Outline:
Action movies and comedies have existed since the beginning of film, but action/comedies? They have been around just as long, thanks to the brilliant contributions of stars like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin. (We previously ranked)15 of the greatest ever created right here.) However, few would dispute that the subgenre truly began to take shape in the 1980s. Both financial resources and box office success grew, as did the prominence of stars and directors creating the magic, not only in Hollywood but also internationally.
The decade is full of outstanding examples, but we’ve narrowed it down to just twelve — and it wasn’t simple. Now, continue reading to see the 12 top action/comedies from the ’80s, in order.
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48 Hrs.
Two criminals are fleeing through San Francisco, and following their killing of two police officers, Det. Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) comes up with an unusual strategy to capture them both. He organizes for one of their previous accomplices, a thief called Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), to be released from prison on a forty-eight-hour temporary leave to assist in capturing the two killers. It’s a solid plan, assuming the cop and the criminal don’t end up killing each other first…
Buddy cop films have existed since the 1940s, but they gained recognition as an action/comedy subgenre with the 1974 film “Freebie and the Bean,” which was well-received but not widely seen. It wasn’t until the 1980s that this genre really took off, with Walter Hill’s 1982 successful movie “48 Hrs.” being the film that captured public interest. It’s an entertaining, quick-paced, and exciting experience, but most of its humor comes from Murphy’s standout performance.
Hill was recovering from the underappreciated film “Southern Comfort,” which failed to perform well at the box office, when he took on this buddy cop movie that would turn into one of his few successful projects.which directly resulted in him producing another unsuccessful film titled “Streets of Fire”). Everything works, from Nolte’s rough and angry cop to the brutal villains portrayed by James Remar and Sonny Landham, from the time-sensitive storyline to some thrilling action scenes, but it’s Murphy who takes the film to a must-watch level of entertainment.
Project A
Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) is part of Hong Kong’s Marine Police, assigned to safeguard the city’s residents from maritime dangers. The most significant of these dangers? Pirates! When political issues and treachery hinder the capture of a wanted pirate, Dragon leaves the force and takes matters into his own hands. He’ll require assistance when pirates seize a ship and take its passengers hostage. Fortunately, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao are also on board (with his strategy).
Pirate films once dominated the movie theaters, filling them in large quantities (as evident byour list of 18 top selections), but audiences lost interest despite efforts such as “The Pirate Movie” from 1982 and “Cutthroat Island” in 1995 to regain their attention. Everything changed with the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in 2003, although true fans recognize that the best pirate series came out in the 1980s and started with “Project A.” As Chan’s fourth film as both director and actor, the movie is a success in terms of physical comedy that is both amusing and exciting.
The standout moments are many and begin with a grand bar fight that includes outstanding choreography and humorous surprises. There’s also a bicycle chase through narrow alleys where Chan uses his bike for every possible joke, both on and off the ground. He ascends a flagpole, jumps to a clock tower, and then tumbles sixty feet to the ground below. Plus plenty of additional fights, explosions, and stunts!
Beverly Hills Cop
A Detroit detective’s most recent case results in property destruction and numerous complaints, but Axel Foley’s (Eddie Murphy) day takes a turn for the worse when an old friend is killed. When advised to take some time off, Foley travels to Beverly Hills to pursue the investigation independently. He quickly finds himself in trouble with the local residents, yet with the help of an unlikely duo of Beverly Hills police officers, he may still manage to solve the case.
If “48 Hrs.” helped Murphy become a well-known figure, it was “Beverly Hills Cop” that turned him into an internationally recognized movie star.Initially planned for Sylvester Stallone— let that settle for a moment, and take comfort in the fact that Stallone eventually left and used his more intense character ideas in “Cobra”— the script was adjusted to suit Murphy’s humorous abilities. These changes, combined with Murphy’s spontaneous additions, led to a successful movie serieswhich we’ve ranked here).
Murphy is undoubtedly the key element here, but it’s also worth recognizing director Martin Brest, composer Harold Faltermeyer, and a cast of supporting actors such as Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Ronny Cox, Lisa Eilbacher, and others. It’s a collection of talent all revolving around Murphy’s spotlight, and as a result, they create an action/comedy that has endured over time, filled with rapid-fire dialogue and witty remarks that match the intensity of the action sequences.
Romancing the Stone
A romance writer based in New York City lives a rather ordinary life, but everything shifts when a man is killed in her apartment and her sister is taken. Joan (Kathleen Turner) immediately travels to Colombia, where she encounters numerous challenges alongside a tough yet humorous adventurer named Jack (Michael Douglas). Will they save her sister and uncover a treasure along the way? Likely.
“Romancing the Stone” faced a challenging path to the movie theaters due to casting problems, changes in studios, and executives with questionable preferences, yet it turned into one of the top box office successes of 1984 and is worthy of more discussion today. Douglas and Turner exhibit excellent chemistry, showcasing lively comedic skills alongside various physical action sequences. The film features both major and minor stunts, including a lengthy slide down a wet mountainside.
Director Robert Zemeckis exhibits the same passion and vigor that he would later demonstrate in “Back to the Future” the subsequent year (a film he was only able to create due to the success of this movie), and cinematographer Dean Cundey effectively utilizes Mexican locations to provide the film with a grand, vibrant atmosphere that is missing from many computer-generated-heavy movies today. It’s an enjoyable film that also includes a delightfully humorous performance by Danny DeVito, who reappears with Turner and Douglas in the sequel, “Jewel of the Nile.”
Police Story
Sergeant Ka-kui (Jackie Chan) captures a drug kingpin through a complex, high-impact undercover operation, yet the legal case collapses, causing problems for Ka-kui both professionally and personally with his girlfriend (Maggie Cheung). The situation worsens as the antagonists try to implicate Ka-kui, but no amount of broken glass can hinder a dedicated officer from bringing the criminals to justice.
Chan’s “Police Story,” his fifth film as a director, is among the finest action movies ever made (whileanother installment in the series appeared on our list of top police films), and his comedic style ensures it is also highly ranked on action/comedy lists. The opening scenes featuring cars crashing through a hillside slum before Chan halts a bus by standing in the road and shooting were copied by two American movies (“Bad Boys 2” by Michael Bay and “Tango & Cash” by Andrei Konchalovsky), so you can tell Chan was doing something effective.
The humor primarily stems from physical comedy, but there’s also a lot of witty dialogue, miscommunications, and interactions. Cheung is fully committed to the romantic conflicts, as is Brigitte Lin in her role as the crime boss’s ex. A scene where Ka-kui’s friend fakes an attack on her to convince her she needs police protection is a beautifully choreographed sequence of bad decisions and their outcomes. The final action sequence at a mall concludes this expertly executed display of breaking glass and sliding along power lines.
Major Issues in Small China
Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) is a straightforward individual who operates a truck for a living, keeps to himself, and only engages in fights when it’s absolutely required. His trip to San Francisco takes an unexpected turn when a friend’s blue-eyed girlfriend is taken by a Chinese gang, and their attempts to save her uncover a hidden, magically enhanced danger lurking beneath Chinatown. This is enough to frighten most people, but for Jack, it’s just part of his natural response.
John Carpenter’s directorial streak is arguably unmatched by any other filmmaker, with ten consecutive box office hits released in theaters between 1976 and 1988. While many of them are categorized as horror or science fiction, “Big Trouble in Little China” is an action-packed comedy from beginning to end. It’s a tribute to martial arts, classic Hong Kong genre blends, and the city of San Francisco, with every scene brimming with enjoyment.
Russell, who has appeared in five Carpenter films, is the central figure here, delivering an exceptionally likable performance as a tough guy who isn’t really tough.He was inspired in part by John WayneHe aims to be the hero, but he’s not very skilled at it, leading to hilarious outcomes. Combine this with intricate fight sequences featuring wirework and vibrant visual effects, a consistently charming supporting ensemble, and an energetic soundtrack (composed by Carpenter), and you get a true action/comedy masterpiece.
Millionaire’s Express
Ching (Sammo Hung) is a criminal who returns home seeking something similar to redemption, and he finds it when he uncovers a group of corrupt individuals plotting harmful actions. He joins forces with the local fire chief, Tsao (Yuen Biao), and a few others, but the antagonists continue to appear.
Jackie Chan is arguably the most prominent Hong Kong action star who has directed some standout films in his career, but he isn’t the only one. Hung followed a similar path with notable works such as “Eastern Condors” and “Pedicab Driver,” yet the first on our list is the highly impressive “Millionaire’s Express.” A train arrives in town carrying a fortune, which gives the film its name, but the majority of the action takes place in the isolated small town where the train crashes.
Hung and Biao are just as much fighters and athletes as Chan, perhaps even more so — seriously, watch Biao’s two-story side flip from a rooftop down to the ground below — and they provide some amazing action sequences here. They aren’t the only ones, as the supporting cast features all-stars such as Cynthia Rothrock, Dick Wei, Yuen Wah, Richard Norton, Yukari Oshima, and others. There is humor within the action, but even more of it comes from the dialogue and interactions between characters as different personalities and cultures come together in this desert town that is full of both greed and heroism.
Peking Opera Blues
In early 20th century Beijing, the nation stands at the edge of upheaval. Three women meet — Tsao (Brigitte Lin), the daughter of a general striving for justice, Sheung (Cherie Chung), a musician who stumbles upon wealth, and Bai (Sally Yeh), a Peking Opera performer — and quickly realize that their bond is just as significant as the separate paths that led them to each other.
Among the five Hong Kong action comedies listed, Tsui Hark’s “Peking Opera Blues” is probably the least viewed by Western viewers. It doesn’t feature any major action stars, but fans of Hong Kong cinema will still recognize the talent showcased, beginning with Hark himself. He has other notable works such as “Once Upon a Time in China” and “The Blade,” but this film stands out as his most exciting and enjoyable masterpiece. The movie is packed with deep insights into Chinese history and social critique regarding gender roles, while also being full of exciting action sequences and clever humor.
Hark employs the setting of revolution along with the gender-bending artistry of opera to present a tale full of complex characters, filled with tension, and full of enjoyment. Opera scenes gain deeper significance as the action moves through them, and a final scene on the rooftops is packed with energy, drama, and entertainment.
Running Scared
Danny (Billy Crystal) and Ray (Gregory Hines) are detectives from Chicago who find themselves forced to take a break after another mishap. After spending a few weeks in Key West, they decide they want to retire early and relocate to Florida. Before doing so, they aim to solve one final case and catch a major drug dealer (Jimmy Smits) who has repeatedly evaded them.
“Running Scared” was a moderate success in 1986, yet it still appears to be a movie that could have benefited from several sequels throughout the following decade. Crystal and Hines deliver exceptional comedic performances, displaying a natural chemistry with one another and the rest of the cast, while also excelling in action sequences. Shootouts, pursuits, and a complex third-act hostage scenario maintain high energy levels, while the witty dialogue keeps audiences entertained with laughter.
Director Peter Hyams is one of the most dependable filmmakers you can come across. He doesn’t seek attention, but his work is consistently solid, with films like “Narrow Margin,” which markedour selection of the top train films, and “Outland”) often combine engaging characters with simple plots, all tied together by meticulously designed scenes, and this trend is evident here as Chicago’s snowy streets transition into shootouts, confrontations, and an impressive car chase where the vehicles end up on train tracks. It’s a more lighthearted “Lethal Weapon” and highly entertaining.
Dragons Forever
Jackie (Jackie Chan), a lawyer, is employed to undermine a small business that’s causing issues for a chemical plant. He enlists two very different individuals to assist with the case: Wong (Sammo Hung), a dealer of illegal firearms, and Tung (Yuen Biao), a thief. Although their respective skills are exceptional, their personalities clash from the start. The situation becomes more complicated when they begin to suspect they might be supporting the wrong side.
This list could have easily been made up entirely of Hong Kong films due to the many movies from that era starring Chan, Hung, and Biao, and narrowing it down to five was quite difficult. For instance, “Wheels on Meals” could have also been included here, but ultimately “Dragons Forever” was chosen. Partly because this was the final film to include the three Hong Kong icons, but mainly because it’s truly outstanding.
Chan appears in a role that’s somewhat different from his usual type, as he begins the film as a real jerk, and all three deliver excellent performances in terms of their martial arts skills and stunt work. They are effectively matched by a strong duo featuring the talented Yuen Wah as a cigar-chomping villain with some incredibly fast kicks, and his top henchman portrayed by Benny Urquidez (whose previous fight with Chan is considered one of the best).our compilation of Chan’s most outstanding combat sequences) There is a lot of enjoyment to be found throughout, but the battles are truly breathtaking.
Midnight Run
Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin) is a mob accountant who embezzled millions and is now fleeing. Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) is the bounty hunter assigned to capture him. They are one of the most incompatible pairs you’ve ever seen, constantly clashing, but with mobsters and the F.B.I. chasing them, they’ll need to team up if they hope to survive the journey across the country.
Director Martin Brest secures a second position on this list with a movie that is more emotional and even more humorous than the already funny “Beverly Hills Cop.” It’s accurate to say that “Midnight Run” is a perfectly crafted action/comedy that introduces its main characters and allows everything else to revolve around them. This isn’t technically De Niro’s first comedy, but it might be his first major traditional one (following “The King of Comedy” and “Brazil”), and he delivers an outstanding performance here. He is tough, grumpy, and ultimately very human, making it a remarkable portrayal.
Nevertheless, Grodin consistently elicits laughter as a deadpan character delivering lines that are both ordinary and peculiar. It’s hard not to find these individuals amusing together, and similar to “Running Scared,” their combination is one that deserved a continuation in the future. Planes, trains, automobiles, helicopters, and other forms of transportation are involved in the action as they flee across the country, resulting in shootouts and dangerous falls.
Lethal Weapon 2
Detectives Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) from L.A. get involved in a case centered around stolen gold and drug trafficking, with both officers having ties to certain South African diplomats. Efforts to halt the criminals lead the police into conflict with the idea of diplomatic immunity, but as old secrets and current killings intersect, Riggs and Murtaugh stop worrying about strictly adhering to legal procedures.
Although the subsequent two sequels are more broadly humorous, “Lethal Weapon 2” remains just beyond the threshold that separates action films with comedic elements from true action-comedies. The movie includes several deeply moving emotional moments, a passionate romantic scene (do you recall those?), and solid character development among the friends, yet the humor is both deliberate and consistent. A significant reason for this is the arrival of Joe Pesci as Leo Getz, who effortlessly steals every scene he appears in. He plays a major role in making this the standout entry in the series.
The major elements, however, center on Gibson and Glover, who deliver exceptional performances with characters that are still evolving from the first movie. Their witty exchanges are sharp with jabs and insults, yet everything fades when danger arises. It’s an outstanding on-screen friendship that enhances the intense action sequences (such as a thrilling moment where they bring down a house on stilts) and the emotional trials in the final act.
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Read the original article on SlashFilm.