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
Less Than Zero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:13
This episode looks at the 1984 debut novel by Bret Easton Ellis, and its 1987 film adaptation.
Round Midnight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:47
Today's show takes a look at the classic 1986 French drama about jazz, Bertrand Tavernier's Round Midnight.
Positive I.D. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:18
This episode, we cover a movie from 1987 which was distributed by a major studio in 1987 but is all but unknown today, Andy Anderson’s Positive I.D.
Generation Gap: The A Nightmare on Elm Street series [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:23
Your humble host and podcasting guru Jeff Townsend (The Podcast Father) talk about the Nightmare on Elm Street series from their different generational points of view.
A Brief History of the Nightmare on Elm Street series [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:01
As required by Section 107-14-8 of the Podcast Code, every movie podcast must do a horror-themed show during the month of October. We thus fulfill our requirement by offering this first part of a two-part series on the N…
Amos Poe Is Our Friend and Needs Our Help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:25
On this episode, we talk about one of the most influential yet lesser known figures of the 1970s and 1980s independent cinema movement, and how he needs our help today. Please allow me to introduce you to Amos Poe, and e…