Top 10 Action Comedies Of The 1980s
If you're looking for some old-school laughs, the 80s action comedy scene had a ton of wild, totally quotable flicks. These weren't your over-the-top, special-effects-heavy action Movies from the years that followed. These were films with a lot of heart, focused on amazing duos and characters you really cared about.
The charm? They didn't try too hard to be serious. The whole focus was on getting those perfect buddy-cop jokes to work and making those action sequences feel over-the-top and thrilling but also really funny. We're talking stars like Eddie Murphy, Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone – some serious acting powerhouses doing comedy right!
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - A Classic that Took the 80s By Storm
Beverly Hills Cop was the Eddie Murphy show, and we are here for it. He went from being a big comedian to an action-comedy star in the blink of an eye, and this film really nailed it. The whole concept is super entertaining, with Axel Foley, a cop who’s rough around the edges, and a big 80s synth score! We can all appreciate the classic music from this era.
Honestly, if we’re looking back at the 80s, this is it. Beverly Hills Cop just has this iconic vibe about it - we're talking a blend of action, a heaping dose of humor, and Murphy being absolutely hilarious in every scene. It spawned sequels too, which didn't quite make it as high as the original, but this one set the bar!
Lethal Weapon (1987): An 80s Icon for a Reason!
Leathal Weapon? Yeah, we're going to start with Mel Gibson. Let’s be real - Gibson just had it in the 80s. He made it big! And we are talking about one of the best duos in the world - Mel Gibson as the crazy, suicidal Martin Riggs, and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh – a great pairing, especially when we are talking buddy cops.
If you haven't seen it, get your action fix! Leathal Weapon has a ton of amazing car chases, and wild scenes. We get some good old-fashioned fighting, and all those witty comebacks that we've all learned by heart! But Lethal Weapon’s more than just an action flick – it’s full of emotional moments too, and that’s what really gives this film staying power!
The Great Ones from the 80s
You can’t leave out "The Blues Brothers" when you’re talking action comedy! It has an incredible blend of action, music, and laughter – it really shows off John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s amazing chemistry! Imagine their incredible blues tunes, amazing guest stars like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and even Ray Charles!
I gotta talk about Jackie Chan, though! The ultimate Kung Fu master brought "Police Story" in 1985! I mean, just seeing the stunts and all the action was insane! Chan wasn’t just funny - he was daring! This was pure adrenaline rush and side-splitting comedy all wrapped up in one!
"Big Trouble In Little China": A Wild Ride Through Action and Humor
Who would think about blending action comedies, fantasy, and martial arts, right? This is what "Big Trouble in Little China" is all about, starring Kurt Russell and a story of adventure, evil sorcerers, and that classic 80s action vibe.
Some people don’t realize how awesome this movie is. We are talking one of the most epic, insane, and super entertaining films you'll ever see! “Big Trouble in Little China” wasn’t as successful in theaters but it’s become a massive hit with its fan base! It is one of John Carpenter’s (the famous "Halloween" director!) coolest creations.
The Quirky and Beloved Films from 80s
I think some people will be shocked, but "Tango and Cash" - starring Sly Stallone and Kurt Russel is definitely on our list. These action Movies often make us feel super nostalgic, and the combination of "bad guy gets framed, bad guy needs to bust out, and then it's payback time" is just such a winning combo!
It's not about perfect scripts in these films. We're talking Eddie Murphy's acting debut in "48 Hrs." And remember “Something Wild” – we’re in for a fun, quirky story!
The Perfect Time For A 1980s Action Comedy
Let’s be real! If you need an instant escape from the real world, there's nothing better than just watching some great, classic action comedies! If you're looking for a whole bunch of nostalgia, big personalities, and crazy adventure? This era is all about just letting loose. This is an easy and awesome pick for an entertaining time – we all love to remember these classics for good reason.
