As I reflect on my formative years, I can’t help but marvel at the quirky, often twisted films that shaped my worldview. These ten ’80s gems, which I watched countless times, left an indelible mark on my humor and perspective. So, if you’re ready to dive into some seriously unsettling plots, here’s a list that might resonate with you.
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The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)
After an unexpected reaction to her husband’s toxic perfume, a suburban mother starts shrinking to less than a foot tall. Following a near-death incident in the kitchen disposal, she gets abducted by a deranged scientist and forms an unusual friendship with a gorilla. Let’s just say my view of toy houses was never the same again. -
Tootsie (1982)
Facing a dry spell in his career, a struggling actor dons a disguise as an older woman to land roles. Because, of course, Hollywood is overflowing with meaty parts for mature women. Thankfully, a spirited man in a wig swoops in to save the day. It’s all in good fun, right? -
The Man With Two Brains (1983)
A widowed neurosurgeon, after inventing a peculiar brain surgery, marries a gold-digger but falls for a brain he can communicate with telepathically. His wife, feeling threatened by this brain-in-a-jar, concocts a plan to eliminate her rival. A perfectly sane take on relationships, don’t you think? -
Flashdance (1983)
By day, she’s a welder; by night, a stripper with dreams of becoming a ballerina. After being wooed by her boss, who frequents her strip club, she impresses the conservatory’s board with her wild dance moves. Because clearly, that’s how you earn a spot in ballet school. -
Electric Dreams (1984)
In a bizarre love triangle, a man, a woman, and a personal computer vie for each other’s affection. This tech-savvy romance takes a dark turn when the computer becomes a domineering presence, even leading to its own demise. Just a typical day in life, right? -
Ruthless People (1986)
A fashion designer and her bumbling boyfriend kidnap the wife of their former boss, only to find out he’s indifferent about her fate. As their captive bonds with the kidnapper over fashion, her husband suddenly wants her back after she loses weight. Ah, how charmingly twisted. -
Overboard (1987)
In a plot that would raise eyebrows today, a carpenter seeks revenge on a spoiled heiress with amnesia by convincing her she’s his wife. Despite the layers of deception and manipulation, romantic sparks fly as they design a mini-golf course together. Love conquers all, or so the narrative suggests. -
Raising Arizona (1987)
When a couple struggling with infertility decides to kidnap a quintuplet, chaos ensues as various parties become involved, including escaped convicts. It’s a wild ride where you find yourself rooting for the unlikely thieves. -
Mannequin (1987)
An unemployed man falls in love with a mannequin that only comes to life for him. This bizarre premise somehow struck a chord with audiences, normalizing some rather odd fantasies in the process. -
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Two employees discover their boss is dead but decide to pretend he’s alive during a weekend getaway. The farcical situation escalates as they navigate the absurdity of their charade—even as a local woman gets a little too cozy with the corpse.
And there you have it—a nostalgic trip through some of the most bizarre cinematic offerings of the ’80s. If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and family life, check out this insightful post on modernfamilyblog.com. And for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers a reputable selection of kits to help you on your journey. Additionally, the ASRM is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination insights.
In summary, these films remind us of the unique storytelling of the ’80s, blending humor and unsettling themes in ways that still provoke thought and laughter today.
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