As one of the most underrated film decades in modern history, the 1980s had a lot amazing movies that people need to see at least once. Sure, the 1990s came along and completely stuck the 80s in its massive shadow, but this does not diminish the films from the 80s that had a hand in changing the industry. Many people are familiar with the biggest releases of the decade, some of which have given way to conspiracy theories that people are still trying to solve. Unfortunately, there are always going to be films that fly right under the radar, and this is what brings us here today.
The most underrated comedies of the 1980s all had a lot to like about them, but for one reason or another, they remain underrated gems. Thankfully, some of these comedies can be found on Netflix and other streaming platforms, so the people interested in seeing them can go ahead and stream them.
Today, we’re going to take a look at underrated comedies from the 1980s.
15 Heathers Is A Dark Comedy That Never Fails To Please
Heathers is easily one of the best comedies of the 80s, and had it been released in the 2000s, it would have been called Mean Girls. That film was a huge hit, and there is no way that it would have existed without Heathers coming along in the 80s and doing its thing.
14 Better Off Dead Is The Most Underrated Movie Of The 80s
The teen comedies of the 80s are some of the decade’s most famous films. While Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club get all the love, Better off Dead was just as good as these movies. Not only did it have hilarious moments, but it also had a lot more heart than the more popular flicks.
13 This Is Spinal Tap Delivered One Amazing Scene After The Next
It is hard to believe that This Is Spinal Tap isn’t on a continuous loop somewhere in the world, but over time, it seems like some people have forgotten how great this movie is. It has iconic moments all throughout, and it is a fantastic satirical take on bands from the era.
12 Spaceballs Was The Perfect Comedic Answer To Star Wars
Space movies have been popular on the big screen for ages, and when Spaceballs made its debut, it was more than happy to poke some fun at the genre. Turns out, this film had everything that fans could have hoped for. From start to finish, this movie is a total gem.
11 Raising Arizona Was A Breakout Film For Nic Cage
Nic Cage has been in the business for years, and he has taken part in some huge blockbuster projects during that time. During the 80s when he was establishing himself as a legitimate actor, he snagged the lead in Raising Arizona and turned heads. This movie is better than people remember.
10 Tootsie Proved That Dustin Hoffman Can Do It All
There would probably be some controversy surrounding this film if it was made today, but things were different back in the 80s. Tootsie was a hilarious film that was led by Dustin Hoffman, who was exceptional in the lead role. Pop this on sometime and see what the fuss is about.
9 Fletch Saw Chevy Chase Blossom From His SNL Days
After breaking out on Saturday Night Live, Chevy Chase was able to move onto the big screen and become a comedic force. Fletch was a popular movie for Chase, but over time, it seems as though people have forgotten how good this film is. Sure, Vacation is timeless, but Fletch is a great movie.
8 Porky's Was A Raunchy Comedy That Was Ahead Of Its Time
The raunchy comedies of today owe a huge debt of gratitude to the movie Porky’s. This film was bold for the time that it was released, and even now, there are some parts that will catch people by surprise. It was ahead of its time and should be appreciated by more people.
7 48 Hours Got The 80s Started Off With A Bang
Eddie Murphy was an incredible stand-up comedian before setting his sights on the big screen, and he would become a star in a hurry. 48 Hours was an early hit for Murphy that proved that he could hold it down in films. He would eventually be nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Dreamgirls.
6 Risky Business Helped Make Tom Cruise A Household Name
It is hard to imagine a world where Tom Cruise is not the biggest movie star on the planet, but he was once just looking to make it big in Hollywood. Risky Business was a huge break for Cruise, who was able to star in the hit and launch his career. People felt that Cruise should have won an Oscar years later for his role in Jerry Maguire.
5 Uncle Buck Is John Candy At His Absolute Best
The lucky group of us that grew up watching John Candy know that he was much more than just a comedic actor. Candy had incredible range, and he flexed this in Uncle Buck. Yes, the movie is incredibly funny, but its deeper moments help it stand out from other 80s comedies.
4 Mr. Mom Was Hilarious And Deserves More Praise
Michael Keaton was a man on fire during the 80s, and Mr. Mom might be his most underrated project. Keaton had so many good projects, so it makes sense that a few have flown under the radar. From start to finish, this movie is one that people can enjoy at any time.
3 Twins Turned An Unlikely Pair Into A Perfect Comedic Duo
Though Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito would seem to have nothing in common on the surface, the two proved to be a dynamic force together in the film Twins. The juxtaposition here was hilarious by itself, but the movie also had plenty of other great things going for it.
2 Brewster's Millions Has An Unbelievably Funny Cast
Looking back at it now, it is hard to believe that John Candy and Richard Pryor took part in the same comedic project, and it’s a shame that it isn’t as popular as it should be. These two were great together, and Brewster’s Millions has slipped between the cracks over the years.
1 The Man With Two Brains Is A Gem
Steve Martin is a comedic genius, and his work over the years has proven this time and time again. The Man with Two Brains is a movie that does not take itself too seriously, and this is precisely why it’s so great. It’s silly, outrageous, and an underrated film that deserved better.