When people remember the summer movies of 1986, the conversation usually begins with Top Gun and quickly moves to Aliens, The Karate Kid Part II, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Forty years later, those blockbusters still dominate lists of the decade’s greatest films.
But every legendary movie season has a few releases that slipped through the cracks.
This week on Stuck in the ’80s, Steve and Brad shine a spotlight on four overlooked films from the summer of 1986 that deserve another chance in the spotlight. Whether they were overshadowed by bigger hits or simply faded from popular memory, each offered memorable performances, unique stories, and plenty of ’80s charm.
In this episode, they revisit:
- SpaceCamp – The family adventure that was unfortunately released in the shadow of the Challenger disaster.
- Legal Eagles – A star-studded romantic comedy-thriller featuring Robert Redford, Debra Winger, and Darryl Hannah.
- Nothing in Common – Tom Hanks proves he could handle dramatic roles in this heartfelt father-son story with Jackie Gleason.
- Ruthless People – One of the decade’s funniest dark comedies, starring Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, and Helen Slater.
Were these hidden gems unfairly overlooked? Have they aged better than some of the summer’s biggest blockbusters? Steve and Brad revisit each film to see whether they deserve a place in your next ’80s movie marathon.
Support Our Sponsor
Ready for the ultimate nostalgia vacation? Join us aboard The 80s Cruise, the world’s greatest floating celebration of 1980s music and pop culture. Sail with legendary artists, enjoy exclusive concerts and events, and spend a week with fellow fans who still know every word to their favorite ’80s songs.
Use promo code STUCK when booking to receive $250 in onboard credit per cabin. It’s the perfect way to experience the music, movies, and memories that made the decade unforgettable.