A Glean movie guide
Essential 80s Sci-Fi
Iconic films, timeless imagination.
From dystopian futures to space operas, revisit the decade that defined the genre.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
The Empire Strikes Back
This definitive space opera raises the stakes for the Rebel Alliance in a masterclass of cinematic storytelling.
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
- 02
Blade Runner
A visually stunning masterpiece that established the definitive cyberpunk aesthetic for decades to come.
In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
- 03
Back to the Future
A perfectly paced time-travel adventure that remains a quintessential piece of 80s pop culture.
Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents' first meeting and attracting his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents' romance and - with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown - return to 1985.
- 04
Aliens
This high-octane sequel masterfully blends intense action with relentless sci-fi tension.
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
- 05
The Terminator
A lean, relentless thriller that launched an iconic franchise and defined the decade's sci-fi action.
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
- 06
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A heartwarming and imaginative classic about the bond between a young boy and a stranded visitor from space.
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
- 07
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Widely considered the best of the original series films, it delivers a gripping, character-driven space conflict.
The starship Enterprise and its crew is pulled back into action when old nemesis, Khan, steals a top secret device called Project Genesis.
- 08
Escape from New York
A gritty, stylish dystopian vision that turns Manhattan into a high-stakes maximum-security prison.
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam free. After the US president crash-lands inside, war hero Snake Plissken has 24 hours to bring him back.
- 09
Tron
A pioneering visual achievement that transported audiences inside the digital world of a mainframe computer.
When brilliant video game maker Flynn hacks the mainframe of his ex-employer, he is beamed inside an astonishing digital world and becomes part of the very game he is designing. In his mission through cyberspace, Flynn matches wits with a maniacal Master Control Program and teams up with Tron, a security measure created to bring balance to the digital environment.