The 1980s are remembered for many trends—neon spandex, oversized blazers, and shoulder pads instantly come to mind. But these things have faded from fashion and been replaced with new styles and trends. Some things from the ‘80s, however, have displayed impressive staying power, like personal computers (which have gotten better with age) and video games (who doesn’t have a soft spot for Pac-Man?). One enduring legacy of that decade is its action heroes, who remain firmly in the public consciousness.
Today, the leading actors and their characters are still common knowledge across age groups. You don’t have to look far to find someone who knows of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his characters from Predator and The Terminator. Odds are, you’ll find not only people familiar with Schwarzenegger’s name and films but also those who can say the iconic lines from these movies, like “Get to the choppa,” “I’ll be back,” and “come with me if you want to live.” (And often, people will attempt to mimic Schwarzenegger’s deep voice and accent when delivering these lines.)
Schwarzenegger is just one example of an ‘80s action hero whose legacy remains strong. Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Harrison Ford, and Jackie Chan are a few more A-list names with iconic characters and adrenaline-surging action scenes included in their filmography.
But what is it about these ‘80s action heroes that retain our attention, remaining relevant decades after their release? Here, we’ll aim to find an answer by examining the rise of the ‘80s action hero and its continued influence on entertainment today.
The Rise of the ‘80s Action Hero
Action films first emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, and elements of the genre, like stunts, fights, and gunplay, can be found in films released as early as 1903. But it wasn’t until the ‘80s that the action genre exploded in popularity. As movies were released, the genre developed recognizable tropes, like bad guys with an evil plan, overbearing, authoritative figures (like police chiefs), and action heroes who were walking-talking examples of archetypal masculinity. These heroes were often lone wolves with muscular physiques and qualities of physical and emotional strength and resilience. They let no obstacles, physical or otherwise, disrupt their quest for justice—oh, and they almost always got the girl. Plus, over-the-top, death-defying stunts and explosions became requirements of the genre.
The storylines of these movies were simple, with good and bad clearly defined, making it easy to root for the hero and anticipate the demise of the bad guy. The formula made the movies widely appealing and thrilling, leading to decades of more action-packed films being released.
Nostalgia and the Revival of ‘80s Icons
Though the action formula of the hero beating the bad guy remains a common plot line, the action movies and characters from the ‘80s hold a nostalgia that new releases simply can’t emulate. For those who grew up with these movies and characters, there’s a desire to return to their stories and this era by rewatching these movies. The love for these characters inspired countless sequels and reboots, often starring the original actors.
There are now six movies in The Terminator series, five in the Die Hard series, and in 2022, a sequel to Top Gun hit theatres more than 35 years after the original’s release—and soared to the top of the box office. These ‘80s action heroes launched a steady stream of cinematic entertainment that captivated audiences by appealing to the nostalgia for the characters and the thrill of heart-racing action scenes.
The revival of ‘80s icons hasn’t been limited to the recent release of Top Gun: Maverick. The stars themselves, though now in their 70s, are getting opportunities to relive their glory days while entertaining lifelong fans with new TV series like FUBAR and Tulsa King.
The Marketability of ‘80s Action Heroes
The nostalgia associated with the ‘80s action movies extends far beyond Gen X, the generation who grew up with these movies. It also includes millennials and Gen Z, who were introduced to these iconic films through sequels and idealize the decade. The intense emotional pull of the movies and the actors means that ‘80s action heroes are still powerfully marketable. A perfect example of this is the incredibly high prices for memorabilia from the decade. An original Terminator action figure is worth hundreds of dollars, and posters in pristine condition are valued anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per piece.
Even modern merchandise featuring these characters continues to attract buyers and drive franchise revenue. For instance, the video game series Call of Duty debuted an ‘80s action hero edition of the game, letting players step into the shoes of Rambo and John McClane. The game is available across devices, including mobile, making it widely accessible. Even the online gambling industry capitalized on Rambo’s legacy with an online slot by Skywind Group that combines the thrill of the action hero with the thrill of gambling. It can be found at no-wager casinos with the lowest playthrough requirements, where players can enjoy the action with minimal financial risk. These products lean on feelings of nostalgia for existing fans and introduce new audiences to these iconic heroes.
The Evolution of the ‘80s Action Hero in Modern Cinema & Entertainment
While ‘80s action heroes have remained relevant, modern adaptations have introduced new variations of the archetype. These heroes are more complex and nuanced, showcasing vulnerability and deeper emotional and moral complexity. The Marvel franchise exemplifies this shift toward complex action heroes. Physical strength and power alongside resilience are still cornerstones of action, but they aren’t the sole qualities of heroes. The action genre has grown to encompass elements from other genres, like sci-fi and thrillers, and it extends beyond the big screen, with TV shows embracing the high-adrenaline elements in their productions.
The influence of ‘80s movies that brought us iconic action heroes may just seem like fun entertainment, but they have had a profound impact on the entertainment landscape. And the stars who popularized this genre remain beloved by fans. More than 40 years later, these action heroes fuel nostalgia, captivate audiences, and remain pop culture icons.