{
  "id": 18863606,
  "title": "John Cusack, Val Kilmer, Sean Connery and more 20th-century icons star in these 5 overlooked ’80s movies you (probably) haven’t watched — but you won’t find ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Indiana Jones’ here",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/john-cusack-val-kilmer-sean-connery-and-more-20th-century-icons-star",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-08T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/movies/john-cusack-val-kilmer-sean-connery-and-more-20th-century-icons-star-in-these-5-overlooked-80s-movies-you-probably-havent-watched-but-you-wont-find-star-wars-or-indiana-jones-here"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the 1980s, a plethora of movies emerged, many of which have become iconic, but there were also lesser-known gems that often go unnoticed. Journey back in time to rediscover these hidden classics, featuring a diverse range of genres and stars.\n\nFirst on the list is \"They Live\" (1988), directed by John Carpenter. This B-level horror film stars Roddy Piper as Nada and Keith David as Frank. The film delves into the theme of alien infiltration and consumerism, with Piper's iconic fight scene against Frank becoming a popular meme. The movie's razor-sharp lines and commentary on society are sure to make it a worthwhile watch during the holiday season.\n\nNext up is \"Better Off Dead\" (1985), featuring the rising star John Cusack as Lane Meyer. This romantic comedy follows Meyer, a disheartened teenager dumped by his girlfriend, as he falls for a French exchange student and competes in a ski race. This film showcases Cusack's early talent and is filled with memorable lines that are sure to leave an impression.\n\n\"Top Secret!\" (1984) is another overlooked gem from the 80s, starring Val Kilmer in his first film credit. Kilmer plays Nick Rivers, a pop idol who joins a resistance movement in East Germany to free a scientist. The movie is packed with hilarious dialogue and sight gags, and even features a scene filmed backwards. With Kilmer's burgeoning career already on the rise, it's hard not to appreciate his comedic timing in this film.\n\nChristopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown star in \"Highlander\" (1986), a fantasy film about an immortal Scot seeking to become the last immortal. This uneven movie features excellent swordplay and a killer soundtrack, courtesy of Queen. Both Connery and Brown deliver memorable performances, with Brown shining as the villain Kurgan.\n\nLastly, \"Evil Dead II\" (1987) is a remake of the 1981 film, but with a darker and campier tone. The story follows a group of college students who unleash an evil force in the woods after playing a recording from the Necronomicon. Bruce Campbell's quick wit and martial arts skills are the highlight of this action-packed horror film, which is sure to satisfy even the most discerning horror fans.",
  "summary": "A lot of movies were made in the '80s; not all of them got their time in the spotlight. Here are five hidden gems you may have missed.",
  "key_points": [
    "\"They Live\" (1988) directed by John Carpenter, features Roddy Piper and Keith David.",
    "John Cusack stars in \"Better Off Dead\" (1985), a romantic comedy.",
    "Val Kilmer stars in \"Top Secret!\" (1984), his first film credit."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rediscovering these lesser-known eighties films offers a way to appreciate the early talents and genre-bending performances of iconic actors outside of their most famous blockbuster franchises.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}