The1980swasn’t just the decade of big hair, leg warmers, and rollerblades, it was also characterized by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and societal shifts. It was a time whenscience fiction moviestook on a newfound relevance, envisioning what life might be like in the not too distant future. With a mix of optimism, fear, and anticipation, these films offered imaginative glimpses into what lay ahead. While many predictions fell wide of the mark, a surprising number of them displayed an eerie accuracy that resonates with our present-day reality.
From hover-boards and self-lacing sneakers to nuclear fallouts and warring machines, we explore eight movies from the 1980s and look at how accurately these cinematic crystal balls managed to predict the present day.
Back to the Future Part II
Back to the Future Part II, theiconic comedy sequelreleased in 1989, took audiences on a wild ride into a future set in 2015. While the movie didn’t accurately predict every detail of our present day, it remarkably captured some striking parallels with our modern world. One of the most notable predictions was the rise of wearable technology, with the film showcasing characters using smart glasses and devices similar to today’s smartwatches. Additionally, the movie’s portrayal of video calls and large flat-screen televisions foreshadowed the advent of video communication platforms like Skype and Zoom (which many of us became oh-so-familiar with during the pandemic) and the proliferation of high-definition displays in our homes.
WhileBack to the Future Part IIdidn’t achieve perfect accuracy, it undoubtedly offered a glimpse into technological advancements that have become a reality in our present-day lives. It’s worth noting that while it was incorrect about the continuation of theJawsfranchise, there has subsequently been an explosion of the “shark attack” sub-genre — and while hover-boards are not quite commonplace yet, top designers have created examples of self-tightening shoes not too dissimilar from the sneakers seen in the movie (viaThe Independent).
Related:10 Most Rewatchable Movies of the 80s
The Running Man
1987’sThe Running Manstarring Arnold Schwarzenegger, adapted from the dystopian novel by Stephen King, showcases a future society, set between 2017 and 2019, just a couple of years ago, when a deadly game show becomes a disturbing form of entertainment. Surprisingly, there are striking parallels between this fictional portrayal and the world we live in today.The film’s themesof media manipulation, the allure of reality television, and the exploitation of individuals for profit echo aspects of our current society.
The movie’s depiction of a society consumed by a relentless thirst for sensationalism and the blurring lines between reality and fiction mirror our own obsession with reality TV shows and the constant demand for captivating content. Just look at popular shows likeSurvivorin which part of the appeal lies in the human fascination with watching others face adversity and experience suffering.
Additionally, the film’s critique of corporate greed and the exploitation of marginalized individuals resonates with the social and economic disparities present in our world. Its commentary on media, power, and societal issues serves as a thought-provoking reflection of our present-day reality.
Blade Runner
The original sci fi epicBlade Runner, released in 1982 and set in 2019, envisioned a dystopian world vastly different from our reality. Its depiction of a sprawling, rainy Los Angeles with flying cars and highly advanced androids, known as replicants, showcased a future that didn’t quite materialize as envisioned. However, interestingly, some parallels can be drawn between the film’s world and our present day. For instance, the movie’s exploration of rampant consumerism and corporate control reflects aspects of our own society, where large corporations wield significant influence.
But it’s the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI), that has become most relevant in today’s world. The film delves into the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding AI, particularly the blurring of boundaries between human and artificial beings. As technology has advanced, we find ourselves grappling with similar concerns and debates (viaSky News). Issues like the ethical treatment of AI, the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities, and the implications of AI in everyday life have become pressing topics.
The visionary ideas presented inBlade Runnerhave only gained significance as we witness advancements in robotics, machine learning, and the integration of AI into various aspects of society. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to navigate the complexities and implications of AI in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
The Terminator
Part ofThe Terminatoris set in 2029, a mere six years down the line from today. Admittedly its version of the world differs significantly from our present-day reality. In the film,a post-apocalyptic futureis depicted where machines, led by the self-aware artificial intelligence known as Skynet, wage war against humanity. While our world has not experienced a global war with sentient machines, there are still some interesting parallels that can be observed.
The film’s exploration of technological dependence and the potential danger of AI remains relevant. As we witness the increasing integration of AI in various fields, concerns about privacy and data security, and debates surrounding the impact of automation on the workforce continue to grow. While we have not reached the dystopian vision ofThe Terminator, the film serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to consider the ethical implications of technological advancements and the importance of responsible AI development, especially seeing as we might not have a hero like Kyle Reese to save us when the time comes!
Cherry 2000
Cherry 2000is a science fiction film released in 1987, directed by Steve De Jarnatt and starring Melanie Griffith and David Andrews. Set in the year 2017, the movie tells the story of a man who hires a robot named Cherry 2000 to replace his malfunctioning wife. While the film offered an intriguing vision of the future, it’s safe to say that its predictions did not accurately materialize.
Although some aspects of the film, such as the portrayal of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, hinted at the potential direction of technological advancements, the specific depiction of a society centered around personal androids and the idea of replacing human relationships with machine companions remains largely in the realm of fiction. Nevertheless,Cherry 2000still captivates audiences with its unique premise and serves as a reminder of our enduring fascination with the possibilities and consequences of technology.
Related:10 Quintessential Comedy Movies from the 80s You Have to Watch at Least Once
RoboCop, released in 1987, depicted a world set in the “near future,” and whilst an exact date wasn’t given, logically one could assume that it was set in our current present day. Thedystopian action filmfollows the story of a critically injured police officer who is transformed into a cyborg law enforcement unit and highlights themes of corporate influence, media manipulation, and the blurred lines between man and machine.
One aspect that has become a reality is the film’s portrayal of corporate influence in law enforcement. While not to the extreme extent shown in the movie, the increasing presence of private companies in areas traditionally handled by the government is observable today. Additionally, the film’s critique of media sensationalism and the manipulation of public perception remains relevant in our present-day media landscape. On the other hand, the film’s prediction of rampantly increasing crime rates in Detroit has not materialized, as the city has made progress in reducing crime over the years.
It’s also safe to say that the existence of advanced robotic law enforcement units likeRoboCopis still far from reality, but the depiction of the heavy-handed approach of the police in the film echoes current concerns about police brutality and excessive use of force. The film raises important questions about the balance between maintaining law and order and respecting individual rights. The portrayal of a police force that prioritizes firepower and aggression over community policing and de-escalation tactics reflects ongoing calls for police reform, accountability, and the need for law enforcement to prioritize building trust and positive relationships with the communities they serve.
2019: After the Fall of New York
The 1983 Italian movie,2019: After the Fall of New York, presented a fictional vision of a world devastated by nuclear war and societal collapse. While we have thankfully avoided global nuclear conflict thus far, the fear of such an event continues to persist, especially with escalating tensions among nations with nuclear capabilities brought about by the Russian-Ukraine conflict and unrest in Asia.2019: After the Fall of New Yorkmay not have accurately predicted the future, but its representation of nuclear war’s destructive potential serves as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance and diplomacy.
The groundbreaking anime filmAkirareleased in 1988, presents a complex and dystopian vision of the year 2019. Set in Japan, we see a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo ravaged by social unrest, psychic powers, and a corrupt government. While we’re not entirely certain about the psychic powers part, the movie did touch on themes such as technological advancement, political turmoil, and the dangers of unchecked power, which certainly resonate in our modern society.
Additionally, the film’s portrayal of a sprawling, neon-lit cityscape with advanced infrastructure and transportation systems, such as highways and elevated railways do share some resemblance to contemporary urban environments.
