10 Movies & Shows Like Raw Deal (1986)

Description: A survivalist action film that delves into the psychological trauma of war through the story of a Vietnam veteran pushed to his limits. The movie combines intense action with a poignant exploration of its protagonist's inner turmoil.

Fact: Sylvester Stallone performed many of his own stunts, including the famous cliff jump. The film's iconic score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who also scored 'Planet of the Apes' and 'Alien.'

Description: A sci-fi action thriller that combines relentless pursuit with a dystopian future. The film's protagonist is an unstoppable force, much like many 80s action heroes, and the movie blends high stakes with groundbreaking special effects.

Fact: The Terminator's glowing red eye effect was achieved using a simple LED light covered with a piece of smoked glass. The film's budget was so low that the time-traveling sequences were filmed in a parking garage.

Description: A hyper-masculine action extravaganza featuring a retired special forces soldier who goes on a one-man rampage to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The film is known for its over-the-top violence, quotable lines, and relentless pacing.

Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger performed most of his own stunts, including the famous scene where he carries a tree trunk on his shoulder. The film's script was written in just eight days.

Description: A gritty action film featuring a tough, no-nonsense cop who takes on a violent criminal organization. The movie is packed with intense shootouts, one-liners, and a high body count, embodying the quintessential 80s action hero archetype.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to 'Beverly Hills Cop' but was rewritten when Eddie Murphy dropped out. The iconic poster featuring Sylvester Stallone with a matchstick in his mouth became a cultural symbol of 80s action cinema.

Description: A martial arts action film centered around an underground fighting tournament. The movie showcases brutal hand-to-hand combat, a lone warrior's journey, and a charismatic but dangerous antagonist.

Fact: Jean-Claude Van Damme performed all his own stunts, including the infamous splits between two chairs. The film is loosely based on the alleged real-life exploits of Frank Dux, a controversial martial artist.

Description: A buddy cop film that blends explosive action with dark humor and emotional depth. The movie features a loose-cannon detective paired with a more stable partner, delivering high-octane sequences and a memorable villain.

Fact: The film's success spawned three sequels and a television series. The iconic scene where Riggs jumps off a building to save a suicidal man was performed by stuntman Bobby Bass without a safety net.

Description: A unique blend of action and sci-fi horror, featuring an elite military team hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior. The film emphasizes survival, camaraderie, and the ultimate test of human strength against an otherworldly foe.

Fact: The Predator's iconic thermal vision was created by filming actors with an infrared camera and then hand-painting the footage. The original Predator suit was deemed too bulky and was replaced halfway through filming.

Description: A cyberpunk action film that explores themes of corruption, identity, and justice through the lens of a mechanized law enforcer. The movie balances brutal violence with satirical social commentary, a hallmark of 80s action cinema.

Fact: RoboCop's suit was so heavy that actor Peter Weller had to undergo extensive physical training to move in it. The film's satirical commercials were inspired by real-life advertisements from the 1980s.

Description: A hard-hitting action film featuring a former CIA operative turned cop who takes on a corrupt conspiracy. The movie blends political intrigue with explosive set pieces, embodying the vigilante justice theme common in 80s action films.

Fact: This was Steven Seagal's film debut, and he also served as a fight choreographer. The film's title was changed from 'Nico' to 'Above the Law' after test audiences found the original name confusing.

Description: A groundbreaking action film set in a confined space, pitting a lone hero against a group of highly organized terrorists. The movie redefined the genre with its realistic stunts, clever dialogue, and a relatable everyman protagonist.

Fact: The role of John McClane was originally offered to Frank Sinatra, who turned it down. The Nakatomi Plaza scenes were filmed in an actual under-construction office building, adding to the film's authenticity.