Forgotten Gems of 80’s Comedy Movies: Reliving the Laughter

The 1980s were a golden age for comedy films, marked by humor that has since become iconic and memorable. This decade gave us comedies that not only featured unforgettable catchphrases and resonant soundtracks but also captured the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined the time. Classic lines such as “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” from Jaws and “Who you gonna call?” from Ghostbusters have etched themselves into the cultural lexicon.

However, amid the celebrated hits like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ghostbusters, Coming to America, and Airplane!, some 80’s comedy movies slipped through the cracks of cinematic history. Despite possessing unique storylines or notable performances, these films often fell victim to poor timing, underwhelming promotion, or simply overshadowed by their blockbuster counterparts. The following exploration delves into various forgotten comedies from the 80s that, for various reasons, never quite made it into the spotlight.

1. Gotcha! (1985)

Directed by: Jeff Kanew

In Gotcha!, we follow the story of Jonathan Moore (Anthony Edwards), a veterinary student at UCLA who thrives in the campus’ paintball wars. Despite excelling in games, Jonathan struggles to find success in romance. A trip to Europe with his roommate Manolo (Nick Corri) exposes him to an enigmatic older woman named Sasha (Linda Fiorentino) in Paris. What starts as a romantic escapade quickly becomes a perilous journey involving the CIA and KGB when Sasha passes Jonathan a mysterious package.

Gotcha! is rife with potential but unfortunately devolves into a convoluted mixture of espionage, comedy, and romance. While it features an undeniably catchy theme song and a charismatic performance from Fiorentino, the film struggles under the weight of its complex narrative. Viewers fondly remember its electro-pop soundtrack and Edwards’ spirited one-liners, yet few can recall the finer points of its plot. The combination of complicated storytelling and a cluttered cast left Gotcha! fading into obscurity, unable to carve a niche in the annals of unforgettable 80’s comedy movies.

Gotcha! is not currently available to stream in the US.

2. The Man with One Red Shoe (1985)

Directed by: Stan Dragoti

The comedic misadventures in The Man with One Red Shoe unfold through the lens of CIA power struggles. Deputy Director Burton Cooper (Dabney Coleman) attempts to oust his superior Ross (Charles Durning) by using an unsuspecting civilian, violinist Richard Drew (Tom Hanks). When a prank involving mismatched shoes inadvertently puts Richard in a world of espionage, he unwittingly becomes a pawn in a game of intrigue.

Although the film includes solid performances from big names like Hanks, Carrie Fisher, and Lori Singer, it failed to ignite audiences. Critics pointed to a lackluster marketing campaign and a film that struggled to find its rhythm, particularly as it was an American adaptation of the French original, Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire (1972). Still, fans of Tom Hanks should dive into this early comedic role that showcases his burgeoning talent, even if the film itself slipped from the public consciousness.

Watch on Apple.

3. Maid to Order (1987)

Directed by: Amy Holden Jones

In Maid to Order, Jessie Montgomery (Ally Sheedy) is a spoiled young woman whose reckless behavior lands her in trouble with the law. After a particularly wild night out, she finds herself bailed out by Stella (Beverly D’Angelo), a mysterious woman who reveals that Jessie’s life as she knows it has been drastically altered due to a wish made by her frustrated father (Tom Skerritt).

This Cinderella-esque tale has its charm, but its attempts to compete with contemporaneous hits such as Overboard and The Witches of Eastwick ultimately led to its being overshadowed. Nevertheless, Maid to Order offers authentic commentary on life, family, and personal growth, even if it didn’t garner the accolades of its flashier peers. With D’Angelo’s memorable performance as Jessie’s fairy godmother and Sheedy’s comedic instincts shining through, this film remains a hidden treasure worthy of revisiting.

Maid to Order is not currently available to stream in the US.

4. Brewster’s Millions (1985)

Directed by: Walter Hill

In Brewster’s Millions, minor league pitcher Montgomery “Monty” Brewster (Richard Pryor) learns he has inherited a massive fortune, contingent upon spending $30 million in just 30 days without having any assets remaining at the conclusion. Alongside his comedic counterpart John Candy, Pryor’s character faces the challenge of lavishly spending while contending with increasingly bizarre situations.

While the concept promises hilarity and depth, the execution falls flat, featuring a recycled storyline and limited character development. Although it contains moments of brilliance, the film’s pacing grows tedious, leaving audiences yearning for more engaging storytelling. Although Brewster’s Millions featured top comedic talents, it didn’t elevate above the limitations of its script, making it another entry in the catalog of forgotten 80’s comedy movies.

Watch on Amazon.

5. Kiss Me Goodbye (1982)

Directed by: Robert Mulligan

Kiss Me Goodbye presents a unique twist on the romantic comedy by featuring a ghostly love triangle. Young widow Kay (Sally Field) seeks solace after the passing of her husband, Jolly (James Caan), but their love story continues when Jolly’s spirit returns to keep her from moving on. The interplay of comedy and supernatural romance reveals Kay’s struggle between her past and her growing affections for her new fiancé, Rupert (Jeff Bridges).

While the film provides some genuine laughs, many critics note that the writing lacks the depth to match the talent of its lead actors. Hilarious moments emerge from one-sided conversations and misunderstandings, showcasing both Field’s and Caan’s comedic timing. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers entertaining glimpses of both actors in an unconventional premise.

Watch on Fubo.

6. Her Alibi (1989)

Directed by: Bruce Beresford

In Her Alibi, a mystery novelist Phil Blackwood (Tom Selleck) finds himself drawn to the mysterious Romanian woman Nina (Paulina Porizkova) after observing her in court. In a twist of events, Blackwood fabricates an alibi for ulterior motives. As comedic complications arise, Blackwood’s growing attraction to Nina complicates his life further.

Critics largely panned Her Alibi, deeming it unoriginal and ridiculous. However, the film is a testament to Selleck’s charm as he breathes humor into the role through clever voiceovers and physical comedy. While the movie may not have received the accolades it sought, audiences can still appreciate the entertaining chemistry between Selleck and Porizkova.

Watch on Apple.

7. Batteries Not Included (1987)

Directed by: Matthew Robbins

Batteries Not Included offers a unique blend of sci-fi and comedy as it tells the story of the tenants of an East Village apartment building facing eviction at the hands of a ruthless property developer. When their situation appears dire, they receive unexpected help from two small, sentient flying saucers that repair the damage done to their homes.

This charming film, produced by Steven Spielberg and co-written by Brad Bird, remains a nostalgic touchstone for many viewers, particularly those from Generation X. While it may not have reached the same height of recognition as other films, it contained special effects that were impressive for the era, along with a warm, sentimental story about community and connection.

Watch on Apple.

8. All of Me (1984)

Directed by: Carl Reiner

In All of Me, Edwina Cutwater (Lily Tomlin) attempts to transfer her soul into the body of a younger woman (Victoria Tennant). However, the process goes hilariously awry when Roger (Steve Martin), her estate lawyer, becomes the unintended vessel for her spirit. This leads to a whirlwind of comedic situations as Roger struggles to come to terms with Edwina’s presence within him.

Carl Reiner’s direction elevates the premise into a laugh-out-loud exploration of identity and self-discovery, thanks in part to Tomlin’s and Martin’s exceptional comedic range. The physical comedy and irreverent dialogue create a memorable cinematic outing, which, while often overlooked, deserves recognition for its inventive narrative.

Watch on Roku.

9. Married to the Mob (1988)

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

In Married to the Mob, Angela de Marco (Michelle Pfeiffer) attempts to start anew after her mob husband is killed. Trying to escape her past, she unwittingly becomes entangled with undercover FBI agent Mike Downey (Matthew Modine) while constantly looking over her shoulder as mob bosses pursue her. The film represents a blend of crime and romance, with plenty of dark humor sprinkled throughout.

Despite its stellar cast and unique premise, Married to the Mob often gets overshadowed by other notable films released in 1988. However, Pfeiffer’s performance and the ensemble of character actors—including the formidable Mercedes Ruehl—help create a wonderfully chaotic narrative that stands out among the era’s comedies.

Watch on Apple TV.

10. Big Business (1988)

Directed by: Jim Abrahams

The plot of Big Business revolves around the intertwined lives of two sets of identical twins, played by Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, who experience a humorous mix-up at birth. The film unfolds with a comedic exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the clash of backgrounds as characters navigate their differences.

This film is a showcase for the comedic talents of Midler and Tomlin, as they each embody polar opposite personas. Their chemistry and comedic timing are remarkable, making for a film that, while not as widely recognized as their other works, offers a delightful viewing experience filled with 80’s flair and quirkiness. Big Business deserves attention for its clever writing and the comedic brilliance of its leading ladies, who carry the humor with ease.

Watch on Disney+.

Revisiting the Forgotten Movies

While the 80’s comedy movies listed above may not have attained the iconic status of their contemporaries, they represent a unique snapshot of a vibrant era in filmmaking. Each film offers distinct narratives and performances that stand the test of time, delivering laughter and insights that modern audiences can still appreciate.

Re-exploring these forgotten gems reveals the full breadth of creativity that the decade has to offer. Understanding the context and nuances of these films encourages a richer appreciation for the varied tapestry that is 80’s cinema and highlights how not every great movie achieves lasting fame. Whether through their originality, comedic performances, or engaging storylines, these films provide a valuable window into a beloved genre that continues to delight and inspire.

In conclusion, while the most well-remembered 80’s comedy movies maintain their status in popular culture, revisiting the lesser-known films allows us to uncover the hidden treasures of a time when humor ruled the box office. It’s a reminder that even the films that faded into obscurity hold the ability to entertain and offer a different flavor of comedy that is unique to their time. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgia or simply seeking laughter, these forgotten 80’s comedy movies deserve a spot on your watchlist.

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