15 Movies from the ’80s That Deserve a Sequel
Some ‘80s movies wrapped up perfectly, but others left us wanting more, and these 15 films deserve a long-overdue sequel.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1980s gave us unforgettable films, but many were left without a proper follow-up. While some have gotten sequels or remakes, others have been ignored for decades. These 10 classic movies still deserve a sequel that Hollywood has yet to deliver.
1. The Goonies (1985)
Urko Dorronsoro on Wikimedia Commons
A sequel to The Goonies has been rumored for years, but it still hasn’t happened. The original movie’s mix of adventure, humor, and nostalgia would be perfect for a modern follow-up. Imagine the original Goonies all grown up, their kids embarking on a new treasure hunt. With a mix of old and new faces, a sequel could be the perfect blend of past and present.
2. The Last Starfighter (1984)
GabboT on Wikimedia Commons
Despite being a sci-fi cult classic, The Last Starfighter never got a sequel. A follow-up could show Alex training a new generation of Starfighters while Earth’s gaming technology plays a bigger role. With CGI advancements, space battles could be spectacular. Plus, modern audiences would love the mix of gaming and intergalactic adventure.
3. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
William Tung on Wikimedia Commons
Jack Burton’s mystical Chinatown adventure was left wide open for a sequel, but it never came. A new movie could bring back an older, grizzled Jack facing an even bigger supernatural threat. It could be an instant hit with the right mix of humor and action. Seriously, what happened to that monster hiding in his truck at the end?
4. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
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The original film only covered a portion of the book, leaving a lot of unexplored material. A sequel could show a grown-up Bastian rediscovering Fantasia and realizing the world still needs him. Modern special effects could bring the world to life in a way impossible in the ‘80s. Nobody wants another Cats disaster just as long as they don’t ruin Falkor’s design.
5. Labyrinth (1986)
Pandadri on Wikimedia Commons
David Bowie’s Goblin King was iconic, but Labyrinth never got a sequel to expand its fantastical world. A new story could follow Sarah returning to the Labyrinth as an adult to help someone else escape. Perhaps, a new ruler has taken over the Goblin Kingdom, bringing fresh chaos. With today’s CGI and practical effects, this could be a mesmerizing return.
6. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Escudero on Wikimedia Commons
The groundbreaking mix of live-action and animation never got a proper sequel. A follow-up could explore Roger navigating modern Hollywood and the shift from hand-drawn animation to CGI. Imagine the possibilities of him interacting with today’s animated characters! If Disney and Warner Bros. can play nice again, this could be a classic.
7. They Live (1988)
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This sci-fi thriller about hidden alien overlords is still incredibly relevant today. A sequel could explore how the world reacts after discovering the aliens’ existence. Have new threats emerged, or has humanity forgotten the fight? With today’s political and media landscape, They Live 2 could be more powerful than ever.
8. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Bill Ingalls on Wikimedia Commons
A kid gets abducted by an alien spaceship, time travels, and then… nothing? A sequel could follow a grown-up David rediscovering the ship and setting off on another adventure—this time with his own kids. The mix of nostalgia and sci-fi adventure would perfectly fit today’s audience. Plus, we all need to hear that snarky spaceship AI voice again.
9. Legend (1985)
Tylertemp19 o Wikimedia Commons
Tom Cruise fighting darkness and unicorns? Yes, please. A sequel could show Jack returning to protect the world from an even greater evil. With modern fantasy films thriving, now is the perfect time to bring back this magical adventure. Also, with the right director, it could be visually stunning.
10. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Premiere Networks on Wikimedia Commons
Sure, The Breakfast Club is a classic, but what if we checked in on the characters as adults? A sequel could explore how the detention crew’s lives turned out and whether they stayed true to their teenage selves. Did they keep in touch, or did they become their parents? A nostalgic, emotional sequel could be a generational hit.
11. Explorers (1985)
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This underrated sci-fi adventure followed a group of kids who built their own spaceship and met aliens. A sequel could explore what happened after their first contact—did they return to space, or did the aliens return to Earth? With today’s technology, the visual effects could make this an incredible intergalactic adventure. Plus, a grown-up version of the characters would add a nostalgic emotional punch.
12. Enemy Mine (1985)
Michael Kleinhenz on Wikimedia Commons
This sci-fi drama about a human and an alien stranded together was ahead of its time. A sequel could explore what happened after Davidge raised his alien friend’s child and how their two species coexisted. Given today’s sci-fi storytelling advancements, a deeper dive into their cultures and conflicts would be fascinating. Plus, the original’s themes of unity and survival are more relevant than ever.
13. The Monster Squad (1987)
istolethetv on Wikimedia Commons
This Goonies-style monster-hunting adventure has a cult following but never got a sequel. A follow-up could show the kids as adults, now facing an even bigger supernatural threat. Imagine Van Helsing’s diary leading to a whole new generation of monster hunters. With the right balance of horror and humor, a sequel could be a nostalgic horror-comedy hit.
14. Krull (1983)
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This fantasy-meets-sci-fi epic introduced an unforgettable world but ended just as the real adventure was beginning. A sequel could explore what happens after Prince Colwyn and Princess Lyssa take the throne—especially if the Beast wasn’t truly defeated. With today’s love for fantasy franchises, Krull deserves another shot. Plus, the Glaive weapon is just too cool not to bring back.
15. Streets of Fire (1984)
Rob DiCaterino on Wikimedia Commons
This neon-drenched rock ’n’ roll action film was billed as a “rock & roll fable,” but it never got the trilogy its creators planned. A sequel could follow Tom Cody as he takes on a new gang in another stylish, music-fueled showdown. With today’s love for retro aesthetics, a sequel could bring back that Blade Runner-meets-Grease energy. The soundtrack alone would be worth it.