Binge-Watch These Best Dystopian Movies Released in The 1980s
The 80s was a glorious decade for the film industry. This decade saw a powerful and compelling array of films in the dystopian genre. Films like Mad Max, Robocop, and Blade Runner are just some of the most beloved dystopian films created in the 1980s. They will go on to be some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time.
For most film fans, the 80s films might even bring some nostalgia for its unique cinematography and daring characters. Here are some of the best dystopian movies created and released in the 80’s decade.
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Blade Runner
In an alternate dystopian 2019, a mega bioengineer corporation creates synthetic humans (Replicants) to work in outer space. When one Replicant goes on the loose in Earth, a police officer is tasked to track him down.
Underappreciated when it was released, the movie later goes on to become one of the most highly acclaimed movies of all time. Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer make for an excellent cat-and-mouse chase that’s truly entertaining.
This neo-noir film by acclaimed director Ridley Scott is a dystopian masterpiece that transcends time. With strong performances from its leads and an action-packed narrative, Blade Runner is a gem.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 2h 19m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 90%
My rating – 9/10
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The Running Man
Based on Stephen King’s bestselling horror novel, the Running Man follows the story of a wrongly imprisoned Ben Richards. He participates in a reality TV show to run for his freedom, all the while not knowing that the host has no intention of setting him free.
Arnold Schwarzenegger leaves a remarkable performance in this film. Along with Richard Dawson’s scene-stealing act, it’s an overall compelling satirical narrative of our current society.
Paul Michael Glaser, both director and writer, creates a solid film that will remain iconic and influential. The film is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Genre – Dystopia, Horror
Duration – 1h 41m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 63%
My rating – 8/10
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Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
The third movie in the Mad Max franchise, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome details Max’s exile to the desert and finds a town ruled by tyrannical Queen Aunty Entity. The film further follows an intense power struggle and more chaos.
The film makes use of a well-established formula yet remains imaginative and wildly futuristic. With much punchier stunts and post-nuclear visuals, it’s a master film of entertainment.
George Miller and George Ogilvie’s directions make for a whole package film in this one. Mel Gibson and Tina Turner give powerhouse performances in this instalment in the franchise.
Genre – Dystopia, Action
Duration – 1h 47m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 80%
My rating – 8.5/10
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1984
Decades after the Second World War, Winston Smith works for the now totalitarian government to rewrite history, casting its leaders in an erroneously positive light. In a society that persecutes individualism, Winston falls in love with another rebel and is soon entangled in a socio-political mess.
Standing on the cult classic novel by George Orwell, the film still successfully gives its audience something more. This prescient film showcases poverty, passion, and power with well-written scripts and riveting narrative.
Michael Radford’s flair in directing holds true in the film. With solid performances from its actors, 1984 is a must-watch for everybody, even for those who haven’t read the novel.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 53m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 76%
My rating – 9/10
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Escape From New York
Set in fictional 1997, the film follows a chaotic New York City converted into a maximum-security prison centre. Plissken, a former soldier and current prisoner, must rescue the President of the United States after Air Force One is hijacked; in exchange for a pardon.
The film uses a one-of-a-kind material that allows it to deliver satisfying thrills and action. Packed with adventure and decent performances, the film rises above and truly stands out.
John Carpenter creates an irresistible film that delivers on its daring premise. Escape From New York is surely an oddball yet a satisfying hell of a ride. You won’t view New York the same way after seeing the film.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 46m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 86%
My rating – 9/10
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Brazil
The dystopian genre is as dark as it gets with this film by Terry Gillam. The film follows Sam Lowry, a dreamer, living in a rigidly bureaucratic future society. In an attempt to rectify a man’s wrongful conviction, he just gets sucked into an even bigger mess – one that’s beyond him.
Reminiscent of the classic novel 1984, Brazil creates the perfect satire for a tyrannical government that’s dark and hauntingly realistic. Taking on tried-and-tested themes like a damsel in distress and making use of effective plot devices to propel itself.
The film echoes a much louder message of justice, resistance, and opposing ideologies. Fantasy and reality are twistedly blurred in this film. It’s a hauntingly dark, beautiful chaos all creatively rolled into one.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 19m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 100%
My rating – 10/10
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The Quiet Earth
A devastating power experiment gone-wrong wipes the Earth’s population and leaves only three survivors. They come together to figure out what went wrong and possibly get answers for other lingering mysteries.
This post-apocalypse tale is refreshing and striking – a strangely original captivating film about how the world will end and people’s definition of doom.
This dystopian film stands out with its lack of zombies, violence, war, and autocratic governments. Director Geoff Murphy’s primary charm is in his uniqueness and boldness exemplified in the film’s characters and aesthetics.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 31m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 71%
My rating – 7.5/10
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Robocob
Set in a not-so-fictional Detroit, Alex Murphy is killed by a group of gangsters and was later resurrected by a mega-corp as a cyborg law enforcement officer. He soon becomes the main target of the gang leader, Boddicker.
Grappling with issues of greed, totalitarianism, violence, and utter dystopia, Robocop takes its audience in an adventure blast. It’s a flick that ageless and oozing with action and imagination.
Paul Verhoeven creates a cerebral and glorious vision of future society in this film. It’s difficult to not see how the film prophesied the current times. It’s a prime dystopian film that provides unfaltering entertainment.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 43m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 90%
My rating – 9.5/10
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Deathwatch
In a world where death is a rare phenomenon, dying Katherine Mortenhoe finds herself under a microscope. A reality TV show offers to publicize and televise her last days in exchange for money. Her life gets entangled with Roddy, a journalist who has cameras implanted inside his body – serving as the lens for the reality show.
Bertrand Tavernier magically blends sci-fi, dystopia, and drama into one beautiful film. This film is surely not flawless but works wonders with what it’s given.
With an incredibly daring and riveting premise, Death Watch manages to deliver well on its expectations. It’s a murky satire on reality TV and the people who consume it – a must-watch for anyone who uses media for entertainment.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 2h 19m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 73%
My rating – 8/10
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Akira
The Japanese animated film details Shotaro, a gang leader, whose friend mysteriously acquires telekinesis after an accident. In post-apocalyptic Tokyo, they find themselves in a great deal of conflict that exposes a government project and possibly so much more.
This cyberpunk madness depicts countercultural characters in an action-packed adventure film. A stylised and beautifully detailed animated film, Akira continues to be relevant decades after it was first released.
Katsuhiro Otomo sets the standard for the Japanese cyberpunk subgenre with this film. It’s one of the most outstanding animated films ever made and remains unbounded by time.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 2h 5m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 90%
My rating – 8.5/10
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The Terminator
A cyborg “Terminator” in fictional 2029 must travel back in time to kill Sarah Connor – a woman who will soon mother the man who will save humankind from machines.
Terminator is as exciting as it ought to be. Arnold Schwarzenegger truly stands out in this iconic cult classic. The first of its movie franchise, The Terminator gives its audience the closest taste of perfection. With balanced thrills and action, on top of a powerful narrative, it triumphantly delivers on its premise.
In the film that solidifies James Cameron’s name in the industry, audiences will come out extremely entertained and in awe. This iconic film is an organized hodge-podge of excellent direction, outstanding performances, and a compelling plot.
Genre – Dystopia, Science Fiction
Duration – 1h 48m
Rotten Tomatoes rating – 100%
My rating – 10/10
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Final Say
The ’80s brought to life some of the most sophisticated dystopian films ever made in the history of filmmaking. The genre truly flourished in this decade and set high standards for future films. Up to this day, the dystopian genre of film continues to challenge its audiences to go beyond mere entertainment.
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Main Image Source: Pixabay
