8 Classic 80s Robot Movies to Add to Your Watchlist

8 Classic 80s Robot Movies to Add to Your Watchlist

The 80s is regarded as the golden era of sci-fi cinema. It was a time when groundbreaking movies featuring robots left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. While there are many films worth watching, we’ve cherry-picked eight movies that encapsulate the essence of the era. In this article, we explore the top 80s robot movies that you need to add to your watchlist.

1. The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator was the first film in the franchise and established Arnold Schwarzenegger as an action hero. The movie revolves around Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that is programmed to eliminate all of humanity. The robot, the T-800, is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor before she gives birth to the resistance leader, John Connor. The movie’s success paved the way for a sequel and made the phrase “I’ll be back” an iconic catchphrase.

2. RoboCop (1987)

RoboCop follows the story of Alex Murphy, a Detroit police officer who is brutally murdered and then resurrected as a cyborg. The movie takes place in a dystopian future where a corporation, Omni Consumer Products (OCP), is responsible for law enforcement and privatizing public services. RoboCop, played by Peter Weller, is a symbol of hope in a world dominated by corporate greed.

3. Short Circuit (1986)

Short Circuit is a family movie about a military robot called Number 5, who gains sentience after a lightning strike. The film follows Number 5 as he tries to evade the military and scientists who want to dissect him. Number 5 forms a connection with Stephanie Speck, played by Ally Sheedy, and together they try to convince the world that he’s alive.

4. Transformers: The Movie (1986)

Transformers: The Movie was an animated feature film based on the popular toy franchise. The movie follows the battle between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. The movie is known for its epic soundtrack, featuring artists like Stan Bush and Vince DiCola. It’s a must-watch for fans of the Transformers franchise.

5. The Flight of the Navigator (1986)

The Flight of the Navigator is a sci-fi adventure movie about a young boy, David Freeman, who becomes the subject of a scientific experiment after falling into a ravine. David wakes up eight years later to find that time has jumped ahead, and the world has changed. He is then taken on a journey by an alien spacecraft called Max, who becomes his friend.

6. Chopping Mall (1986)

Chopping Mall is a horror movie that takes place in a shopping mall. After hours, three state-of-the-art security robots malfunction and start killing the mall’s employees. The movie is ridiculous, but it’s a cult classic and worth a watch for fans of the horror genre.

7. D.A.R.Y.L. (1985)

D.A.R.Y.L. is a family movie about a young boy who is revealed to be a government experiment. He was created to embody the perfect human being, with superior strength, intelligence, and reflexes. As Daryl tries to adjust to life with a new family, he is pursued by the people who created him.

8. Runaway (1984)

Runaway is a sci-fi thriller that takes place in a future where robots are a ubiquitous part of society. The movie stars Tom Selleck as Jack Ramsay, a police officer who specializes in dealing with malfunctioning robots. He is tasked with stopping a rogue robot designer, who has created a dangerous model that has the potential to kill.

Conclusion

The 80s is a decade that produced some of the best sci-fi and robot movies of all time. These movies were groundbreaking, innovative, and entertaining. Whether you’re a fan of action, horror, or family movies, you can’t go wrong with adding these classics to your watchlist.