Warning: This article discusses topics of sexual assault, racism, and violence.
There are plenty of amazing ‘80s sci-fi movies, but some haven’t aged well. The 1980s is a brilliant decade for cinema, and titles from this time are generally some of the best movies of all time. Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and Friday the 13th are just a few of the greatest franchises from the era, and each of them has changed the film industry forever. Science fiction is a particularly prominent genre from the ‘80s, a time full of hope and potential for the future.
However, some movies aren’t up to standard. Although they are a product of their time, some of these films have aged awfully and are now criticized for things like inappropriate storylines, offensive stereotypes, and poor special effects. Even a selection of the best 1980s sci-fi movies, while timeless classics, aged badly in certain ways. Not every element of these titles is outdated, but overall, these ‘80s sci-fi movies stand out for negative reasons.
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10 Howard The Duck (1986)
Marvel’s Weakest Movie Adaptation
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10/10 Howard the Duck (1986)
Howard the Duck, directed by Willard Huyck, tells the story of an anthropomorphic duck named Howard, who is unexpectedly transported from his home planet to Earth. Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, and Tim Robbins star in this science fiction comedy as they assist Howard in his quest to return home while confronting a dark entity that threatens Earth. The film is based on the Marvel Comics character Howard the Duck.
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*Availability in US Director Willard Huyck Release Date August 1, 1986 Cast Lea Thompson , Jeffrey Jones , Tim Robbins , Ed Gale , Chip Zien , Tim Rose Runtime 110 Minutes
While Howard the Duck is undoubtedly a solid cheesy ‘80s sci-fi movie, this doesn’t mean that it hasn’t aged badly. The film is possibly one of the worst Marvel movies ever to be released, but it’s even more of a shock that the titular character is a product of the legendary franchise.
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Howard the Duck’s special effects are ridiculous by today’s standards and comparable to that of a children’s film, if anything. Howard the Duck’s storyline is rather illogical, too.
The titular character’s journey from his parallel universe to our own, and his on-and-off attempts to return, is baffling. His relationship with Beverly is completely wild as well, and if viewers think that Bee Movie ’s implied love story between a human and an animal is jarring, Beverly and Howard’s almost sex scene will stun them even more. It’s been stated previously that Howard the Duck initially planned to be an animated movie, but perhaps that would’ve been worse.
9 Weird Science (1985)
The Film’s Main Female Character Is A Punching Bag For Poor Jokes
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10/10 Weird Science
John Hughes’ 1985 comedy Weird Science tells the story of two high school students who create a virtual woman using their computer, only to have her come to life. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith star as teenagers Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly, with Kelly LeBrock playing the artificially created Lisa and Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr. in supporting roles,
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*Availability in US Director John Hughes Release Date August 2, 1985 Cast Bill Paxton , Robert Downey Jr. , Ilan Mitchell-Smith , Anthony Michael Hall , Robert Rusler , Kelly LeBrock Runtime 94 minutes
Weird Science, a notable movie by John Hughes, has plenty of feel-good moments, but it is a product of its time. The movie’s premise is rather problematic alone, but Gary and Wyatt’s attitude toward their Frankenstein-esque creation, who takes the form of the beautiful Lisa, makes it even worse. The story is, unfortunately, quite misogynistic, and the only thing about Lisa that matters is her appearance.
This is established from very early on, as the doll that becomes Lisa has ridiculously large breasts, which are a focus. Lisa only exists for the boys, and her character offers little else outside of this.
While the slapstick comedy and pure absurdity of
Weird Science
is still brilliant, its plot lets it down.
The trope of two nerds who are down on their luck and attempt to earn the respect of their peers through superficial means is also ridiculously overused. Gary actor Anthony Michael Hall has endorsed a remake of Weird Science, but if that is to happen, a lot will need to be adapted for the present day. While the slapstick comedy and pure absurdity of Weird Science is still brilliant, its plot lets it down.
8 Tron (1982)
Laughable SFX Compared To The Present Day
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7/10 TRON
TRON is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Steven Lisberger. Jeff Bridges stars as Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer who becomes digitized and trapped inside a computerized world. There, he encounters various digital characters, including a heroic security program named Tron, portrayed by Bruce Boxleitner. The film explores themes of digital landscapes and the relationship between humans and technology, presenting a visually distinct depiction of cyberspace.
Director Steven Lisberger Release Date July 9, 1982 Cast Jeff Bridges , Bruce Boxleitner , David Warner , Cindy Morgan , Barnard Hughes Runtime 96 minutes
Tron is a breakthrough movie for visual effects, but in the present day, it’s rather painful to watch. The use of neon landscaping and luminous costuming is now hard on the eyes, and considering how far special effects have come in cinema, it looks cheap, sadly. The lead character, Kevin Flynn, is a software engineer who is transported into a computerized world and spends most of the film attempting to get back home.
But considering the appearance of
Tron
’s universe, it’s surprising that he manages to find his way out.
In some scenes, the computer-generated imagery looks quite similar to an ‘80s video game. While this is fitting for an ‘80s movie, Tron is supposed to be ahead of its time and delve into the endless future possibilities of technology.
Tron also heavily relies on the concept of virtual intelligence, but a lot of the technical specifications and wording that is used don’t make a lot of sense. While Tron will forever be remembered for being a groundbreaking title for special effects, it simply doesn’t compare to the CGI used nowadays.
7 Dune (1984)
An Optimistic Movie That Struggles To Match Its Source Material
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Dune (1984)
In a distant future ruled by intrigue, power, and the coveted spice melange, House Atreides faces betrayal on the desert planet Arrakis. Led by young Paul Atreides, they forge an alliance with the native Fremen, preparing for a showdown against their enemies. As Paul’s destiny unfolds, he discovers his extraordinary abilities and leads a daring rebellion against the Emperor and his forces. In this epic tale of survival and prophecy, Paul emerges as a transformative figure amidst the shifting sands of Arrakis.
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*Availability in US Director David Lynch Release Date December 14, 1984 Cast Kyle MacLachlan , Francesca Annis , Brad Dourif , Richard Jordan , sting , Virginia Madsen , Everett McGill , Patrick Stewart , Kenneth McMillan , Jurgen Prochnow , Sean Young Runtime 137 Mins
The original Dune is still a controversial movie in terms of audience opinions. While it has become greatly more appreciated in recent years, there is still a divide over its quality. Director David Lynch’s views on Dune make a lot of sense, and his reasoning for disowning the project is also why it has aged poorly. The film’s pacing is completely off, and it feels rushed, something Lynch has voiced his regret over. His cinematography is ambitious, granted, but the technology to execute his vision just isn’t there.
There are some good qualities about Dune, however, although it’s questionable whether they’ve stood the test of time. The storyline is cheesy and stands as a great B-movie, but because of the many characters with psychic abilities, Dune is rife with exposition. It’s often overly complicated, too, and one core criticism of Dune is that it isn’t true enough to the 1965 original novel by Frank Herbert. Dune is undoubtedly an important title in cinematic history, and even though it has gained a cult following in recent years, it doesn’t mean that it has aged well.
6 The Running Man (1987)
Too Many Characters Are Hurt For No Good Reason
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5/10 The Running Man
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, The Running Man is a sci-fi action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Captain Ben Richards, a former cop who’s forced to compete in a deadly game show where criminals fight for their lives. The 1987 movie is based on a Stephen King novel under his pen name Richard Bachman.
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*Availability in US Director Paul Michael Glaser Release Date November 13, 1987 Cast Maria Conchita Alonso , Yaphet Kotto , Jesse Ventura , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Richard Dawson Runtime 101 minutes
The Running Man, the movie adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, has one crucial element that has aged badly: the plot. The film follows Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ben Richards, a police helicopter pilot who lives in a world under totalitarian rule. However, this bizarre fictional universe is also the home of the titular reality show, which sees criminals fight for their lives against an armed stranger in the hopes of being pardoned for their misdeeds. The show is strangely reflective of the real world in some ways, but it’s also so overly dystopian that it borders on absurdity.
The Running Man is quite cheesy, which isn’t a problem, but the sudden shift in tone between comedy and drama is off-putting and undermines the movie’s message. While there are parts of the film that are supposed to be shocking and thought-provoking, like the degradation of the criminals, a few are completely unnecessary. For example, Dynamo’s attempt to rape Amber in the climax, which seemingly comes out of nowhere and doesn’t impact the plot whatsoever. The Running Man is a fantastic action movie with an intriguing story, but it lacks a lot of logic.
5 Flash Gordon (1980)
A Massive Budget Doesn’t Always Mean Good Graphics
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Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon (1980) is a science fiction film directed by Mike Hodges, featuring Sam J. Jones as the titular hero. Flash, a football player, battles the evil Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) who threatens Earth. Accompanied by Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol), Flash navigates an intergalactic struggle. The film is noted for its vibrant visuals and a memorable score by Queen.
Director Mike Hodges Release Date December 5, 1980 Cast Sam J. Jones , Melody Anderson , Max Von Sydow , Topol , Ornella Muti , Timothy Dalton , Brian Blessed , Peter Wyngarde , Mariangela Melato , John Osborne , Richard O’Brien , John Hallam , Philip Stone , Suzanne Danielle , William Hootkins , Bobbie Brown , Ted Carroll , Adrienne Kronenberg , Stanley Lebor , John Morton , Burnell Tucker , Robbie Coltrane , Peter Duncan , Ken Sicklen , Tessa Hewitt Runtime 111 Minutes Expand
The 1980 release of Flash Gordon, one of many Flash Gordon movies and TV shows, is definitely a feel-good watch, but it’s also incredibly cringey. Gregory “Flash” Gordon’s quest to defeat the villainous Ming the Merciless and save the Earth is a classic good versus evil story, but the context that is provided about the two main characters in the film’s opening scenes is a bit lazy. Football star Gordon magically manages to take control of an out-of-control plane and immediately accepts his new fate, and Ming’s motivation for causing the natural disasters on Earth is simply boredom.
Flash Gordon’s special effects are poor, and although it adds to the general appeal of the film, it doesn’t hold up by today’s standards. If anything, it can be a distraction, such as in the flying lesson scene, which has some pretty poor back projection. The cringeworthy performances from the cast of Flash Gordon are loved by many, but the appreciation is typically because their portrayals are so bad they’re good. Flash Gordon’s budget is $35 million, over three times more than Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, yet its visuals are nowhere near the same standard.
4 Mac And Me (1988)
If Spielberg’s E.T. Was Sponsored By McDonald’s
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4/10 Mac and Me
Mac and Me is a family sci-fi film directed by Stewart Raffill. Released in 1988, the story follows a young boy named Eric Cruise, who befriends a stranded alien named MAC that he must protect from government authorities. As Eric and his friends try to help MAC reunite with his family, they engage in various adventures and face numerous challenges. The film emphasizes themes of friendship and loyalty.
Director Stewart Raffill Release Date August 12, 1988 Cast Jade Calegory , Lauren Stanley , Christine Ebersole , Jonathan Ward , Tina Caspary Runtime 95 Minutes
Mac and Me is essentially a rip-off of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but it fails to be anywhere as good. The film attempts to recreate the hype of one of Steven Spielberg’s most famous movies, but it doesn’t execute it well. While E.T.’s special effects aren’t as strong as movies from recent years, they still hold up. However, Mac and Me ’s visuals look so ridiculously fake that it’s odd that the characters who cross paths with the various aliens see them as a threat.
The biggest issue with Mac and Me, though, is its shameless product placement. The cross-promotion with McDonald’s is baffling, and it’s honestly quite brave that the film does this. The same can be said about the role Coca-Cola plays in the movie’s climax, which is strangely used to revive MAC’s dying family. Even the shocking alternate ending of Mac and Me, which sees wheelchair user Eric shot and killed, has aged terribly and doesn’t save the movie from critique.
3 Zapped! (1982)
Psychic Talents Aren’t An Excuse For Harassment
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10/10 Zapped! (1982)
Zapped! is a 1982 comedy film starring Scott Baio as a high school science student who accidentally gains telekinetic powers. Using his newfound abilities, he navigates typical teenage challenges and attempts to win over his love interest, played by Felice Schachter. The film also features Willie Aames as his best friend, who enthusiastically encourages the mischievous use of these powers for personal gain.
Director Robert J. Rosenthal Release Date July 23, 1982 Cast Scott Baio , Willie Aames , Robert Mandan , Felice Schachter , Scatman Crothers , Roger Bowen , Mews Small , Greg Bradford , Hilary Beane , Sue Ane Langdon , Heather Thomas , Hardy Keith , Curt Ayers , Merritt Butrick , Jennifer Chaplin Expand
Zapped! has a rather wholesome premise at a glance, but it quickly proves otherwise. The movie follows high-schooler Barney Springboro, who struggles to interact with girls his own age, has few friends, and typically spends most of his time working on experiments. While Barney suddenly gaining telekinetic powers seems like a setup for some amazingly funny sci-fi chaos. Instead, it spends a lot of its runtime disrespecting and demoralizing several of the characters.
Barney’s hijinks are supposed to be cute and somewhat resemble typical teenage struggles, but they’re just creepy. He causes the cardigan of a female classmate, Jane, to burst open after staring at her chest and also makes everyone attending prom completely naked. However, Barney isn’t the only character who is sleazy. Peyton randomly seduces a school administrator, manipulates Jane into sex by trying to act more maturely, and even gives her boyfriend nude photographs of her that he takes. Jane is supposed to be a vain and unlikable character in Zapped!, but she is really a victim.
2 Short Circuit (1986)
An Astonishing Example Of Bad Casting
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6.3/10 short circuit
Short Circuit revolves around a robot named Number 5, who is able to form intelligence and escape a military facility after being struck by lightning. The 1986 comedy sci-fi film Short Circuit stars Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg and was directed by John Badham. Short Circuit led to a sequel in 1988 called Short Circuit 2.
Director John Badham Release Date May 9, 1986 Cast Fisher Stevens Runtime 98minutes
Short Circuit is one of the goofiest sci-fi movies ever and is about a robot that gains sentience. While it isn’t exactly a scary sci-fi movie with an AI that becomes self-aware, Number 5’s story is quite compelling. While there are misconceptions about future technology, especially the power of artificial intelligence, it doesn’t impact the overall enjoyment of Short Circuit.
The film is still worth watching, however, except for one glaringly and painfully obvious problem in the choice of cast. Ben Jabutiya, an Indian man, is portrayed by Fisher Stevens, who is white. ,
While it’s controversial enough for Stevens to play a character of a different racial background, the fact he wears brownface makeup is even more horrifying.
Ben serves as the assistant to Newton Crosby, the designer of the robots, and he is also a cybernetic expert himself. While it’s controversial enough for Stevens to play a character of a different racial background, the fact he wears brownface makeup is even more horrifying. What’s even more shocking, however, is that in the film’s original plan, Ben is a white American, but the casting isn’t altered to reflect the change in the character’s ethnicity (via The Guardian).
1 Alien Nation (1988)
A Great Message That Is Immediately Contradicted
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Alien Nation (1988) RActionCrimeSci-FiThriller
Director Graham Baker Release Date October 7, 1988 Writers Rockne S. O’Bannon Cast James Caan , Mandy Patinkin , Terence Stamp , Kevyn Major Howard , Leslie Bevis , Peter Jason , Conrad Dunn , Jeff Kober , Roger Aaron Brown , Francis X. McCarthy , Brian Thompson , Tony Perez , Tony Simotes , Jade Calegory Character(s) Det. Sgt. Matthew Sykes , Det. Samuel George Francisco , William Harcourt , Rudyard Kipling , Cassandra , Fedorchuk , Quint , Joshua Strader , Det. Bill Tuggle , Capt. Warner , Trent Porter , Alterez , Wiltey , Mark Runtime 91 minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand
Alien Nation has fantastic underlying themes that tackle topics of segregation, racism, and cultural divide, but the film executes it so badly that it ends up insulting those it tries to defend. Alien Nation focuses on a race called the Newcomers, who are former slaves, and the backlash that they receive from the human population with their presence. Several tropes from some of the best buddy cop movies ever are used throughout, but the relationship between human Skyes and newcomer Francisco is immediately hypocritical of Alien Nation’s message when Francisco mocks his new partner’s name.
Rather than demonstrating that the Newcomers can be good as well as bad, the aliens are only used as antagonists, except Francisco. Although this is the point, it’s still strange for a movie trying to depict the hardships of minorities in society. Plus, the opening scenes of Alien Nation play into the tiresome and cliché Hollywood movie trope that Black characters die early on, with the death of Sykes’ original partner, William Tuggle. Alien Nation’s intentions may be pure, but it doesn’t execute the narrative it’s portraying very well.