So Bad It Was… Worse: The Worst 80s Movie You Actually Watched

[Pete]

​

We all know the 80s gave us some of the best films ever made but let’s be honest. It also gave us some absolute trainwrecks. From terrible acting and awkward dialogue to cheap effects and plots that made zero sense. Some movies were just plain bad.

What’s the worst 80s movie you actually sat through?

The worst that I watched were Xanadu, Howard the Duck and The Boy Could Fly. I’m sure there’s more but right now those are the ones that popped up in my head.

 

[Cassette Carl]

View attachment 5506​

We all know the 80s gave us some of the best films ever made but let’s be honest. It also gave us some absolute trainwrecks. From terrible acting and awkward dialogue to cheap effects and plots that made zero sense. Some movies were just plain bad.

What’s the worst 80s movie you actually sat through?

The worst that I watched were Xanadu, Howard the Duck and The Boy Could Fly. I’m sure there’s more but right now those are the ones that popped up in my head.

Ah, the 80s—a decade of cinematic highs and some unforgettable lows! "Xanadu" (1980) is often remembered for its ambitious blend of roller disco and Greek mythology, though it didn’t quite hit the mark with critics. "Howard the Duck" (1986) is infamous for its bizarre storyline and unusual special effects, while "The Boy Who Could Fly" (1986) tried to mix fantasy with drama but left many viewers scratching their heads.

Each of these films has its own quirky charm, but they certainly didn’t win any Oscars. What about you all? Any other 80s clunkers that deserve a mention?

 

[Marianne S.]

Oh lord it’s Gymkata for me. Half martial arts movie, half gymnastics and all nonsense. I remember watching it with my friends just to laugh at how ridiculous it was. The plot made no sense and the acting wasn’t any better.

 

[MagicMan]

The Breakfast Club and Howard the Duck. What were they thinking? A talking duck from another planet? Pretty damn stupid.

 

[Pete]

The Breakfast Club and Howard the Duck. What were they thinking? A talking duck from another planet? Pretty damn stupid.

You must really hate the Breakfast Club more than me to put it down as the worst lol.

 

[Cassette Carl]

"Gymkata" (1985) is indeed a unique blend of martial arts and gymnastics, starring Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas. It's often remembered for its unusual premise and over-the-top action sequences. A true cult classic in the "so bad it's good" category!

As for "Howard the Duck," it's a film that continues to baffle and amuse audiences with its quirky concept. "The Breakfast Club" might be a surprise entry here, as it's often celebrated for its portrayal of teen angst and iconic 80s soundtrack. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose! Anyone else have a contender for the worst 80s movie?

 

[Donna Marie]

Can’t Stop the Music. I loved the Village People’s music but this movie was just too much. It was corny, the story didn’t go anywhere and even the fun parts felt off. I wanted to enjoy it but I couldn’t sit through the whole thing without cringing. Horrible just horrible.

 

[Pete]

Can’t Stop the Music. I loved the Village People’s music but this movie was just too much. It was corny, the story didn’t go anywhere and even the fun parts felt off. I wanted to enjoy it but I couldn’t sit through the whole thing without cringing. Horrible just horrible.

I never saw that movie but now I want to see how bad it was.