The top 10 cult films of the 80s

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How do you reduce a decades worth of films into a list of ten? This is by no means an easy task but we have decided to focus on the cult treasures of this much-mocked decade.

The 1980s redefined the idea of cult films thanks to the mighty VHS. These films were all but ignored during their cinematic release and it was only through the glory of the weekly rental section of your video store that they have become classics.

Through word of mouth, these films are now more popular than many of their money-making counterparts of the decade. The dedicated following has allowed these films to endure and be in the top ten favourite list of many a moviegoer.

We have compiled the top ten best cult films of the 80s. If you haven’t seen any film on the list, we urge you rent or buy them straight away.

10. The Vidiot from UHF (1989)
Weird Al Yankovic’s feature film was how many of us were initiated into the cult of Al. It has all the makings of a cult classic, unique humour not for everyone’s taste, strange cameos and a brilliant soundtrack.





9. The Blues Brothers (1980)
The late John Belushi at his comic best and looking damn cool might I add. Incredible soundtrack and one of the best car chases in cinema history. Ignore the horrible sequel and watch this classic.





8. Explorers (1985)
A very young River Phoenix and Ethan Hawke construct a spaceship and get into orbit in this highly underrated film.





7. Labyrinth (1986)
For many of us Jennifer Connelly peaked in this Jim Henson masterpiece. Not only is it an amazing film to look at but you get David Bowie as the Goblin King with an excellent soundtrack.





6. Evil Dead II (1987)
Horror fans out there appreciate the genius of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell in this definitive horror comedy.





5. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This film didn’t invent the mockumentary but it catapulted the genre into the stratosphere. The story of a hair metal band has one brilliant moment after another. This film get funnier with every viewing.





4. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s masterpiece was released shortly after ET and received a caning from critics and audiences for its bleak view of humanity. The film now stands as one of the greatest horror sci-fi films of all time.





3. Repo Man (1984)
Emilio Estevez stars as Otto, who as a car repossession officer becomes embroiled in strange other worldly shenanigans. Classic sci-fi film with the brilliant Harry Dean Stanton along for the ride.





2. Heathers (1989)
Winona at her best and Christian Slater doing his usual Jack Nicholson impersonation are but one part of this incredibly dark answer to '80s teen films.




1. Blade Runner (1982)
Considered an abomination when it first premiered the film has become a modern classic. The various cuts have improved upon the original’s shortcomings and only seem to build upon the cult following that this film has. Almost 25 years old and it is still a wonder to behold.




- Story by Sebastian Cordoba
If you have a favourite film of the '80s, you can add it to our "best films of the 1980s"  forum.