Summer of 1986, Part Two: Aliens, The Karate Kid Part II, and the Movies That Took Over – The 80s Movie Podcast 017
This week on The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens continues his three-part exploration of the Summer of 1986. The 80s Movie Podcast and Edward Havens examine the films that dominated July and August. As audiences packed theaters across North America, blockbuster sequels, action hits, and future classics competed for box-office supremacy.
First, Edward looks at major releases including Aliens, The Karate Kid Part II, Back to School, Big Trouble in Little China, The Fly, and Heartburn. Meanwhile, he explores how studios chased franchise success while filmmakers pushed creative boundaries. In addition, the episode highlights overlooked releases that struggled against fierce competition despite strong reviews and lasting influence.
Ultimately, Part Two reveals why the middle months of the Summer of 1986 produced some of the decade’s most enduring films. Several became cultural touchstones, while others found devoted audiences years later. Therefore, this episode shows how one extraordinary season reshaped Hollywood and set the stage for the decade’s future blockbusters.
