Top 100 Movies From The 80s

From Stars: Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Aleksander Bardini, starring
Rated TV-MA

Dekalog is a 1989-1990 Polish television drama miniseries directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski and co-written by Kieslowski and Krzysztof Piesiewicz. It consists of ten one-hour films, inspired by the Ten Commandments. Each of the ten stories explores a moral or ethical dilemma, and each is set in and around a housing complex in post-Communist Poland. Starring Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Aleksander Bardini, and a variety of supporting actors, Dekalog showcases the struggles of everyday people and their struggle to live life with moral integrity. Themes explored in the series include infidelity, guilt, love, faithfulness, death, truth, mercy, and justice. Dekalog is widely considered to be one of the greatest television dramas of all time, and has been praised for its complex characters, powerful themes, and compelling storytelling.

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. It is the second film in the Star Wars original trilogy. The film follows the Rebel Alliance's battle against the Galactic Empire, as Luke Skywalker begins his journey as a Jedi, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca attempt to escape the Empire's clutches, and Darth Vader pursues them. With Luke's training, the Rebellion rallies after their crushing defeat at the Battle of Hoth and the Empire is pushed back from the Rebel base. After meeting the mysterious Yoda and undergoing Jedi training, Luke returns to confront Darth Vader in a fateful lightsaber duel. In the end, Vader reveals that he is Luke's father, Anakin Skywalker, and offers him a chance to join the Dark Side. Luke refuses, and faces Vader in a duel that leads to his own escape. The Empire Strikes Back marks the first time the Force is revealed as an energy field that binds all living things, with Vader's revelation as Luke's father setting the stage for the final installment in the trilogy. The film was a commercial success

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is a 1988 Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film tells the story of Salvatore, a man who returns to his hometown in Sicily after a 30 year absence and reminisces on his childhood growing up in a cinema owned by his father. The film features a non-linear narrative style, using flashbacks to tell the story of Salvatore's past. The film follows his relationship with the projectionist Alfredo, who becomes a mentor to him as he grows up. Through his experiences, Salvatore develops a deep love for films and the world of cinema. Cinema Paradiso is a heart-warming story of friendship, love, and the power of cinema to shape lives.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 American science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis. It stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a young high school student who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). With Dr. Brown's help, Marty must find a way to return to 1985. Along the way, he must ensure his parents-to-be (Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson) fall in love, and that his future existence will be restored. The film also stars Thomas F. Wilson as Marty's nemesis, Biff Tannen. The film was commercially successful and widely acclaimed, grossing over $381 million worldwide and winning an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing. It also spawned two sequels, Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990). The film has since become an iconic cult classic.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata and animated by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. The film follows a brother and sister, Seita and Setsuko, who are left to fend for themselves during the final months of the Second World War in Japan. Seita and his four-year-old sister Setsuko are orphaned when their mother is killed during an American firebombing raid on Kobe. They are forced to fend for themselves in a wartime landscape of scarcity and death. Despite their hardships, they find brief moments of joy and solace in nature and each other. The film shows the devastating effects of war on the innocent and the futility of war in general. Ultimately, the siblings succumb to starvation and Seita's spirit is set free to join the fireflies.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical period drama film directed by Milos Forman and written by Peter Shaffer. Based on the play of the same name by Shaffer, the film is set in Vienna during the late 18th century and tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an ambitious young composer, and his rivalry with the acclaimed composer Antonio Salieri. Devastated by his own perceived failure to achieve greatness, Salieri hatched a plot to destroy Mozart's reputation and career. The film stars F. Murray Abraham as Salieri, Tom Hulce as Mozart and Elizabeth Berridge as Mozart's wife Constanze. The film chronicles Mozart's life from his childhood to his untimely death at the age of 35, focusing in particular on his rivalry with Salieri, his struggle for recognition, and his passion for composition. The film was nominated for 53 awards, winning 40, including eight Academy Awards, four BAFTAs and four Golden Globes.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1981. The film follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he attempts to recover the lost Ark of the Covenant, an ancient artifact that holds great power. He must battle Nazi forces who are also seeking the Ark, while battling his nemesis René Belloq and his band of mercenaries. Along the way, Indiana is aided by his former lover Marion Ravenwood and her son, Henry. The action-packed film has become a classic example of the adventure genre and is widely recognized for its iconic scenes, memorable characters, and its signature score composed by John Williams.

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Rated R

The Boat is a 1981 drama film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It tells the story of a German family living on the Baltic Sea during World War II. The father, Anton, is an engineer and a stern disciplinarian. His wife, Elena, is a quietly strong presence in the family. When the family is forced to flee the advancing Russian army, they take refuge in a small fishing boat. Anton must use all of his skills and ingenuity to survive the journey. Along the way, they must battle the elements, the Nazis and their own fears. In the end, they reach safety, but have been changed irrevocably by their ordeal.

From James Cameron, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Aliens is a 1986 science fiction action horror film directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver. The film follows the continued struggles of Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the 1979 sci-fi horror classic Alien, as she returns to the moon LV-426 with a team of heavily-armed marines in order to rescue a group of colonists who had gone missing. The marines soon discover that the colonists have been wiped out by a hive of aliens, and as Ripley and the marines wage a desperate battle against the extraterrestrial creatures, they discover the horrific truth behind the aliens' origin. With suspenseful action and thrilling special effects, Aliens is a classic sci-fi horror that remains a beloved classic.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining (1980) tells the story of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a failed writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He moves to the hotel with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and their son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who possesses an eerie psychic power known as the "shining." During their stay, Danny has visions of the hotel's horrific past, which begins to take its toll on Jack, ultimately driving him to madness. Meanwhile, an ancient and malevolent force within the hotel's walls becomes increasingly determined to possess Jack and use him to carry out its sinister agenda. Despite Wendy and Danny's warnings, Jack succumbs to the dark forces of the Overlook Hotel, putting his family in grave danger. It is up to them to escape the hotel's terrifying grasp before it's too late.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 crime drama directed by Sergio Leone, based on the novel by Harry Grey. Set in the early 1900s, the film follows a group of Jewish friends in New York City as they grow up in the world of organized crime. The film follows the lives of the friends, David "Noodles" Aaronson, Maximilian "Max" Bercovicz, Patrick "Patsy" Goldberg, and Phillip "Cockeye" Stein, as they become adults and their lives become intertwined with the mafia. After a falling out between them, the friends are separated and go their separate ways, before coming back together for a dramatic conclusion. The film's themes include revenge, jealousy, loyalty, and the loss of innocence. It stars Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, and Joe Pesci.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, and Vincent D'Onofro. The story follows a platoon of U.S. Marines as they go through boot camp and ultimately fight in the Vietnam War. The film focuses on two soldiers in particular, Private Joker and Private Pyle, as they face the horrors of war. The story follows their transformation from raw recruits to hardened soldiers, and the psychological toll it takes on them. The film also features a memorable performance from R. Lee Ermey as the hard-nosed drill instructor. Full Metal Jacket is a powerful and gripping portrayal of the Vietnam War that has become a classic in war films.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) is the sixth and final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, directed by Richard Marquand. In this thrilling conclusion to the epic saga, Luke Skywalker and his allies face off against the evil Galactic Empire, led by the sinister Emperor Palpatine. The Rebel Alliance launches a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from the dreaded crime lord Jabba the Hutt, while Luke confronts Darth Vader in a climactic lightsaber duel. Meanwhile, the Rebellion’s fleets prepare to attack the Empire’s second Death Star in order to prevent the Emperor from using it to destroy the galaxy. With the help of the powerful Force, Luke ultimately defeats Vader and redeems his father. The Rebel Alliance destroys the Death Star and its powerful weapon, bringing an end to the Empire’s reign of terror. The heroes of the Rebel Alliance celebrate their victory and look forward to a new beginning of peace and freedom in the galaxy.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. It stars Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana, who rises to become a powerful drug kingpin in 1980s Miami. Montana and his close friend Manny Ray (Steven Bauer) enter the cocaine trade and become major players in the criminal underworld, getting caught up in a violent drug war and forming dangerous alliances. When Montana's criminal activities and ruthless ambition begin to spiral out of control, his world crashes down around him. The film is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name and is widely considered a classic of the gangster genre.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

"Raging Bull" is an iconic 1980 biographical sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. The screenplay was written by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin. The film follows the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta (De Niro), a professional boxer from the Bronx, New York. It is a gritty and realistic portrayal of LaMotta's inner struggles as well as his achievements in the ring. The film also examines the relationship between LaMotta and his brother Joey (Joe Pesci), as well as his relationship with his wife Vikki (Cathy Moriarty). The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two: Best Actor and Best Editing. It was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1990. The film has become a classic and is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From David Lynch, starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud
Rated PG

The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama directed by David Lynch and starring John Hurt. The film follows the true story of John Merrick, a disfigured man in the late 19th century. Merrick is a Victorian freak show attraction who is rescued by the compassionate Dr. Frederick Treves. Treves gives John respect and dignity which leads to his integration into London society. Despite his newfound fame and acceptance, John must still grapple with the deep prejudice and misunderstanding that comes with his condition. The film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's capacity for both kindness and cruelty.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

Ran is a 1985 Japanese-language epic historical drama film, written and directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story is based on William Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear and follows the story of an aging warlord in feudal Japan who decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons. After much tension and civil war erupts, the warlord begins to realize the consequences of his actions and must find a way to restore peace to his kingdom. The film is set in 16th century Japan and features a cast of renowned actors, including Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu and Daisuke Ryu. It is widely praised for its cinematography, score, and color palette, which evoke the feeling of a classical Japanese period piece. It was nominated for eleven awards and won three at the 58th Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott
Rated PG-13

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1989, follows the iconic archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail and save his father, Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery). Along the way, Indy battles Nazis, overcomes obstacles, and forms unlikely alliances. With the help of his father, Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), and new friend, Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), Indy must recover the missing pieces of a mysterious map, unlock the secrets of the Grail, and save his father from the clutches of the Nazis, who are after the power of the Grail for their own evil plans.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Rated R

Die Hard is a classic action film from 1988, directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis. The story follows NYPD Detective John McClane (Willis) as he attempts to thwart a daring hostage-taking mission by a band of ruthless European terrorists in an office building in Los Angeles. As the terrorist leader Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) demands a large ransom, McClane must use his wits, skills, and determination to save both the hostages and the city. Along the way, he is aided by an unlikely ally, LAPD Sergeant Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson). Together, they embark on a mission to bring down Gruber and his cohorts and prove that there is no substitute for justice. Die Hard is an iconic film that has become a staple of the action genre and has spawned numerous sequels and imitators.

From John Carpenter, starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur
Rated R

The Thing is a 1982 American science-fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. Set in Antarctica, the film follows a group of American researchers as they encounter a parasitic extraterrestrial lifeform that assimilates and then imitates other organisms. An unknowable shape-shifting entity, the Thing infiltrates the researchers' camp and begins to assume their form and feed off of their flesh. The group must find a way to stop the parasite before it escapes and causes a global epidemic. With paranoia and mistrust growing among them, the researchers find themselves in a fight for survival against the Thing itself.

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

Gandhi is a biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough, portraying the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement during the 20th century. The film follows Gandhi’s life from his youth in India to his assassination in 1948. Through his struggles against prejudice and injustice, Gandhi leads the Indian people in their fight for independence from the British Empire. Along the way, he faces many challenges, including the Amritsar Massacre, the Salt March, and the Calcutta Fast. The film culminates with Gandhi’s assassination by an extremist Hindu. Throughout the film, Gandhi’s powerful message of peace, non-violence, and civil disobedience is highlighted, and his legacy as an icon of peace is cemented.

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Keith David
Rated R

Platoon is a 1986 Vietnam War film directed by Oliver Stone. It follows Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), a young, naive recruit in Vietnam who, over the course of his tour of duty, learns the harsh realities of war and its effect on his fellow soldiers. He is caught between two sides of a conflict, led by two men, Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger) and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe). The film follows Taylor as he experiences the violence, horror, and moral ambiguity of war, and how he must decide where his loyalty lies. In the end, the film deals with themes of loyalty, heroism, and the human cost of war.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bertil Guve, Pernilla Allwin, Kristina Adolphson, Börje Ahlstedt
Rated R

Fanny and Alexander is a 1982 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It tells the story of two siblings, Fanny and Alexander, who experience a major upheaval in their lives when their father suddenly dies, leaving them in the care of their new stepfather, who is a strict and authoritarian bishop. The siblings eventually find solace and joy in the form of their grandmother, who provides them with a warm and lively home. Throughout the film, the siblings' lives are filled with both joy and sorrow as they experience the complexities of family life. The film explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the importance of family, while offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age adventure comedy-drama film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell. The film tells the story of four boys in a small Oregon town who set out on a two-day journey to find the body of a missing child. Along their journey, they learn about friendship, responsibility, and the value of life. They struggle with personal issues, while facing external dangers, including a train, a gang of hoodlums, and a junkyard dog. At the end of their journey, the boys have grown closer and have a new appreciation for life.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the conservative and aristocratic Welton Academy, the story follows an English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students through his teachings of poetry and encourages them to "seize the day". Keating encourages his students to make their own choices in life and to live life to the fullest. The students are faced with difficult decisions as they struggle to balance their desire for individuality with the expectations of their parents, the administration and the school's traditions. The story culminates in tragedy as the boys are confronted with the harsh reality of their decisions. The film is a powerful look at the pressures faced by young men in a traditional educational setting and the effect it can have on their lives.