Underrated '80s movies you can stream right now

If you are a fan of Talking Heads, you’ve probably seen “Stop Making Sense." However, even if you aren’t, this is a concert film worth watching. In fact, many consider Jonathan Demme’s documentary the best concert movie ever made. Now is the time to see what the hype is. You can watch it on Amazon Prime or on Vudu or Pluto with ads.

John Carpenter had a great decade in the ‘80s. While “They Live” isn’t his biggest hit, it’s one you may not have had a chance to check out yet. It’s a weird movie even by Carpenter’s standards. Not only does it star “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, but it also features one of the most idiosyncratic fight scenes ever. Still, if you like a political horror movie, you can see it on Starz.

We can safely say that "Clue" is the best movie based on a board game. They've taken the murder mystery at the center of the game and turned it into a farce with quite the cast. Plus, you get to see multiple endings! "Clue" is on Amazon Prime, but also for free with ads on Pluto TV.

Do you think of Val Kilmer as a funny guy? Well early in his career he made quite the splash in comedy films like "Real Genius." Most '80s college comedies don't hold out, but this one does. The students in the film, all super geniuses, are generally decent people, and William Atherton of course always plays the perfect smarmy villain. Get your popcorn ready and watch "Real Genius on Starz, Sling, or DirecTV.

Musicals aren’t for everybody, but “Little Shop of Horrors” is arguably a musical for people who don’t traditionally like musicals. It’s silly and comedic, but it also has the big numbers for the Hollywood-style musical fans. Plus, it stars Rick Moranis and Steve Martin! You can watch it if you have HBO, or you can see it on Pluto TV with ads.

Right now, you might need something super dumb. You might also want more Rick Moranis. Well then give “Spaceballs” a shot. Mel Brooks’ “Star Wars” parody isn’t his best movie, and not every joke hits. However, in classic Brooks style, every groaner is quickly followed by five more jokes, so you should get at least a handful of laughs. Check it out on Netflix or Showtime.

Terry Gilliam has gone off the rails, which is a shame, because in his heyday the Monty Python alum was quite the visionary filmmaker. “Brazil” is the best work he ever did. It’s a fantastical dystopian sci-fi film that is equal parts beautiful and revolting. Plus, these days you don’t have to worry about seeing the happy ending the studio originally wanted tacked onto it. See “Brazil” on Hoopla or the Criterion Channel.

An underrated Martin Scorsese movie? You’d better believe it. When you have as many iconic films as Scorsese does, some are going to get overlooked in all the love for, say, Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas.” That certainly seems true of “After Hours,” a rare Scorsese comedy starring Griffin Dunne in perhaps his best role. Watch it with HBO. Maybe after hours.

“Repo Man” either isn’t going to be for you, or it will instantly be one of your favorite movies. The punk rock sci-fi satire is an insane caper featuring Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton in their best work. If that sounds up your alley, hopefully you have a Starz subscription.

John Travolta has become a bit of a punchline, but he has been in some fine films. That includes Brian De Palma's thriller "Blow Out." The movie also features a chilling turn by John Lithgow. It's over the top, like all De Palma's film, but if you like that style "Blow Out" will be right up your alley. The movie is on Amazon Prime, or on Tubi with ads.

Here’s a tip: Head into “Heathers” viewing it as a horror movie and not a black comedy. When you do that, the film plays a lot better. Not that there isn’t some darkly comedic moments in the movie, which stars Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. It just definitely carries some real horror film vibes, and that’s the way it works best. Either way, enjoy it on Amazon Prime or Hulu, or with ads on Pluto or Tubi.

Cher won an Oscar for this movie. No, really, and she’s quite good in it. As good as Holly Hunter was in “Broadcast News?” Let’s not go crazy, but Cher is excellent opposite Nicolas Cage, who was still early in his career. Yes, Cage is already a completely bonkers actor. If you like all his tics, you’ll like him in “Moonstruck.” Watch Cher win an Oscar on Sling.

All great filmmakers have to start somewhere. The Coen Brothers started here. “Blood Simple” is their first movie. They aren’t all the way there as filmmakers, but “Blood Simple” is already showing the talents of the brothers who have gone on to great success. It’s a good film, and it can complete the Coens’ filmography for you if you have HBO.

Love Jackie Chan? Then you’ll want to check out “Police Story.” Before he came to the United States, Chan was already a huge star in the Hong Kong movie scene, and he wrote, directed and starred in this movie, which started a six-film franchise that lasted all the way to 2013. To watch it, you’ll need a subscription to The Criterion Channel or HBO Max.

The action comedy was quite popular in the ‘80s, and “Midnight Run” might be the best of the bunch. It’s certainly based around quite the dynamic duo in Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. We all knew Grodin could be funny, but De Niro is also quite hilarious. The action is also really good too. Give it a watch on HBO.