10 Awesome Sci-Fi Adventure Films from the 1980s

      Casey Chong presents ten fantastic 80s sci-fi adventure films...

      The 1980s was a remarkable era for cinema, marked by the rise of blockbuster films, cutting-edge special effects, and an abundance of captivating narratives across diverse genres. Sci-fi adventure films became particularly popular during this decade, with iconic examples such as Back to the Future and the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. However, looking beyond these well-known titles, here is a list of ten excellent 80s sci-fi adventure movies that are definitely worth watching, whether you're experiencing them for the first time or revisiting them after some time...

      **The Last Starfighter (1984)**

      While it may be tempting to regard The Last Starfighter as an obvious imitator of Star Wars, director Nick Castle delivers a surprisingly impressive film that combines elements of TRON and Star Wars while avoiding the pitfall of being a lesser version of either. The plot follows classic sci-fi adventure conventions: a teenager named Alex Rogan (Lance Guest, in a commendable performance) breaks the record for the arcade game Starfighter and earns a chance to join the Star League as a pilot against the malevolent Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada. Naturally, Alex is hesitant about risking his life and feels conflicted, but he ultimately decides to assist the Star League.

      The film is bolstered by a strong cast, particularly Robert Preston, who shines as Centauri, a Star League alien disguised as the creator of the arcade game, recruiting Alex. Additionally, Dan O’Herlihy portrays the sardonic Grig while donning lizard-like alien makeup. The film is also noteworthy for its early use of CGI. Despite appearing dated by modern standards, the space battles, accompanied by Craig Safan’s orchestral score, exude the nostalgic charm of the 1980s.

      **Starman (1984)**

      When one thinks of John Carpenter, romance isn’t the first genre that comes to mind; however, the master of horror behind Halloween showcases his versatility here with Starman, blending sci-fi elements with a romantic drama and a touch of fish-out-of-water comedy. The plot centers on Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), a grieving widow who is taken hostage by Scott (Jeff Bridges), a lookalike of her deceased husband.

      Scott, the disguised alien, arrives from outer space to visit Earth, and instead of being a menacing figure, he comes in peace—a refreshing twist for a Carpenter film. The love-hate tension between Bridges' Scott and Allen's Jenny gradually unfolds into a romantic relationship. The stakes rise with the introduction of government agents who view Scott as a potential danger to humanity.

      **The Abyss (1989)**

      The 1980s witnessed James Cameron's ascendancy, showcasing his directorial skills in The Terminator and Aliens. He later created The Abyss, an ambitious underwater sci-fi adventure about the discovery of an extraterrestrial aquatic species. The film features cutting-edge special effects with manipulative liquid forms, which would later be perfected in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Its underwater cinematography is breathtaking.

      Cameron expertly intertwines sci-fi with intriguing mystery and intense action while maintaining character development, particularly the fractured relationship between Ed Harris’ Virgil “Bud” Brigman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s Dr. Lindsey Brigman. Beyond the remarkable technical achievements, the film explores profound themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Although it underperformed at the box office upon its summer 1989 release, it has since earned the status of a cult classic. The Special Edition is especially recommended for its significantly restored footage that enhances critical plot elements.

      **Miracle Mile (1988)**

      Picture answering a call in a phone booth outside a coffee shop at 4 a.m. from someone panicking about an imminent nuclear war. That’s the scenario faced by Harry Washello (Anthony Edwards), who initially believes it to be a prank until the call concludes with a threat and the sound of gunfire. Interestingly, Miracle Mile starts off on a different note, with a romantic comedy focus as Harry attempts to win over his dream girl, Julie (Mare Winningham). However, director Steve De Jarnatt, who also penned the screenplay, skillfully pivots the film from a charming romantic comedy to a tense paranoid thriller about impending nuclear disaster.

      The sense of apocalyptic dread increases as Jarnatt navigates this narrative, all on a modest $4 million budget. Despite the high-stakes race against time, the film remains intimate, centering on Harry’s desperate mission to reunite with his love just before the nuclear attack. Unfortunately, Miracle Mile failed to attract an audience upon release but has since become a cult favorite.

      **Night of the Comet (1984)**

      In director Thom Eberhardt's ambitious follow-up to his debut Sole Survivor, Night of the Comet combines end-of-the-world themes with