The Obscure Oddball 80s Film Fest

A few months ago filmmaker/writer Nathan Cole (@Clumsy_Monster) and I were tweeting back and forth a bit about some fond memories of growing up as a kid during the 80s and all the oddball films we loved — particularly the ones we didn’t think the “general population” (i.e. non movie geeks) would remember….the more obscure the better. 

We definitely had a film geek out moment for sure.   So much so we started to joke around about programming a faux film festival to showcase the films we discussed.  A lot of these films aren’t usually found on any critically-acclaimed lists for sure…but these hold a special place in our hearts, I think mainly due to the era.

I discovered these films by going to the movie theaters alone with my brother, finding them on the shelves at my local mom n’ pop video store (Creative Home Video in Milpitas, CA….RIP) or from the only cable channel we had in the 80′s: HBO (via a pirate dish).   Basically, the 80s were a time in my life where I devoured everything I could get my hands on…..and these films reflect that.  Believe me, it was a tough decision-making process….there were a TON on the list that I couldn’t fit into just 4 days.

Would love to hear what you would add to this lineup.   What obscure, oddball 80s film do you remember?   What would you add?  Leave comments below for us to extend the fest with another day of programming.

Without further adieu here’s our lineup: (remember we saw these as kids)

Click the titles for film information

THURSDAY
- Summer School (1987) - View trailer
- One Crazy Summer (1986) – View trailer
- Up the Creek (1984) - View clip
- Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) – View trailer
- The Last American Virgin (1982) (midnight screening) – View trailer

FRIDAY
- Gotcha! (1985) – View trailer
- Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) – View trailer
- Critters (1986) – View trailer
- Night of the Comet (1984) -  – View trailer
- The Stuff (1985) - (midnight screening) -  View trailer


SATURDAY
- Saturday the 14th (1981) - View trailer
- Caveman (1981) – View trailer
- Cloak And Dagger (1984) – View trailer
- Looker (1981) – View trailer
- The Watcher in the Woods (1980) (midnight screening) – View trailer

SUNDAY
- Poison Ivy (1985) – View tv commercial
- Scout’s Honor (1980) – View tv commercial
- The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything (1980) – View clip
- Midnight Madness (1980) – View trailer
- Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) – (midnight screening) -  View trailer