8 Outstanding Cult Sci-Fi Movies from 1985

      Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985...

      The year 1985 was significant for the iconic sci-fi film Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic remains a beloved cinematic landmark. Alongside it, several other sci-fi movies were released, some achieving success like Cocoon, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below, we present our selections of the essential sci-fi films from 1985 beyond Back to the Future...

      Re-Animator

      Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements in Re-Animator. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable and eccentric role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student obsessed with resurrecting the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s direction captures the essence of a B-movie spirit, merging sci-fi horror with dark comedy. The film is exceptionally bloody and gory, showcasing impressive practical effects and maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels, Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator.

      Brazil

      Terry Gilliam’s often-misunderstood sci-fi masterpiece failed to draw large audiences upon its release but has since been recognized as a classic. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future rife with bureaucratic absurdities, focused on a low-level government employee, played by the empathetic Jonathan Pryce, as he navigates a landscape of daydreams and mundane reality. Beyond Gilliam’s stunning visuals and quirky humor, the film offers profound narrative depth, drawing on Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and oppression. Although its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction offers a distinctive cinematic experience worth witnessing.

      Enemy Mine

      Wolfgang Petersen, known for genre-defining works like Das Boot and Air Force One, directed the sadly underrated Enemy Mine, which came a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Rather than using Loncraine's footage, Petersen opted to start anew. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Enemy Mine struggled at the box office, yet it deserves recognition for its effective exploration of themes such as harmony, unity, and empathy, adapted from Barry B. Longyear’s novella by Edward Khmara. Primarily centering on the conflict between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and a reptilian being named Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr., in full prosthetic makeup), the film thrives on the chemistry between the two leads, elevating it beyond a simple survival story.

      The Quiet Earth

      This film from New Zealand presents a haunting “what if” scenario in which a global disaster nearly wipes out all humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later took on Hollywood projects like Young Guns II, The Quiet Earth opens with a captivating scene where a man (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to find himself utterly alone in a city. The first 35 minutes focus on Lawrence’s character, Zac Hobson, as he copes with solitude, even resorting to donning a dress for entertainment. His performance is exceptional, capturing a blend of isolation, frustration, and odd joy. The narrative later introduces two additional characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Adapted from Craig Harrison’s novel, the film explores themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tension leading to a surreal and ambiguous conclusion.

      Cocoon

      Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was originally slated to direct Cocoon, but after Fox executives' negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, Ron Howard took over. Howard’s deliberate direction proved perfect for Tom Benedek’s screenplay about seniors at a retirement home who discover a swimming pool with giant cocoons that rejuvenate them. The film thoughtfully examines aging and the rediscovery of youth through the experiences of its elderly characters, portrayed by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. Rather than merely invoking nostalgia, Howard elicits strong performances from this older cast. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated today, the film’s charm and positive portrayal of the creatures are undeniable. Cocoon became a significant hit that year, followed by a less successful sequel, Cocoon: The Return, released three years later.

      The Stuff

      The film's title refers to a mysterious, sweet, and addictive white goo, reminiscent of shaving cream. This substance quickly becomes a national obsession, capturing America’s attention. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity