BAD INFLUENCE (1990)

IMDB Rating - 6.0
Rotten Tomatoes rating - 69%

Bad Influence was released well into the aftermath of the Rob Lowe sex tape scandal. The film was an ironic choice for Lowe, as its story involves a sex tape. The psychological thriller was directed by Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile), written by David Koepp (Carlito's Way, Death Becomes Her) and also stars James Spader, Lisa Zane, and Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross.

MASQUERADE (1988)

IMDB rating - 5.9
Rotten Tomatoes rating - 43%

Masquerade came out in 1988 when Rob Lowe was hotter than ever. This was just before his sex tape scandal, which unfolded later the same year. Ironically, the movie features arguably one of Lowe's hottest nude scenes ever. The film is also notable for its supporting cast of Kim Catrall (Sex & the City), Doug Savant and Dana Delany (both of Desperate Housewives), who both hit stardom much later with their successful television shows. The erotic suspense film also stars Meg Tilly and John Glover.

You watch the entire movie for free here.

FATAL BEAUTY (1987)

IMDB rating - 4.7

"An earthquake is about to hit L.A. It's called Detective Rita Rizoli."

Fatal Beauty stars Whoopi Goldberg as a tough narcotics cop who goes undercover in a multitude of different disguises. The movie has a very Beverly Hills Cop feel about it, but I've always thought it stood out (along with Jumpin' Jack Flash) among Whoopi's 80's comedies. FB also stars Sam Elliott and Ruben Blades, with bit parts by James LeGros, Neill Barry, and Mark Pellegrino (aka Jacob from Lost).

Here's a cheesy, but memorable scene from the flick:

LESS THAN ZERO (1987)

Based on the novel by Brett Easton Ellis (American Psycho/Rules of Attraction), Less Than Zero is one of my favorite movies from the 80's. Rich Beverly Hills kids getting lost in a dark world of drugs, parties, and sex, the movie was intended to be an anti-drug film and actually had very little in common with the storyline of the book. Robert Downey Jr. gives one of his greatest performances in what was a largely overlooked film at the time. Sure, the movie has a lot of cheesy moments, but I love the overall style of the film, as well as the soundtrack, which features The Bangles' "Hazy Shade of Winter" (music video below) and tracks by Joan Jett, Poison, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Slayer and Roy Orbison. The pic also features fleeting cameos by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and an uncredited (and unknown at the time) Brad Pitt.

IMDB rating - 5.9