Top 5 Fantasy Films of the 1980s with Author Todd Downing - The 80s Movie Podcast

Top 5 Fantasy Films of the 1980s with Author Todd Downing - The 80s Movie Podcast

Author: Edward Havens April 30, 2025 Duration: 54:23
Step into a world of sword-and-sorcery, dark fairy tales, and practical effects on The 80s Movie Podcast as host Edward Havens welcomes author Todd Downing. Celebrating his new book Return of the Calico Kids, Downing joins the show for an expansive deep dive into the absolute best fantasy films of the 1980s. The conversation tracks the incredible evolution of fantasy filmmaking during Hollywood’s most imaginative decade, unpacking how ambitious world-building and larger-than-life storytelling birthed a true golden age for the genre. Together, Edward and Todd explore behind-the-scenes anecdotes, hidden thematic layers, and the unique practical magic that allowed these features to become enduring touchstones for generational film fans. From beloved mainstays to obscure cult favorites, this nostalgic retrospective evaluates what truly elevates an ’80s fantasy movie to classic status. Tune in to discover Todd’s personal top five ranking, get essential curated watchlist recommendations, and explore why these specific cinematic worlds still capture our imaginations decades later.

Edward Havens, a film historian and former critic, hosts The 80s Movie Podcast, offering a deep and curated exploration of cinema from that decade. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous blockbusters, though those certainly have their place. Instead, the podcast serves as a guided tour through the entire ecosystem of 1980s filmmaking. Listeners will hear episodes dedicated to the obscure distribution companies that once shaped what played in theaters, and rediscover movies that have slipped from popular memory. The conversation naturally expands to profile the iconic stars and visionary directors who defined the era's unique aesthetic. Havens draws on his background to provide context and insight, treating each film as a piece of a larger historical tapestry. Tuning into this podcast means gaining a richer understanding of why the 1980s remain such a distinct and influential period in visual storytelling. It’s for anyone who loves the texture of film history, from the forgotten gems to the cultural touchstones, all examined with a knowledgeable and engaging perspective. The show carefully balances nostalgia with revelation, ensuring every episode reveals something new about a seemingly familiar landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The 80s Movie Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Color of Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
This week, we start an irregular look back at the 1980s movies of Martin Scorsese, starting with what, for me, is his best film of the decade: The Color of Money.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
This week, we take a look back at a movie shot in 1980, and would sit on the proverbial shelf until it premiered on basic cable in 1984, becoming a cult film and inspiring an early 1990s music revolution. Lou Adler’s Lad…
Albert Brooks and Lost in America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:24
This week’s episode takes a look back at the career of writer, director and actor Albert Brooks and his brilliant 1985 comedy Lost in America.
Ralph Bakshi and American Pop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:09
This week’s episode takes a look back at the career of Ralph Bakshi and his pioneering 1981 animated rock musical American Pop.
Some Kind of Wonderful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:33
This week’s episode takes a look at the best movie in the John Hughes canon: 1987’s Some Kind of Wonderful.
Scotti Brothers Pictures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
This week’s episode takes a look back at the short-lived 1980s distribution company, Scotti Brothers Pictures.
Barry Levinson in the 1980s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:23
This week’s episode takes a look back at the 1980s movies directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson, as well as several of the films he wrote in the 1970s before becoming a director.
Sigourney Weaver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:25
This week’s episode takes a look back at the 1980s movies starring three-time Academy Award nominee Sigourney Weaver.
Empire Pictures: Part Three [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:37
On this episode of The FilmJerk Podcast, we complete our three-part miniseries on the 80s movie production and distribution company, Empire Pictures, discussing dozens of films they announced at one time but never ended…

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