17 Worst Films From 1985 That People Are Still Trying To Erase From Their Memory
This post may contain affiliate links.
1985 brought us cultural treasures like “Back to the Future” and “The Breakfast Club,” The cinematic landscape of 1985 wasn’t just defined by blockbuster hits and cult classics; it also saw its fair share of cinematic missteps that viewers have been trying to forget ever since.
From misguided sequels to poorly executed adaptations, these films left audiences bewildered, and critics dismayed. Here’s a rundown of the 17 worst films from 1985 that, despite efforts, remain stubbornly etched in the annals of film history.
“The Dungeonmaster”
“The Dungeonmaster” is a mishmash of sci-fi and fantasy elements that fails to deliver on either front. The plot is convoluted, and the special effects are laughably bad, even by 1985 standards.
However, this film provides plenty of unintentional comedy for those who enjoy ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ cinema.
“Red Sonja”
Red Sonja attempted to ride the coattails of Conan the Barbarian but fell flat with a weak script and subpar acting. Brigitte Nielsen’s wooden performance as the titular character didn’t help matters.
On the bright side, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s presence brought some star power, even if he couldn’t save the film.
“Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf”
A sequel that nobody asked for, Howling II took the campy horror of the original and turned it into an unintentionally hilarious nightmare.
The disjointed story and poor special effects did it no favors. However, Christopher Lee’s involvement added a touch of class to an otherwise forgettable film.
“The Bride”
“The Bride” attempts to offer a romantic twist on the Frankenstein story but ends up being a dull and uninspiring film.
Despite the strong cast, including Sting and Jennifer Beals, the movie never hit the right notes. The gothic atmosphere, however, is quite well done.
“Teen Wolf Too”
While the original “Teen Wolf” had its charms, the sequel starring Jason Bateman is nothing short of a disaster.
The story is a rehash of the original but without the charisma of Michael J. Fox. Still, it’s interesting to see a young Jason Bateman before he hit his stride in television.
“King Solomon’s Mines”
A poor man’s Indiana Jones, “King Solomon’s Mines” is plagued by cheesy dialogue, poor special effects, and a weak plot.
Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone do their best, but they can’t save this train wreck of a film.
“Lifeforce”
“Lifeforce” is a bizarre mix of sci-fi and horror that doesn’t work. The plot involving space vampires is incoherent, and the acting ranges from wooden to wildly over-the-top. On the plus side, the special effects are pretty impressive for the time.
“American Ninja”
“American Ninja” is another martial arts film that fails to deliver. The plot centers on a soldier trained in ninjutsu, but the story is bogged down by wooden acting and clichéd dialogue.
Even the action sequences, which should be the highlight, are poorly choreographed. It’s a movie that had potential but ultimately failed to deliver.
“Perfect”
“Perfect,” starring John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis, is anything but perfect. The film’s attempt to critique the aerobics craze of the 80s comes off as tone-deaf and awkward. The aerobics scenes are a kitschy delight for those who love 80s fitness culture.
“Transylvania 6-5000”
This horror-comedy aims for laughs but lands with a thud. The jokes are outdated, and the storyline is a mess.
Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis keep things somewhat entertaining with their charismatic performances but can’t save the film from its flaws.
“A View to a Kill”
This James Bond installment is often cited as one of the worst in the series, suffering from a weak plot and an aging Roger Moore.
The theme song by Duran Duran is a highlight, standing in stark contrast to an otherwise lackluster film.
“The Slugger’s Wife”
“The Slugger’s Wife” combines baseball with romance but strikes out on both counts. The chemistry between the leads is nonexistent, and the plot is predictable. Still, it does capture some of the nostalgia of 80s sports films.
“The Man with One Red Shoe”
Despite a promising cast led by Tom Hanks, this spy comedy fails to deliver laughs or intrigue. The script is lackluster, and the pacing is off. However, Hanks’s natural charm shines through, making parts of the film bearable.
“Fletch”
While “Fletch” has fans, many consider it one of Chevy Chase’s weaker efforts. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the plot is convoluted. Nonetheless, Chase’s comedic timing and delivery provide some genuinely funny moments.
“Santa Claus: The Movie”
Intended to be a heartwarming holiday film, “Santa Claus: The Movie” instead feels like a bloated, misguided attempt at Christmas magic.
The special effects are subpar, and the story is meandering. Dudley Moore’s performance adds a bit of charm, but it’s not enough to save the film.
“Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”
This third entry in the “Mad Max” series is often criticized for its lack of coherence and diluted action sequences.
While Tina Turner’s presence adds star power, and the film boasts some memorable visuals, it ultimately pales compared to its predecessors.
“Rocky IV”
“Rocky IV” is often lauded for its campiness and Cold War symbolism, but it’s also one of the weaker entries in the franchise. The plot is predictable, and the dialogue is often cringe-worthy. Still, the training montage and final fight scene are iconic moments in 80s cinema.
17 Unforgettable Movies You’ll Want to Watch Again and Again
17 Unforgettable Movies You’ll Want to Watch Again and Again
15 Actors Who Showed Up In Movies To Say One Line
