12 Cool '80s Movies That Only the Trendy Remember

      We all recall the blockbuster hits of the '80s, the iconic John Hughes films, and the comedy classics that still resonate today.

      However, here are some '80s movies that only the cool kids might remember.

      So... you’re one of the cool kids, right?

      **The Wraith (1986)**

      Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Sheen star in The Wraith. – Credit: C/O New Century Vista Film Company

      While Charlie Sheen is often associated with '80s films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Wall Street, he also starred in this lesser-known yet intriguing movie about a mysterious figure—perhaps an alien?—who utilizes a Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor to take on road racing bullies in a secluded town in Arizona. Sheen plays Jake, the enigmatic newcomer.

      The cast also features a pre-Twin Peaks Sherilyn Fenn as a high school girl intrigued by Jake, Randy Quaid as the sheriff, Nick Cassavetes as the main antagonist, and Clint Howard in the role of “Rughead.” If you're into desert landscapes and high-speed chases, this film is a must-see. Although it wasn't a blockbuster, it has aged remarkably well.

      **License to Drive**

      Credit: C/O 20th Century Fox

      Created as a platform (no pun intended) for the Coreys, friends Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, License to Drive is primarily remembered today for launching Heather Graham’s career, who portrays the film's quintessential '80s dream girl, Mercedes.

      During a talk at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, Graham shared that she was just 17 when she got the role and was surprised by her co-stars' drug use.

      “I was really sheltered, and being around kids my age who were heavily into drugs was new to me because I was never that wild,” she noted.

      She also mentioned having a crush on Corey Haim, making their on-screen chemistry genuine. The film was a commercial success, bringing in $22 million against an $8 million budget.

      **Three O’Clock High (1987)**

      Casey Siemaszko, left, and Richard Tyson in Three O’Clock High. – Credit: C/O Universal Pictures

      A box-office failure, Three O’Clock High presents a high school tale of Jerry Mitchell (a pre-Young Guns Casey Siemaszko), who inadvertently offends the new student Buddy (Richard Tyson), rumored to be a dangerous psychopath. When Jerry mistakenly touches Buddy, he is told they will settle their differences after school—at three o’clock.

      Released during a time of mostly light-hearted teen films, Phil Joanou’s Three O’Clock High differentiates itself with its darker tone and an ambitious score from Tangerine Dream.

      Though it didn't fare well in theaters, Joanou's directorial venture led to his collaboration with U2, who asked him to direct their 1988 concert film Rattle and Hum.

      **Gleaming the Cube (1989)**

      Credit: C/O 20th Century Fox

      You know what "gleaming the cube" means, right? Naturally, all the cool kids do. This skateboarding flick, featuring Christian Slater (above) as a teen skater probing the death of his adopted Vietnamese brother, showcased impressive skateboarding credentials during the sport's peak popularity.

      The film's technical advisor was original Z-Boy Stacy Peralta, and it featured skateboarding icons like Natas Kaupas and Tony Hawk.

      The title originates from a question posed to skater Neil Blender in a 1983 Thrasher magazine article: “Have you ever gleamed inside a cube?” The DVD includes a hidden featurette explaining the term, which, of course, we all already understood. Right?

      The movie did not achieve box office success.

      **Rad (1986)**

      Screenshot – Credit: C/O Tri-Star Pictures

      Similar to Gleaming the Cube, but centered on BMX bikes—Rad was released first. Directed by Hal Needham, the film follows teen racer Cru Jones (Bill Allen) as he decides whether to qualify for Helltrack or take the SAT. He makes the right choice.

      Throughout his journey, he encounters a young pre-Full House Lori Loughlin, who plays Christian, a girl so cool she does freestyle bike tricks with him at the prom.

      Although Rad was not a box office hit, it retains a cherished place in the memories of cool and rad kids alike.

      **Just One of the Guys**

      Joyce Hyser, left, and Sherilyn Fenn in Just One of the Guys. – Credit: C/O Sony Pictures

      A comedic take on gender roles, Just One of the Guys follows female student journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser) as she goes undercover as a boy to see if she can fit in with "the guys." Valuable lessons emerge, expectations are challenged—resulting in a compelling article. Slow clap