We often think that movies from the 1980s were a hotbed of sequels and series - "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Ghostbusters", "Little Monster", "The First Blood", "Terminator"... These familiar names are all born in the Reagan era full of retro charm and innovative spirit.However, behind each successful sequel, there are countless equally wonderful but unsustainable stories.

Some films performed well at the box office back then, and could have released sequels, but they ended up in vain for various reasons; others were adapted from original works or comics with subsequent works, but were shelved due to poor box office.Decades have passed, and some projects are still "unresolved" and are in development; even though the response was mediocre at the beginning, they have now won a group of loyal fans due to the baptism of time.

The following are 15 classic 80s movies that we have compiled for you that were originally worthy of sequels (and even have potential today).

1. "Top Secret!"

The Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team brought endless joy to fans in the 1980s with comedy movies with dense jokes such as "Unknown World of Flying", "Funny Counterattack" and "The White-Headed Detective".Although they are reluctant to repeat themselves, they have also released sequels to "The White-Headed Detective" and sequels to "The Unprecedented Sky" and "Hot Shots!" directed by other directors.Surprisingly, most of these sequels are of high quality and evocative.

So, why is there no sequel to "The Funny Counterattack"?Perhaps it is because it combines Elvis movies, World War II movies and Cold War backgrounds, with a style that is too specific and difficult to replicate; or perhaps it is because its box office results are not ideal.Starring Val Kilmer later turned to a bigger stage, and he himself passed away in recent years.Nevertheless, with the news that the White-Headed Detective is about to restart, maybe we can expect a new version of "The Funny Rebel" that pays tribute to the 90s hip-hop movies and the Gulf War action movie.

2. Broadcast News

In 1987, James L. Brooks used "Broadcast News" to sharply satirize the increasingly entertaining, false and de-specialized issues of TV news programs at that time.The film was released in an era when Fox News, social media and the Internet were not yet on the rise. If it were today, its subject matter almost surpassed the irony itself.

In the film, Albert Brooks' reporter Allen bluntly pointed out that William Hurt's anchor Tom is the real "devil" - he is not evil, but quietly lowers the standards of news and uses shortcuts to create more "better-looking" content.For example, after he revealed his true feelings outside the camera, he pretended to cry during the reshoot.Although this behavior makes him feel guilty, he is almost a moral role model in today's media environment.

3. "Masters of the Universe" (Masters of the Universe)

As one of the symbols of children's culture in the 1980s, the "Master of the Universe" toys and animations are all the rage.However, when the film started filming, toy sales had already declined, and production company Cannon Films once considered termination of filming.

With a low budget and temporary adjustments, the film still presents a slightly serious character reshaping, with Frank Langella making Skyto a Shakespearean tragic tyrant, which is impressive.Unfortunately, the box office was bleak, and the original sequel script was also rewritten as "Robot Men" by Shanggeyundon.Now, new director Travis Knight is preparing for a more animated remake that may reignite the spark of life for this IP.

4. Big Trouble in Little China

Among the three classics that John Carpenter collaborated with Kurt Russell, "The Strange Banquet" is the only one that has not released a sequel.Although "Escape from Los Angeles" and "Strange 2011" have a bad reputation, this cannot conceal the huge world expansion potential contained in "Strange Banquet".

At the end, Jack Burton drives toward a new adventure, completely unaware of a monster hiding behind him, this open-ended finale should have been the perfect starting point for the sequel.Although Dwayne Johnson has ideas, it is still unknown whether he can grasp this work that is both a tribute to the kung fu film and a stereotype of the "white savior".And Kurt Russell is still there, he can star in person or pass the torch to a new generation of heroes.

5. "Labyrinth" (Labyrinth)

Jim Henson's last feature film during his lifetime, "The Magical Labyrinth" was sluggish when it was first released, but it gradually accumulated a huge fan base with its family videos, which also opened the door to the road to a first-line actress for Jennifer Connery.

The film tells the story of a girl traveling through a fantasy world to rescue her younger brother. The plot sometimes seems chaotic, which is not unrelated to the differences between her creative team about tone.But it is a visual wonder, the concept art of Brian Foyd, the performance of David Bowie, the script of Terry Jones, and the imaginative world.Some people interpret it as a metaphor for women's growth, which may not have been noticed in the eyes of the children back then.

Although Henson Studio considered a sequel in 2004, it eventually chose the original project "Mirror Mask", and the failure of Netflix's version of "Dark Crystal" also made the hope of "Magic Labyrinth" return even more slim.

6. Who Framed Roger Rabbit

This classic work that combines live-action and animated characters not only has amazing technical breakthroughs, but also cleverly combines film noir and Los Angeles history.It became a hit, but it was difficult to release a sequel due to complex copyright issues.

Although the original author Gary K. Wolf continued to create two discontinuous novels, the film and the original work are very different, and in theory they can be completely developed independently.Despite this, Disney's 2022 "Salvation of Little Lucky Star" may be the closest spiritual sequel.

7. "The Fly" (The Fly)

In 1986, David Cronenberg used "Alien Flowers" to redefine the boundaries between horror and science fiction.Seth, a scientist played by Jeff Goblenn, gradually mutates into a human-worm mixture in an experimental accident, and the process is cruel and real.

This movie is not only the pinnacle of body horror, but also a profound discussion of human nature, loneliness and love.Although the sequel was released in 1989, the response was far less than the first one.Fans have been looking forward to a higher level of return for years, but it has not yet been achieved.

8. "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" (Killer Klowns from Outer Space)

A group of clowns from aliens descended to Earth on a circus spacecraft, trapping humans with marshmallows and breeding offspring with popcorn.The only way to defeat them is to shoot their red noses.

Directioned by the Chiodo brothers and designed special effects, the film earned a cult status with its absurd and interesting setting.Although sequel plans have been rumored over the years, including TV series proposals, they have never been implemented.Currently, its official sequel only has one video game.

9. "Near Dark" (Near Dark)

This vampire western directed by Catherine Bigelow brings together Bill Paxton and Lance Henrikson's wonderful performances.Unfortunately, when it was released in 1987, it was overshadowed by The Lost Boys.

The protagonist Adrian Pasdal and Jenny White's character lacks enough appeal, weakening the emotional tension of the story.In addition, blood transfusions have also been criticized as a "cheap solution" as a way to fight vampires.However, this film shows Bigelow's directorial talent in the future Oscar-winning directorial.If a sequel is released, the vampire bites can reverse the blood transfusion effect, and there is no logical barrier.

10. The Black Cauldron

Disney's animated film "The Dark Pot" launched in 1985 is adapted from the first three volumes of the fantasy novel series "Playdin Chronicles".The film's style is dark, far exceeding the expectations of parents for Disney animation at that time, and the box office failed.

Nevertheless, it is still loved by some children, especially those young viewers who are eager to see a similar style to the Slam Dunk.In recent years, Disney has regained the copyright of the series. If it launches a live-action version of the faithful original, it may receive double-line praise.

11. "Enemy Mine"

Barry B. Langer's novella "Enemesis and Us" tells the story of the war between humans and the alien race "Drax". Two soldiers were forced to survive on a sinister planet and eventually establish a deep friendship.

The film is directed by Wolfgang Peterson and starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett.Due to director replacement and special effects rework during production, the film's box office did not meet expectations, and the reviews were mixed.However, over time, its reputation gradually rebounded.In 2024, it is reported that a remake written by Terry Matalas will be released.

12. Commando

In this typical 1980s action movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger's retired special forces soldier John Matrix faces the crisis of his daughter's kidnapped and becomes a lone hero.Although the plot is exaggerated, it is this exaggeration that creates its unique charm.

In the video, Arnold used the "killing one person and one joke" mode for the first time, which became the beginning of his iconic style.Looking back many years later, this film is still a classic work in the hearts of action fans.Who can refuse to watch Arnold and Milanie blow up everything together?

13. Heathers

Michael Lehman directed this dark humorous campus film starring Christian Slater and Winona Reid, tells the ridiculous story of two teenagers tired of school life starting to murder popular students.

The video initially responded mediocrely, but gradually became a cult classic.Screenwriters Daniel Waters and Reid have expressed their interest in the sequel many times, and even imagined the plot of the heroine going to Washington to assassinate the president.However, due to the sensitivity of the subject matter and changes in the social environment, it is more difficult to launch similar content now.

14. "The Last Starfighter"

In 1984, the film tells the story of a teenager who was addicted to arcade games accidentally being recruited to participate in the Star Wars.In the film, the application of CG technology is shocking and is regarded as the pinnacle of technology and fantasy at that time.

At the end, the protagonist runs into the sea of ​​stars in a spacecraft, suggesting that more adventures are coming.However, due to the box office failure, the sequel has not been implemented for a long time.Over the years, although many parties have tried to promote it, it has been repeatedly blocked due to legal and copyright issues.

15. Dragonslayer

This fantasy film jointly produced by Disney and Paramount challenges the traditional fairy tale setting: the princess is not a person waiting for the rescue, but takes the initiative to sacrifice herself and break the shackles of patriarchy.

Peter McNichol's young mage Galen, played by Peter McNichol, did not receive the honor he deserved after defeating the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative. Instead, he could only leave with his lover and a horse of unknown origin.Although the story ends, his journey to heroes is clearly not yet completed.

Conclusion

The 1980s was a unique and rich period in the history of film. Although many movies failed to continue, they shone more and more in the long river of time.Their story may not be completed, but their souls have long been deeply rooted in people's hearts.Perhaps one day, we will see them return to the screen again, bringing new laughter and touching.