5 Fantasy Movies From The '80s That Are Underrated (& 5 That Are Overrated)
The 1980s was a pivotal time in Hollywood, especially when it came to innovation, ingenuity, and cultural themes. Of course, fantasy flicks have always had a special place in the hearts of film lovers, but there are certainly some that deserve far more credit than others. However, not all get the credit they deserve.
Having a big box office hit is often in-line with having an overrated flick, and there are also many incredible movies that fly totally under the radar. It's time to settle the score - here are 5 fantasy flicks from the '80s that are underrated hidden gems, and 5 that are totally overrated.
10 Underrated: Labyrinth (1986)
This fantasy adventure has David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly at the forefront, and yet it still never got the praise it so undoubtedly deserves. A sixteen-year-old girl must solve the labyrinth to save her brother - who was taken by the Goblin King.
This fantastical and mysterious flick should be one of everyone's favorite flicks from this decade, especially when it comes to this lovable genre.
9 Overrated: Clash Of The Titans (1981)
This movie has certainly been remade, glamorized, and loved, but it really doesn't deserve to hold up as much as some say. This is the classic Greek tale of Medusa, Perseus, and Princess Andromeda, but that's all it really offers.
This quirky and campy 1980s flick may have been decent for its time, but it's still pretty over-hyped when it comes to action and fantasy.
8 Underrated: The Princess Bride (1987)
This movie has certainly become a cult classic, but it's still totally underrated when it comes to the masses. This fantasy adventure is directed by Rob Reiner, and follows a fairytale where a man goes on a quest to reunite with his true love.
This movie has so many iconic moments, and will always be loved by its fans, but it still deserves to much more wide-spread appreciation for withstanding time and still being brilliant in 1987.
7 Overrated: Batman (1989)
There are definitely huge Batman fans that will be offended by this, but it's definitely something that most honest film buffs can admit. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Kim Basinger, Jack Nicholson, and Michael Keaton, this is the 1980s Dark Knight.
However, this superhero fantasy adventure might be a staple in Hollywood, but it was definitely over-hyped, even for a Batman flick. There are many others that have topped this movie, even in the '80s.
6 Underrated: The NeverEnding Story (1984)
This German film is critically-acclaimed by all who actually got to see it. This fantasy family adventure follows a troubled boy, who suddenly finds himself inside the fantasy world of a strange book.
This adorable, fantastical, and riveting '80s flick is as nostalgic as they come for all who grew up with it. Unfortunately, it didn't reach the masses like it totally deserved.
5 Overrated: Conan The Barbarian (1982)
This action fantasy flick has Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones, which clearly meant it would get some traction in Hollywood. However, this movie didn't fair well with the critics, despite being popular.
This movie has Conan, warlords, sorcerers, and so much action, but it really falls short of anything but some shallow entertainment. For the '80s, it definitely wasn't the best fantasy flick out there.
4 Underrated: Field Of Dreams (1989)
This flick definitely had some popularity, but it still doesn't seem like enough when it comes to iconic movies from this decade. With Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Gaby Hoffmann, this fantasy movie is as wholesome as they come.
A corn farmer starts hearing voices - and builds a baseball diamond in his fields. Suddenly, ghosts of the 1919 Chicago White Sox appear. This unique story is as beautiful and brilliant as they come.
3 Overrated: Big (1988)
This isn't a typical fantasy flick like the rest of the list, but it still fits into the fantastical world with comedy and drama to match it. With Tom Hanks, a teenage boy suddenly finds himself in the body of an adult.
This classic is definitely one of the most popular on the list, but looking back, it seems a wonder why that ever was. When it comes to fantasy movies, there are plenty others to choose from.
2 Underrated: Willow (1988)
This adventure flick is directed by Ron Howard and written by George Lucas. It follows a young farmer who takes a journey, all to protect a baby from a queen with evil intent.
This hidden gem scored well with all who watched it, yet it has certainly slipped through the cracks during this decade of popular fantasy flicks. With great writing, directing, and acting, it's clear this movie is underrated.
1 Overrated: Legend (1985)
Ridley Scott directs this fantasy adventure, and Tom Cruise takes the leading role. A man tries to stop the Lord of Darkness from ridding the world of daylight - and from marrying his lover.
This movie was a hit flick for fantasy lovers, especially with such a cast and crew behind it. However, with a measly 6.5/10 on IMDb, it's safe to say it never matched its hype, and was certainly overrated.