12 Awesome '80s Movies That Only the Cool Kids Recall

      We all recall the ’80s blockbuster films, iconic John Hughes comedies, and classic hits that are still celebrated today.

      However, here are some ’80s films that only the truly cool kids remember.

      So… you consider yourself cool, 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 known for ’80s films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Wall Street, he also appeared in this underrated gem about a mysterious figure — perhaps an alien? — who uses a Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor to confront road racing bullies in a secluded Arizona town. Sheen portrays the enigmatic newcomer Jake.

      The cast features a pre-Twin Peaks Sherilyn Fenn as a high school girl fascinated by Jake, Randy Quaid as the sheriff, Nick Cassavetes as the main antagonist, and Clint Howard as “Rughead.”

      If you enjoy desert highways and speedy cars, this film is perfect for you. It may not have been a commercial success, but it has held up remarkably well.

      Three O’Clock High (1987)

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

      Though it performed poorly at the box office, Three O’Clock High is a sort of high school showdown where mild-mannered Jerry Mitchell (Casey Siemaszko, pre-Young Guns) unintentionally offends new student Buddy (Richard Tyson), rumored to be a dangerous psychopath. After accidentally touching Buddy, Jerry is informed that they will fight after school — at three o’clock.

      During a period when more upbeat teen movies were the norm, Phil Joanou’s Three O’Clock High is notable for its darker tone and an ambitious soundtrack by Tangerine Dream.

      The film's lack of success in theaters came with a silver lining; during its production, Joanou met U2, who later hired him to direct their 1988 concert/road movie, Rattle and Hum.

      License to Drive (1988)

      Credit: C/O 20th Century Fox

      Created as a vehicle for the Coreys, Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, License to Drive is chiefly remembered as Heather Graham's breakout role, where she plays Mercedes, the ’80s dream girl.

      Graham shared during a talk at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival that she was just 17 when cast in the film and was surprised by her co-stars' drug use.

      “I was super sheltered, and being around kids my age who were using lots of drugs was new to me, as I wasn’t that wild,” she said.

      She also revealed that she had a crush on Corey Haim, making their onscreen chemistry authentic. The film performed well, grossing $22 million against its $8 million budget.

      For more of Heather Graham’s stories about License to Drive and other films, check them out.

      Gleaming the Cube (1989)

      Credit: C/O 20th Century Fox

      You know what "gleaming the cube" means, right? All the cool kids do. This skateboarding flick features Christian Slater as a teenage skater looking into the death of his adopted Vietnamese brother, showcasing impressive skating credentials during a peak time for the sport.

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

      The title originates from an interview with skater Neil Blender in a 1983 issue of Thrasher magazine: “Have you ever gleamed inside a cube?” The DVD includes a hidden featurette explaining what “gleaming the cube” means, though we all already knew, right?

      The film didn’t do well at the box office.

      Rad (1986)

      Screenshot – Credit: C/O Tri-Star Pictures

      Similar to Gleaming the Cube but featuring BMX bikes — and Rad came first. Directed by Hal Needham, known for Smokey and the Bandit, the story follows teen racer Cru Jones (Bill Allen) as he faces the decision of qualifying for Helltrack or taking the SAT. He chooses wisely.

      Along the way, he encounters a young Lori Loughlin, pre-Full House, who portrays Christian, a girl so cool she does freestyle bike stunts with him at the prom.

      While Rad wasn't a commercial triumph, cool kids — and rad kids — look back on it fondly.

      Just One of the Guys (1985)

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

      This gender-bending comedy centers on female student journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser), who pretends to be a boy to see if she can fit in as “one of the guys.” It’s a story of lessons learned,