The 1980s were a golden era for comedy, giving us timeless classics like Spaceballs, Clue, and The Three Amigos. But while those films remain beloved, a treasure trove of other comedies from the decade have slipped through the cracks. Some haven't aged well, but these eight gems have only gotten better with time. From satirical road trips to silly sci-fi adventures, they're ready for a comeback. How many do you remember from the video store shelves?
After Hours (1985)
Yes, Martin Scorsese once directed a comedy—a dark, neo-noir gem that's as tense as it is hilarious. After Hours follows Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne), a mild-mannered office worker whose simple date in SoHo spirals into a surreal, Kafkaesque nightmare. Stranded without cash and chased by a hostile neighborhood, he spends the night trying to get back uptown. It's a modern-day Odyssey that turns a casual evening into a frantic, anxiety-fueled laugh fest.
What makes After Hours so enduring is its ability to blend comedy with genuine suspense. The entire city feels like a conspiring maze, and the cast—including Catherine O'Hara, John Heard, and Tommy Chong—delivers stellar performances. Scorsese shot it entirely at night, capturing a pre-gentrified SoHo with gritty authenticity. The sharp editing by Thelma Schoonmaker and Howard Shore's pulsing synth score keep the momentum breathless. Its themes of urban alienation and loss of control are as relevant today as ever, and it's widely seen as a precursor to modern cringe-comedies and surreal thrillers. If you've ever felt like a hamster on a wheel, this film gets you.
Innerspace (1987)
While many sci-fi films of the era aimed to thrill, Innerspace just wanted to make you laugh. Directed by Joe Dante, it stars Dennis Quaid as a test pilot who gets miniaturized and accidentally injected into the body of a neurotic supermarket clerk, played by Martin Short. The odd couple must team up to outwit criminals and restore Quaid's size before his oxygen runs out. It's a high-concept premise executed with manic energy and a surprisingly warm heart.
The chemistry between Quaid's cocky pilot and Short's frantic everyman is comedic gold. Meg Ryan, who met Quaid on set, shines as the ex-girlfriend caught in the chaos. The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, thanks to Industrial Light & Magic's innovative practical effects and miniature work. Unlike today's franchise-heavy blockbusters, Innerspace is a self-contained original that doesn't require homework—just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Johnny Dangerously (1984)
If you love rapid-fire spoofs like Airplane!, then Johnny Dangerously is a must-see. Michael Keaton stars as Johnny Kelly, a good-hearted man who becomes a 1930s mobster to pay for his mother's medical bills and put his brother through law school. The film is a relentless barrage of slapstick, fourth-wall breaks, and visual gags that spoof classic gangster flicks.
Directed by Amy Heckerling, the movie throws jokes at you so fast that even the misses are funny. One of its most memorable running gags involves mobsters mangling curse words into absurd, kid-friendly gibberish. Keaton's manic energy and the talented supporting cast make this a comedy that's aged beautifully. It's a smart, silly satire that deserves a spot alongside the decade's best.
These films are just a taste of the forgotten gems from the '80s. For more underrated comedies, check out our list of Billy Bob Thornton's underrated war comedy or explore the essential comedy canon. And if you're in the mood for more sci-fi laughs, don't miss upcoming sci-fi movies that might just fill that void.
So next time you're scrolling through streaming services, give these forgotten '80s comedies a chance. They've aged like fine wine, and they're ready to make you laugh all over again.
