10 Best Action Comedies Of The 1980s

Summary

• 1980s action comedies featured iconic movie stars like Stallone, Gibson, and De Niro.
• Tango & Cash, a buddy cop film released in 1989, brought together Stallone and Russell for a fun, cheesy, and action-packed adventure.
• The 1980s were a golden age for action comedies, with films like Beverly Hills Cop and Lethal Weapon redefining the genre with humor and action.

The 1980s were a fantastic time for action comedies as major movie stars led fantastic films that would go on to achieve iconic status. With over-the-top cheesy 1980s aesthetics to an innate sense of fun that didn’t take itself too seriously, action comedies of this era were endlessly rewatchable as they usually focused on the comedic rapport and chemistry between actors rather than over-the-top set pieces of the action comedies that came later. While these stylistic choices may immediately date these movies to their time and place, this was also part of their innate charm.

Some of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s starred in action comedies, as performers like Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and even Robert De Niro had memorable entries in this genre. As a golden age for buddy cops, many action comedies related to the incredible talents of two lead performers who got the best out of each other in hilarious, action-packed sequences. While this genre became even more bombastic in later years, some of the greatest action comedies ever produced came from the 1980s.

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10 Tango & Cash (1989)

Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky

Tango & Cash ActionAdventureComedyCrimeThriller Where to Watch

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Two rival Los Angeles cops are forced to team up when a drug lord implicates them in a crime they didn’t commit. They end up in jail and their only option is to escape in order to bring the real culprit to justice.

Director Andrei Konchalovsky , Albert Magnoli Release Date December 22, 1989 Writers Randy Feldman Cast Sylvester Stallone , Kurt Russell , Teri Hatcher , Jack Palance , Brion James , James Hong Main Genre Action

The release of Tango & Cash signaled the last great action comedy of the 1980s as Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell teamed up for a buddy cop story that, although full of tropes and cliches, was a lot of fun. With Stallone as the straight-laced Lieutenant Tango and Russell as the cowboy cop Lieutenant Cash, the duo made for an excellent cinematic pair, even if the story was, at times, a tad predictable. Although Tango & Cash received negative reviews upon release, looking back, it’s got all the tenets of a great 1980s action comedy.

With a story involving the titular heroes being framed by their arch-nemesis, the mismatched LAPD pair must put their differences aside to take down the brutal crime baron in Tango & Cash. With one cheesy one-liner after another, it’s often difficult to discern whether Tango & Cash was a genuine attempt at a genre movie or a clever satirical subversion of its style. Either way, there’s a lot to love about Tango & Cash, and sometimes viewers just want to sit back and watch Stallone and Russell do what they do best.

9 Something Wild (1986)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

Something Wild (1986) RComedyCrimeRomance

Something Wild is a 1986 comedy-drama directed by Jonathan Demme. The film stars Jeff Daniels as Charles Driggs, an uptight yuppie whose life takes an unexpected turn after he meets the free-spirited Lulu, played by Melanie Griffith. Their spontaneous adventure becomes more complicated when Lulu’s ex-convict husband, Ray, portrayed by Ray Liotta, enters the scene, leading to a blend of humor and tension.

Director jonathan demme Release Date November 7, 1986 Writers E. Max Frye Cast Jeff Daniels , Melanie Griffith , George Schwartz , Leib Lensky , Tracey Walter , Maggie T. , Patricia Falkenhain , Sandy McLeod Main Genre Comedy

Jeff Daniels and Melanie Griffith came together in 1986 for the thrilling action-comedy Something Wild from the future The Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme. Starring Daniels as Charles Driggs, a dull office worker whose life is turned on its head when he meets the mysterious and wild Lulu, things soon take an outrageous turn. Along with Lulu, Charles experiences a joyride that turns into a kidnapping as the unlikely duo finds romance brewing.

As its title suggested, this outrageous and wacky adventure was truly something wild, and Daniel did an excellent job at portraying how this dull pencil-pushing life gets transformed by the free-spirited attitude of his captor and love interest. Daniels and Griffith have great chemistry, and Demme managed to get the best out of both performers. Something Wild was a straight-up 1980s action comedy that’s a fun choice for viewers looking for a road movie with screwball elements.

8 Top Secret! (1984)

Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker

Top Secret!

Top Secret! is a 1984 satirical comedy directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker. Starring Val Kilmer as Nick Rivers, an American rock star, who becomes embroiled in a resistance movement in East Germany. The film humorously blends elements from spy thrillers and musical comedies, delivering a quirky narrative set against a Cold War backdrop. The ensemble cast includes Lucy Gutteridge, Omar Sharif, and Peter Cushing.

Director Jim Abrahams , David Zucker , Jerry Zucker Release Date June 22, 1984 Writers Jim Abrahams , David Zucker , Jerry Zucker , Martyn Burke Cast Omar Sharif , Jeremy Kemp , Warren Clarke , Tristram Jellinek , Val Kilmer , Billy J. Mitchell , Major Wiley , Gertan Klauber Character(s) Agent Cedric , General Streck , Colonel von Hurst , Major Crumpler , Nick Rivers , Martin , Porter , Mayor

After having already made the greatest disaster movie spoof of all time, Airplane!, in 1980, the directing trio Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker (known as ZAZ) turned their attention to action comedies with Top Secret! As a hilarious lampoon of everything from Elvis Presley films to spy movies, Top Secret! was a highly underrated Val Kilmer movie that holds up well today. As a self-aware satire, Top Secret! was packed to the rafters with endless gags and one-liners.

From outrageous sight gags to breaking the fourth wall, Top Secret! embraced the silliest side of the action comedy genre and stood as among the most off-the-wall funniest movies of the 1980s. Kilmer excelled as the American rock star Nick Rivers, and his performance was made even better by the talented ensemble cast of comedians surrounding him. Top Secret! rarely gets as much credit as the iconic legacy of Airplane! but it should because it was just as funny and stood as an overlooked gem from the era.

7 48 Hrs. (1982)

Directed by Walter Hill

48 Hours RCrimeComedyActionThrillerDrama

Starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, 48 Hours is an action Comedy and “buddy cop” movie released in 1982. The film follows the story of a detective that requests the aid of an inmate that he pulls into his custody on a 48-hour permit to help him find a dangerous criminal.

Director Walter Hill Release Date December 8, 1982 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Walter Hill , Steven E. de Souza , Larry Gross , Roger Spottiswoode Cast Brion James , Sonny Landham , Frank McRae , Nick Nolte , Eddie Murphy , Annette O’Toole , James Remar , David Patrick Kelly Runtime 96 minutes Budget $12 million Expand

As the acting debut of Eddie Murphy, the buddy cop action comedy 48 Hrs. was the acclaimed standup comedian’s first steps toward becoming one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. With Nick Nolte as Inspector Jack Cates and Murphy as Reggie Hammond, a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him in order to track down a killer, the duo’s fantastic chemistry helped make 48 Hrs. a major success in 1982. 48 Hrs. helped revitalize the buddy cop genre and influenced later films like Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Bad Boys.

48 Hrs. worked so well due to the chemistry of its two lead stars, and it’s no surprise that Murphy would soon gain top billing for some of the biggest comedies of the decade. While consistently funny throughout, this was also a rough and gritty film by director Walter Hill, who also returned to direct the sequel Another 48 Hrs. in 1990. With a distinct 1980s style and feel, 48 Hrs. hit all the right notes for an action comedy from this era.

6 Police Story (1985)

Directed by Jackie Chan

Police Story PG-13ActionComedyCrimeThriller Where to Watch

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A virtuous Hong Kong Police Officer must clear his good name when the drug lord he is after frames him for the murder of a dirty cop.

Release Date December 14, 1985 Writers Jackie Chan , Edward Tang Cast Jackie Chan , Brigitte Lin , Maggie Cheung , Kwok-Hung Lam , Bill Tung , Yuen Chor Main Genre Action

Director, writer, and star Jackie Chan delivered one of the greatest action comedies of the 1980s with the release of Police Story. The first in a long-running franchise, in signature Chan style, the greatest Kung Fu star of all time did his own stunts as he played Detective Ka-Kui, an officer accused of murder and forced to clear his name. As a film structured more around impressive set pieces than its characters, Police Story was a hilarious, high-octane Hong Kong comedy full of non-stop action.

Police Story was a success in Asia and English-speaking markets and signaled Chan’s increasing reputation as a global movie star. Commonly spoken about as among the greatest action films ever made, Police Story showcased that Chan could walk the line between action hero and comedic lead as he proved he could truly do it all. As an iconic and influential film, Police Story was a must-watch for lovers of 1980s action comedies.

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5 Midnight Run (1988)

Directed by Martin Brest

Midnight Run RActionComedyCrime Where to Watch

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Midnight Run is a 1988 action-comedy film directed by Martin Brest. It stars Robert De Niro as a bounty hunter tasked with capturing and transporting a former mob accountant, played by Charles Grodin, across the country. The film follows their unpredictable journey, filled with comedic and thrilling moments, as they evade both the mob and law enforcement while forming an unlikely bond.

Director Martin Brest Release Date July 20, 1988 Studio(s) City Light Films , Universal Pictures , City Lights Writers George Gallo Cast Robert De Niro , Charles Grodin , Yaphet Kotto , John Ashton , Dennis Farina Runtime 126 Minutes Budget 30000000.0 Main Genre Action Expand

Robert De Niro showcased his comedic talents opposite Charles Grodin in the action comedy Midnight Run, which was elevated by the antagonistic chemistry between the duo. As a classic odd couple comedy, Midnight Run involved a bounty hunter determined to collect the reward for bringing in a former Mafia accountant. With a strong script and a perfectly paced story, Midnight Run was a 1980s classic that still holds up well today.

In what’s essentially a reluctant road movie, Midnight Run’s success rested solely on the talents of De Niro and Grodin, who pulled off this feat spectacularly. This was an engaging adventure with two likable leads that worked well in its unpretentious presentation of a well-worn story structure. Midnight Run just hit all the right notes and was a particularly enjoyable piece of 1980s action comedy filmmaking.

4 The Blues Brothers (1980)

Directed by John Landis

The Blues Brothers RComedyMusicalCrimeMusicActionAdventure Where to Watch

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After being released from prison, Jake Blues (John Belushi) reunites with his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) to save a catholic home where they were raised together. To raise money, they put bring their old band back together and put on a show as “The Blues Brothers.” Set in Chicago and based on Saturday Night Live characters, The Blues Brothers features several musical celebrity cameos such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.

Director John Landis Release Date June 20, 1980 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Dan Aykroyd , John Landis Cast John Belushi , ray charles , Cab Calloway , James Brown , Dan Aykroyd , Aretha Franklin Runtime 133 minutes Sequel(s) blues brothers Budget $27 million Expand

While The Blues Brothers may have its origins in Saturday Night Live, the 1980 action comedy film was the true peak of this musical duo. With John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood, two brothers on a “mission from God” to raise $5,000 to save an endangered orphanage, along the way, audiences were treated not just to over-the-top action but also incredible music. With fast-paced energy and appearances from singers like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, The Blues Brother was a true treat for action fans with a love for blues and soul music.

While there were plenty of wild behind-the-scenes facts about The Blues Brothers, despite its outrageous production, it managed to come out as a major success that has since become a true cult classic. Full of car chases, over-the-top sequences, and a compelling supporting performance from Carrie Fisher, The Blues Brothers was packed with charm thanks to the excellent directing of John Landis. As John Belushi’s best movie, The Blues Brothers was a must-see action comedy.

3 Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Directed by John Carpenter

Big Trouble in Little China PG-13ActionAdventureComedyFantasy Where to Watch

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Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 action comedy directed by John Carpenter. Kurt Russell stars as Jack Burton, a truck driver who attempts to rescue his friend Wang Chi’s fiancée from the clutches of an evil sorcerer named David Lo Pan.

Director John Carpenter Release Date May 30, 1986 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Gary Goldman , David Z. Weinstein , W.D. Richter Cast Kurt Russell , Kim Cattrall , Dennis Dun , James Hong , Victor Wong , Kate Burton Runtime 99 minutes Budget $25 million Expand

Big Trouble in Little China was among the enjoyable collaborations between Kurt Russell and John Carpenter, as it blended action comedies with fantasy and martial arts films. While the film failed commercial upon release, Big Trouble in Little China has steadily built up a cult following over the years and now has become a bona fide cult classic. With a rushed production as it competed to be released before the similar Eddie Murphy film The Golden Child, the financial failure of Big Trouble in Little China contributed to Carpenter’s return to independent filmmaking and disillusionment from big-budget Hollywood productions.

However, Big Trouble in Little China was packed with energy and humor and was incredibly underrated during its time. Russell gave an exceptional performance as the wise-cracking truck driver Jack Burton, and the ancient battle between good and evil at the heart of its story made for compelling viewing. A true classic of the 1980s, Big Trouble in Little China has retrospectively been lauded as one of Carpenter’s best movies.

2 Lethal Weapon (1987)

Directed by Richard Donner

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The film that started the iconic action franchise of the same name, Lethal Weapon stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as Detective Riggs and Murtaugh, two LAPD detectives on the trail of a high-profile drug ring. After the death of his wife, Riggs (Gibson) is increasingly volatile, but partnering with the level-headed veteran detective Murtaugh puts the two cops on the path to uncovering a huge criminal conspiracy.

Director Richard Donner Release Date March 6, 1987 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Shane Black Cast Tom Atkins , Mitchell Ryan , Danny Glover , Mel Gibson , Gary Busey Runtime 109 minutes Sequel(s) Lethal Weapon 2 , Lethal Weapon 4 , Lethal Weapon 5 Budget $15 million Expand

As among the best action movies of the 1980s, part of the charm of Lethal Weapon was its comedic elements, which helped add levity to the story of Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. With innate chemistry between its two stars, Lethal Weapon was a perfect buddy cop movie that spawned an entire franchise with a potential fifth Lethal Weapon on the way. As a film that helped solidify Gibson’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, this action comedy was a runaway success that grossed $150 million against its $20 million budget (via Box Office Mojo.)

Lethal Weapon had an undeniable impact on action movies throughout the rest of the 1980s and 1990s as many subsequent films tried to emulate its success. With plenty of fast-paced action and impressive stunts, Lethal Weapon was also categorized by levity, as the humor of its two leads was powerfully felt throughout. Lethal Weapon has received iconic status for a reason, and that’s because it was just an endlessly enjoyable film.

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1 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Directed by Martin Brest

Beverly Hills Cop RActionComedyCrimeDramaThriller Where to Watch

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Eddie Murphy stars in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit police officer who travels to California to solve his friend’s murder. Directed by Martin Brest, the film was a critical and commercial success, spawning three sequels.

Director Martin Brest Release Date November 30, 1984 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Danilo Bach , Daniel Petrie Jr. Cast Eddie Murphy , Judge Reinhold , John Ashton , Lisa Eilbacher , Ronny Cox , Steven Berkoff Runtime 105 minutes Sequel(s) Beverly Hills Cop 2 , Beverly Hills Cop 3 Budget $14 million Expand

The greatest action comedy movie of the 1980s was also Eddie Murphy’s best film, Beverly Hills Cop, which propelled its lead star to a new level of success. As the perfect blending of action and comedy with one of the best synth movie scores of the 1980s, the performances, script, and music of Beverly Hills Cop made it a true classic and the inception point for a major franchise. With equal parts thrills and laughs, followed Murphy as Alex Foley, a cop trying to solve the murder of his best friend.

Although Sylvester Stallone was originally considered for the leading role, the inclusion of Murphy added a racial element to Beverly Hills Cop that elevated the movie’s themes. With room to improvise, Murphy embodied his role with his unmatched talents as a stand-up comedian and proved himself a true action-comedy movie star. While the sequels could sadly never live up to the lofty expectations set by the original, there’s no denying the first Beverly Hills Cop was among the best movies of the 1980s.

Source: Box Office Mojo

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