The 1980s were a golden age for family films, delivering iconic blockbusters like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Goonies that still resonate today. But beyond the megahits, the decade quietly produced a wealth of near-perfect kids movies that have since slipped from public memory. These forgotten gems—ranging from quirky sci-fi comedies to heartfelt animal adventures—deserve a second look. Let's dust off the VHS tapes and rediscover seven of the best.
1. '*batteries not included' (1987)
In the wake of E.T.'s success, Hollywood churned out countless alien-invasion rip-offs. But *batteries not included stands apart with genuine warmth and a surprisingly resonant story. The film follows a group of elderly Manhattan tenants fighting a greedy developer who wants to bulldoze their apartment building. Their unlikely saviors? A tiny fleet of mechanical aliens called the Fix-Its, who repair everything from broken appliances to shattered dreams. It's a charming, underdog tale that blends sci-fi with social commentary—and it's almost entirely forgotten today.
2. Vice Versa (1988)
Body-swap comedies were all the rage in the '80s, but while Big and Freaky Friday hogged the spotlight, Vice Versa quietly delivered one of the genre's sharpest performances. Judge Reinhold plays a stressed department store executive who magically swaps bodies with his 11-year-old son (Fred Savage). Savage steals the show, channeling a no-nonsense businessman with hilarious precision. It's a smart, heartfelt comedy that deserves a spot alongside its more famous cousins.
3. Treasure Island (1989)
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel has been adapted countless times, but few versions are as delightfully unhinged as this Soviet-Russian animated feature. With exaggerated animation, slapstick humor, and a wildly absurd tone, it turns the pirate adventure into a cartoonish romp. While it gained minor internet fame for clips of Dr. Livesey, the full film remains obscure—a shame, because its manic energy is pure joy.
4. The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
Before Homeward Bound made animal adventures a staple, this Japanese film charmed audiences with real-life cats and dogs. Milo, an orange tabby, and Otis, a pug, are separated when Milo floats away in a box down a river. The film follows their separate journeys to reunite, featuring adorable animal antics and breathtaking nature footage. Despite a successful U.S. release, it's now a forgotten treasure—though its heartwarming simplicity still holds up.
5. My Bodyguard (1980)
This coming-of-age drama tackles bullying with surprising depth. A new kid in school hires the school's intimidating outcast as his bodyguard, leading to an unlikely friendship. It's a raw, honest look at adolescence that predates the John Hughes era, yet it's rarely mentioned alongside The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles. For fans of soul-crushing adventure movies, this one packs an emotional punch.
6. The Last Unicorn (1982)
This animated fantasy from Rankin/Bass is a lyrical, melancholic tale about a unicorn searching for others of her kind. With stunning hand-drawn animation and a haunting score by America, it's a far cry from the slapstick of most '80s kids fare. Its themes of loss and identity resonate deeply, yet it's often overshadowed by The Secret of NIMH or The Dark Crystal. It's a near-perfect film that deserves rediscovery.
7. Juliana (1988)
This Peruvian drama follows a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to survive in a male-dominated world. While not a typical Hollywood kids movie, its raw storytelling and powerful performance by its young lead make it a hidden gem. It's a stark, moving film that tackles gender and poverty—themes rarely explored in children's cinema. For those seeking animated masterpieces that respect your time, this live-action outlier is a must-see.
These seven films prove that the '80s were more than just E.T. and The Goonies. They're a testament to the decade's creative breadth—and a reminder that some of the best stories are the ones we've forgotten. So next time you're browsing streaming services, skip the algorithm's picks and seek out these near-perfect classics. You won't regret it.
