Favorite '80s cult classic: 'Big Trouble in Little China' or 'The Last Starfighter'? | The Tylt

In this round, we’re looking at a trucker fighting Chinese sorcery versus a teenager saving the galaxy. Don't forget to click on the bracket below and cast your vote for our other '80s cult film matchups!

Many fans argue that “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986) takes place in the same world as Buckaroo Banzai, but where the latter film is goofy science fiction, "Big Trouble" is full of Chinese sorcery and is reminiscent of Hong Kong Wuxia movies. Tough guy Jack Burton (Kurt Russell at his swaggering best) gets roped into a war between gangs and sorcerers while trying to help his best friend and rescue beautiful women with green eyes. Kim Cattrall (later of “Sex and the City”) plays one of the romantic leads. The film is full of clever one-liners, inventive magical fights, and a hero who is easy to root for. A continuation, though not a sequel, is slated to star Dwayne Johnson. 

"It’s all in the reflexes."

Watch the trailer to "Big Trouble in Little China" below.

The plot is not unlike mythical stories in which a young hero passes a test to become a savior of sorts. In the case of "The Last Starfighter” (1984), it’s not Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, but rather teenager Alex (Lance Guest) who beats a video game only to become recruited into a galactic war. If that sounds familiar, it’s because that’s basically the plot of “Future Man” and “Ready Player One.” As with the best of the '80s cult films, there’s a sincerity and optimism pervading the film, making it seriously fun to this day.  

"Greetings, Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-Dan armada."

Check out the trailer to "The Last Starfighter" below.