10 Fantastic Sci-Fi Adventure Films from the 1980s

      Casey Chong presents a selection of remarkable sci-fi adventure films from the 1980s for your viewing pleasure.

      The 1980s was a fantastic era for cinema, marked by the rise of modern blockbuster films, cutting-edge special effects, and an abundance of captivating narratives across different genres. Among the decade's highlights was the sci-fi adventure genre, featuring prominent works such as Back to the Future alongside the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. Beyond these iconic titles, here are ten exceptional 80s sci-fi adventure films worth checking out, whether you're experiencing them for the first time or revisiting them after a long time.

      **The Last Starfighter (1984)**

      One might easily overlook The Last Starfighter as merely a Star Wars imitation, yet director Nick Castle delivers a surprisingly engaging film that blends elements of TRON and Star Wars without appearing as a lesser version of either. The narrative follows classic sci-fi adventure conventions: a teenager named Alex Rogan (Lance Guest, delivering a commendable performance) shatters the high score of a Starfighter arcade game, securing his spot as a Starfighter pilot in the Star League to combat the evil Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada. Naturally, Alex is hesitant about risking his life and grapples with his conflicting emotions before ultimately deciding to assist the Star League.

      The Last Starfighter features a strong cast, particularly Robert Preston, who steals the show as Centauri, a Star League alien disguised as the arcade game's creator who recruits Alex. Also noteworthy is Dan O'Herlihy, who appears in lizard-like alien prosthetics as the sardonic Grig. The film is recognized for its early use of CGI, and while it may seem outdated by contemporary standards, the nostalgia of the 1980s shines through during the space battle scenes, enhanced by Craig Safan’s orchestral score.

      **Starman (1984)**

      Romance isn’t the first genre you’d associate with John Carpenter, known for his horror films, yet he demonstrates versatility in Starman. He previously explored diverse genres with films like the gritty crime thriller Assault on Precinct 13, and here he merges sci-fi elements with a romantic drama and a hint of fish-out-of-water comedy. This combination works, thanks to Carpenter’s confident direction and a heartfelt narrative featuring a grieving widow, Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), who is taken hostage by a lookalike of her late husband, Scott (Jeff Bridges).

      Scott is actually an alien in disguise who arrives from outer space to visit Earth. Contrary to expectations for a Carpenter film, the alien's intentions are peaceful. The relationship between Bridges' Scott and Allen's Jenny evolves throughout the film, driven by a love-hate dynamic. Carpenter effectively raises the stakes with the involvement of government officials who consider Scott a potential threat to humanity.

      **The Abyss (1989)**

      James Cameron emerged as a directorial force in the 1980s with films like The Terminator and Aliens, later impressing audiences with The Abyss, an ambitious underwater sci-fi adventure about discovering a mysterious aquatic species. The film showcases groundbreaking special effects, particularly the manipulating liquid form, which would be refined in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The visuals are remarkable, and the underwater cinematography is spectacular.

      Cameron expertly intertwines sci-fi with compelling mystery and fast-paced action while focusing on character development, especially the strained relationship between Ed Harris' Virgil "Bud" Brigman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's Dr. Lindsey Brigman. Beneath its technical brilliance, the film explores profound themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Despite its high aspirations, The Abyss underperformed at the box office during its summer 1989 release but has since gained cult classic status. Be sure to check out the Special Edition, which includes significant restored footage enhancing key plot elements.

      **Miracle Mile (1988)**

      Imagine receiving a frantic phone call at a booth outside a coffee shop about an impending nuclear disaster at 4 a.m. That's the predicament Harry Washello (Anthony Edwards) finds himself in, initially believing it's a prank call until the conversation takes a sinister turn. Miracle Mile begins with a romantic comedy setup where Harry seeks to win over the girl of his dreams, Julie (Mare Winningham), but director Steve De Jarnatt, who also penned the screenplay, transitions the film into a tense paranoid thriller about nuclear catastrophe.

      As the end of the world approaches, Jarnatt skillfully evokes a sense of apocalyptic tension, executing the ambitious premise on a modest $4 million budget. Even within the movie's time-sensitive narrative, he retains a focus on Harry's determined quest to reunite with his love amidst the threat of imminent nuclear destruction. It's unfortunate that Miracle Mile struggled to find an audience initially but has since emerged as a cult favorite.

      **Night of the Comet (1984)**

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