Blast From the Past: Ranking 25 Stellar Sci-Fi Films of the 1980s

The 1980s were a transformative decade for science fiction cinema, delivering a dazzling array of futuristic visions, alien encounters, and technological marvels. From dystopian landscapes to intergalactic adventures, filmmakers pushed the boundaries of imagination, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. These movies not only entertained but also often reflected the anxieties and aspirations of the era.

We’re taking a journey back to revisit 25 of the most memorable sci-fi films from that vibrant period. This list celebrates the creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal of 80s science fiction, showcasing films that continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

25. ‘Flash Gordon’ (1980)

Based on the classic comic strip, ‘Flash Gordon’ brought the adventures of the titular hero to the big screen in (1980) with a distinctively campy and colorful style. Sam J. Jones stars as Flash, an American football star who, along with Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol), travels to the planet Mongo to stop the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) from destroying Earth.

The film is celebrated for its vibrant visuals, over-the-top performances, and an unforgettable soundtrack by the rock band Queen. While not a critical darling upon release, it has since gained a significant cult following for its unique charm and unabashed entertainment value.

24. ‘Flight of the Navigator’ (1986)

‘Flight of the Navigator’, released in (1986), tells the story of 12-year-old David Freeman, who disappears in 1978 only to reappear eight years later, having not aged a day. He soon discovers he was abducted by an alien spacecraft, and now possesses stellar navigation charts in his brain that the ship, and NASA, desperately need.

This family-friendly sci-fi adventure features impressive practical effects for its time, particularly in the design of the sleek, sentient alien ship, Trimaxion Drone Ship, voiced by Paul Reubens. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship and discovery as David bonds with the alien intelligence.

23. ‘Spaceballs’ (1987)

Mel Brooks took aim at the sci-fi genre, particularly ‘Star Wars’, with his (1987) parody ‘Spaceballs’. The film follows the roguish Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his mog (half-man, half-dog) companion Barf (John Candy) as they attempt to rescue Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from the clutches of the villainous Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) and the planet Spaceball.

Packed with puns, sight gags, and fourth-wall-breaking humor, ‘Spaceballs’ lovingly pokes fun at sci-fi tropes. While a parody, it has become a beloved cult classic in its own right, appreciated for its silly humor and memorable characters.

22. ‘Batteries Not Included’ (1987)

‘Batteries Not Included’, released in (1987), is a charming sci-fi fantasy about a group of tenants in an old New York apartment building who are being forced out by a greedy developer. Their luck changes when small, living alien spacecraft arrive and begin to help them, repairing objects and befriending the residents.

Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, the film stars Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy as a long-married couple who lead the tenants. It’s a heartwarming story that combines themes of community and hope with a gentle touch of otherworldly magic.

21. ‘Tron’ (1982)

A pioneering film in the use of computer-generated imagery, ‘Tron’ (1982) transported audiences into a digital world unlike anything seen before. Jeff Bridges stars as Kevin Flynn, a brilliant video game developer who is digitized and thrust into the internal world of a mainframe computer, where programs are living entities.

Flynn must fight for his survival in deadly games and team up with Tron (Bruce Boxleitner), a security program, to overthrow the tyrannical Master Control Program. While the plot was straightforward, its groundbreaking visuals and innovative concept made it a landmark film.

20. ‘Short Circuit’ (1986)

‘Short Circuit’ (1986) introduced audiences to Number 5, an experimental military robot that gains sentience after being struck by lightning. Escaping the facility where he was built, Number 5, who renames himself Johnny 5, embarks on a journey of discovery, learning about the world and the meaning of being alive, all while being pursued by his creators.

The film is a lighthearted and comedic adventure, with Ally Sheedy playing Stephanie Speck, a young woman who befriends Johnny 5. It charmed audiences with its endearing robot protagonist and its exploration of artificial intelligence.

19. ‘Weird Science’ (1985)

John Hughes, known for his iconic teen comedies, ventured into sci-fi with ‘Weird Science’ in (1985). The film follows two nerdy high school students, Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith), who use Wyatt’s home computer to create their ideal woman, Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), who possesses magical abilities.

Lisa helps the boys gain confidence and navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence, leading to a series of wild and comedic misadventures. The film blends typical teen angst with fantastical sci-fi elements.

18. ‘Explorers’ (1985)

Joe Dante directed this (1985) sci-fi fantasy about three young boys who, inspired by their dreams, manage to build their own spacecraft out of a tilt-a-whirl car. Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke in his film debut), Wolfgang Müller (River Phoenix), and Darren Woods (Jason Presson) embark on an adventure into outer space where they encounter quirky alien life.

‘Explorers’ captures the spirit of childhood imagination and adventure. While it faced a rushed production, it has since become a cult favorite for its charming story and early performances from its young stars.

17. ‘The Last Starfighter’ (1984)

‘The Last Starfighter’ (1984) tells the story of Alex Rogan, a teenager living in a trailer park who becomes the record-holder for an arcade game called ‘Starfighter’. He soon discovers the game was actually a test, and he is recruited by an alien, Centauri, to join an interstellar armada to defend the galaxy from an evil empire.

This film was notable for its extensive use of computer-generated imagery for its space battles, a groundbreaking feat at the time. It’s a classic wish-fulfillment adventure that resonated with arcade-game enthusiasts of the era.

16. ‘Cocoon’ (1985)

Ron Howard directed ‘Cocoon’ (1985), a heartwarming sci-fi drama about a group of senior citizens who discover a fountain of youth in a swimming pool used by benevolent aliens to store their cocooned brethren. As the retirees regain their vitality, they must grapple with the implications of their newfound youth and their connection to the extraterrestrial visitors.

The film features an ensemble cast of veteran actors including Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Ameche, and was praised for its gentle humor and emotional depth.

15. ‘They Live’ (1988)

John Carpenter’s (1988) cult classic ‘They Live’ is a satirical sci-fi action film starring wrestler Roddy Piper as Nada, a drifter who discovers a pair of special sunglasses that reveal the world is secretly controlled by aliens. These aliens are disguised as humans and use subliminal messages in mass media to keep the population docile.

The film is a sharp critique of consumerism and Reagan-era politics, wrapped in an entertaining B-movie package. It’s known for its memorable one-liners and an epic alley fight scene.

14. ‘RoboCop’ (1987)

Paul Verhoeven’s ‘RoboCop’ (1987) is a brutally violent and darkly satirical sci-fi action film set in a crime-ridden, dystopian Detroit. When police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) is brutally murdered by a gang, an evil corporation, Omni Consumer Products (OCP), resurrects him as a cyborg law enforcement machine known as RoboCop.

The film explores themes of identity, corporate greed, and media manipulation with a biting wit. Its graphic violence and social commentary made it a controversial but highly influential film.

13. ‘The Fly’ (1986)

David Cronenberg’s (1986) reimagining of ‘The Fly’ is a masterpiece of body horror. Jeff Goldblum stars as Seth Brundle, an eccentric scientist who invents a teleportation device. When he decides to test it on himself, a housefly accidentally enters the telepod with him, leading to a horrifying fusion of man and insect.

Geena Davis co-stars as Veronica Quaife, a journalist documenting Brundle’s work who witnesses his grotesque transformation. The film is renowned for its groundbreaking practical effects and Goldblum’s compelling performance.

12. ‘Predator’ (1987)

‘Predator’ (1987) stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer, the leader of an elite paramilitary rescue team on a mission in a Central American jungle. They soon discover they are being hunted by a technologically advanced extraterrestrial warrior who stalks them for sport.

Directed by John McTiernan, the film is a tense and action-packed thriller, famous for its creature design and memorable lines. It successfully blends action, horror, and sci-fi elements.

11. ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’ (1986)

Often considered one of the most accessible and enjoyable films in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’ (1986) sees the crew of the USS Enterprise travel back in time to 1980s San Francisco. Their mission is to find humpback whales, whose songs are needed to communicate with a mysterious alien probe threatening Earth in the 23rd century.

Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the film is known for its humor and its environmental message. The fish-out-of-water comedy elements as the crew navigates contemporary Earth proved to be a hit with audiences.

10. ‘Brazil’ (1985)

Terry Gilliam’s dystopian black comedy ‘Brazil’ (1985) presents a nightmarish vision of a bureaucratic, totalitarian society. Jonathan Pryce stars as Sam Lowry, a low-level government clerk who dreams of a fantasy life and a mysterious woman, while becoming entangled in a case of mistaken identity that threatens his existence.

The film is celebrated for its stunning visual design, dark humor, and scathing satire of bureaucracy and technology run amok. It had a famously troubled production and release but is now regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.

9. ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ (1982)

Considered by many to be the best film in the ‘Star Trek’ series, ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ (1982) sees Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the Enterprise face off against their old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán). Khan, seeking revenge on Kirk, seizes a powerful terraforming device, the Genesis Project.

The film is praised for its strong villain, emotional depth, and thrilling space battles. It revitalized the franchise and set a high bar for subsequent ‘Star Trek’ films.

8. ‘The Abyss’ (1989)

James Cameron’s ambitious underwater sci-fi adventure ‘The Abyss’ (1989) follows a civilian diving team hired to assist a Navy SEAL team in recovering a lost nuclear submarine. Deep in the ocean, they encounter a mysterious, non-terrestrial intelligence. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio star.

The film was groundbreaking for its visual effects, particularly the creation of a water tentacle using CGI. It explores themes of human conflict and the possibility of peaceful alien contact, though a director’s cut later expanded on these themes more fully.

7. ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)

Steven Spielberg’s beloved classic ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982) tells the heartwarming story of Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. Elliott and his siblings help E.T. hide from the government and try to help him “phone home.”

The film became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its emotional power, iconic imagery, and John Williams’ soaring score. It’s a timeless tale of friendship, childhood wonder, and compassion.

6. ‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ (1982), based on Philip K. Dick’s novel ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’, is a visually stunning neo-noir sci-fi film. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard, a “blade runner” in dystopian 2019 Los Angeles whose job is to hunt down and “retire” bioengineered humanoids known as replicants.

While initially divisive, ‘Blade Runner’ has grown in stature to become one of the most influential science fiction films ever made. Its atmospheric visuals, complex themes of humanity and identity, and Vangelis’s iconic score have cemented its classic status.

5. ‘The Terminator’ (1984)

James Cameron’s breakthrough film, ‘The Terminator’ (1984), introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg assassin sent back in time from a post-apocalyptic future. His mission is to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son will one day lead humanity’s resistance against sentient machines. Michael Biehn plays Kyle Reese, a soldier sent back to protect her.

This relentless and suspenseful action-thriller was praised for its innovative concept, groundbreaking special effects for its budget, and Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance. It launched a hugely successful franchise.

4. ‘Aliens’ (1986)

James Cameron returned to the sci-fi genre with ‘Aliens’ (1986), the action-packed sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1979 horror classic ‘Alien’. Sigourney Weaver reprises her role as Ellen Ripley, who, after being in hypersleep for 57 years, is persuaded to accompany a unit of colonial marines back to LV-426, where contact has been lost with a terraforming colony.

‘Aliens’ shifts from the slow-burn horror of the original to intense action and suspense, as Ripley and the marines battle hordes of Xenomorphs. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels ever made.

3. ‘Akira’ (1988)

Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark anime film ‘Akira’ (1988), based on his own manga, is set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo in 2019. The story follows Shōtarō Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, whose childhood friend Tetsuo Shima gains incredible telekinetic powers after a motorcycle accident, eventually threatening to destroy the city.

‘Akira’ is celebrated for its stunning animation, complex narrative, and mature themes. It was a groundbreaking work that significantly contributed to the popularization of anime in the Western world.

2. ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Back to the Future’ (1985) is a beloved sci-fi adventure comedy. Michael J. Fox stars as Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time 30 years via a DeLorean time machine invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd).

Once in 1955, Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents’ first meeting and must ensure they fall in love to secure his own existence, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The film is celebrated for its clever writing, humor, and endearing characters.

1. ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Widely considered the pinnacle of the ‘Star Wars’ saga, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980) continued the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia as they battled the evil Galactic Empire. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film took on a darker tone than its predecessor.

From the Rebel Alliance’s defeat on Hoth to Luke’s training with Yoda and the shocking revelation of his parentage, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ is lauded for its character development, stunning visuals, and complex narrative. It remains a monumental achievement in science fiction filmmaking.