Top 100 Movies Of The 80s

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

Dekalog is a series of ten short films by acclaimed director Krzysztof Kieślowski, inspired by the Ten Commandments. Set in a bleak and unforgiving Poland in the late 1980s, each film focuses on a different moral dilemma closely linked to one of the Ten Commandments as experienced by the people living on a housing estate in Warsaw. The films explore themes of love, guilt, responsibility, faith, death, fate, and family. The stories are filled with tragedy, beauty, and moral complexity, as the characters grapple with their choices and the consequences of their actions. Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, and Aleksander Bardini lead the ensemble cast. The films have been highly praised for their subtlety and emotional depth, and for their exploration of the human condition. Dekalog is widely considered to be among the greatest films of the 20th century.

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. It is the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, and the fifth episode of the "Star Wars" saga. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Frank Oz. The story follows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and their allies as they continue the fight against the Galactic Empire. After the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire has adopted a new strategy and launched a surprise attack on the Rebel Alliance. Now, the Rebels must fight for their survival against the relentless Empire. Meanwhile, Luke continues his Jedi training with the enigmatic Jedi Master Yoda, while Han and Leia struggle to keep their growing love alive. As the powerful Empire closes in, the heroes of the Rebel Alliance must find a way to save the galaxy and restore freedom and justice.

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

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian drama directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film tells the story of Salvatore, a successful film director who returns to his Sicilian hometown for the funeral of Alfredo, his mentor and the projectionist at the local cinema. Through flashbacks, memories, and conversations with people from his past, Salvatore is able to reflect on his childhood spent at the cinema with Alfredo, and the impact the place had on his life. The film is a tribute to the power of cinema and the influence of mentors, showing how the stories of the big screen can shape one's life. Cinema Paradiso was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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

Back to the Future is a 1985 science fiction comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis. It stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time 30 years to the 1950s, where he meets his parents as teenagers and must ensure that they fall in love or else he will never exist. With the help of an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must find a way to get back to his present day before it’s too late. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and a few dangerous enemies, all while trying to fit in to the 1950s lifestyle. The film is an adventure that is equal parts comedic and heartfelt, and its success spawned two sequels as well as a television series.

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

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 animated war drama film directed by Isao Takahata. The film follows the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive during the final months of World War II in Japan. With their mother dead and their father off fighting in the war, they are left to fend for themselves. As they search for food, shelter, and safety during this chaotic time, they come to understand the importance of family and the devastating effects of war. Though the film centers around a sorrowful story, it is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

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

Amadeus is a biographical period drama about the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It follows the story of Antonio Salieri, an aspiring composer living in Vienna, who is consumed with jealousy as he realizes that a young and reckless Mozart has been blessed with an incredible gift of genius. Throughout the film, Salieri seeks to sabotage Mozart's success, while also trying to gain recognition for himself. In the end, he is forced to face the reality that his own mediocrity cannot compare to the brilliance of Mozart's music, and comes to terms with his own envy and admiration. Amadeus is an exploration of the power and influence of music, as well as a reflection of the life and times of one of the greatest composers in history.

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 a 1981 American action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Harrison Ford as the titular character, an archeology professor and adventurer searching for the Ark of the Covenant, a biblical artifact believed to contain the Ten Commandments. Along the way, he fights a variety of villains, including Nazis, and teams up with rival archaeologist Marion Ravenwood, who helps him find the Ark. The film follows the two as they travel from Nepal to Egypt, encountering various dangers and adventure along the way. In the end, Indiana Jones is able to find the Ark and prevent it from falling into the hands of the Nazis.

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

The Boat is a 1981 German drama film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Set in the years leading up to World War II, it tells the story of a family of four who leave their small, rural village in Germany and purchase a boat, which they use as a means of escape from the growing threat of Nazism. The father, Lorenz, is determined to protect his family, but no matter how hard he tries, the war eventually catches up to them. Throughout the film, Lorenz and his family are forced to confront the dangers they face and make difficult decisions, while ultimately fighting to stay afloat amid the turmoil of war.

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, Michael Biehn, and Carrie Henn. Set in the year 2179, the story follows Ellen Ripley (Weaver) as she returns to the planet LV-426, where her encounter with an alien species left her floating in space 57 years earlier. Accompanied by a unit of Colonial Marines, Ripley must fight for her life against the hostile aliens as she searches for the remaining survivors of the original mission. With a mixture of action, horror, and humor, Aliens is considered one of the greatest action films of all time and a cinematic masterpiece.

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

The Shining is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1977 novel of the same name written by Stephen King. It stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, Shelley Duvall as his wife Wendy, and Danny Lloyd as their son, Danny. The film follows the Torrance family as they move into the isolated and haunted Overlook Hotel for the winter, where Jack is set to be the caretaker. After getting settled in, things start to take a dark turn as Jack slowly descends into madness, as the hotel's supernatural forces begin to manipulate and haunt him. Wendy and Danny must find a way to escape before Jack's insanity destroys them all.

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

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro and James Woods. The film follows the life of Jewish mobsters from childhood to early adulthood in 1920s New York City, through their rise and fall in a crime syndicate. The story is told in a dream-like, non-linear narrative, which traces the life of the main character, Noodles, from the late 1920s to the late 1960s. Throughout the film, Noodles and his friends struggle to stay alive and build a criminal empire, while also battling their inner demons and the corrupting power of money. By the end of the movie, Noodles is an old man facing a life-changing decision that will ultimately determine his fate. The film is widely regarded as a classic of the gangster genre and is noted for its ambitious scope and Leone's meticulous attention to detail.

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

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is an adaptation of the novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford. The movie follows a group of U.S. Marines through their intense training and eventual deployment to Vietnam. The movie begins with the Marines going through boot camp under the guidance of the strict and abusive drill instructor Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey). After training is complete, the Marines are sent to Vietnam and encounter relentless enemy fire. They experience psychological and physical trauma as they fight their way through the jungle. As the movie progresses, the Marines become hardened veterans who are no longer bound by their initial innocence and idealism. The movie is widely lauded for its realistic portrayal of the psychological effects of war and how soldiers cope with the horrors of battle. Its themes of duty, loyalty and morality remain relevant today and make Full Metal Jacket a timeless classic.

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

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi is the sixth and final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy. After rescuing Han Solo from the crime lord Jabba the Hutt, the rebels prepare to attack the Empire's new Death Star in order to destroy it and its ruler, Emperor Palpatine. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker must face his father, Darth Vader, in a final confrontation in order to redeem him. The battle between the Rebellion and the Empire rages in space and on the forest moon of Endor, where the rebels must defeat the Imperial army and its new weapon, the Death Star. Luke confronts Vader in a lightsaber duel and ultimately succeeds in turning him back to the light side of the Force. With Vader's help, the rebels eventually succeed in destroying the Death Star, thus ending the Empire's reign of terror. With the victory, the heroes celebrate the end of the war and the restoration of freedom to the galaxy.

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

Scarface is a 1983 crime film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana. The film follows Montana as he immigrates to the United States and builds a powerful crime empire in Miami. Along the way, Montana deals with corrupt politicians, rival drug lords, and his own violent temper. Despite the obstacles, Montana becomes one of the most powerful drug lords in the city, building a massive fortune and gaining a certain level of notoriety. But, as his empire grows, so does his paranoia and his enemies, leading to a dramatic confrontation between Montana and his enemies. The film is an exploration of ambition, greed, and power and is widely considered a modern classic.

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

Raging Bull is a 1980 biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, an Italian American middleweight boxer whose self-destructive behavior and volatile temper destroy his relationship with his wife and family. The film follows LaMotta's career as a boxer and his struggles outside the ring with his family, friends, and the mob. Raging Bull is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and is based on Jake LaMotta's memoirs. The film masterfully captures themes of violence, rage, and redemption, making it a timeless classic.

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 based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th-century London. John Hurt stars as Merrick, a sideshow freak who is rescued from his cruel captors by Dr. Frederick Treves, played by Anthony Hopkins. Through Treves’s compassion, Merrick is able to escape his cruel fate, and is brought to London Hospital to be studied by the medical profession. Merrick is embraced by the compassionate people of London, including the hospital staff, but is continually plagued by fear and misunderstanding from those unaware of his gentle nature. Ultimately, Merrick’s newfound circle of friends is unable to shelter him from the prejudice of society, and Merrick dies at the age of 27. The Elephant Man is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking drama that remains an important part of cinema history.

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

Ran is a 1985 Japanese epic period drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. Set in feudal Japan, it tells the story of an elderly warlord, Hidetora Ichimonji, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons, igniting an internal struggle that ultimately leads to his downfall. As the story progresses, Hidetora's actions have unforeseen consequences that lead to tragedy and chaos as each son turns against the other in a violent struggle for control of the kingdom. The film stars Tatsuya Nakadai as Hidetora and features an acclaimed soundtrack composed by Toru Takemitsu. Through its exploration of themes such as ambition, betrayal, and the cycle of revenge, the film is a classic example of Japanese cinema, and it is considered by many to be Kurosawa's greatest work.

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

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1989. In it, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a quest to locate his missing father, Henry Jones, Sr. (Sean Connery), and retrieve the mythical Holy Grail before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, Indy must contend with his father's old nemesis, the Nazi Colonel Vogel (Julian Glover); the mysterious and dangerous Grail Knight (Robert Eddison); and his own attraction to the beautiful Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody). With the help of his father, Indy is eventually able to locate and recover the Grail, but at great cost. The film ends with a touching reunion between father and son.

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

Die Hard is a 1988 action film directed by John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York City police officer who is on vacation in Los Angeles. When a group of highly organized criminals led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) take over a high-rise building where McClane's wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) is attending a Christmas party, McClane must find a way to stop them and save the hostages. With the help of Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson (Paul Gleason), McClane fights off the terrorists in a series of thrilling action sequences, ultimately emerging victorious.

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

The Thing is a 1982 science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter, starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David. The film follows an American research team in Antarctica as they are confronted by a parasitic extraterrestrial lifeform that assimilates and then imitates other organisms. After a bloody battle, the creature is ultimately destroyed, but not before it has managed to take on various shapes and forms, forcing the team to rely on their own ingenuity, strength, and courage to survive. The Thing serves as a classic example of the horror genre, featuring intense suspense, nail-biting tension, and gruesome special effects. Ultimately, the film serves as a cautionary tale, as the team discovers the value of trusting one another, while also reminding us of the dangers posed by an unknown and powerful enemy.

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

Gandhi (1982) is a biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The film follows the life of Gandhi from his childhood to his death in 1948. It explores the struggles he faced as he fought for Indian independence from the British Empire, his unorthodox methods of peaceful protest, his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, and his ever-evolving moral code. Along the way, the film addresses many of his most famous achievements, such as the Salt March, the Dandi March, and the Indian Partition. The film features an all-star cast, including John Gielgud, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, and Martin Sheen. The movie was a critical success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

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

Platoon is a 1986 American war film directed and written by Oliver Stone. It stars Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen. The film follows a young U.S. Army volunteer, Chris Taylor (Sheen), who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Through various harrowing events, he learns the harsh realities of the war and the differences between his own idealistic expectations and the realities of combat. The film also explores the effects of the war on the soldiers, as well as their relationships with one another and their relationship to their commanding officers. Ultimately, the film is an unflinching exploration of the psychological and psychological toll of war.

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

Fanny and Alexander is an epic family saga directed by Ingmar Bergman. It tells the story of two siblings, Fanny and Alexander, who live with their affluent family in a large, beautiful home in Uppsala, Sweden. After their father's death, their mother remarries a strict and oppressive bishop and their lives soon become a living hell. They become prisoners in their own home, and their freedom and happiness are threatened. Through the power of imagination, love, and courage, Fanny and Alexander eventually find a way to escape from the bishop's oppressive control and return home to their loving grandmother. This film is a celebration of life, imagination, and family. It is also a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, loss, and transformation.

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

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novella The Body by Stephen King. The film follows a group of four boys—Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern—who set out on an adventure to find the body of a missing boy in order to become famous. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and confront their fears, learning lessons about friendship, loyalty, and growing up. Ultimately, their journey brings them closer together and they discover the true meaning of friendship.

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

Dead Poets Society is an Academy Award-winning film directed by Peter Weir. Set in 1959 at an all-boys prep school in New England, it follows the story of English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, who encourages his students to look at life from a different perspective. Keating uses unconventional teaching methods, such as having his students stand on their desks to look at things from a different angle, to inspire them to think for themselves and break free from societal expectations. Through Keating's influence, the students learn to form their own club, the Dead Poets Society, to explore poetry and other aspects of life. The boys ultimately challenge the school administration's strict rules and expectations and in the process learn to live life on their own terms. Despite the ultimate tragedy of the film, the boys continue to remember and honor Keating's legacy.