7 Overhyped 80s Action Movies That Are Really Just Cheesy

The 1980s was the era of big action movies. Audiences flocked to see thrilling car chases, gunfights, and larger-than-life heroes. But looking back, some of these films have not aged well. What once seemed exciting now feels more like over-the-top stunts and cliched storylines. Here are seven ’80s action films that, despite the hype, come across as more cheesy than classic today.

1. Cobra (1986)

Sylvester Stallone starred in Cobra, a film that had all the makings of a tough action flick. He played a no-nonsense cop, Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, who fights a violent gang. The movie leaned heavily on intense shootouts and Stallone’s stoic persona to draw in fans of gritty action.

But the exaggerated one-liners and dark sunglasses indoors now seem more humorous than intimidating. The plot feels simplistic, relying on style over substance. Despite its attempts to be serious and edgy, Cobra often veers into unintentional comedy, making it more of a guilty pleasure than a true action classic.

2. Commando (1985)

Arnold Schwarzenegger was already an action star when he took on the role of John Matrix in Commando. The story is straightforward: Matrix’s daughter is kidnapped, and he takes down an entire army to get her back. The film packs in explosions and countless scenes of Schwarzenegger taking on enemies with ease.

While it was thrilling for audiences back then, the unrealistic action scenes now seem absurd. Schwarzenegger’s constant quips and superhuman abilities make the film feel cartoonish. It’s hard to watch Commando without laughing at its over-the-top approach, which makes it more cheesy than serious.

3. Road House (1989)

Road House stars Patrick Swayze as Dalton, a professional cooler hired to clean up a rough bar in a small town. It combines bar brawls, romance, and a lot of dramatic one-liners. Swayze tries to bring a tough yet philosophical edge to his role, which initially intrigued audiences.

But watching it now, the film’s seriousness clashes with its far-fetched action scenes. The dramatic monologues about “being nice” while fighting make the movie’s tone hard to take seriously. What was meant to be an intense action drama now feels more like a mix of unintentional humor and overblown fights.

4. Over the Top (1987)

Sylvester Stallone returned to the action genre with Over the Top, a film about arm wrestling with a dash of father-son bonding. He plays a truck driver, Lincoln Hawk, who competes in arm-wrestling tournaments while reconnecting with his estranged son. The film’s storyline was intended to be inspiring, blending action with heartfelt moments.

But the concept of arm wrestling as a serious competition comes off as strange, especially when paired with melodramatic scenes. The intense slow-motion shots of Stallone flexing his muscles during matches feel more laughable than compelling. It’s one of those films that is remembered more for its quirks than its impact.

5. Red Heat (1988)

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a Soviet cop teaming up with a Chicago detective, played by James Belushi, in Red Heat. The film’s attempt to mix buddy-cop humor with action created some memorable moments, but it never quite lived up to its potential. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of a stone-faced Russian officer added to the movie’s tough-guy appeal.

However, the cultural stereotypes and stilted dialogue make the film hard to enjoy without cringing. The action scenes lack the energy to balance out the awkward exchanges between the leads. What was meant to be a clash of cultures now feels more like a forced attempt at humor wrapped in a generic plot.

6. Tango & Cash (1989)

Tango & Cash paired Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell as two rival cops forced to work together after being framed for a crime. It combined explosive action sequences with a mix of sarcastic banter. The film had big stars and plenty of action, drawing in fans of the buddy-cop formula.

But the dialogue between Stallone and Russell is often more corny than clever, making their banter feel forced. The plot stretches believability, especially during scenes where they escape from prison with ease. The film’s exaggerated style turns what could have been a gritty thriller into a movie that’s more overdone than engaging.

7. Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

The sequel to First Blood turned John Rambo into a one-man army, sent back to Vietnam to rescue American POWs. Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character took on entire squads of enemies, turning the film into a symbol of ’80s action. Audiences loved the explosions and intense battles that filled nearly every scene.

But unlike the original, which had a more serious tone, First Blood Part II relied heavily on Rambo’s ability to perform impossible feats. The portrayal of Rambo as an invincible hero makes the movie feel more like a caricature of action films. Today, its mix of heavy-handed patriotism and endless shootouts comes across as overblown rather than thrilling.