The 20 Most Iconic Science Fiction Films from the 1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for action and adventure-driven sci-fi movies, heavily influenced by the Star Wars phenomenon. While the decade produced its share of flops like Masters of the Universe, Superman IV, and Flash Gordon, it also delivered unforgettable classics. Selecting the best was challenging, but to keep the list concise, I limited it to 20 entries, ensuring each film excelled in writing, storytelling, acting, direction, and music. Notably, only one Star Wars and one Star Trek film made the cut.

20. Predator (1987)

A thrilling action movie with an unforgettable premise and a gripping finale! What begins as a standard action-packed adventure transforms into a nerve-wracking battle of wits between Arnold Schwarzenegger and a technologically advanced alien hunter. With iconic lines like 'I ain’t got time to bleed!' this film is an absolute must-watch.

19. The Element of Crime (1984)

This Danish gem might be unfamiliar to many, but it aligns perfectly with my fascination for dystopian futures, a recurring theme in my sci-fi selections. The film, a Sundance standout, follows a detective who adopts the controversial techniques of his discredited mentor to hunt a serial killer. Set in a desolate world where civilization's remnants are scattered and seasons have vanished, replaced by erratic weather, it offers a haunting vision of the future.

18. The Final Countdown (1980)

A U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier is thrust into a storm that transports the vessel and its crew back in time—to the eve of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor. Featuring Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and the legendary Charles Durning, The Final Countdown stands out as one of the rare films to skillfully delve into the intriguing question of 'What if...?'

17. Venus Wars (1989)

Venus Wars remained relatively obscure in the U.S. until Cartoon Network began airing it regularly in the 1990s. Released shortly after the groundbreaking Akira, this anime depicts a conflict on Venus between its two dominant nations. Adapted from a manga, the story focuses on a band of athletes-turned-rebels battling invaders, alongside an Earth-based journalist covering the chaos.

16. The Quiet Earth (1985)

I initially considered Jeff Goldblum’s The Fly for this spot but ultimately chose New Zealand’s The Quiet Earth. Both films delve into the consequences of scientific mishaps, but The Quiet Earth resonated more with me. Based on the novel of the same name, the film examines the psychological unraveling of a man who discovers he’s the sole survivor of a catastrophic event he inadvertently contributed to. The depiction of Hobson’s descent into madness and his eventual recovery is compelling, particularly as he regains his sanity before realizing he isn’t truly alone. The film concludes with an ambiguous and thought-provoking ending that lingers long after the credits roll.

15. 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)

Though it doesn’t reach the grandeur of its predecessor, 2010 stands as a solid and serious sci-fi film. Set nine years after the Discovery mission, a US-Soviet team ventures to Jupiter to uncover the truth behind the earlier disaster. While the film deviates from the novel, including an unnecessary subplot about nuclear tensions, it remains a strong entry in the genre. A standout scene is the tense spacewalk from the Leonov to the Discovery, where John Lithgow’s portrayal of Dr. Curnow, panicking while gazing at Jupiter, is enhanced by the sound design of his rapid breathing inside the spacesuit—a masterful cinematic moment.

14. Cocoon (1985)

Aliens repurpose a swimming pool as an incubator, unintentionally granting a group of elderly swimmers newfound vitality. This unconventional sci-fi film offers a refreshing twist on the genre and is well worth a watch. Don’t let Steve Guttenberg’s presence deter you—it’s a hidden gem.

13. ET: The Extraterrestrial

Many might argue that ET deserves a higher spot on this list, but I initially hesitated to include it due to my personal preferences. While the film has memorable scenes, like ET mimicking soap operas and Eliot’s synchronized antics, and it’s widely celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece, it just doesn’t resonate with me. I can’t pinpoint exactly why—perhaps it’s the pressure to adore it or lingering frustration over the infamous Atari game. The portrayal of government scientists as villains who disrupt ET’s journey home feels contrived. Wouldn’t any scientist be thrilled to communicate with an alien? Spielberg’s need for antagonists seems to have overshadowed logic, a flaw that also diminishes my appreciation for Starman.

12. The Abyss (1989)

Navy SEALs team up with an experimental underwater oil rig crew to deactivate a sunken nuclear submarine. Their mission is complicated by encounters with NTIs—non-terrestrial intelligences—residing in the depths, while a hurricane jeopardizes their vessel. Starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Ed Harris, The Abyss gained depth and impact with its director’s cut, which includes a powerful finale absent from the theatrical release.

11. Aliens (1986)

In Aliens, Sigourney Weaver reprises her role as Ellen Ripley, returning to the planet where the original alien was discovered—now colonized by 'the corporation.' The sequel ramps up the terror with more aliens, heightened violence, and iconic lines like 'Game over, man! Game over!' While it doesn’t quite match the groundbreaking impact of the first film, it delivers unforgettable moments, including a heart-stopping scene in the medical center where survivors, surrounded by unseen aliens, face sheer panic. One marine’s chilling discovery in the ceiling remains a standout moment.

10. Robocop (1987)

After a brutal attack leaves a cop (Peter Weller) on the brink of death, he is transformed into a formidable cyborg tasked with fighting crime. Beyond its action-packed sequences, the film shines in its exploration of Robocop’s struggle to reclaim his humanity, particularly in a poignant scene where he revisits his former home. Be warned: this film is known for its graphic violence, so viewer discretion is advised.

9. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Nicholas Meyer crafted the finest Star Trek film with The Wrath of Khan. The titular character, portrayed brilliantly by the late Ricardo Montalbán, seeks vengeance against Kirk for his past abandonment. While the first Trek movie stayed truer to the series’ spirit, Wrath of Khan stands out as the best installment, thanks to its bold ending and James Horner’s exceptional score. The director’s cut, occasionally aired on TV, enhances the film by delving deeper into Kirk’s fallibility, emphasizing that character depth is the essence of great Trek storytelling.

8. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is ranked among the top 50 sci-fi films of all time by the Internet Movie Database, a well-earned accolade. The story follows Nausicaa as she protects her tranquil valley and its wildlife from invaders. Set a thousand years after a cataclysmic event known as the 'seven days of fire'—possibly a nuclear war or asteroid impact—the film carries strong environmental messages. While it was a hit in Japan upon its 1984 release, most American viewers didn’t experience the full, unedited version until 2005.

7. Iceman (1984)

This thought-provoking film tells the story of a prehistoric man revived after being frozen for 40,000 years. Iceman is intelligent, well-acted, and inspiring, offering a compelling exploration of whether the protagonist is treated as a person or a scientific experiment. For me, it surpasses the overrated ET by delving deeply into ethical and philosophical questions.

6. The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator stands as one of the most captivating films in cinematic history. While it’s undeniably violent and exaggerated in parts, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s debut as the T-800 cemented its place in film lore. The plot follows a human resistance fighter traveling back in time to protect the mother of the future leader of the rebellion against the machines’ relentless cyborg assassin.

5. Ghostbusters (1984)

Who you gonna call? If you haven’t seen this iconic, hilarious, and endlessly quotable sci-fi comedy, it’s time to hit Netflix or your favorite streaming service. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis shine as bumbling scientists turned ghost hunters. Who hasn’t dreamed of wielding an unlicensed nuclear accelerator? While the most memorable line isn’t family-friendly (delivered in the mayor’s office), a close second is when a reporter asks Ray, 'I guess you’re the man to ask: How is Elvis, and have you seen him lately?'

4. Back to the Future (1985)

Pure, unadulterated fun. This film is an absolute delight, following a teenager who accidentally travels back in time and faces the awkward situation of being pursued by his own mother. Packed with unforgettable moments, one standout scene is when Marty, dressed in a radiation suit, terrifies his father during a late-night visit. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd deliver stellar performances. As Marty famously says, 'Trust me: Your kids are gonna love it.'

3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

As a devoted Star Wars fan, it’s no surprise that I’ve placed this film at the top of my 1980s sci-fi list. While some may disagree, I stand by my choice. (I even considered ranking it below Akira and Blade Runner.) George Lucas surpassed expectations with this sequel, taking a bold risk by ending it on a cliffhanger. John Williams’ score is, in my opinion, the finest movie soundtrack ever composed, rivaling even Beethoven’s Fifth. The iconic AT-AT assault on Echo Base still fills me with excitement. Though the prequels boast superior effects, this film remains the emotional core of the saga.

2. Akira (1988)

Akira is the groundbreaking film that brought anime into the global spotlight, setting the standard for Japanese animation. It’s intense, exhilarating, and at times, unsettling. Set in Neo Tokyo a decade after nuclear devastation, the story follows Kaneda, a biker gang leader, as he witnesses his friend Tetsuo’s descent into madness amid rapidly growing psychic powers. Not for the faint-hearted, Akira is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression.

1. Blade Runner (1982)

Set in a dystopian Los Angeles, this adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' stars Harrison Ford as a detective specializing in hunting rogue androids. The film introduced me to Edward James Olmos, whose return to sci-fi in the new Battlestar Galactica was a delight. I’m intrigued by fan debates over the two versions: Is Blade Runner better with or without Rick Deckard’s narration? And what about the controversial 'happy' ending?

+ Spaceballs (1987)

To those who lamented Spaceballs’ absence from my list of top Star Wars parodies (my apologies!), here it is. Mel Brooks’ take on the Star Wars craze outshines today’s spoofs like 'Epic Movie' and 'Date Movie' in every way. As they say, may the schwartz be with you!

Notable exclusions: Tron; Superman II (a film I’m not fond of, and even the director’s cut feels incomplete); Buckaroo Banzai (decent but not exceptional); Wargames from 1983 (already featured on my nuclear war films list); The Road Warrior and Mad Max 3; The Last Starfighter; Weird Science; The Fly; and The Thing.

Contributor: STL Mo