The Best & Most Badass ’80s Heroes

There’s a lot to love about ’80s adventure movies. From their grainy film, cheesy costumes, and fun-filled combat, each movie gives us a much-needed dose of escapism and action. No matter our age, we just want to watch them over and over again.

Part of what makes them so iconic and re-watchable is their incredible protagonists. These characters are brave, emotionally compelling, and most importantly, badass. So below, let’s look at some of the best ’80s heroes to ever hit the big screen.

---

Snake Plissken (Escape From New York)

“When I get back, I’m going to kill you.”

Snake Plissken is the hero of Escape from New York and Escape from L.A. A grimy, jaded antihero, Snake plays by his own rules. Fortunately, he has the skills to back up his decisions. The former Special Forces soldier has no love for his government, but when forced to work for them again, he gets the job done. Does he leave tons of carnage and chaos in his wake? Sure, but that’s just Snake’s style.

---

Ellen Ripley (Aliens)

“Get away from her, you b*tch!”

Although Ellen Ripley technically debuted in 1979, we’ll focus on her role in Aliens (1986). She’s impressive in both movies, of course. But some of her most jaw-dropping and memorable moments come from the Alien sequel.  Her no-nonsense attitude and fearlessness — oh yeah, and flamethrower-wielding — have inspired countless women across generations. And it’s not very often you hear someone call a Xenomorph, one of the most deadliest creatures in the galaxy, a b*tch. Go off, Ellen.

---

Dutch/Onyx (Predator)

“If it bleeds, we can kill it.”

Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer is a pretty typical ’80s military type. He’s played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, after all. This muscular, cigar-smoking, machine-gun-toting soldier leads a guerilla tactical team through the jungle against an invasive alien threat known as the Predator. It’s a brutal battle, but nothing this mercenary can’t handle. Throughout the movie, we’re sure he’s going to win — but it’s fun to see him beat the thing nonetheless.

---

Alice Hardy (Friday the 13th)

“But … then he’s still there.”

Alice Hardy is both an action hero and a final girl. This summer camp counselor gets way more than she bargained for when a serial killer starts targeting her peers and the campers at Crystal Lake. However, Alice’s creativity, quick wits, and psychology degree help her figure out who the slasher is before it’s too late. Sadly, Alice is the only survivor of the original Friday the 13th massacre. However, that just goes to show what a total badass she is.

---

Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

“I don’t know. I’m making this up as I go.”

What isn’t there to admire about Indy? Indiana Jones is charming and comedic. Plus, he deviates from your typical action hero mold. A professor, archeologist, and museum-lover, he’s less brute strength and more smarts. A lot of his adventures involve careful planning — and then rapid improvisation when things go sideways. He’s also scared of snakes. Still, let’s be honest. We all fell in love with him when he outran that boulder with nothing but guts and a whip.

---

Red Sonja (Red Sonja)

“If danger is a trade, I’ll learn it by myself.”

What’s cooler than a warrior woman? Not much, when it comes down to it. So of course we have to highlight the She-Devil herself, Red Sonja. The titular star of her own film, Red Sonja reclaims her kingdom with confidence and killer instincts. She does this while finding true love and also staying true to herself. While the fight sequences and fantastical one-liners are very ’80s, we still find this movie and this character absolutely exhilarating.

---

Who are your favorite ’80s action heroes? Did we miss the biggest badass of them all? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!