Top 10 80s Films That Everyone Loves to Spoof

#10: “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

“Star Wars” fever was still in full swing during the early 1980s, thanks to this highly anticipated first sequel to the original 1977 film. An infinitely greater number of eyes were glued to movie screens as a result of the original “Star Wars’” success, and they were dying to see how this new franchise would progress. The final product would bring George Lucas’ vision back into the public zeitgeist, courtesy of some HUGE cinematic moments. We’re talking scenes like Darth Vader revealing to Luke Skywalker his true parentage or the latter’s training with Master Yoda on Dagobah. If it didn’t become official with “Empire,” then 1983’s “Return of the Jedi” shouted it, loud and clear: “Star Wars” was here to stay.

#9: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)

John Hughes wasn’t the first writer/director to craft teenage characters with respect, but he was one of the most important creative voices to do so during the 1980s. “The Breakfast Club’ did a great job expanding upon the compartmentalizing and stereotyping we tend to do in high school. Archetypes like “The Brain,” The Jock” or “The Dweeb” still get tossed around today, for better or worse, but “The Breakfast Club” proved there was more to all of them than meets the eye. The gathering of all of these young characters for Saturday detention became an iconic set-up, one that was riffed on by other films and TV shows in the wake of Hughes’ commercial success.

#8: “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (1985)

Younger movie fans can definitely be forgiven for assuming that the “Rambo” franchise is all about action, one hundred percent of the time. After all, it was this sequel to 1982’s “First Blood” that helped transition the character of John Rambo from troubled Vietnam vet to full-blown killing machine. The pathos and personality of that first film is completely dropped here, as John Rambo ceases his existence as a creation of author David Morrell. Instead, it’s Sylvester Stallone that embodies the role, as “First Blood Part II” moves Rambo into multiplex mayhem territory. The next sequel from 1988, “Rambo III” would get even more extreme, effectively codifying the character’s execution for others to parody.

#7: “Flashdance” (1983)

The 1980s were another era where small-time characters with big dreams earned their golden ticket. Movies like “Footloose,” “Dirty Dancing” and “Fame” all celebrated characters with passionate feelings about the art of dance and all possessed iconic moments. Every ‘80s moviegoer, however, probably remembers the first time they watched the audition scene from “Flashdance.” Jennifer Beals does a lot of the leg work here (pun intended) via her fashion sense and natural charisma - as well as with help from a dance double. Donald Peterson’s cinematography and the stunt coordinators also do a lot to amplify the scene. Yet it’s the decision to have Michael Sembello shift the focus of his song “Maniac” from slasher inspo to dance tune that made “Flashdance” a cultural lightning rod.

#6: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)

Was any director from the ‘80s more adept at humanizing alien life than Steven Spielberg? The director had already softened the reputation of these extra-terrestrial invaders with 1977’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” but it was with “E.T.” in 1982 where alien cuddliness entered the mainstream. The success of Spielberg’s film would result in a slew of imitators and knock-offs, while the film’s humor and heart could also be seen reflected in later films such as Ron Howard’s “Cocoon.” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was also a dream scenario for marketing and cross-promotion, with many riffing upon E.T.’s quest to “phone home” within their advertising.

#5: “The Terminator” (1984)

There were few stars more bankable around this time in 1984 than the future governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. “The Terminator” hit theaters in the wake of Arnold’s post-“Conan” success, and predated subsequent hits like “Commando” and “Predator.” Schwarzenegger, as a result, could still get by playing a villain, which he did (for the ages) with his T-800 cyborg. This didn’t mean that Arnold’s laconic performance didn’t launch a thousand imitators, of course, a feat assisted by the actor’s natural Austrian accent. Schwarzenegger was so successful, in fact, that he basically set the template for “talk less, do more” dystopian antagonists, full stop.

#4: “The Shining” (1980)

It didn’t really matter how much Stephen King famously disliked director Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of his novel, “The Shining.” The performance of Jack Nicholson as King’s disturbed author Jack Torrance broke down the door (literally) to become one of horror cinema’s most studied and parodied moments. There are also other moments from Kubrick’s vision that entered the hallowed halls of horror, from those creepy Grady twins to the real-life abuse suffered by co-star Shelley Duvall during production. King may have written his own made-for-TV miniseries version of “The Shining” in the ‘90s, but it’s this version that remains a legend.

#3: “The Karate Kid” (1983)

This feature from “Rocky” director John G. Avildsen shares a lot of similarities with its rather simple formula and execution. Everybody loves a good underdog story, and “The Karate Kid” seemed to immediately resonate with ‘80s audiences. The likability of Ralph Macchio in the lead made for magic with his co-star, Pat Morita, and scenes such as the final karate tournament or that classic “wax on, wax off” lecture would be referenced by nearly everyone at the time. However, there’s also the modern day “Cobra Kai” series, which takes so much of the original’s lore and adapts it all in a respectful manner. It proves that “The Karate Kid” wasn’t just another feel-good film, or a throwaway check-cashing exercise: it meant something to people.

#2: “Chariots of Fire” (1981)

Isn’t it funny how some Academy Award-winning films become remembered for elements other than their narrative content? There’s no denying that the dramatic story featured within “Chariots of Fire” is compelling stuff, based upon the real-life 1924 Olympics. However, its main reference point today arrives in the form of its score, from Greek prog-rock pioneer Vangelis. The anachronistic presence of his synthesizer blares out a title theme that’s still parodied today whenever any slow motion running sequence needs some music. In fact, it doesn't feel unfair to say that Vangelis’ theme to “Chariots of Fire” has outlived the film’s thematic impact within the minds of many that first viewed it back in 1981.



Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Risky Business” (1983)

That “Old Time Rock & Roll” (& Tighty Whities)

“Friday the 13th” (1980)

The Rise of Slashers & Killer Parodies

“Fatal Attraction” (1987)

How Could We Ignore Glenn Close’s Screen Presence?

“Scarface” (1983)

Say Hello to the Bad Guy

“Rocky IV” (1985)

The Best “Rocky” Montage Ever?

#1: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)

Harrison Ford has portrayed some of the most iconic movie characters to ever achieve silver screen glory. It’s still amazing the run Ford had back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, such as this hugely impactful Indiana Jones film. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” opens up with bang, presenting a sequence that’s been parodied to death by other eager adventure films. Jones’ swagger, that tentative switching of the treasure before a giant boulder comes barrelling from above? It’s blockbuster movie-making 101, and ground zero for a legion of “Indiana Jones” wannabees from both at home and around the world.

Is parody truly flattery? Do you enjoy any genre knock-offs more than the real thing? Let us know in the comments!