Whilesuperheromovies have come to dominate cinemas in the 2000s and beyond, the genre dates back to the 1940s with theAdventures of Captain Marvel, Captain America,andBatmanserials. Still, even up until the release of 1978’s Superman, the genre was still in a niche.
Heroes like Superman and Hulk managed to increase interest, and by the'80s, the genre was starting to accumulate a larger audience and show mainstream viability. This sparked greater interest worldwide, causing aslew of hero-led cinema to be released, trying to capture the success of the American hero. We will look at American-made superhero films from the decade to encapsulate this era.
While we would love to tackle all films that loosely fit the description of a superhero, we have made some exclusions to get a more strict definition. “Sword and Sorcery” films will not be included, leaving out icons like Conan the Barbarian. We are also going to approach sci-fi cautiously, leaving out both Flash Gordon and Buckaroo Banzai. Finally, made-for-TV movies that sawThe Incredible HulkandBatmanget extended episodes from their TV series will be left out.
Here are all 20 American theatrical superhero movies from the ’80s ranked.
20Super Fuzz (1980)
A rookie police officer named Dave Speed (Terence Hill) gains superpowers—strength, invulnerability, speed, etc.—after being exposed to radiation from a nuclear explosion. Along with his skeptical partner, Willy Dunlop (Ernest Borgnine), he begins to clean up the streets against a ruthless mob. However, when it is revealed that seeing red causes ‘super fuzz’ to lose his powers, he soon finds himself in a series of awkward and hilarious scenarios as his powers cut in and out.
Slapstick Superhero Comedy
While landing at the bottom of our list, there is still an audience forSuper Fuzzamong those who love slapstick and silly comedies. At the same time, the humor has not withstood the test of time as muchas other spoof moviesfrom the ’80s, which still maintain a cult following today;Airplanecame out the same year.
Still, Ernest Borgnine and Terence Hill are a great pairing here, and the movie’s comedy is not entirely flat for the modern audience. You will have to approach this one expecting nothing but campiness and silliness.Stream Super Fuzz on Prime or Tubi.
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19Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Superman is tasked with ridding the world of nuclear weapons, which puts him in the path of several opponents vying for power. This includes the recently released Lex Luthor, whose profits from the industry are hurt by Superman’s mission. To stop The Man of Steel, Luthor clones him using some of his hair, resulting in the supervillain, Nuclear Man, who challenges Superman in a fight in space.
The End of an Era of Superman
Christopher Reeve’s Superman defined the ’70s and ’80s when it came to superhero films, so this entry, being a poor conclusion to that legacy, is kind of a bummer for fans of America’s greatest hero. The budget here was greatly less than the previous entries, resulting in subpar effects work.
The plot was considered preachy and full of plot holes, and poor Nuclear Man exists as the worst villain ever to challenge Superman.Superman IV: The Quest for Peaceis therefore only worth watching for the completist and is by far the worst of the Christopher Reeve-led Superman movies.StreamSuperman IV: The Questfor Peace on Max.
18The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
A tongue-in-cheek sequel to the 1982 movieSwamp Thingsees the eco-conscious creature returning to fight a new threat. After falling in love with a vegetarian who shares his love of nature, the green hero conflicts with her father, who happens to be the evil scientist who created him. The Return of Swamp Thing offered a more comedic take on the DC Comics character made famous in the infamous print run by Grant Morrison.
One of DC’s Darkest Heroes Goes Silly
Director Jim Wynorski is infamous for making b-movies that range from unwatchable to entertaining, with career highlights likeChopping MallandMunchie. Add in his many spoofs likeThe Bare Wench ProjectandScream Queen Hot Tub Party, and you should know what kind of content you are approaching with this superhero outing.
That said,The Return of Swamp Thingis probably one of the best films in the director’s massive filmography; campy and silly in all the right ways.StreamThe Return of Swamp Thingon Peacock or Tubi.
17Robot Ninja (1989)
After bearing witness to a horrible assault against a woman, depressed and struggling comic book artist Leonard decides to take matters into his own hands against the out-of-hand gangs ruining his city. He turns to a scientist, Dr. Hubert Goodknight, to transform him into a real-life version of his comic book creation, Robot Ninja. However, Leonard soon learns that the superhero game is not cut and dry.
Shot on Video Bleakness
J.R. Bookwalter’sRobot Ninjawill be one of those films you love or hate.Shot on video, the movie is put together on a shoestring budget and will lack the polish many fans of the genre crave. Moreover, the movie is surprisingly bleak, with Leonard’s plight being more often marked by failure and pain than success as he tries to step into the role of a hero.
Still, for those who love the gritty aesthetic of low-budget cinema and like darker tales of superheroes, this one may very well surprise you.StreamRobot Ninjaon Tubi.
16Sheena (1984)
After her parents are killed by a cave-in, leaving their youngest child, Janet, behind, the youth is raised by a tribe called the Zambouli. Deemed to be a hero of prophecy, the tribe raises her as Sheena, teaching her to communicate with animals to keep them safe.
This is put to the test when Sheena’s adoptive mother is framed for murder by the evil Prince Otwani, who is looking for a means to take over the Zambouli’s land. With the aid of reporter Vic Casey, Sheena must fight to clear her mother’s name and save her land.
Commercial Flop to Cult Favorite
Legendary director John Guillermin, who brought the likes of King Kong to the screen, certainly fell flat with his attempt to bring the Will Eisner superhero to the screen.Sheenawas critically panned for its nonsensical plot, poor acting, and general cheesiness that was not appreciated at the time of release.
However, the film saw a slight cult resurgence thanks to its overt camp, and actor Tanya Roberts found appreciation for her screen presence and physical prowess rather than her acting abilities.StreamSheenaon Prime.
15The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989)
Down in the dumps, Toxie is trying to figure out how to pay for eye surgery for his girlfriend Claire to restore her sight. This leads the Toxic Avenger to become a new spokesperson for the corrupt chemical company Apocalypse Inc. to help raise funds. However, the Toxic Avenger soon finds himself caught up in a yuppie lifestyle and loses his way. Once he learns that his new boss is the devil in disguise, Toxie has a new enemy and is called, once again, to save the people of Tromaville.
A Generation of Toxic Heroism Patters Out
The Toxic Avenger became the face of Troma entertainment, and for good reason. The mix of crass humor and gross-out gore spoke to horror andcult comedy fansalike. However, by the third and final entry of the 1980s, the radioactive superhero was starting to falter among even the most dedicated.
The formula was a bit tiresome, and it was objectively not as good as the previous films in the franchise. It is still worth a watch for those wanting to consume all the toxic waste they can, but it is not necessarily a highlight in the impressive career of the Toxic Avenger. StreamThe Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxieon Peacock, Shudder, or Tubi.
20 Weirdest Superhero Movies of All Time
One of the most successful film genres of all time, is not without its black sheep. These are the weirdest superhero films of all time.
14Condorman (1981)
Woodrow Wilkins, a comic book illustrator, decides to bring one of his creations to life when he dons the moniker and wings ofCondorman. Wilkins then finds himself recruited by the CIA to help in the defection of a former Soviet KGB agent named Natalia Rambova from the grips of the ruthless Krokov.
Disney’s Early Dabblings in Superhero Movies
Condormanis a pretty by-the-numbers superhero movie with little grit or intrigue to draw the audience into the world of superheroes; it was met with a lukewarm reception on release. That said, there is a certain comfort in a superherounder the eye of early Disney, where they put an emphasis on family-friendly entertainment.
The gadgets and costumes, while outdated now, have their own charms, and you may see the inklings of a greater superhero that just never managed to fully take flight. Including the infamous British rebel Oliver Reed as the villain will be enough reason for some to check this one out.RentCondormanon Apple TV, Prime or YouTube.
13Howard the Duck (1986)
Howard the Duck
Hailing from a world of intelligent duck people, Howard is transported to the parallel Earth and lands in Clevland, Ohio. Howard befriends a struggling rock singer named Beverly and a nerdy scientist named Phil, and the three soon find themselves facing off against an alien invasion led by the evil Dark Overlord. Utilizing his sardonic wit and ‘Quack Fu,’ Howard assists his friends in saving the world.
Can’t Keep a Good Duck Down
Howard the Duckis almost synonymous with the ‘box office bomb,’ having lost a substantial amount and released to critical scorn. Still, the movie has developed a cult following, with many loving the comedic misadventures of the wisecracking, anthropomorphic duck.
It is difficult to say that the film has aged well with time, and a degree of nostalgia might be in play for those who appreciate the Hollywood oddity, but it does have its charms and is worth watching at least once.RentHoward the Duckon Apple TV, Prime, or YouTube.
12Supergirl (1984)
After losing a powerful orb, Kara Zor-El is sent to Earth to retrieve it for her people. Upon arriving, the young Kryptonian learns she has the same powers as her famous superhero cousin, Superman, and soon dons theSupergirlmoniker. Her search for the orb soon becomes a fight as a powerful witch using occult magic also seeks the orb’s power.
Super Okay
Supergirlis a bit of a frustrating outing. Helen Slater is perfect in the role, and the movie has a wonderful score from Jerry Goldsmith. It had a budget to back it up, giving it decent effects rivaling her more popular cousin. However, there are a lot of inconsistencies and a flimsy plot that weighs this one down, making it, overall, middling.
Still, with a lighthearted, upbeat tone and a great lead in Helen Slater,Supergirlstill stands out among others of the decade.RentSupergirlon Apple TV, Prime, or YouTube.
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Female superheroes are some of the most powerful within their respective universes, many more powerful than their male counterparts.
11Hero at Large (1980)
A hopeful yet struggling actor, Steve Nichols, changes his life after he makes the news after stopping a robbery. The press deems him a real-life superhero, given his act of bravery happened while wearing the costume of “Captain Avenger,” a superhero character from a film he was hired to help promote.
Steve decides to embrace the role out of a general passion for helping others and trying to impress the girl he has a crush on. As the community embraces him, he finds being a superhero more difficult than he thought when his life becomes threatened.
A Comedic Gem from the ’80s
Starring comedy staple of the era, John Ritter,Hero At Largeis a somewhat forgotten gem of the comedy genre. It leans largely on Ritter’s infectious personality, which shines as a hopeful yet naive superhero struggling with his newfound stardom. However, the upbeat tone and humor are consistently entertaining, making ita well-rounded comedy. It won’t blow viewers away, but it deserves more love in the scope of ’80s superhero movies.StreamHero at Largeon Tubi.
