10 Amazing Overlooked Treasures of the 1980s You Must Watch

      Tom Jolliffe presents ten great overlooked gems from the 1980s that deserve a spot on your watch list...

      The 1980s was a diverse era for cinema, marked by the rise of blockbusters and franchises. The advent of home video also provided films the opportunity to achieve success beyond theatrical releases. While cinema fans have always formed niche communities, the concept of cult cinema truly blossomed during the 80s, largely due to the first or second life of many films on VHS, a trend that has continued ever since.

      The decade brought forth numerous intriguing successes, inflated failures, and unique films that captured attention, yet many movies have been somewhat unfairly forgotten over time. Here are ten hidden gems from that era…

      **Body Double**

      Unlike Carrie or Blow Out, Body Double was met with criticism compared to the more favorably received Dressed to Kill and lacked the broad appeal of The Untouchables or Scarface. Brian De Palma has produced numerous noteworthy films, frequently exploring Hitchcockian themes. Body Double stands out as a divisive yet somewhat forgotten film from De Palma, released during a period of his most impressive works. Here, he amplifies his signature style and unabashed excess, creating a thrilling and trashy experience that can be unexpectedly brilliant if embraced. With a nod towards spoofing popular Hitchcockian tropes of the time, Craig Wasson portrays an awkward protagonist embroiled in a murder conspiracy, while Melanie Griffith shines as well. The film is visually stunning and serves as a technical marvel, making it an underrated entry in De Palma's filmography.

      **The Wraith**

      If you enjoy films like The Crow, High Plains Drifter, Pale Rider, The Stranger, and Dolph Lundgren's Missionary Man, then The Wraith is a must-see. The plot follows a mysterious figure arriving in town to confront a gang of ruthless killers, who turns out to be a past victim resurrected from the dead. This quintessential 80s movie even includes a sci-fi super vehicle, with Charlie Sheen's character racing in a modified black Dodge Charger. Sheen faces off against a gang led by Nick Cassavetes, creating an absurd yet entertaining film. The revenge-driven spirit comes equipped with a sleek futuristic car, allowing for numerous exhilarating car chases filled with impressive practical effects and stunt work, embodying the golden days of in-camera action. Although Sheen’s character may lack depth, Cassavetes and Randy Quaid contribute to its goofy charm.

      **The Man With Two Brains**

      Despite the collaboration of Carl Reiner (director and writer), Steve Martin (star and writer), and Kathleen Turner, this screwball black comedy doesn't receive the recognition it deserves. Martin portrays a brilliant neurosurgeon who marries a gold-digger (Turner) and subsequently falls in love with a brain in a jar that can communicate with him telepathically. As a humorous tribute to silly B movies and the comic works of figures like Jerry Lewis, it provides a platform for Martin to showcase his comedic talents. The Man With Two Brains is consistently entertaining, funny, and often endearing.

      **Nighthawks**

      In New York, two undercover cops known for challenging authority join a task force aimed at stopping an international terrorist from wreaking havoc in the city. Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams play long-time partners who must confront the formidable Rutger Hauer. While they ultimately succeed, neither actor can match the captivating and effortless talent of Hauer. Nighthawks, positioned between Rocky and First Blood, remains an underrated thriller in Stallone's career. Although it may not be as iconic as Rocky or Rambo, it is a solid action film that effectively builds tension during the high-stakes pursuit of Hauer's character.

      **Roadgames**

      This outstanding Australian thriller stars Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis, offering a slice of cinematic gold for fans of films like The Hitcher, Breakdown, Joy Ride, and Duel. Keach plays a truck driver who suspects that a green car he has seen is driven by a serial killer targeting solitary women, leading him on a quest to uncover the killer's identity while becoming a suspect himself. Similar to Duel or The Hitcher, this movie features wide-open landscapes filled with tension and action. While both Keach and Curtis deliver strong performances, Roadgames has not garnered the level of cult fandom it likely deserves, though it has been recognized enough to receive a Blu-ray release from Arrow Video.

      **Running Scared**

      The title of this 1986 film may be common, and the action-buddy cop genre may feel oversaturated, resulting in Running Scared becoming a hazy memory for some viewers. While it may not reach the heights of Lethal Weapon or 48 Hours, in an era brimming with enjoyable buddy cop films, Running Scared stands its ground. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines might not initially seem like classic action-hero material