80s movies on Hulu are unique for a reason, which is hard to pin down. It was a time when some of the most significant filmmakers of the 20th century found their voices or produced some of their best work, and it was marked by impulsivity, cockiness, and gloss.
Several notable A-list performers were also born during this period; many are still atop Hollywood hill today. Before the 1980s, a movie lover had only a few options: if a picture looked good, they had better have seen it in the theater, or they would have missed it forever, hoping it would show as a “movie of the week” on a broadcast network years later.
Of course, streaming services like Hulu provide a wide range of entertainment options, including classic ’80s movies, for very little money and with only a few mouse clicks.
Here are the top 80s movies that are now streaming on Hulu.
1. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Nearly forty years after its release, John Carpenter’s cult masterpiece is still significant and is acknowledged in Reservation Dogs’ second-season opener.
The plot of Carpenter’s movie centers on Jack Burton (Kurt Russell). Who assists a friend in saving his fiancée from bandits in Chinatown in San Francisco.
The crew runs upon an old sorcerer who needs to wed a woman to lift a curse along the road. This movie has action, adventure, fantasy, and martial arts, among other things. As Carpenter attempts to deconstruct the martial arts genre, there is also plenty of fun.
2. Akira (1988)
The 80s Japanese animation movies on Hulu picture Akira may not be well known, yet it significantly impacted science fiction. The story follows the boss of a biker gang whose comrade has telekinetic abilities in a dystopian 2019 world.
From there, the plot significantly develops as a military complex is threatened, and a rebellion is sparked. Furthermore, the Matrix, Kill Bill, and even Stranger Things have all been credited as drawing inspiration from this film.
Meanwhile, the “Akira slide” sequence has been extensively imitated but never matched. It continues to be one of the most recognizable anime scenes of all time. This movie is one of the best 80s movies available on Hulu.
3. All the Right Moves (1983)
The song “All the Right Moves” perfectly portrays the mood of a nation at a turning point in the early 1980s. It takes place in a Pennsylvania steel mining town. Like many comparable villages at the time, it experienced a sharp collapse.
Stefan, a local varsity football standout who is on track to receive a scholarship that will allow him to leave his hometown and preserve his future, has this as his background and motivation.
However, the world of high-stakes, high-level high school football can be a precarious one. And Stefan (Tom Cruise, in one of his first significant roles) lets his willfulness get the better when a fight with his demanding coach costs him his spot on the team and possibly his opportunity to play college football.
4. Cujo (1983)
With a steady stream of horrible, scary, and horrific works. Horror master Stephen King experienced an artistic and economic apex in the 1980s.
A lovely and affectionate family dog is turned into a demonic beast by a rabid bat’s bite in “Cujo,” one of the most unsettling movies of this era.
Furthermore, Cujo viciously rampages through a small Maine village as he pursues the just-arrived Trenton family. He eventually captures them inside a car that becomes hotter during the midday sun.
A “kill or be killed” scenario shows shockingly horrible results. This movie is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
5. Friday the 13th (1980)
Although “Friday the 13th” is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu and this movie launched a practically infinite and frequently duplicated genre of formulaic slasher films.
It is not like the horror films it influenced. For instance, in the first “Friday the 13th,” the machete-wielding zombie creature wearing a hockey goalie mask isn’t the bad guy.
In addition, the movie is the source of several horror movie clichés. As an illustration, it takes place at a distant summer camp in the woods that residents claim is haunted due to the numerous fatalities.
However, the teenage counselors are hormonally motivated to get into each other’s bunks. I don’t much care for all that foolishness.
However, soon after, they begin to be brutally and graphically killed by an inexorable murdering force motivated by a deep-seated sense of vengeance.
6. Man on Fire (1987)
Man on Fire is a scorching international picture with French and Italian undertones. Christian Creasy, a former CIA operative, accepts a job guarding a bright youngster with whom he does not instantly click.
But Creasy, as portrayed by Scott Glenn, eases up and presents a softer front just as the mob is about to take his client.
The thrilling film can hold audiences’ attention even if the storyline isn’t the best decade. Denzel Washington portrayed John W. Creasy in the 2004 adaptation of the movie, which Tony Scott directed. This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
7. Predator (1987)
Unbelievably, the original Predator movie debuted 35 years ago, in the summer of 1987. In the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the captain of a paramilitary rescue squad that must free some hostages from a Central American rainforest.
A Predator, a sophisticated alien determined to hunt them down, uproots the rescue attempt. The action-packed movie, which also stars Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura, doesn’t feel the need to get into excellent character detail.
Instead, it focuses on elements of science fiction and even horror. Hulu doesn’t want audiences to forget about the movie’s launching of a whole franchise anytime soon. Predator is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
8. Heartburn (1986)
Few authors are as adept at capturing emotional issues as Nora Ephron. She wrote humorous, upbeat tales of romance and the emergence of love, such as.
When Harry Met the popular Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, she also produced the tragic divorce novel “Heartburn.” Meryl Streep plays food writer Rachel in Nora Ephron’s adaptation of this book, and Jack Nicholson plays political columnist Mark.
Unashamedly romantic, Rachel develops a strong attraction to the charismatic and accomplished writer. Sadly, he ends up being a selfish playboy who doesn’t give a damn about the damage he causes to Rachel’s heart.
Can Rachel endure living without the love she has centered her entire life around? Rachel must find a way to persevere.
9. Jagged Edge (1985)
In the 1980s, Hollywood gave birth to a brand-new subgenre known as the “erotic thriller,” which pays homage to vintage film noir.
These movies mixed beautifully. If not explicit, sequences of adult nature with characters who should be involved with one another.
Getting very personal with twist-filled, high-stakes mysteries involving affluent people and secret murders.
“Jagged Edge,” which came out in 1985, shares similarities with more well-known sensual thrillers like “Body Heat” or Basic Instinct.
But it also has a significant courtroom drama component. California socialite Paige Forrester is fatally stabbed in her beachfront home, and her wealthy publisher husband Jack Forrester is detained as a suspect.
Despite (or perhaps because of) their strong connection to one another. He employs renowned defense lawyer Teddy Barnes to support his alleged innocence, which will only make matters more difficult as the stunning and scandalous elements of the case come to light. This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
10. The King of Comedy (1983)
The dark side of humanity is a common theme in Martin Scorsese’s flawlessly produced movies. He reveals the dark intentions beneath the smiling, laughing faces of would-be comedians in “The King of Comedy.”
Robert De Niro is masterfully repulsive as the middle-aged loser Rupert Pupkin, who broadcasts a phony chat show every night in his basement.
Finally, when he runs into his idol and inspiration, late-night king Jerry Langford (played by real-life comic Jerry Lewis), he is humiliated and unimpressed by the encounter.
Rupert follows the humorous and abducts him. As a result, demanding that he appear on Langford’s show in exchange for his release.
11. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
A star-studded cast that gave performances that surpassed their previous high standards made “An Officer and a Gentleman” a blockbuster hit. Zack Mayo, a brave new Navy recruit, has disagreements with Sgt. Foley, his exceedingly stern boss.
Fortunately, Mayo connects with Paula, a factory worker who lives in the community close to the military station. And finds comfort and understanding.
An Officer and a Gentleman, a coming-of-age tale of exceptional strength and eloquence, has one of the best movie endings, set to the strains of Joe Cocker’s “Up Where We Belong.” This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
12. Ordinary People (1980)
Ordinary People, a gritty and heartbreaking drama about a family disintegrating, demonstrates the astounding versatility of ’70s actors Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore.
Conrad Jarrett makes an attempt on his own life after his older brother perished in a boating accident, plagued with survivor’s guilt.
When he returns home from a lengthy stay in a mental health facility, he discovers that his parents are also in poor health.
Conrad tries to cope and grieve but finds it challenging to connect with his distraught father or his emotionally aloof mother.
Furthermore, the Jarrett family will need to conduct difficult family discussions and collaborate with a caring psychiatrist if they wish to move forward. This is one of the best 80s movies available on Hulu.
13. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride, one of the best and the most adored 80s movies on Hulu, only presents the “good portions” of the most incredible, most action-packed fairy tale ever, as the narrator informs viewers and his ill, bored grandson.
This tale, which takes place in the distant lands of Florin and Guilder, is centered on the genuine love shared between farmhand Westley and fair lady Buttercup.
Unfortunately, Buttercup is taken hostage by three endearing idiots, including the kind giant Fezzik and the swordsman Inigo Montoya who is obsessed with avenging himself.
In addition, there are giant rodents, Westley’s time as a pirate (and his quick demise), and an evil royal plot to deal with. This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
14. Racing with the Moon (1984)
In addition to being a sad period drama about teenagers in small-town California getting ready to join the Marines and fight in World War II.
“Racing with the Moon” also served as a lead for some of the most talented actors of the 1980s generation. Including Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, and Elizabeth McGovern.
Henry (Penn) and Nicky (Cage), best friends, are trying to enjoy their last few weeks before deployment and the onset of adulthood.
By incorrectly assuming that Caddie (McGovern), a newcomer to the area, is wealthy because she resides in a posh estate.
However, Nash sets his seduction sights on her, only to fall in love with her in the end. Nicky also finds that his partner is expecting a child, and in trying to raise the money necessary for that, he forces Caddie and Henry to make regrettable choices. This movie is one of the best 80s movies available on Hulu.
15. Real Genius (1985)
Although Val Kilmer had the attractiveness and charisma of a matinee idol, in the 1980s, he favored playing villains, weirdos, and imps.
The sci-fi college comedy “Real Genius,” a classic, captures this phase of Kilmer’s acting career. He portrays Chris Knight as a troubled genius who doesn’t need to work too hard to succeed at exclusive Pacific Tech, not even when Mitch Taylor, a freshman prodigy, is put in his care.
They enjoy conducting a variety of entertaining and seemingly impossible science-based pranks. Still, things turn for the worst when they learn that the government wants to utilize the laser they’re developing as a potent weapon. This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
16. Sixteen Candles (1984)
“Sixteen Candles” is one of John Hughes’ most iconic teen 80 movies on Hulu. The movie stars Molly Ringwald, a regular collaborator.
She portrays Samantha, a suburban high school student whose birthday is overlooked by her family because of her sister’s wedding. Except for Ted, the nerd, everyone at school also fails to deliver for her.
Jake Ryan, a senior on the Dreamboat, doesn’t even appear to be aware that she is still alive. Or does he? This endearing movie offers humor, a sensitive depiction of youth, and one of the most iconic romantic gestures ever captured on camera. This is one of the best 80s movies on Hulu.
17. A Soldier’s Story (1984)
“A Soldier’s Story” is a murder mystery on a World War II-era army installation in the segregated South. It is based on Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “A Soldier’s Play,” adapted from the famous Herman Melville novella “Billy Budd.”
After Sgt. Vernon Waters is fatally shot outside of Fort Neal, Capt. Richard Davenport conducts an inquiry to investigate whether the killing was the result of an anti-Black hate crime or if one of his men killed the officer.
What occurred is far from straightforward, with many thought-provoking social concerns and individual motives at play.
18. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink are two teen-targeted movies that took their characters and audiences seriously.
And sensitively, while highlighting and exploring the social and economic divisions of the day, helped John Hughes rule the 1980s.
While “Some Kind of Wonderful” doesn’t have the same popularity or acclaim as most of Hughes’ other 1980s teen dramedies.
It nevertheless has all the necessary components for brilliance and a lasting memory. Keith is a working-class high school student who is exceptionally mature and in love with Amanda, a famous privileged child.
To the dismay of everyone, he enlists the help of his excellent drummer best friend Watts to win her heart. This movie is one of the best 80s movies available on Hulu.
19. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
The big-budget adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise accelerated with “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” dispelling any lingering reservations that a sophisticated.
The first unpopular, dated-looking sci-fi show could succeed as a film franchise ten years after its premiere. Furthermore, in this installment of the ongoing story.
Admiral Kirk and Captain Spock are lecturing the next generation of explorers at Starfleet Academy when two officers are abducted by the dreadful villain Khan, also Kirk’s oldest foe. Specifically, one former “Star Trek” cast member will experience Khan’s vengeance.
