Life was different for filmgoers inthe1980s. TV commercials, talk show appearances, and newspaper ads became go-to options for studio marketing. Another option proved even more intriguing, becoming an art form in its own right: movie posters. They were among the best ways to learn about new releases and upcoming attractions. Whilesome offered memorable imagestied to famous films, others proved to be unique in their own right.
Bizarre movie posters from the 1980s are far from restricted to one genre. From coming-of-age comedies to cult horror titles, certain films found an audience thanks to their unforgettable art. It also helped certain projects find newlife in the video store. Posters, standees, and box art capitalizing on these images intrigued renters. Here are 10 of the most bizarre and ridiculous posters from the 1980s.
Director Peter Jackson offers up comedic horror and sci-fi in the 1987 filmBad Taste, which follows a man named Derek who encounters aliens with a very nasty craving. These unwelcome visitors are turning people into delicacies, with no sign of stopping. It’s up to Derek to stop their plans, but it’s not an easy task.
Related:Peter Jackson’s Forgotten First Movie Still Holds Up as One of His Best
Few films can say they’ve given their audience the middle finger.Bad Tastedoes just that in an irreverent manner that complements Jackson’s early flare for dark humor. Seeing the poster alone gave film censors a headache, with some countries banning it or asking for heavily edited versions.
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From Beyond
AnH.P. Lovecraftshort story comes to lifein director Stuart Gordon’s cult classic filmFrom Beyond,which sees a scientist experiment with awakening the pineal gland. His assistant is all that is left behind when the gory project goes awry. The survivor, along with two other people, reluctantly goes back to the site to see the experiment in action. They quickly discover that sensuality and horror are not so far apart.
The poster forFrom Beyondfeatures the scientist holding an eyeball between his teeth. This shocking sight is paired with a glaring stare into the distance. Together, those elements are enough to unnerve those with no knowledge of what’s to come. A muddled placement of faces, as well as a reference to a key component of the film, also make it disorienting to anyone who crosses its path.
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Videodrome
Videodromelooks at personal connections to an ever-changing technological landscape and how this revolution saves or destroys humanity’s future. The story revolves around a TV sensation known asVideodrome. A station programmer becomes intertwined with the disturbing program, with devastating consequences.
Director David Cronenberg brings his penchant for body horror tothis creative and visually stunning film. The poster can catch some off-guard, especially as it chooses art over promotion. A vivid blue TV screen, complete with ’80s resolution, pulls in a man. The image’s lips seemingly engulf this figure, who is without illumination. It’s a startling image that perfectly explains what this movie is truly about, giving in to unsavory desires.
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Prince of Darkness
Prince of Darknessis anunderrated film from director John Carpenter. Horrors of the past haunt a priest when he discovers an ominous green substance. Its connection to Satan soon endangers a set of experts trying to understand the powerful item. The uninfected fight to stop these colleagues-turned-killers, with a brutal battle awaiting them.
Prince of Darknessfeatures a poster that might seem bizarre to anyone unfamiliar with the premise. The bright green ooze, which stands out, is a clear clue about what’s to come. The haunting face of terror that lines its bottom corner can easily disturb both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Spies Like Us
Spies Like Usfollows two men who are far from perfect CIA material. Against all odds, these unlikely agents find themselves recruited and in the midst of a mysterious operation. They soon discover that there may be another reason behind their new jobs. The unlikely pair soon become the only people able to stop a nuclear war.
It might not seem bizarre at first glance, but this poster surprisingly fits the bill. StarsChevy Chase and Dan Ackroyd were in-demand stars at the time. Instead of utilizing them for a clear and clever poster, the studio chose a poster that recreates a moment hiding the men behind layers of clothing. The only truly recognizable aspect comes in versions that feature their names in bold print. Add to that, the densely packed snow takes up more of the poster than either actor.
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Strange Brew
AnSCTVcomedy sketch is the basis for this uniquely Canadian comedy. Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas not only star as brothers, but they also act as co-directors and co-writers onStrange Brew. Its story sees the McKenzie siblings getting a job at a local brewery. The Brewmeister’s plans for global domination present a problem that only the well-meaning brothers can fix.
This poster is a case where the move isn’t the problem. This film had a positive reputation among critics and fans of the characters, creatinga cult classic. Instead, those who are not in the know will instantly be overwhelmed by this unique design. It’s a sudsy fever dream that incorporates some key points from the film while also being a cluttered visual puzzle.
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One Crazy Summer
The ’80s teen comedy isn’t immune from bizarre film posters.One Crazy Summerstars John Cusack as a recent high school graduate seeking admission to the college of his dreams. The wannabe artist vacations with a friend while he makes plans for the future. Their trip becomes much more complicated after meeting a beautiful stranger.
Art may be important to the main character, but choosing a cartoon sun as the main focus is odd. Its bright orange glow along withsunglasses fit for the ‘80smakes it almost impossible to see anything else below. That’s not to mention the crowded array of characters on a dock that is meant to be whimsical but just seems random.
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Krullis just one of the many fantasygenre projects throughout the decade. This time, the story revolves around a prince whose love has been taken. He, along with his own band of not-so-merry men, goes on a quest to save her. The adventurous group of rescuers encounters the usual host of creations unique to the genre, all the while finding a side quest that needs completion.
Related:The 10 Coolest Castles and Fortresses from ’80s and ’90s Fantasy Movies
Krull’s movie poster doesn’t match the creative heights reached by others throughout the decade. It bizarrely crowds everything into the center of the frame, making for a messy composition. There’s also a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to what the poster’s trying to achieve. Anyone up to date on pop culture would instantly recognize its attempt at drawing in theStar Warsaudience, but otherwise, the design choices are a mystery.
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Brainstorm
Brainstormexplores the mind’s complicated landscape and how delving deep into a person’s thoughts can be dangerous. A new system for capturing thoughts, dreams, and fears has become a highly sought-after item. It becomes too appealing for some, with certain interests intent on using it for disturbing purposes. Christopher Walken stars alongside Natalie Wood; this would mark the latter’s final film.
The poster forBrainstormappears to be a mix of long-winded explanation and artistic expression. Either idea on its own would probably be fine, but together they create an offbeat tribute to the film. It should be noted that another problem is the description itself. The paragraph intends to explain a complicated plot in a small space, something that is easier said than done.
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Mac and Me
Mac and Mehas become a go-to meme on social media. In an obvious copy ofE.T., he film follows a disabled boy whose life is upended by a family move. He meets a stranded alien child and soon the pair are inseparable. The alien’s goal is to get back home, a dreamhis new friend will risk everythingto accomplish.
It’s hard to overlook how eerie the poster forMac and Meis.The film copies a formula that madeE.T.a hit but avoids any marketing similarities. Instead, this movie poster opts for something seen at most ’80s portrait studios. The two main characters are positioned like siblings, with the all too obvious moon in the background. Anyone searching for hints about the plot by looking at the poster will probably be out of luck with this image.
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