Five 80s Flicks That Deserve a Cult Following

Five 80s Flicks That Deserve a Cult Following: "
Fans have long devoted cult-like followings to 80s films like Xanadu, Krull, and The Princess Bride. There are so many classic 80s movies that there can’t help but be a few gems overlooked by fandom.
So if you’re a fan in search of a new hobby, you could reverse phone lookup every phone number that’s ever called you. Or, you could devote your efforts to raising the banner for these well-known films that have never quite developed the level of fandom that they deserve.

1. Scanners (1981)

Telekinesis is at the top of many a superpower wish list, and with Scanners, David Cronenberg provided something of a wish-fulfillment/revenge fantasy with loads of explosive gore for good measure. Even if you’ve never seen it, you’ve probably at least encountered a clip or two of this movie’s more memorable moments through an Internet meme. Add in a little social commentary about the fear of human deformity, and you’ve got all the ingredients of a cult piece in search of a massive fanbase.

2. Heavy Metal (1981)

It may surprise you to hear that Mr. Ghostbusters himself, director Ivan Reitman, produced this ode to the dark, kitschy side of metal/fantasy. Instead of being a single storyline, Heavy Metal is comprised of several episodes that are tied together by “Loc-Nar,” a cosmic apparition, who exercised his influence in each episode. The movie got a sequel in 2000, but it was universally panned. The original maintains a smallish number of cult followers, but it may be time for a fan revival.

3. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s nail-biting classic is getting a prequel-that-might-be-a-remake (it’s not entirely clear) this October, but true devotees of the original are wondering why it’s necessary to taint with a horror film so perfect in its execution. It’s the ultimate “body snatcher”: an alien creature that consumes living things and then takes on their forms — not to mention their intellect. The alien can switch between guises at will, and its library of creatures is truly frightening. The film’s cutting edge visual effects and makeup have held up surprisingly well over time.

4. The Last Dragon (1985)

Corny? Yep. Campy? Heck yeah. Funny? Mm-hmm. The Last Dragon is a tribute to the classic martial arts films of Bruce Lee, but viewers without a sense of humor — not to mention an appreciation for a quirky, unique brand of moviemaking — need not apply.

5. Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

Most geeks worth their salt already know that this was the first movie to ever utilize a CGI character. The infamous “stained glass window” scene introduced a CGI knight, made up of pieces of glass. The film boasts an impressive pedigree of filmmakers — Chris Columbus wrote it, Barry Levinson directed it, and its producers’ credits include big names like Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Henry Winkler (yep, Fonzie), Mark Johnson, and more. A fun romp through the young adult years of Holmes and Watson, the movie features a supernatural villain and that “80s teenager” vibe.

What unsung 1980s movie would you nominate for cult status?


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