10 Must-See Cult Classic Movies from the 80s

      Tom Jolliffe presents ten must-see cult classic movies from the 1980s…

      Cult films encompass a range of obscure treasures that have garnered a devoted following, along with mainstream phenomena like Star Wars, which created massive fan bases in the 80s. Certain films resonate deeply, possessing a unique charm or flawed quality that many more celebrated films lack.

      Take Highlander, for example, a cult classic with a distinct style that is well-known; it's not the kind of film you can introduce to a genre enthusiast with hopes of impressing them, as they’re likely already familiar with it. Over the years, I’ve discovered numerous enjoyable oddities and underappreciated films across various genres. Here are ten exceptional cult films you may have missed…

      **Paperhouse**

      Paperhouse, adapted from the beloved fantasy novel Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr, has certainly gained its share of fans and recognition. Bernard Rose’s film might be overshadowed by his more famous horror work, Candyman, released four years later. In Paperhouse, a sick girl confined to her bed spends her time drawing, and at night, her creations come alive in her dreams, eventually spiraling into nightmares. The late Ben Cross delivers a memorable performance as her father, who takes on a more terrifying form in her dreams.

      **Streets of Fire**

      Even directors with impressive filmographies occasionally have works that fly under the radar. Walter Hill is known for popular films such as The Warriors, The Driver, and 48 Hours. In the mid-80s, he directed Streets of Fire, an action/musical fusion that seemed poised for a cult following. Representing Hill’s largest budget at the time, the film features a rising cast, including Michael Pare, Diane Lane, and Willem Dafoe. While it initially flopped at the box office, it later gained traction on home video. With its eclectic style and nostalgic homage to the 50s, including rock 'n' roll, biker gangs, and leather jackets, it’s certainly benefited from today's retro fascination.

      **Miracle Mile**

      The premise is straightforward: a guy meets a girl and feels an instant connection, but she leaves. He accidentally intercepts a call about an impending nuclear strike on the city and sets out to find her amidst a night filled with chaos. Anthony Edwards plays the everyman hero in this fantastical portrayal of L.A. at night. Unfortunately, far too few have seen Miracle Mile, which truly deserves greater recognition. With a modest budget, it made little impact at the box office, but director Steve De Jarnatt, also known for Cherry 2000, crafted a memorable film highlighted by its Tangerine Dream score.

      **To Live and Die in L.A.**

      William Petersen is familiar to fans of cult cinema, having starred in Manhunter, which gained attention after the success of Silence of The Lambs. A year prior, Petersen headlined To Live and Die in L.A., directed by the late William Friedkin, who was still riding high on earlier successes like The Exorcist and The French Connection. Though Friedkin faced flops like Sorcerer, this action-heavy crime thriller features a Wang Chung score and allows for a creative and stylistic showcase. Petersen portrays a cop on edge, while Willem Dafoe captivates as the psychotic villain. Filled with great action, a compelling soundtrack, and quintessential 80s style, this film is a must-see.

      **The Hidden**

      A blend of sci-fi, action, and comedy, The Hidden should have garnered immense popularity. It features a body-swapping alien criminal wreaking havoc, pursued by an alien cop posing as a Federal agent, alongside human cop Michael Nouri. Director Jack Sholder is known for his controversial sequel A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, which also has its own cult following. The Hidden keeps its creature mostly concealed due to its modest budget, allowing the focus to be on the dynamic between Kal Nouri’s weary cop and Kyle Maclachlan’s peculiar alien. It’s a fun, slick film in need of more viewers.

      **The Quiet Earth**

      This New Zealand sci-fi classic has not achieved widespread recognition in the States or Europe, though it deserves more attention. The story revolves around a man who wakes up after a suicide attempt to discover he is the last person on Earth, experiencing strange time lapses and eventually encountering two other survivors. While The Quiet Earth may not deliver the level of horror some viewers might anticipate, it is striking in its own right with stunning imagery.

      **After Hours**

      Much like several films on this list from acclaimed directors, After Hours ended up overlooked. It may not have stirred as much controversy as Martin Scorsese’s biblical epic or featured the star power of Color of Money. Scorsese's most comedic and quirky film, After Hours is incredibly underrated and provides an enjoyable viewing experience. Griffin Dunne embarks on a series of