10 Historical Romance Movies from the 80s So Bad, They're Actually Good

1. "The Pirate Movie" (1982)

A shy girl named Mabel dreams of pirates and – voila! – finds herself slap-bang in the middle of a musical pirate romance. Pirates singing? Check. Bumbling heroes? Check. A treasure hunt? Triple check.

Think "The Pirates of Penzance" but doused in 80s glitz and, for some bizarre reason, disco. It's so outrageously out-of-place, you can't help but love it. Was this what pirates really got up to back in the day? Singing and moonwalking? Surely not... but it's a version of history I wouldn't mind living in!

2. "Ladyhawke" (1985)

Ever heard of a romance where the lovers never meet? Nope? Welcome to "Ladyhawke".

A wicked bishop curses lovers Navarre and Isabeau: by day, she's a hawk; by night, he's a wolf. Quite the... unique relationship dynamics, huh? Enter a thief, Gaston. He's their ticket to breaking the curse.

Medieval settings, fantasy elements, and some interesting synth music choices. Many might claim it's stuck in the 80s, but isn't that precisely the point? A historical movie with a modern twist. It's deliciously cheesy.

3. "High Spirits" (1988)

Ghosts and rom-coms? Why ever not? Peter Plunkett's inherited castle hotel is failing. The solution? Fake some hauntings for tourists.

But life (or afterlife) throws a curveball: real ghosts show up! Two ghostly lovers, Mary and Martin, tragically separated in life, reunite in death. And amidst the spectral shenanigans, living human Jack falls for ghostly Mary. It's as chaotic as it sounds. The special effects? Very 80s. The humor? Oddly endearing.

4. "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988)

French aristocracy, where love is merely a game and hearts mere toys. Set in pre-revolutionary France, it's all about revenge, manipulation, and scandalous romance. The Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont challenge each other in seductive conquests. Yet amidst the deceit, genuine feelings emerge.

Now, don't get me wrong, the plot? Captivating. The costumes? A visual feast. But the melodrama? Oh boy, it's poured on thick. Almost like watching a soap opera with corsets and powdered wigs. So bad, you say? Perhaps. But oh, the delicious drama!

5. "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988)

In a city under siege, an old man claims to be Baron Munchausen and narrates wild tales of his adventures – romancing Venus, the Goddess of Love, being one of them.

Fantasy, romance, and the 80s flair dance in a whirl of eccentricity. The moon, giant sea monsters, hot air balloons... this movie flits from one bizarre scene to another. Many say it's a tangled mess of ideas. Others argue it's Terry Gilliam's underrated masterpiece.

6. "Somewhere in Time" (1980)

Ever thought love could transcend time? Christopher Reeve plays a playwright who falls for a woman in an old portrait. How to meet her? Hypnotize oneself back to 1912, of course!

There's old-school romance, picturesque settings, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. Some might yawn at its pace, others swoon at its beauty. And the music? An emotional roller-coaster. Do time-traveling love stories get any more 80s-tastic than this?

7. "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981)

Two parallel stories unravel. In Victorian England, Sarah, the mysterious 'French Lieutenant's Woman', meets Charles, an engaged gentleman. In the 80s, actors Anna and Mike play these characters and embark on their own affair.

Past meets present in this unconventional romance. Some say it's a tad confusing, jumping between timelines. But whether you appreciate its depth or chuckle at its melodrama, it's a viewing experience to remember.

8. "Chances Are" (1989)

Love and reincarnation, wrapped in 80s flair. Louie dies, gets reincarnated as Alex, but here's the kicker – Alex falls for Louie's daughter! Oh, and he begins remembering his past life. Awkward family dinner? Understatement.

From celestial mix-ups to heartwarming moments, it's romantic comedy with a spiritual twist. Some scenes make you roll your eyes, others tug at your heartstrings. Dive into this quirky love square (yes, square) for a laugh and maybe, just maybe, a few tears.

9. "Legend" (1985)

Fantasy land, unicorns, and young love. Enter Darkness (literally the name of the villain) who wishes to create eternal night by killing unicorns. Our hero, Jack, and his beloved, Lili, strive to thwart these plans.

The movie's radiant with fairy-tale vibes, Tom Cruise in shining armor, and Tim Curry as the devilish antagonist. Critics have their qualms: too sugary, too fantastical. But isn't that what fairy-tale romances are all about? Drenched in 80s charm, it's a sweet escape to a mythical world.

10. "A Room with a View" (1985)

Young Lucy meets George while vacationing in Italy. Sparks fly, but societal norms intervene. Returning to England, she's betrothed to another. Yet, love, as they say, finds a way.

The settings? Gorgeous. The love story? Classic. Some moments, however, seem to scream melodrama louder than an opera singer hitting a high note.

Historical romance aficionados might herald it as a gem; others might giggle at its solemnity. Whatever camp you're in, it's an 80s romance worth the watch.