The 1980s were a glorious, neon-soaked era of big hair, synthesizer soundtracks, and movies that pushed boundaries—sometimes way too far. While the decade gifted us with timeless classics, it also churned out a fair share of comedies that, looking back, make us wince. Some, like Revenge of the Nerds and Porky's, are remembered for their raunchiness, but there's a whole graveyard of forgotten titles that have aged even worse. These films, buried in the VHS bargain bin of history, are prime examples of comedy that has soured with time.
Blame It on Rio (1984)
Directed by Stanley Donen and starring Michael Caine, this romantic comedy follows two best friends who take a vacation to Rio with their teenage daughters. When one of the dads embarks on a secret affair with his friend's 17-year-old daughter, the film tries to pass it off as a lighthearted farce. Today, the premise is deeply uncomfortable, and the movie's attempts at humor fall flat. The talented cast, including a young Demi Moore, can't save a script that treats a statutory relationship as a joke. It's a cringe-worthy watch that even its stars would rather forget.
Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)
This sci-fi musical comedy starring Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum, and a pre-stardom Jim Carrey is a campy delight—but it's also a product of its time. The plot follows a Valley girl who meets three furry aliens who transform into human hunks. While the film's vibrant aesthetic and catchy tunes are fun, its reliance on dated gender stereotypes and beauty standards makes it feel like a relic. It's a guilty pleasure, but one that hasn't aged gracefully.
Hot Dog... The Movie (1984)
This ski-themed sex comedy is a prime example of the genre's excess. It follows a young skier who competes against an arrogant Austrian champion while navigating a series of raunchy encounters. The film leans heavily on crude humor, casual sexism, and racial caricatures, including a stereotypical Japanese skier named "Kamikaze." Even the impressive ski stunts can't make up for the cringe-inducing jokes, like a character quipping about taking advantage of an unconscious woman. It's a stark reminder of how far comedy has come—thankfully.
Other Forgotten Gems That Missed the Mark
Beyond these three, there are other '80s comedies that have faded into obscurity for good reason. Films like Zapped! and Private School relied on similar tropes, while My Stepmother Is an Alien tried to blend sci-fi and comedy with mixed results. Even Mannequin, a beloved favorite for some, has moments that feel dated in its portrayal of relationships and workplace dynamics.
These movies were products of their time, reflecting a decade that was unapologetically politically incorrect. But as society has evolved, so has our sense of humor. What was once considered edgy or funny now feels tone-deaf and, in some cases, outright offensive. While some '80s comedies have aged like fine wine, these forgotten titles have aged like milk—best left on the shelf, a relic of a bygone era.
If you're in the mood for a nostalgic trip, you might want to check out some forgotten anime gems or fantasy TV shows that aged well. But for these '80s comedies, it's probably best to let them stay forgotten.
