10 Fun, Cheesy '80s Action Movies You've Probably Never Seen

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Action Movies

Imagery from Runaway, The Wraith and Nighthawks

The 1980s were a genre-defining era for action movies. Countless iconic action franchises were started in this decade; Top Gun, Road House, The Terminator, as well as a handful of 007 movies, among many other instant classics. All of these films feature awesome heroes, intense conflicts, and, of course, plenty of high-energy action sequences.

Of course, not every '80s action flick received the same level of recognition as Die Hard or Lethal Weapon. However, even though they may not have broken box office records or won major awards, plenty of these films are still tons of fun to watch. The plots may be a bit cheesy, and the action may be over-the-top, but sometimes that's exactly the kind of movie audiences want to see. When looking for a new movie to watch, these '80s action movies promise to include all the fun, cheesy action audiences are dying to see.

10 Runaway (1984)

Directed by Michael Crichton

When looking for an action movie that promises nonstop fun, a prime place to start is with the 1984 film, Runaway. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, the original author of Jurassic Park, Runaway takes place in an alternate version of the 1990s, one in which robots have become a staple of daily life. Of course, this is bound to bring along its own set of problems; hence why the main characters work as part of a new police unit dedicated entirely to handling the robots who malfunction and become violent.

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The cast of Runaway is led by Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, and Kirstie Alley, with the villain being played by none other than Kiss singer/guitarist, Gene Simmons. As if the cast alone doesn't promise enough fun for the audience, the sci-fi action film also features plenty of off-the-wall gadgets and weapons; heat-seeking "smart bullets," spider-like killing machines, and, of course, tons of robots. Runaway may not have been a huge success when it was released, but all of these elements combine to form a film that is nonstop entertainment for viewers.

9 The Wraith (1986)

Directed by Mike Marvin

A man standing in a helmet with a gun in The Wraith (1986)

Fans of automobile-based action sequences will definitely want to check out The Wraith, a 1986 action-fantasy film directed by Mike Marvin. Nick Cassavetes plays Packard Walsh, the leader of a shady group of car thieves. Walsh is finally threatened by the arrival of Jake Kesey (played by Charlie Sheen), a mysterious figure with a mystical car that not only achieves incredible speeds, but can reconstruct itself upon being destroyed. The introduction of these two characters lets audiences know that a thrilling showdown is sure to be on the horizon.

The unconventional film is packed with tons of what action aficionados love to see; awesome characters, thrilling car races, and plenty of explosions.

The Wraith provides a unique blend of high-speed action sequences with fantasy elements not typically included in action films. The unconventional film is packed with tons of what action aficionados love to see; awesome characters, thrilling car races, and plenty of explosions. The Wraith is not exactly what one would consider an Oscar-worthy masterpiece, but the film clearly knows its audience and gives them plenty of exactly what they want to see.

8 Nighthawks (1981)

Directed by Bruce Malmuth

Nighthawks is a 1981 action thriller featuring Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams as New York City detectives pursuing an international terrorist played by Rutger Hauer. Directed by Bruce Malmuth, the film follows the tense and perilous cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the cunning fugitive, presenting a gritty portrayal of urban crime and counter-terrorism efforts.

Release Date April 10, 1981

Writers David Shaber , Paul Sylbert

Runtime 99 Minutes

Bruce Malmuth's 1981 crime-driven action film, Nighthawks, stars Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams as a pair of skilled NYPD officers who get assigned to a new squad tasked with thwarting the biggest threats to America and its civilians. The film is packed with twists and turns, as well as plenty of high-tension scenes. Of course, any great action movie has to have an interesting villain, and Nighthawks certainly finds that in Wulfgar (played by Rutger Hauer), who acts as a true agent of chaos in New York City.

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Nighthawk's nonstop action covers a wide range of settings, with thrilling scenes taking place at subway stations, nightclubs, and even a Roosevelt Island Tramway car (among many other locations as well). The film promises high stakes, huge explosions, and even Stallone in disguise (more than once). While Nighthawks did nearly quadruple its budget at the box office, the film has generally been overshadowed by other action flicks of the era. Nevertheless, it promises everything action-lovers desire in the movies they watch.

7 Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)

Directed by Guy Hamilton

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins is an action-comedy film directed by Guy Hamilton. It stars Fred Ward as a former New York City cop who is recruited into a secret government organization and trained by a Korean martial arts master (Joel Grey). The film follows his journey as he adopts the new identity of Remo Williams to combat high-level corruption.

Director Guy Hamilton

Release Date October 11, 1985

Writers Richard Sapir , Warren Murphy , Christopher Wood

Cast Fred Ward , Joel Grey , wilford brimley , J.A. Preston , George Coe , Charles Cioffi , Kate Mulgrew , Patrick Kilpatrick

Runtime 121 Minutes

Sometimes, a title perfectly encapsulates a film. This certainly seems to be the case for Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, which is just as cheesy as it is action-packed - making it a highly entertaining movie for fans of the humorous side of the genre. The film stars Fred Ward as a New York City cop who is reluctantly recruited to be trained as an assassin for a secret agency, which gives him his new identity: Remo Williams. The film also stars Joel Grey, who managed to earn a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.

Although some (if not, most) elements of the film have not aged particularly well, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins is certain to provide consistent entertainment regardless. Part of the film's charm lies in the utter implausibility of its various elements; magically dodging bullets, running on water, fighting on top of the Statue of Liberty, etc. These events may not reflect a deep, complex plot, but they certainly guarantee that Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins will be serving up fun from beginning to end.

6 Running Scared (1986)

Directed by Peter Hyams

Running Scared is a 1986 action-comedy film directed by Peter Hyams. It stars Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines as two Chicago police detectives who are given a second chance after nearly being killed on duty. Facing a dangerous drug lord, they contemplate retirement while leveraging their unique partnership to bring the criminal to justice.

Director Peter Hyams

Release Date June 27, 1986

Writers Gary DeVore , Jimmy Huston

Runtime 107 Minutes

Part of the appeal of action as a genre is how seamlessly it can be fused with other types of film. The 1986 film, Running Scared, for instance, effectively combines action and comedy into one enjoyable film. The film stars Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines as a duo of Chicago police officers who decide they want to retire from the force so they can open a bar together in Key West. Before they can head south, though, a personal connection leaves them determined to resolve one final case.

Running Scared is a film that never takes itself too seriously, capitalizing on the goofiness of its concept for moments of hilarious comedy.

The undeniable chemistry between Crystal and Hines works effectively with the film's epic soundtrack to keep audiences thoroughly engrossed throughout the film's runtime. Running Scared proves that humor and action can be an excellent combination when balanced properly.

5 Gleaming the Cube (1989)

Directed by Graeme Clifford

Gleaming The Cube is a 1989 film starring Christian Slater as Brian Kelly, a teenage skateboarder who uncovers a conspiracy while investigating the death of his adopted brother. Directed by Graeme Clifford, the movie blends elements of action and drama, set against the backdrop of Southern California’s skateboarding culture. Tony Hawk and other professional skateboarders make appearances, contributing to the film's authentic portrayal of the sport.

Director Graeme Clifford

Release Date January 13, 1989

Cast Christian Slater , Steven Bauer , Richard Herd , Le Tuan , Min Luong

Runtime 100 Minutes

Gleaming the Cube is a 1989 film by Graeme Clifford that combines various tropes of the action genre with the thrilling sport of skateboarding. The film stars Christian Slater as Brian, an underperforming high school student who uses his skateboarding skills to help him investigate the mysterious death of his adopted brother. Even with the main character being a high school student, the film does not shy away from intense action and high-stakes violence.

Packed from beginning to end with shootouts and skateboard tricks, Gleaming the Cube is a ton of fun for audiences. This underappreciated film offers something for everyone; action, friendship, romance, and even an appearance by skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk. Additionally, Gleaming the Cube also features a rather touching story at its core, highlighting the extreme length that a boy will go to out of love for his brother.

4 Eye of the Tiger (1986)

Directed by Richard C. Sarafian

Eye Of The Tiger is an action-drama film starring Gary Busey as Buck Matthews, a Vietnam War veteran who returns to his hometown to avenge his brother's murder. Released in 1986, the film follows Buck's violent confrontation with a biker gang and corrupt police officers.

Director Richard C. Sarafian

Release Date July 7, 1986

Studio(s) International Video Entertainment (IVE) , Scotti Brothers Pictures

Writers Michael Thomas Montgomery

Cast Gary Busey , Yaphet Kotto , Seymour Cassel , Denise Galik , Kimberlin Brown

Runtime 92 Minutes

Nothing paves the way for an exciting action movie quite like a clean-cut revenge story. This is what sets the scene for Eye of the Tiger, a 1986 action film starring Gary Busey as Buck Matthews. Upon finally returning to his hometown after being wrongfully imprisoned for years, Buck discovers that the town has fallen under the malicious rule of a motorcycle gang led by a man known only as Blade. When his wife is killed by members of the gang, Buck takes it upon himself to get every last member out of his beloved town, dead or alive.

The film features more than its fair share of motorcycle stunts, explosions, and even a thrilling climax involving a bomb-dropping crop duster.

Eye of the Tiger is packed with epic shootouts and satisfying vengeance, making it an underappreciated thrill ride of the action genre. The film features more than its fair share of motorcycle stunts, explosions, and even a thrilling climax involving a bomb-dropping crop duster. Like many great action flicks, Eye of the Tiger does not need an overly complex plot in order to satisfy its audience. Buck is simply a man who wants to give people what they deserve, and the viewers are bound to have a blast watching him do it.

3 The Long Riders (1980)

Directed by Walter Hill

Western movies are another popular genre to be combined with action flicks. A prime example of the action/Western blend would be the 1980 Walter Hill film, The Long Riders. The Long Riders explores the lives of the James-Younger gang in post-Civil War America. The film offers an uncommonly sympathetic portrayal of the group of outlaws led by Jesse James and Cole Younger, making it a unique addition to the world of westerns. Although the film underperformed at the box office, it was well-received overall by critics.

Aside from its unconventional stance on the controversial figures it portrays, what really makes The Long Riders stand out is its casting. Staying true to the sibling dynamics that existed in the real James-Younger gang, the film uses several groups of brothers to portray the characters. This includes the iconic families of the Quaids (Dennis and Randy), the Guests (Christopher and Nicholas), the Keaches (James and Stacy), and the Carradines (David, Keith, and Robert). The natural chemistry of these sibling groups makes the characters fascinating to watch.

2 Iron Eagle (1986)

Directed by Sidney J. Furie

Top Gun wasn't the only action movie about two friends flying planes to be released in 1986. Sidney J. Furie's thrilling feature, Iron Eagle, tells the story of Doug Masters, a man rejected from the U.S. Air Force who must team up with Chappy, a Vietnam veteran played by Louis Gossett Jr., in order to save his dad who is soon to be executed in a foreign country. Together, the two steal a pair of military jets, and set off to save Doug's dad.

Viewers of Iron Eagle will likely have to suspend their disbelief a bit, as the plot is certainly a bit off-the-wall. For those able to do this, though, the film is full of cheesy, action-packed fun from start to finish. Iron Eagle is a great option for a movie to put on when you want to just relax and enjoy some great action without having to think too much. Plus, the air combat sequences are excellent for some high-altitude thrills.

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Phillip Noyce's 1989 film, Blind Fury, is a humorous, exciting action movie that is, above everything else, tons of fun. The action-comedy film stars Rutger Hauer as Nick Parker, a veteran of the United States Army who was permanently blinded while serving in Vietnam. Although Nick lost his vision, he simply redirected his focus, and became a master swordsman. Years later, Nick must put his sword-wielding skills to the ultimate test as he travels across the country to rescue his former army friend, Frank, and his family.

Led by a charismatic performance by Hauer, Blind Fury boasts the perfect blend of action and comedy, with a good amount of heart thrown in as well. Plenty of action films have featured characters going to great lengths to save the people they love, but none go about it in quite the same way as Blind Fury. After all, there aren't many other films in which the protagonist is a blind sword master. With a unique concept and plenty of heart and humor, Blind Fury is a great (and delightfully cheesy) option for a fun action movie.

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