12 Most Underrated 1980s Sci-Fi Movies

While it's hard to determine exactly how well 'rated' a film may be, there is no doubt that this 1983 Matthew Broderick starring film does not get the kudos it deserves. The film's refusal to cast anyone in a traditional hero role significantly benefits the film, as a seemingly innocent bit of computer hacking by our protagonist leads the world to the edge of World War 3.

The story sees the US Air Force install a Skynet like supercomputer called WOPR, an automated system designed to learn various strategies and ultimately control the US weapon system. The first act concentrates on Seattle high school student and computer hacker David, played by Matthew Broderick, who accidentally infiltrates WOPR and begins playing a number of War Game scenarios with the supercomputer. Events significantly escalate when WOPR, which is unable to determine fact from fiction, starts taking the Nuclear War threat with Russia a little too seriously.

While being a bit of a slow build, the film really amps up the tension in the final act, culminating in the most absorbing game of Tic-Tac-Toe in film history. The environment of heightened tensions related to the Cold War in the 80's and the rising fears related to supercomputers made it a great film for its time, but still holds up today as a gripping Sci-Fi thriller.