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Every once in a while , a great flick fails to strike the brand , and dud at the box agency in the bad way of life possible . A movie ’s integrity does n’t live or cash in one’s chips on its theatrical take , which is why these 80s films deserve to be think of and enjoy . Some audiences have seen these cinema a thousand times over , while novel genesis can apprise the adventuresome tone that could only have come out of 1980s movie house .
Whether it ’s a sci - fi fantasy epic , an animated craze classic , or a mediaeval love affair report , there ’s something in here for everyone . Some of these motion picture are remembered for their flair , while others are appreciated for their imaginative visuals , enthusiasm , and vim .
Updated on September 7th , 2020 by Derek Draven : We’ve added a few more 1980s box office bomb calorimeter to our list that definitely merit a watch or two ( or three ) . Some were victims of bad timing , while others simply were n’t appreciate at the start , but went on to become lover favorites . Everyone has a chance to either re - live these bruised jewel or experience what they have to offer for the first clip .
Dragonslayer (1981)
Long beforeGame of Thronesbrought dragons back into the public consciousness , they were few and far between on the silver sieve . Only a handful of films featured them , most notablyDragonslayer , a unusually ripe take on what should have been a family - favorable Disney film . The story meat on a young thaumaturge ’s apprentice who position out to remove a dragon that has been terrorize a kingdom for twelvemonth .
It grossed only $ 14 million against an $ 18 million dollar bill budget , but would quickly go on to become a cult classic that would devote vital dividend to this day . It single - handedly influence author George R.R. Martin and director Guillermo del Toro .
Heathers (1988)
In contrast to others on this list , Heathersdidn’t bleeding as much cash at the box office due to its comparatively low budget of $ 3 million . However , it gross only a third of that , perhaps because of its loathly subject issue and confusing premise .
The movie boasts a star cast including Winona Ryder , Christian Slater , and Shannen Doherty . It focus around a group of girls ( all named Heather ) who become targets of a magnetic big boy who begins hit the students as a form of retaliation . Satirical and comical , but definitely a cut against the grain of positive gamy school movies that littered the 1980s .
Highlander (1986)
Highlanderis one of those concepts that just work out right from the commencement . The assumption of immortal beingness dispatch each other down through the centuries in pursuit of ultimate business leader give up the doorway for some great storytelling which questioned whether go forever was really such a great thing .
The movie did far well in Europe as opposed to the United States , but at the closing of its tally , it had grossed $ 13 million against a $ 19 million dollar budget . Nevertheless , it went on to become a cult classic that spawn several subsequence , and a spinoff television receiver series with Adrian Paul in the lead story .
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
Few films tore the creative binder off and convulse them out the window likeBuckaroo Banzai . Peter Weller ’s portrait of the lineament fits well with the zany , outrageous visuals and whacky storyline , but it did n’t resonate with audience as well as manager W.D. Richter might have hoped .
The plastic film made just over $ 6 million dollars , versus a $ 17 million dollar sign budget . to begin with scalded by critics , public perception quickly changed , andBuckaroo Banzaibecame an instant religious cult classic that charms first - time and reprise viewers with its refusal to take itself earnestly .
Explorers (1985)
Explorerswas a victim of timing , specially since the Live Aid concert was in full swing music during the same weekend it premiered in theaters . On top of that , it was released a week afterBack To The hereafter , dealing it a double - end reversal . It gross only $ 10 million against a $ 20 to $ 25 million dollar budget .
Like many 1980s box position bombs , Explorersachieved furor condition rather quickly and perform well on domicile video . It was a major bang with kids who shared the same sense of resource and wonder as the young characters in the film , which might explain its critical longevity .
Krull (1983)
This fantasy / sci - fi gem is rooted in the eighties from top to bottom , which is a big part of its good luck charm . Krullhad everything - an intriguing , original plot of ground , a colourful stamp of character play excellent by role player ( including a unseasoned Liam Neeson ) , and a unique monster .
It also had sorcery , laser , giant spider and grim expiry scenery ; all staples of a great 1980s action moving-picture show . alas , this did n’t translate into big theatrical salary , net a short $ 17 million against a $ 27 million dollar budget , which was quite a hard hit for a movie in this genre .
Transformers: The Movie (1986)
It ’s incomprehensible that a lineament length sleeper - in film to an extremely hot 80scartoon franchisefailed to garner more pursuit from its target interview , but that does n’t meanTransformers : The Movieis a critical failure . In fact , it ’s go on to become a timeless LXXX nostalgia piece , beloved byTransformersfans .
Unfortunately , its initial campaign in 1986 did n’t make a vast impact . The troubles increase when the writers decided to defeat off main protagonist Optimus Prime , shatter the hopes and dreaming of minor everywhere , and leading to a severe repercussion . In hindsight , the movie was bold , venturesome and beforehand of its clip , even if it played too fast and loose with its source material .
Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinthcame hot on the heels of the 1980sMuppetcraze , which began when Jim Henson expanded on his puppetry craft with 1982’sThe Dark Crystal . Seeking to capitalize on the buzz created by that film , Henson doubled down withLabyrinth , and casted David Bowie as the lead antagonist .
While the pic has operate on to become a pop culture smasher phenomenon , it ran the gantlet to get there , earning just $ 13 million domestically , against a $ 25 million dollar budget . VHS rental would help inject new life into the film until opthalmic formats finally gave it the respect it merit .
Ladyhawke (1985)
An underrated gem in every respect , 1985’sLadyhawkewas a fantasy / action / romance tale that remains as timeless as the day it was scoot . Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer work two fan inflicted with a fell oath which prevents them from being together . Matthew Broderick rounded out the cast to create a tercet of heroes out to break the curse , for good .
Tragically , the film would make around $ 18 million against a $ 20 million dollar budget , which was a huge blow to such a good flick . It ’s deserving watching at least once , just to see the build - up to that final scene where Hauer and Pfeiffer are reunited again - one for the years .
The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron was on a red-hot stripe in the 1980s , thanks to a series of hugely successful films such asTerminatorandAliens . alas , he bit off more than he could chew with 1989’sThe Abyss , which garnered a report for being one of the mostpunishing shoot in moving-picture show chronicle .
In contrast to his late films , The Abysswas considered a collapse , despite earn $ 90 million against a $ 50 million dollar sign budget . By all accounts , it should have been a runaway success , but the motion-picture show did n’t vibrate with everyone . Still , it remains a proficient masterpiece in film chronicle .
