Favorite '80s cult classic: 'Labyrinth' or 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai'? | The Tylt

In the previous round, the lovely Sarah defeated the Childlike Empress and Dr. Banzai beat Jack Burton. It's the final round now, and we’re looking at a sexy goblin in tight pants versus a rock star scientist defending the earth from aliens. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite '80s cult film!

One of the high water marks of '80s fantasy, “Labyrinth” (1986) launched the career of Jennifer Connelly and introduced David Bowie to a new generation of fans. Jim Henson and Brian Froud collaborated on 1982’s “The Dark Crystal,” and teamed up again, this time with Monty Python’s Terry Jones, to create the other-dimensional realm of the Labyrinth (an obvious tribute to “The Wizard of Oz” and Maurice Sendak). The relationship between teenage Sarah (Connelly) and the ageless Goblin King Jareth is either darkly romantic or problematic and disturbing, depending on how you interpret the film. Though “Labyrinth” did poorly at the box office, it’s a fan favorite, especially with cosplay enthusiasts. 

"I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave."

Watch the trailer to "Labyrinth" below.

The '80s obsession with all things Asian reached its peak with “The Karate Kid,” but influenced the aesthetics of numerous other films. Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller) is a half-Japanese scientist, surgeon, inventor, hero and rock star who fights the Lectroids, aliens from the 8th Dimension. In addition to an amazing cast (Jeff Goldblum, Clancy Brown, John Lithgow, Ellen Barkin and more), it entertainingly balances sci-fi fun, camp, and surreal humor. "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension" (1984) sadly never resulted in the promised sequel, “Buckaroo Banzai Against the World Crime League,” but it went on to be a perennially loved film by geeks the world over.

"Laugh while you can, monkey boy!"

Check out the trailer to "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai" below.