1982 Top Movies

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is a 1982 biographical film based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the nonviolent Indian independence movement against British colonial rule in the 20th century. Directed by Richard Attenborough, it stars Ben Kingsley as Gandhi. The film covers Gandhi's life from a defining moment in 1893, as he is thrown off a South African train for being in a whites-only compartment, and concludes with his assassination and funeral in 1948. Throughout the film, Gandhi is portrayed using a variety of nonviolent methods to protest against the British oppression, including leading protests, fasting, and engaging in civil disobedience. In his struggle, he is supported by his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his loyal followers, and opposed by British authorities and Indian nationalists. The film culminates in the iconic Salt March to the sea, when Gandhi leads his followers on a peaceful march to the sea to make salt in defiance of the British-imposed salt tax. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Rated PG

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an iconic 1982 American science-fiction movie starring Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, and Drew Barrymore. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison. The film follows the story of a young boy named Elliott who discovers an alien living in his suburban California neighborhood. Elliott befriends the alien, later nicknaming him E.T., and the two develop a strong bond. Elliott and his siblings try to protect E.T. from government forces while helping him return to his home planet. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the power of love. The film was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time until it was surpassed by Jurassic Park in 1993. It has since been re-released several times, continues to be popular among audiences, and has become a beloved classic.

From Nicholas Meyer, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan
Rated PG

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a classic science fiction film from 1982 directed by Nicholas Meyer. The film follows Admiral James T. Kirk and Captain Spock as they battle the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically-enhanced tyrant from the late 20th century. With a stolen top secret device called the Genesis Project, Khan plans to exact his ultimate revenge on Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise. As the crew embarks on a thrilling adventure to a distant star system to thwart Khan's plans, they must rely on their courage, ingenuity, and friendship to save the day. With thrilling space battles, gripping drama, and humor, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is an unforgettable classic.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason
Rated R

The Verdict is a 1982 courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Paul Newman as Frank Galvin, a burnt-out attorney and recovering alcoholic who takes on a medical malpractice case in a desperate attempt to redeem himself professionally and personally. With the help of a sympathetic judge and a dogged investigator, Galvin must battle a team of ruthless defense lawyers in a complex case full of lies and legal loopholes. Ultimately, Galvin confronts his own guilt and failures as he fights to get justice for his client. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Paul Newman), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (James Mason), and Best Original Screenplay (David Mamet).

From Ted Kotcheff, starring Sylvester Stallone, Brian Dennehy, Richard Crenna, Bill McKinney
Rated R

First Blood is a 1982 action-drama film directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, an ex-Green Beret haunted by his time in the Vietnam War. After being dishonorably discharged from the military, Rambo travels to a small town in search of an old friend. When the town's sheriff takes offense at his presence, Rambo is wrongly arrested and abused by the sheriff and his deputies. In response, Rambo uses his combat skills to fight back. Pursued by the police, Rambo goes on the run in the nearby wilderness, where he discovers his inner strength and will to survive. As the authorities close in, Rambo begins a one-man war against the police and the National Guard, determined to prove his innocence and make them pay for their actions.

From Sydney Pollack, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman
Rated PG

From Tobe Hooper, starring JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Craig T. Nelson, Beatrice Straight
Rated PG

From Directors: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, starring Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz
Rated PG

From Taylor Hackford, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Robert Loggia
Rated R

From Walter Hill, starring Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O'Toole, Frank McRae
Rated R

From John Milius, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman
Rated R

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

From John Huston, starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking
Rated PG

From Bob Clark, starring Dan Monahan, Mark Herrier, Wyatt Knight, Roger Wilson
Rated R

From Colin Higgins, starring Burt Reynolds, Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise, Charles Durning
Rated R

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Freddie Jones, David Huffman, Warren Clarke
Rated PG

From Richard Donner, starring Richard Pryor, Jackie Gleason, Ned Beatty, Scott Schwartz
Rated PG

From Norman Jewison, starring Burt Reynolds, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Tandy, Barnard Hughes
Rated PG

From Albert Pyun, starring Lee Horsley, Kathleen Beller, Simon MacCorkindale, George Maharis
Rated R