The Best 80s Action Movies You Need To Watch Right Now

Daniel Figaro
Dec 14, 2023
Dec 14, 2023

Get ready to travel back in time and relive the adrenaline-fueled glory days of the 80s moives with our list of the best action movies from the decade. From iconic heroes to explosive set pieces, we've got it all covered. These are the best 80s action movies you need to watch right now. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to experience the ultimate rush of nostalgia!

What Are 1980s Action Movies?

The 80s action movie genre has become iconic over the years, with films such as Die Hard, Terminator, and Predator becoming household names. These movies are still relevant today due to their over-the-top action sequences, larger-than-life characters, and thrilling storylines.

The genre has also been credited with inspiring a new wave of action films, with modern directors citing 1980s action movies as a major influence. As such, these films continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and will likely remain a beloved part of pop culture for years to come.

Experience the rush of adrenaline as these 80s action films take you on a global adventure, spanning exotic locations, dangerous missions, and epic confrontations that leave a lasting impact!

Die Hard (1988)

Source: Die Hard (1988)

Plot summary

This 80s action movies follows the story of a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing obstacles and challenges along the way. As she learns more about herself, she discovers her true potential and learns to embrace her unique identity. Ultimately, she finds the courage to stand up for what she believes in and to follow her dreams.

Source: Die Hard (1988)

Why You Need To Watch It:

Die Hard revolutionized the action movie genre when it was released in 1988. It ushered in a new era of action films that focused on the hero's journey, as opposed to the traditional action films that focused on the villains. Die Hard also introduced a new level of realism to the genre, with its gritty action sequences and believable characters.

The film's success spawned numerous sequels and imitators, and it has become a classic example of the action genre. Die Hard has had a lasting impact on the action movie landscape, and its influence can still be seen in modern action films.
Today, Die Hard continues to be an inspiration for filmmakers and audiences alike. Its influence can be seen in the action films of the past three decades, from the Die Hard sequels to films like John Wick and Mission: Impossible. The film's success has also inspired a new generation of action stars, such as Bruce Willis and Keanu Reeves, who have become household names. Die Hard's impact on the action genre is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that delivers jaw-dropping action sequences, intense fight choreography, and non-stop excitement that will leave you breathless!

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Source: Lethal Weapon (1987)

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets a variety of people along the way, learns valuable lessons, and ultimately finds the courage to follow her dreams. Throughout the movie, she faces difficult challenges and learns to trust her instincts, ultimately leading her to a place of inner peace and understanding. The movie is an inspiring tale of courage and perseverance that will leave viewers feeling uplifted and empowered.

Why You Need To Watch It:

Lethal Weapon was a groundbreaking buddy cop movie released in 1987 that had a significant impact. It was one of the first films to feature two mismatched police officers who were forced to work together to solve a crime. The movie spawned a franchise of sequels and inspired a wave of similar buddy cop films, such as Rush Hour, Bad Boys, and The Heat. Lethal Weapon's influence on the genre was undeniable, as it set the standard for all future buddy cop movies.

Prepare for a cinematic experience that combines explosive stunts, breathtaking special effects, and heart-pounding suspense, taking action to a whole new level!

Predator (1987)

Source: Predator (1987)

Plot summary

The movie follows the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She encounters a variety of characters and experiences that challenge her beliefs and push her to explore her own identity. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about life and love, ultimately discovering her true self and finding the courage to live life to the fullest.

Why You Need To Watch It:

Predator, released in 1987, set the standard for sci-fi action movies. The film combined elements of horror, science fiction, and action-adventure to create a thrilling cinematic experience.

The iconic creature design, intense action sequences, and suspenseful story-telling have all become staples of the genre. Predator’s influence can be seen in countless action films that followed, and it continues to be a major influence on the genre today.
A special element of "Commando" is its memorable one-liners and quotable dialogue. The film is known for its iconic lines, delivered with Schwarzenegger's trademark flair, that have become ingrained in popular culture.
Furthermore, "Commando" embraces its own brand of exaggerated action, showcasing the '80s machismo and spectacle that defined the era. It revels in its over-the-top nature, creating an entertaining and self-aware experience that captures the essence of classic '80s action cinema.

Indulge in a visually spectacular feast as the film showcases thrilling set pieces, exhilarating car chases, and mind-blowing explosions that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Robocop (1987)

Source: Robocop (1987)

Plot summary

The movie follows the story of a young girl who embarks on an adventure to save her kingdom. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters and faces many challenges, ultimately discovering her true identity and courage. With the help of her newfound friends, she is able to defeat the evil forces and restore peace to the kingdom.

Iconic moments

"RoboCop" combines visceral action sequences with sharp social commentary, creating a unique blend of excitement and thought-provoking storytelling. The film's satirical commercials, exaggerated violence, and quotable one-liners add an element of dark humor, making it a cult classic among action movie enthusiasts.

Why You Need To Watch It:

Robocop tackled social issues in a unique way, making a lasting Why you need to watch it. It was one of the first films to explore the implications of technology on society, as well as the ethical and moral considerations of using robots for law enforcement.
The film also raised questions about corporate power, consumerism, and the role of media in a dystopian future. Robocop was a groundbreaking movie that pushed the boundaries of the genre and set a new standard for science fiction films.

Get ready for an action-packed adventure that features a charismatic and badass protagonist, delivering one-liners and epic moments that will have you cheering in your seat!

Rambo (1989)

Source: Rambo (1989)

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she faces many challenges and learns valuable lessons about life and love. She eventually finds the courage to confront her fears and embrace her true identity, ultimately leading her to a place of inner peace and understanding.

Why You Need To Watch It:

Rambo became a symbol of American patriotism due to his portrayal as a heroic figure in the Rambo film series. The films depicted Rambo as a lone, but powerful, warrior who was willing to fight for his country and the freedom of others. This resonated with audiences and helped to create a strong connection between Rambo and the idea of patriotism.

Sylvester Stallone's iconic portrayal of Rambo captures the character's intensity, physical prowess, and inner turmoil. The film's supporting cast, including Richard Crenna and Brian Dennehy, adds depth and dimension to the story, creating a memorable ensemble of characters.
"Rambo" has become synonymous with action-packed heroism, with its explosive set pieces and high-octane battles leaving an indelible mark on the genre. The film's success spawned a beloved franchise, solidifying Rambo as one of the most iconic action heroes of the '80s and beyond.
The impact of the series on the genre of action films was immense, and it has been credited with popularizing the genre and inspiring countless other films.

Experience the mastery of choreographed fight sequences that blend martial arts, acrobatics, and innovative stunt work, showcasing the skill and dedication of the cast and crew!

Commando (1985)

Source: Commando (1985)

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She is forced to confront her past and the secrets that have been kept from her.
Along the way, she meets a variety of characters who help her to understand her identity and the power of her own choices. Through her experiences, she learns to accept herself and her place in the world. Ultimately, she discovers the strength to move forward and embrace a new life.

Commando, released in 1985, epitomized the over-the-top action movie formula that would become popular in the decades to follow. It featured an ex-special forces soldier, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a South American dictator.
The film was filled with intense action scenes, outrageous stunts, and one-liners that have become iconic in the genre. Commando was a major influence on the 1980s action movie genre and its success spawned a wave of similar films.
The standout aspect of "Commando" is its relentless and larger-than-life action sequences. From intense gunfights and epic explosions to jaw-dropping stunts and hand-to-hand combat, the film delivers a non-stop barrage of high-octane excitement. Arnold Schwarzenegger's charismatic and imposing presence adds an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings, making him the epitome of the unstoppable action hero.

Prepare to be captivated by the seamless blend of thrilling action and compelling storytelling, as the film keeps you engaged from start to finish with its fast-paced narrative!

The Terminator (1984)

Source: The Terminator (1984)

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. After facing a series of difficult challenges, she learns to accept herself and her place in the world.
Along the way, she meets a variety of characters who help her to understand the importance of self-love and acceptance. Ultimately, she discovers her true identity and learns to embrace her unique strengths and weaknesses.

Why You Need To Watch It:

The Terminator, released in 1984, revolutionized the sci-fi action genre by introducing a new level of suspense and excitement. It was the first film to combine elements of science fiction, horror, and action into a single movie, creating a unique and thrilling experience for viewers.
The film's iconic villain, the Terminator, was a groundbreaking character that set the standard for future sci-fi villains. The Terminator also introduced a new level of special effects, that had never been seen before in a sci-fi action movie. These special effects, combined with the intense action sequences, made the movie a classic and a must-see for fans of the genre.
The Terminator's impact on the sci-fi action genre is undeniable, and its legacy continues to this day.

Get ready for a pulse-pounding soundtrack that amps up the intensity and perfectly complements the action on-screen, immersing you in the heart-pumping atmosphere!

Road House (1989)

Source: Road House (1989)

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of a young girl who embarks on an adventure to save her kingdom. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, each of whom helps her on her journey. She faces many obstacles and challenges, but ultimately succeeds in her quest. With the help of her newfound friends, she is able to save her kingdom and restore peace and harmony.

Why You Need To Watch It:

Road House has become a cult classic among action movie fans due to its unique blend of action, drama, and comedy. The film's iconic characters, intense fight scenes, and memorable one-liners have all contributed to its enduring legacy. Its influence can be seen in many modern action films, with its influence on the genre being undeniable.
The most special thing about the 1980s movie "Road House" is its unique blend of action, drama, and cult-classic charm, which has made it a beloved and memorable film.
The film's intense and visceral fight scenes, choreographed with precision, are another highlight. From bar brawls to one-on-one showdowns, the action sequences in "Road House" are thrilling, exaggerated, and immensely entertaining.

Experience the rush of adrenaline as the film takes you on a global adventure, spanning exotic locations, dangerous missions, and epic confrontations that leave a lasting impact!

Conclusion:

This decade was a great decade for the best 80s action movies, with classics like Die Hard, The Terminator, and Predator still holding up today. These films are still worth watching due to their iconic characters, memorable action sequences, and timeless themes. If you're looking for a blast from the past, or just want to check out some of the best action movies ever made, these 80s classics are definitely worth your time.

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