In the wave of nostalgia that characterized the late 20th century, many films from the 1980s have been lionized as timeless classics. However, some 80s movies that were once lauded have not aged as well as their contemporaries. This could be due to changes in societal norms, shifts in cinematic tastes, or the emergence of previously unnoticed problematic elements. Here, we explore eighties films that, with the benefit of hindsight, didn't quite stand the test of time.
This list is not meant to diminish the impact these movies had on the industry or the joy they brought to viewers at the time. Instead, it serves as an examination of how time, culture, and personal growth canalter our perception of films, and how unforgiven elements can tarnish even the most beloved movies.
Stereotypes and Troublesome Representations
One area where many 80s films struggle with modern audiences is their portrayal of women, people of color, and marginalized communities.
The archetypes of the 'damsel in distress' and 'manic pixie dream girl' are commonly criticized in 80s cinema. Movies like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Breakfast Club" paint women as sidekicks or love interests, relying on male protagonists to drive the plot. Similarly, films like "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Porky's" rely heavily on sexist humor and objectification of female characters.
Stereotypes of Race and Ethnicity
In addition to potentially offensive representations, many 80s films feature racial stereotypes that are cringe-worthy by today's standards. For instance, "Soul Man" (1986) features a white man desperate to secure a scholarship by blacking up, a premise now widely condemned as offensive and racist. Even in seemingly progressive films like "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985), the token Asian character is given little more than a few lines, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Asian Americans.
Additionally, the use of Native American imagery as a plot device in films like "The Emerald Forest" (1985) and "Cocoon" (1985) highlights an ignorance of indigenous cultures and trivializes their identities and experiences. While these filmmakers may not have intended offense, the harmful effects of these stereotypes are undeniable.
Dubious Storytelling Choices
Beyond representation issues, some 80s films fall short due to their storylines, themes, or lack of narrative coherence.
"Condemned" (1985) is a notorious example of this. With its purportedly true story about a wrongfully imprisoned man, the film now feels exploitative and ill-researched. Similarly, the "Jaws"-inspired "Sharky's Machine" (1981) features a protagonist who is chasing a shark but gets sidetracked by a romantic interest, resulting in a disjointed plot.
Over-reliance on Cliche and Trope
Some 80s films are remembered more for their reliance on cliche than their innovation. The family-friendly "Five Days One Summer" (1982) is often criticized for its maudlin emphasis on 'lessons learned' and reliance on trite dialogue. Similarly, "Eyes of Fire" (1983), while aiming for a dark fairy tale aesthetic, falls flat due to overuse of genre tropes and a lack of cohesive storytelling.
These films serve as reminders that while the 80s provided us with some of the most iconic and beloved films, not every film from this era has withstood the test of time. The way we appreciate cinema is always evolving, and it is important to acknowledge the films that, while once beloved, no longer resonate with modern audiences.
