Obscure Cult Films from the 80s You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents a collection of bizarre cult films from the 80s that you might have overlooked…

      One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching films is the wide array of genres that have evolved, spanning from mainstream, audience-friendly options to independent productions and finally, those that reject conventional genre norms or are simply strange. These films often abandon logic in favor of quirky narratives, relying on unique visuals or experimental storytelling, allowing creators to explore various themes, no matter how unconventional or twisted they become.

      This brings us to the 1980s, a time when some filmmakers pushed the boundaries, taking risks instead of sticking to familiar formulas. Below is a list of seven strange and lesser-known 80s movies that are worth watching if you haven't seen them already...

      **Dead End Drive-In (1986)**

      Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, this underrated Ozploitation classic draws on Mad Max-inspired dystopian action, blending it with a prison film and a narrative on youth disillusionment. The title captures the essence of the story, where a young couple (Ned Manning’s Crabs and Natalie McCurry’s Carmen) become trapped in a drive-in theater with no escape. Compounding their predicament, Crabs' car has lost several tires, and the owner, Thompson (Peter Whitford), is indifferent to the situation.

      The film examines how young individuals, especially the unemployed, opt for a life of confinement in the "safe" prison-like drive-in due to their lack of concerns about shelter and food supplies. However, Crabs is determined to escape from this fortified environment, even when the outside world is rife with crime and violence. Dead End Drive-In culminates in an action-packed finale that features a thrilling chase and an impressive car leap through the illuminated Star Drive-In sign.

      **Dr. Caligari (1989)**

      Stephen Sayadian, also known as Rinse Dream, reinterprets the silent black-and-white German Expressionist horror classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in this quasi-sequel, Dr. Caligari. Fusing campy humor with twisted elements and surreal erotic dreams, Sayadian opts not to pursue a coherent storyline, making logical interpretation of the film nearly impossible. This avant-garde horror focuses on eccentric visuals, strong primary colors, and intentionally awkward dialogue.

      The Caligari Insane Asylum is filled with funhouse-like props, reminiscent of a stage production led by the titular character (Madeleine Reynal's perfectly deadpan performance) portraying the granddaughter of the original Dr. Caligari (Werner Krauss). Dr. Caligari resembles a psychedelic experience designed to immerse viewers in its distinct style, featuring unforgettable images such as a fleshy wall marked with deep scars, bright red lips, and a large, moving tongue, alongside a live scarecrow involved in a bizarre fellatio experiment.

      **Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)**

      Clowns can be frightening, but what if they were extraterrestrial beings? In Killer Klowns from Outer Space, co-writer and director Stephen Chiodo introduces a unique breed of aliens. Dressed as clowns with exaggerated makeup, costumes, and colorful hair, they even have a living balloon dog and wield popcorn guns. Their mission isn’t to entertain humans; rather, they are intent on capturing and encasing them in pink, cotton candy-like pods. Their spaceship resembles a gigantic circus tent.

      Chiodo infuses Killer Klowns from Outer Space with a delightfully cheesy ‘80s slasher-horror tone and campy humor. The film is exuberantly over-the-top, with the alien clowns showcasing some entertaining party tricks, such as shadow puppetry and swallowing humans.

      **Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988)**

      In the post-apocalyptic film Hell Comes to Frogtown, directed by Donald G. Jackson and R.J. Kizer, audiences are treated to the absurd premise suggested by its title. The “Hell” refers to Roddy Piper’s character, Sam Hell, who is one of the few remaining fertile men on Earth. He becomes a government asset to the point that he’s forced to wear a chastity belt-like codpiece equipped with an electroshock device for control by a government nurse, Spangle (Sandahl Bergman). His mission? To venture to Frogtown, rescue fertile women who are held captive by mutant frog people, and impregnate them.

      The film is ludicrously silly from beginning to end, with the legendary wrestler-turned-actor Roddy Piper delivering a deadpan comedic performance. It takes a while before Piper takes action, and the movie ultimately led to two sequels: Return to Frogtown and Max Hell Frog Warrior.

      **Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)**

      Following their collaboration in The Fly, Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum came together again in Earth Girls Are Easy, a sci-fi film that merges musical