As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I find myself drawn to these delightful gems of yesteryears. The 80s, a decade that was as vibrant and eccentric as the hairstyles, seems to have produced some truly captivating stories.
In the 1980s, a significant number of all-time classic romantic comedies were released. Yet, amidst these well-known films, there are numerous underrated, charming, and humorous romantic movies from the ’80s that have been overlooked through time. To rectify this, we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on these forgotten treasures of the rom-com genre from the 1980s.
One Crazy Summer (1986)
Hailing from the creative minds of writer and director Savage Steve Holland, the film One Crazy Summer showcases John Cusack in the role of a talented cartoonist, whose path intertwines with that of an aspiring singer portrayed by Demi Moore. Though boasting some high-profile talent, this hilarious summer comedy has failed to retain the same level of popularity it initially enjoyed upon its release.
The Night Before (1988)
A film titled “The Night Before” features a storyline distinct from the 2015 comedy of the same name starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie. Instead, this movie is a coming-of-age romantic comedy with Keanu Reeves playing a teenager suffering from amnesia, who struggles to find his missing prom date (portrayed by Lori Loughlin).
Mischief (1985)
In the heart of the 1950s, the story unfolds around an unassuming character named Jonathan (Doug McKeon). He befriends a rebellious figure, Gene (Chris Nash), who aids him in pursuing Marilyn (Kelly Preston, RIP), a striking young woman. This teen comedy-drama, featuring Jami Gertz as well, garnered mixed responses and was criticized as forgettable by The New York Times. Looking back, their assessment seems to hold true given the film’s limited recognition today.
It Takes Two (1988)
In contrast to a film starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen that came out seven years later, the movie “It Takes Two” features George Newbern as Travis Rogers. Travis, who is about to wed Stephanie (Leslie Hope), abruptly departs for Dallas to buy his dream sports car for a wedding gift. However, an unanticipated fascination with car salesperson Jonni Tigersmith (Kimberly Foster) and issues with his newly-acquired vehicle pose challenges that might prevent him from reaching the altar.
Legal Eagles (1986)
You might not have watched “Legal Eagles,” but it’s one of Ivan Reitman’s top movies that deserves attention. In this film, Robert Redford portrays a cunning District Attorney, while Debra Winger takes on the role of a tough-as-nails defense attorney. Their professional rivalry is complicated when they join forces to defend an alluring murder suspect, played by Daryl Hannah, who creates tension between them, both personally and professionally.
The Rachel Papers (1989)
Prior to becoming well-known for collaborating with Guy Ritchie on movies such as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and directing films like “Rocketman”, Dexter Fletcher had a standout performance as Charles Highway in “The Rachel Papers”. At the age of 19, his life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes smitten with the charming title character (portrayed by Ione Skye). However, complications arise due to Rachel’s existing boyfriend, Deforest (played by James Spader), and his father’s mistress.
The Heavenly Kid (1985)
In the late 1960s, the initial sequence of “The Heavenly Kid” starts with a dangerous game of chicken that proves fatal for the rebellious teenager Bobby Fontana (portrayed by Lewis Smith). Instead of immediately reaching Heaven, he’s assigned to aid a contemporary high school student (Jason Gedrick) in dealing with his school social life and finding love.
Seems Like Old Times (1980)
In the creative brain of writer Neil Simon, the play “Seems Like Old Times” marked the second romantic duo of Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn following their collaboration in the 1978 movie “Foul Play“. The story revolves around former spouses who find themselves unexpectedly reunited when Chevy’s character, Nick, is compelled to rob a bank. Caught in the act, he turns to Glenda (Hawn) for assistance, complicating matters as her current husband (Charles Grodin), now serving as California’s Attorney General, becomes involved.
The Woman In Red (1984)
In the 1980s, Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner were an iconic Hollywood couple in reality, yet it’s important to note that the late Saturday Night Live star didn’t portray the love interest of her real-life spouse in “The Woman in Red”. Interestingly, Wilder took on the roles of both actor, writer, and director for this comedy. In the film, his character, Theodore Pierce, develops a crush on a stunning woman (Kelly LeBrock) he encounters during his commute to work, which creates complications in his marriage with Didi (Judith Ivey).
Roxanne (1987)
Amongst all the Steve Martin movies out there, Roxanne stands out as one of my favorites – and yet it seems to be overlooked by many. This film is a contemporary twist on Edmond Rostand’s timeless play, Cyrano de Bergerac, penned by the comedic genius himself. In this movie, I step into the shoes of C.D. Bales, a firefighter with a quick wit and a prominent nose, who assists my new firefighting buddy, Chris (Rick Rossovich), in winning over our mutual love interest, Roxanne (Daryl Hannah). However, there’s more to this story – while I help Chris win her heart, I find myself secretly yearning for her too.
Secret Admirer (1985)
A year prior to the 1986 release of the film “Soul Man,” which ultimately impacted C. Thomas Howell’s career negatively, he starred in a humorous teen romantic comedy titled “Secret Admirer.” In this movie, his character, Michael, discovers an anonymous love note in his locker and becomes smitten with whom he believes to be the girl of his dreams, Deborah (Kelly Preston). However, there’s a possibility that it might actually have been sent by his friend Toni (Lori Loughlin), who has always maintained a platonic relationship with him.
Chances Are (1989)
A comedy film that explores the idea of past lives is the Academy Award-nominated “Chances Are,” featuring Robert Downey Jr., who later won an Oscar, as Alex Finch, a college graduate smitten by Miranda. However, upon encountering her mother, Corinne (Cybill Shepherd), he discovers that he was actually Miranda’s father and Corinne’s deceased husband, Louie, in their previous lives.
Best Friends (1982)
Filmmaker Barry Levinson worked with his spouse Valerie Curtin on the script for a movie depicting the challenges of marriage, ironically released the same year they got divorced. This film was director Norman Jewison’s “Best Friends,” featuring Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn in the roles of writing partners and lovers. Their choice to marry unevenly led to complications within their relationship.
Continental Divide (1981)
In one of John Belushi’s last movies, titled “Continental Divide”, the beloved cast member from “Saturday Night Live” portrays Chicago columnist Ernie Souchak. This character, known for his keen investigative abilities, almost loses his life due to these skills, leading him on a journey to the Rocky Mountains as a means of escape. It is in this rugged terrain where he encounters a fervent eagle researcher named Nell Porter (played by Blair Brown). Despite their distinct differences, there’s an undeniable connection between Ernie and Nell that slowly develops.
The Four Seasons (1981)
In the movie “The Four Seasons,” directed by Alan Alda, Carol Burnett delivers a standout performance alongside her co-star from MASH, Alan Alda. They portray a married couple, and together with Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, Rita Moreno, and Jack Weston, they play three adult couples who vacation together four times a year. Each time, they find it challenging to avoid getting on each other’s nerves.
The Sure Thing (1985)
Although not strictly falling into the category of ’80s comedies, director Rob Reiner’s film, The Sure Thing, is a delightful coming-of-age romance featuring John Cusack as a college student with a promised seductress (Nicolette Sheridan) in California. He unexpectedly finds a travel companion in his structured, pragmatic classmate (Daphne Zuniga), who challenges him to reconsider his desires.
All Of Me (1984)
In the film “All of Me,” directed by Carl Reiner, Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin’s characters fall in love after an unusual twist of events. Tomlin’s character, Edwina Cutwater, is a wealthy woman near death who wishes to transfer her soul into another body. However, due to an accident, she unintentionally shares her body with her lawyer, Roger Cobb, played by Steve Martin.
Class (1983)
The film “Class,” directed by Lewis John Carlino, shares some plot resemblance to “The Graduate,” but with a twist. Instead of following a college graduate, it focuses on Jonathan (Andrew McCarthy), a student at an all-boys preparatory high school, who embarks in an affair with an older woman, Ellen (Jacqueline Bisset). However, it is later revealed that Ellen is the mother of his roommate and best friend, Skip (Rob Lowe).
Romantic Comedy (1983)
From the title alone, one might think that “Romantic Comedy” is a satirical film poking fun at the classic romantic comedy genre. However, this movie, directed by Arthur Hiller (an Academy Award nominee), is actually a sincere and delightfully humorous story. It follows a married New York playwright, portrayed by Dudley Moore, and his new creative partner, Mary Steenburgen (a Academy Award winner), as they try to hide their growing feelings for each other while maintaining a productive professional relationship.
The Pick-Up Artist (1987)
In my gaming world, let me tell you, I’ve never encountered a more endearing and hilarious duo than Molly Ringwald, the ’80s It Girl, and Robert Downey Jr., the Iron Man himself, in “The Pick-up Artist.” This Marvel future sensation plays Jack Jericho, a serial ladies’ man, who finds himself smitten by Randy Jensen (Ringwald). However, her ties to the mob add an extra layer of complication to their budding relationship.
Cross My Heart (1987)
Instead of a back-and-forth or an untested affection narrative, the movie “Cross My Heart” revolves around a pair who are deeply smitten with each other, preparing for their third date, yet their individual insecurities pose the only hurdle between them. David Morgan (Martin Short) grapples with the embarrassment of losing his job, while Kathy (Annette O’Toole) frets that he might back off if he learns about her having a daughter.
Making Mr. Right (1987)
In the film “Making Mr. Right,” Academy Award nominee John Malkovich delivers one of his most endearing performances as a robot named Ulysses. Ulysses is the brainchild of a socially awkward scientist, portrayed by Malkovich himself, who enlists the help of a PR specialist named Frankie Stone, played by Ann Magnuson, to make him more human-like before embarking on a seven-year space voyage.
Murphy’s Romance (1985)
In Martin Ritt’s film adaptation of Max Schott’s novella, “Murphy’s Romance,” two-time Academy Award winner Sally Field takes on the role of Emma Moriarty, a single mother who relocates with her son, Jake (Corey Haim), to rural Arizona to pursue horse training. There, she develops a friendship with Murphy, portrayed by James Garner, which might blossom into something deeper, if not for the unexpected arrival of Emma’s former spouse, Bobby Jack (Bryan Kerwin).
The Slugger’s Wife (1985)
Neil Simon writes the film, not just one of the underappreciated ’80s romantic comedies, but also an underappreciated sports movie – “The Slugger’s Wife,” directed by Hal Ashby. The film stars Michael O’Keefe as a professional baseball player who finds himself smitten and marrying a singer (Rebecca De Mornay). However, their dedication to their careers may jeopardize their relationship.
Tomboy (1985)
In the humorous film “Tomboy,” directed by Herb Freed, Betsy Russell portrays Tomasina Boyd, an unconventional woman of her age (for that era), who prefers fixing cars and riding motorcycles over typical female pursuits. However, when she develops feelings for the chauvinistic Randy Starr (played by Gerard Christopher), she decides to capture his affection by beating him in a stock car race.
They All Laughed (1981)
Lovers of mystery tales and lighthearted romances will enjoy a delightful blend in Peter Bogdanovich’s film They All Laughed. Characters Ben Gazzara and John Ritter, taking on the roles of New York detectives, are tasked with monitoring two women (Audrey Hepburn and Dorothy Stratten, in her last screen appearance) on behalf of their doubtful spouses. However, things take an unexpected turn as they begin to develop feelings for the very women they were assigned to watch.
Coast To Coast (1980)
In the gripping saga, “Coast to Coast,” I found myself immersed in the story of Madie Levrington, a prosperous woman whose spouse tried to have me committed in New York, to dodge an expensive divorce. With sheer determination, I contrived my escape and sought the assistance of trucker Charles Callahan, played by Robert Blake, to navigate me back to sunny California.
You Can’t Hurry Love (1988)
In keeping with the trend of naming films based on popular songs, especially romantic comedies, we have “You Can’t Hurry Love,” a title that includes Phil Collins’ rendition of The Supremes’ 1966 Motown hit in its soundtrack. This film, penned by writer Richard Martini and directed by the same, stars David Packer as Eddie. In an attempt to exaggerate his personality to secure a date, Eddie joins a dating service upon Peggy’s (Bridget Fonda) suggestion.
How I Got Into College (1989)
My Journey into College presents another hilarious coming-of-age tale directed by Savage Steve Holland, this time labeled as a horror movie revealing the chills of confronting your post-high school destiny. The main character is Marlon Browne (played by Corey Parker), who dreams of keeping up with straight-A student Jessica Kailo (portrayed by Lara Flynn Boyle) despite his low SAT scores.
Micki & Maude (1984)
Directed by Blake Edwards, the film titled “Micki & Maude” features Dudley Moore as television journalist Rob Salinger. Growing tired of his wife, Micki (Ann Reinking), who always seems too busy for him, he encounters and eventually marries Maude (Amy Irving). As an expectant father with both women, he ponders confessing his dual marriage to Micki, only to be hit by the shocking revelation that she is also pregnant. The challenge now falls on Rob: can he avoid bringing his two expectant wives together while dividing his time fairly between them?
Back Roads (1981)
In the movie titled “Back Roads“, it features Academy Award recipients Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. This story is a timeless one about two individuals, despite their contrasting personalities, who unexpectedly develop feelings for each other during a journey through the countryside of the American South.
Electric Dreams (1984)
The movie titled “Electric Dreams” can be described as a romantic comedy that seems to have been plucked from one of the most captivating episodes of “Black Mirror.” In this film, Lenny von Dohlen portrays Miles, whose bond with Madeline (Virginia Madsen) and other aspects of his life become precarious due to a computer he owns that appears to have its own consciousness.
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2024-09-10 18:38