The 1980s produced some of the most iconic action movies of all time, but only a lucky few spawned the franchises that are still associated with this era. For the rest, one classic movie was not enough to secure a succession of sequels – or sometimes even a single follow-up – despite popular acclaim from fans. As a result, there are a surprising number of great 80s action movies that are yet to build on their legacy, for all their initial success.
8. Cobra (1986)
Stallone plays the constantly grimacing Lt. Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, a maverick cop who doesn’t care about the little things like protocol, collateral damage and enforcing the law he’s supposed to uphold. Although the film was panned by critics, Cobra was a huge financial success, earning $160 million against a $25 million budget. Stallone’s character, with his signature sunglasses and submachine gun, became a cult icon of the ’80s, which makes it even more surprising that a standalone film never spawned a franchise.
7. Blue Thunder (1983)
Blue Thunder – Starring Roy Sheeder as helicopter pilot Frank Murphy, the film combines classic ’80s action with a pointed political message about the rise of authoritarianism and the dangers of a police state. Blue Thunder, co-written by Alien’s Dan O’Bannon, was the subject of numerous attempted sequels and remakes, but the plans never materialized into anything concrete. However, with ongoing themes of surveillance and conspiracy, there may never have been a better time for Blue Thunder 2.RELATED:
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6. Red Dawn (1984)
Red Dawn The film literally depicts open conflict between the Soviet Union and America, during which the United States found itself under occupation. This awkward plot didn’t stop the film from finding an audience, earning $38 million against a $17 million budget. Although a remake followed in 2012, it’s somewhat surprising that Red Dawn never received a sequel given its provocative world.
5. Midnight Run (1988)
Not just a great ’80s action film, but one of the best films of the 1980s, Midnight Run received critical and commercial acclaim upon its release. Starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin as a bounty hunter and his target, the film is at once touching, gripping and hilarious. Its success and legacy make it even more surprising that it was never properly followed up.
4. Tango & Cash (1989)
Two of the biggest action stars of the 1980s, Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell, seemed like the perfect leads for the next big action movie franchise of the 80s. Unfortunately, their collaboration on Tango & Cash did not live up to the promises of the main characters. It’s surprising that Tango & Cash never received a sequel, given its massive $120 million box office haul.
3. Road House (1989)
Road House, a low-budget classic, earned more than $61 million on a $15 million budget, spawned one of the biggest leads of the decade and boasted some of the most recognizable dialogue in the genre, but failed to spawn any meaningful sequels—for with the exception of a sequel released straight to DVD in 2006.
2. Commando (1985)
Commando, a quintessential Schwarzenegger film, has all the makings of a quintessential ’80s action movie. Schwarzenegger plays Special Forces Colonel John Matrix, who is forced to fight a one-man war against nefarious enemies after his daughter is kidnapped. Cleverly combining violence and humor, Commando was generally well received by critics, was a major box office success and spawned many imitators. However, Schwarzenegger’s character has not appeared since then, despite the Commando formula seemingly being perfect to replicate.