Before the time of massive CGI landscapes and huge visual effects budgets, special effects in the '80s were done a bit differently. Good special effects can make or break a film. Because of the development of special effects and how it has changed over the past few decades, the ’80s represent a unique texture and feel with the visual effects they represent, and this '80s feeling is something that is not often seen in contemporary films.

Some of the most memorable films include special effects that we don’t even notice. A good film absorbs its viewer into the world in which it is recreating and will hopefully not have you even thinking about the visual effects used. With a retrospective look into '80s films, this becomes difficult. Effects during this time are distinct and very much noticeable. These effects aren't any worse or better than modern CGI, just different in their tonality and frequency of use. Here are the best special effects in ‘80s science fiction, ranked.

7 The Fly (1986)

Jeff Goldblum in The Fly.
20th Century Fox

This 1986 film is directed by David Cronenberg and stars Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, and John Getz. It follows a young scientist who accidentally gets his DNA mixed with a fly in an experiment gone wrong. Cronenberg is a master at using special effects; the on-set design and costuming in this film are incredible. This film, like other Cronenberg films, is a sort of slow-burn with its use of special effects, the build and reveal up to the scenes which most heavily use the effects adds a great feeling of suspense. The film won the Oscar for Best Makeup, making it well worth watching for lovers of the genre.

6 Predator (1987)

Carl Weathers and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's Predator
20th Century Fox

Predator is a 1987 action sci-fi movie directed by John McTiernan. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Kevin Peter Hall. The story follows an elite group of military personnel on a mission in Central America who find they are being stalked by an Alien. The film has a classic action feel, with a solid flair for sci-fi, and won an Oscar for its Visual Effects work.

5 Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Paramount Pictures

This film was directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, and Paul Freeman. It is an enthralling action-adventure film that takes full advantage of Spielberg's expertise with special effects. The set design, action sequences, and acting are all top-notch. The film was nominated for four Oscars and won five. The winning categories include Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Effects, Visual Effects, and a Special Achievement Award for its sound effects editing.

Related: Indiana Jones: Where Does The Franchise Go After Harrison Ford?

4 E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982)

E.T. and Gerdy saying goodbye
Universal Pictures 

Another Spielberg film and one that would forever change the Hollywood landscape, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial stars Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote, and tells the story of a friendly alien who seeks out the help of a young boy to help him return home. The film was nominated for five Oscars and won four. The film won in the categories Best Sound, Best Effects, Visual Effects, Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing, and Best Music, Original Score.

3 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

bobby-brown-star-wars
stryder HD/Lucasfilm

This film was directed by Richard Marquand, and is the final film in the original Star Wars trilogy. The build-up to the final action-packed sequences of the film not only marks narrative completion but is also a fantastical display of visual effects. The movie stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. The film was nominated for four Oscars and won one special achievement Oscar for its use of visual effects. Return of the Jedi served as a prototype for many contemporary science fiction action films and for their time were a great achievement in special effects.

2 Blade Runner (1982)

Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner
Warner Bros.

This 1983 film is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. Scott does a wonderful job bringing to life the world first created in the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Scott builds a believable and immersive futuristic city and has two Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Effects; well deserved for great its great effects work.

Related: Best Detective Movies from the 80s, Ranked

1 Aliens (1986)

Sigourney Weaver in Aliens (1986)
20th Century Studios

Topping our list is the 1986 film Aliens, directed by James Cameron. The film stars Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Carrie Henn, and is a sequel to the original 1979 film. Both films are great in their own right, and they are almost hard to compare, but this sequel film takes everything from the original film and multiplies it. More action, more suspense, and well, more aliens. The film was nominated for five Oscars and won two for its sound effects editing and visual effects.