Cult Classics and Forgotten Sci-Fi Films of the ’80s

Originally published May 19, 2026. This article revisits eight underrated, overlooked, or otherwise cult classic sci-fi films from the 1980s, including Short Circuit, Night of the Comet, and more.

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The science-fiction genre has been reimagining humanity’s relationship with technology and the future at least since Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic Frankenstein. The 1980s were perhaps one of the most formative times for modern sci-fi, introducing genre-defining works that changed how multiple generations thought about time travel, sentient robots, extraterrestrial life, and beyond.

But for every Terminator and Back to the Future, there are forgotten films that flew under the radar — either because of low budgets, poor critical reception, lack of circulation, or any other number of factors. Odds are if you ever discovered one of these films on VHS, or watched them a little too young, they left an impression on you. Or maybe you just totally missed them and are looking to unearth a retro cult classic to distract you from the present moment.

Here are 8 forgotten sci-fi films of the ’80s that deserve a rewatch (if you can find them):

• Night of the Creeps (1986)
• Short Circuit (1986)
• Videodrome (1983)
• Night of the Comet (1984)
• Solarbabies (1986)
• The Lathe of Heaven (1980)
• Krull (1983)
• Return of the Living Dead Part 2 (1988)

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Night of the Creeps (1986)

There are so many “Night of” sci-fi and horror films, you could probably fill an entire calendar with them. And in 1986, Night of the Creeps fell in the cradle of sci-fi horror comedy, blending tropes from zombie movies, slashers, and alien invasion flicks.

After a frat initiation rite goes awry, alien slugs from a research cadaver create a wave of mind-controlled, undead creeps. A tortured detective is trying to solve the crime of the missing body, speculating about a bygone slasher. Sorority girls get beset by infested corpses. There’s a flamethrower involved in the finale. It’s a classic ’80s formula for exploding heads, gooey creature effects, and honestly, a little bit of everything you could want out of movies from the era.

Audiences and critics debate whether it manages to come together cohesively since it features practically every subgenre but the kitchen sink, but ultimately, Night of the Creeps earns its cult status. (Plus, many of the film’s characters are named after famous horror directors — Cronenberg, Carpenter, and more!)

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Short Circuit (1986)

Number 5 is alive! In a genre that imagines most sentient robots wanting to kill humanity, Short Circuit is a humorous sci-fi story that shows a more curious side of computer learning. After an experimental robotic soldier is struck by lightning, he gains basic sentience and escapes the research facility.

Dubbed Strategic Artificially Intelligent Nuclear Transport Number 5 (eventually renamed Johnny 5), the robot is later found by a caregiver who helps him learn about the world. Compared to and contrasted with contemporaries like E.T., audiences were charmed by Johnny 5’s charm and the script’s dialogue made better by the human actors’ chemistry with the machinery. Wall-E who?

Short Circuit even inspired a Commodore 64 video game, a sequel film, a television short, and in recent years, it has been eyed for possible remakes.

Stay tuned for Short Circuit fine art prints coming soon from Sideshow!

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Videodrome (1983)

Considered one of Cronenberg’s best films, Videodrome has a cult following thanks to its techno-surrealist design, makeup effects, and engaging, though cryptic, plotline. Still, it was a box office failure during its original 1983 theatrical run.

Videodrome tells the story of a man working at an ultra high frequency television station who discovers a strange broadcast signal that may lead to a larger mind-control conspiracy. The more he engages with the strange broadcasts, the more he begins to lose his grip on reality.

The film is definitely heavier in theme than most other forgotten or otherwise overlooked entries on this list — snuff films, sexual dynamics, hallucinations, and body horror all combine into this transgressive entry into Cronenberg’s oeuvre.

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Night of the Comet (1984)

Another “Night of” you might have missed, Night of the Comet is valley girls versus … well, there are some zombies, but not that many. And there are government agents, but not that many. But the empty cityscape, set after most of the population has been vaporized by exposure to a comet passing by the Earth, adds an eerie atmosphere to this sci-fi horror comedy from Southern California.

Sisters Reg and Sam aren’t your typical horror heroines or even final girls, but fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer might actually recognize how influential they were in the creation of Buffy herself. As they navigate their lonely apocalypse, they enjoy a shopping montage, a trip to the local radio station, and joyrides on the blissfully open streets.

Night of the Comet‘s tongue-in-cheek humor helps it stand out as not just another trope-filled film trip through the ’80s, but a true hidden gem.

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Solarbabies (1986)

Also called Solarwarriors and Solarfighters, Solarbabies was not well received on its debut. It was accused of being derivative of works like Blade Runner and Mad Max, but as the years have gone on, some viewers enjoy its undeniable nostalgic value (and cheesy plot).

Solarbabies shows a post-apocalyptic Earth where water has been rationed and most children are orphaned under the Eco Protectorate. To pass the time, these orphans play a dangerous roller-sport and band together to protect each other. Eventually, the discovery of a mysterious orb sends them on the run from the authorities as they try to bring life back to their dead planet.

It’s goofy as all get-out, but did help launch the careers of eventual The Lost Boys stars Jason Patric and Jami Gertz. Sliding more into the scale of “so bad it’s good” for some, Solarbabies still has its lovers (or maybe warriors, or fighters) after all this time.

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The Lathe of Heaven (1980)

Based on an Ursula K. Le Guin novel of the same name, The Lathe of Heaven was produced as a part of the Experimental TV Lab Project for a New York City public television station. Le Guin herself was involved in production and had a hand in casting and rewriting for the film.

Set in Portland, Oregon, the film tells the story of a man named George Orr assigned to psychiatric care after abusive medication in an effort to prevent himself from dreaming while asleep. This is because his dreams actually change reality, and he is the only one who remembers the previous world from the day before. His psychologist slowly begins to use these dreams for his own benefit, and the two men clash over their ideal version of reality.

A lot of sci-fi fans may have missed this one because of its initially limited broadcast range, but it was highly requested by PBS viewers. Conflict with the film’s score (which includes a Beatles song) and a loss of original 1979 film materials made this particular adaptation difficult to access for future audiences.

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Krull (1983)

Krull blends sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure into a cult classic concoction that failed at the box office but found devoted fans in the years since its release. Some cite its effects, makeup, and soundtrack as noteworthy, but consider the plot to be nonsensical. For better or worse, it also features early career appearances from Robbie Coltrane and Liam Neeson.

In the film, Krull is the name of a planet invaded by the Beast and his Slayers. The story features signature fantasy elements like castles and the kidnapping of a princess, but there are futuristic elements like spaceships, teleportation, and advanced weaponry. Prince Colwyn must defeat the Beast with a legendary weapon called the Glaive in order to rescue his bride-to-be, Princess Lyssa.

Originally called The Dragons of Krull, the movie’s script was loosely inspired by Dungeons & Dragons at its outset. Ultimately, critics said it was too derivative of Star Wars™, which cast a long shadow across the galaxy of all science-fantasy films to follow.

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Return of the Living Dead Part 2 (1988)

Not to be confused with Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, or any other of the Deads, Return of the Living Dead Part 2 is one of several sequels to the 1985 horror comedy Return of the Living Dead. These horror-by-way-of-sci-fi films take a more humorous, punk approach to the zombie apocalypse trope. Plus, the franchise famously introduced the concept of zombies eating brains (not just human flesh) into pop culture.

Return Part 2 wasn’t as much of a success as its predecessor and was actually intended to originally be geared towards younger audiences. The film still uses Trioxin chemicals (leftover from the events of the first film) as the source of the undead plague, showing the story of seven people trying to escape a town after a cemetery full of corpses is reanimated. The ending may just shock you!

Overall, the sequel received mixed reviews, though it’s one of the more successful in the franchise since it stayed close to the campy punk comedy style of the original. Oddly enough, Return of the Living Dead Part 1 gained popularity overseas in Japan, which helped fund the sequel efforts.

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What other forgotten sci-fi and horror films from the ’80s do you think deserve a little extra recognition? Voice your opinion and join the conversation with other movie fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow.