Welcome, film enthusiasts, to a walk down the most forgotten avenue of the 80s cinema district! You might think you’ve seen every 80s film out there, but let us take you on a roller-coaster ride to re-discover some hidden gems that, for some odd reason, never made it to everyone’s nostalgic movie nights.
What Happened “The Night Before” (1988)
The plot features Keanu Reeves playing a teenager who wakes up in the desert after a wild prom night with no recollection of the previous evening. For all its comedic angles and Reeves’ charming performance, it struggled to carve a niche. Overshadowed by other high-octane comedies of the late 80s, this film didn’t gain the traction one would expect.
Wave-Riding in Oahu With “North Shore” (1987)
Following Rick Kane, a surfer from Arizona, this film vividly paints the transition from the desert waves to the tumultuous tides of Oahu, Hawaii. The captivating cinematography highlighted the allure of surfing, pristine beaches, and the intricate tapestry of island culture. But as charming as it was, it faced stiff competition, making it a hidden pearl in the vast ocean of 80s cinema.
Afterlife Lesson From “The Heavenly Kid” (1985)
Bobby Fantana meets his untimely end and discovers he’s in limbo. To earn his wings, he’s given a peculiar mission: to guide a socially awkward teen. As it delves into life, death, and second chances, this film beautifully marries drama with comedy. But its somewhat serious undertones may not have fit the mold of what the vibrant 80s audience was hungry for.
An End-of-the-World Shopping Spree In “Night of The Comet” (1984)
Imagine waking up to a world where almost everyone has turned to dust. Sisters Regina and Samantha find the streets empty after a comet wipes out most of humanity. Balancing eerie scenes with humor-packed sequences, it was a fresh yet somewhat jumbled take on post-apocalyptic narratives.
Drive-In Detention: “Dead End Drive-In” (1986
Set in a dystopian future, teenagers are trapped in a drive-in turned prison. This Australian film dared to be different, highlighting societal decline, youth subculture, and a splash of punk aesthetics. But perhaps its very uniqueness made it a challenge for wider audiences to connect with.
Rebelling Against The System In “Wisdom” (1986)
John Wisdom, portrayed by Emilio Estevez, takes an unconventional route to protest against a flawed system. He becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, robbing banks to erase people’s debts. But even with its intriguing premise, the film’s deep dive into anti-establishment themes perhaps seemed too radical for some.
Navigating Hollywood’s Labyrinth In “The Big Picture” (1989)
Fresh out of film school, Nick Chapman (Kevin Bacon) plunges into Hollywood, facing its unpredictable nature. It’s both a satire and a love letter to filmmaking, but its insider jokes and portrayal of the entertainment industry’s quirks may have been a tad too meta for general movie-goers.
Ghostly Memories From “Lady in White” (1988)
Young Frankie uncovers a haunting mystery in a small town after witnessing a ghostly apparition. This film carefully layers horror, nostalgia, and a gripping whodunnit plot. However, its pace and atmospheric setting could’ve felt a bit mellow in an era buzzing with action. So, it’s no surprise that many people forget all about this flick.
Nature Is a Classroom In “The White Water Summer” (1987)
Alan (Sean Astin) experiences a transformative summer under the guidance of outdoorsman Vic (Kevin Bacon). From white-water rafting to scaling cliffs, the film beautifully captures the essence of adventure. However, it might’ve been overlooked amid other adrenaline-pumping 80s flicks.
Adventures of Youth in “Fandango” (1985)
With the weight of graduation pressing down, five inseparable friends decide to embark on a spontaneous road trip, symbolizing their last hoorah before the challenges of adulthood. Kevin Costner is the group’s free spirit, resisting the pressure to conform and facing the looming draft for the Vietnam War. Amid the beautiful Texan landscapes, personal secrets unfold, and friendships are tested.
Ghosts Meet Guffaws in “Haunted Honeymoon” (1986)
Radio actor Larry Abbot, played by the inimitable Gene Wilder, wants to get married, but there’s a twist: his ancestral mansion may be haunted. As he takes his fiancée, Vickie, played by Gilda Radner, to the family estate, strange things begin to happen. Blending classic horror tropes with comedic antics, the film straddled a fine line between spook and spoof.
Choices and Consequences in “Kansas” (1988)
Amid the vast expanses of rural Kansas, Wade Corey, played by a young and intense Matt Dillon, finds himself entangled in a world of crime, far removed from the simple pastoral life. As he confronts moral difficulties, the film delves into the nature of right and wrong, with the landscape serving as a silent witness.
Staging Life’s Drama in “Author! Author!” (1982)
Ivan Travalian, portrayed by Al Pacino, isn’t just battling writer’s block; he’s juggling family chaos, relationship woes, and the looming premiere of his play. The New York theater scene serves as a backdrop, mirroring his internal tumult. Even with Pacino’s commanding performance, the film’s introspective look at a writer’s life might have felt too sad for an upbeat 80s audience.
New York’s Walls Speak in “Turk 182” (1985)
Set against NYC’s buzzing streets, a young man embarks on a graffiti campaign to challenge the establishment and seek justice for his firefighter brother. The vibrant graffiti becomes a symbol of defiance and the voice of the marginalized. Although filled with passion and urban grit, the film’s localized story might have felt too niche for wider audiences.
Navigating Teen Emotions in “Seven Minutes in Heaven” (1986)
High school isn’t just about grades. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, relationships, and self-discovery. Natalie, Jeff, and Polly traverse this tumultuous landscape, confronting love, friendship, and heartbreak. The authentic portrayal of teenage intricacies was poignant, but perhaps its voice got drowned amid louder teen anthems of its time.
Temporal Turmoil in “My Science Project” (1985)
When a curious teenager discovers a mysterious device, little does he know it’s a ticket to time-travel chaos. As past, present, and future collide, the high school hallways become ground zero for cosmic upheaval. The film’s blend of sci-fi elements with teen dynamics was daring yet too intricate for casual viewers.
A Medley of Macabre in “Nightmares” (1983)
From a killer car to a sinister arcade game, this anthology unveiled a series of eerie tales, each distinct in its horror essence. Its structure broke away from the traditional singular narrative, offering bite-sized scares. This innovative approach was commendable but might have fragmented the audience’s engagement.
Teen Tumult in “The Wild Life” (1984)
Set in the suburbs, this film delved into the lives of high schoolers, each facing their own set of challenges, from relationships to future aspirations. It painted a vibrant picture of 80s teen culture through parties, friendships, and feuds. Yet, in an era abundant with teen movies, it found it challenging to carve a unique identity.
