10 Remarkable ’80s Films with Disturbing Storylines

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Reflecting on my childhood, I often question my quirky sense of humor. Perhaps it stems from the collection of films I adored during my formative years. I watched each of these flicks countless times, embedding them deeply within my psyche and shaping my worldview. They were, in my opinion, masterpieces then—and remain so today. If you share a similar appreciation, read on!

  1. The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)
    When a suburban mother is accidentally shrunk to less than a foot tall due to her husband’s toxic perfume, her life takes a wild turn. After a near-death experience in a kitchen garbage disposal, she’s captured by a mad scientist and befriends a gorilla. Let’s just say I never looked at my Barbie Dream House the same way again.
  2. Tootsie (1982)
    In this comedy, a struggling actor disguises himself as an older woman to land a role, highlighting the absurdity of Hollywood’s ageism. After all, older women are just overflowing with fantastic roles, right? Thankfully, a man in a wig swoops in to save the day—because who wouldn’t want to be a feisty middle-aged woman in a wig?
  3. The Man With Two Brains (1983)
    A widowed neurosurgeon who invents a revolutionary brain surgery falls for a telepathic brain-in-a-jar while dealing with his gold-digging wife’s attempts to eliminate the competition. Seriously, who needs a body? It’s a charming take on love and loyalty—or something like that.
  4. Flashdance (1983)
    By day, she’s a welder; by night, a stripper with dreams of ballet stardom. After an unusual courtship with her wealthy boss, she captures the attention of a stuffy conservatory board who seems to appreciate her unique talents—including shaking her assets. What a role model for aspiring dancers!
  5. Electric Dreams (1984)
    This romantic adventure revolves around a love triangle involving a man, a woman, and a personal computer. As the computer grows increasingly jealous, it takes control of the man’s home appliances, leading to a bizarre series of events culminating in the computer’s tragic end. Just what every young mind needs—an emotional computer!
  6. Ruthless People (1986)
    A fashion designer and her quirky boyfriend kidnap her ex-boss’s wife for ransom, only to discover he’s indifferent to her fate and suggests they get rid of her instead. In a strange twist, the kidnapped woman becomes friends with her captor, resulting in a significant weight loss transformation. Talk about a twisted tale of self-discovery.
  7. Overboard (1987)
    This film follows a carpenter who exacts revenge on a wealthy heiress suffering from amnesia by convincing her she’s his wife and forcing her to care for his unruly children. As they navigate their unusual relationship, they fall in love—despite the dubious ethical foundations of their romance. #lovealwayswins
  8. Raising Arizona (1987)
    When a couple, one a criminal and the other an ex-cop, learn they can’t have children, they decide to kidnap a baby from a set of quintuplets. What unfolds is a chaotic series of events involving bank robbers and an unjustly kidnapped infant. You can’t help but root for these hapless kidnappers!
  9. Mannequin (1987)
    An out-of-work slacker finds love in the most unexpected way—through a mannequin that springs to life just for him. This bizarre fantasy somehow resonated with young audiences, normalizing fantastical relationships and raising eyebrows along the way. Who knew mannequins could be so relatable?
  10. Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
    Two insurance employees expect a fun beach getaway, only to find their boss has been murdered. They must maintain the illusion he’s alive while dodging danger. The dark humor escalates to ridiculous levels when they find themselves caught up in a series of absurd escapades. Quite the wild weekend!

As we move into the ’90s, it’s clear these films have left a lasting impression, blending humor with unsettling themes. For those interested in family planning, check out this informative post on at-home insemination kits and consider exploring this authoritative resource for more insights on fertility.

Summary

The ’80s produced a plethora of films that, while entertaining, left viewers questioning the norms of society. From shrinking women to love triangles with computers, these movies offered a unique blend of humor and disturbing themes that shaped a generation’s perspective.

Keyphrase: “disturbing 80s movies”

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