subjective content. When Max’s wife disappears after her involvement with “videodrome,” he delves deeper into the program’s true nature.
What sets “Videodrome” apart is its blend of disturbing imagery and intentional low-quality video editing, placing it within the sub-genre of analog horror associated with found footage films. The film’s grotesque elements, coupled with the backdrop of the 1980s’ proliferation of home television programs, serve as a poignant commentary on the era’s culture. The pressure to create and compete with numerous broadcasting platforms heightens the protagonist’s desperation as he succumbs to the allure of “videodrome.”
1984: The Terminator
The Terminator, released in 1984, marked the beginning of a highly acclaimed action franchise, with Arnold Schwarzenegger playing the iconic role of the Terminator—a humanoid cyborg sent back in time to eliminate Sarah Connor. The film explores a dystopian future where artificial intelligence poses a grave threat to humanity.
In the ’80s, The Terminator presented a compelling narrative centered around the rise of artificial intelligence and the struggle for human survival. At the time, with home computers becoming commonplace, the movie’s theme of self-aware computers in the year 2029 resonated strongly. The fear of technology overpowering humanity and the intrusion into human existence were prominent themes, reflecting the concerns of the era.
While the Terminator serves as the antagonist in the story, it became the most iconic figure in the film. The plot, rooted in the ’80s, goes beyond its time, offering relevance that extends to contemporary concerns about technology and its impact on society.
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1985: Back to the Future
The enduring Back to the Future franchise kicked off with its first installment released during the Fourth of July weekend in 1985. The film served as a pivotal moment in Michael J. Fox’s career, showcasing his comedic talents in the role of Marty McFly. Transported back to the 1950s due to a mishap with the Delorean Time Machine, Marty must ensure his parents’ union at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance to safeguard his future.
What sets Back to the Future apart is its status as a timeless pop culture phenomenon that resonates across generations. The film’s exploration of time travel, a common theme in sci-fi, distinguishes it as not just one of the greatest films of all time but also a standout in the sci-fi genre of 1985. While many movies delve into time travel, Back to the Future’s unique charm lies in its ability to maintain a lighthearted and entertaining quality, making it endlessly re-watchable. Available for streaming on Peacock and Hulu.
1986: The Fly
David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of The Fly mirrors the plot of the 1958 original but adds a modern twist, transforming it from a standard sci-fi creature feature into a grotesque body horror masterpiece. In this version, Jeff Goldblum portrays Seth Brundle, a scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with that of a housefly during an experiment. Initially believing the procedure was a success, Brundle and his girlfriend (Geena Davis) soon witness his gradual transformation into a human-fly hybrid.
What sets The Fly apart is its portrayal of the unpredictable nature of scientific progress, highlighting the potential horrors that can arise. The film not only replicates scientific errors but vividly brings their consequences to life, adding depth to its sci-fi elements. Additionally, like many sci-fi films, The Fly incorporates real-world issues, with The Guardian noting that it serves as a commentary on the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. This blending of scientific fiction with social commentary contributes to the film’s status as a standout in the genre.
1987: RoboCop
Upon its 1987 release, RoboCop achieved significant financial success as a summer blockbuster that seamlessly blended action, violence, and humor. In line with other ’80s sci-fi hits, the film delved into dystopian themes, particularly the intersection of law enforcement and a troubled society.
The plot revolves around a Detroit police officer, Murphy (played by Peter Weller), who is murdered by a gang. Omni Consumer Products, a major corporation, acquires his body and transforms him into a human cyborg. As RoboCop, Murphy embarks on a mission to eradicate crime in the city, unaware of his past life. However, as he navigates the real world, he gradually rediscovers his human experiences.
What sets RoboCop apart in the 1987 film landscape is its originality. While other sci-fi releases of the time, like Predator and Spaceballs, adhered to established trends, RoboCop tackled fresh and thought-provoking content. The film subtly explores themes of “big corporations” versus human autonomy, prompting viewers to ponder the essence of humanity. Ultimately, RoboCop’s success lies in its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to engage audiences with compelling and timely themes. You can watch it on Tubi.
1988: They Live
John Carpenter was renowned for embedding political commentary in his films, with They Live standing out as one of the most overt examples. Despite the studio’s reluctance to depict the aliens as capitalists, Carpenter insisted on making capitalism a central theme.
The protagonist, George Nada (played by Rodney Piper), arrives in L.A. in search of employment and lands a job at a construction site. He discovers a community for the homeless, where food is provided by his co-worker. Exploring a nearby church, Nada stumbles upon a case of sunglasses that reveal the hidden truth of society when worn. Alongside a group of rebels, Nada fights to expose the reality across America, only to uncover that the wealthy elite are part of the alien regime.
What sets They Live apart is its enduring cultural relevance, resonating not only in the 1980s but also in contemporary times. The film’s thematic structure allows it to convey a message that transcends decades. Despite its plot intricacies and visual elements, the simplicity of the sunglasses contributes to They Live becoming the cult classic it is today. The film’s core message remains powerful – that the truth is always in front of us if we open our eyes.
1989: The Abyss
While James Cameron is widely known for blockbuster hits like Titanic and Avatar, his early successes were primarily in ’80s sci-fi films. Following the groundbreaking success of The Terminator, Cameron ventured into underwater territory with 1989’s The Abyss. The movie revolves around two engineers enlisted by a Navy SEAL for a clandestine mission to the ocean’s deepest depths. As the team delves deeper, they discover they’re not alone underwater.
What sets The Abyss apart is Cameron’s knack for creating visually stunning films using practical effects, a treat for audiences. The film encompasses all the elements one desires in a sci-fi movie – suspense, high stakes, underwater alien life, and plausible yet just-out-of-reach technologies. Available for rent on Prime Video.
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