Top Movies 1986

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

Aliens is an action-packed sci-fi horror movie directed by James Cameron and released in 1986. It is the sequel to the popular horror movie Alien (1979). Set 57 years after the events of the first movie, the story follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the first movie, as she is reactivated from the deep sleep she was placed in at the end of the first movie. She is joined by a team of Space Marines, sent by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation to investigate the disappearance of colonists on the planet LV-426. As the team discovers the horrifying truth about what’s going on, Ripley must face an enemy more deadly and terrifying than anything she has ever encountered before. With intense action and suspense, Aliens is a thrilling science fiction classic.

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

Platoon is an Academy Award-winning 1986 war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, based on his experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War. It stars Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe. The film follows a young U.S. Army volunteer, Chris Taylor (Sheen) as he is dropped into the combat zone of Vietnam and quickly finds himself in the middle of a brutal war-zone. He experiences the horrors of war, witnessing the physical and psychological tolls it takes on his fellow soldiers and himself. As the war rages on, he is forced to choose between two sergeants (Berenger and Dafoe) who lead two drastically different styles of command and fight for control of the platoon. Ultimately, Taylor must decide which path to take in order to survive.

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

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Rob Reiner based on Stephen King's novella, The Body. The film follows a group of four best friends — Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern — who embark on a two-day journey to find the body of a missing boy in the small town of Castle Rock, Oregon. Along the way, they must face physical and emotional challenges while they build closer friendships and learn more about themselves. Through their journey, they must also confront the harsh realities of growing up and the importance of facing their fears.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, Minori Terada
Rated PG

Castle in the Sky is an action-adventure film directed by Hayao Miyazaki that follows the story of two children—Sheeta and Pazu—as they attempt to discover a mythical floating castle in the sky. Sheeta is pursued by pirates and government agents who seek the powerful crystal she bears, which she has inherited from her mother. With the help of Pazu, they manage to escape their pursuers and travel to Laputa, the legendary castle. Along the way, they discover a mystery surrounding the castle and its inhabitants, and they must use their wits, courage, and the power of the crystal to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. The movie is filled with amazing visuals, an unforgettable score, and an exciting story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Woody Allen, starring Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Michael Caine, Barbara Hershey
Rated PG-13

Hannah and Her Sisters is a 1986 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film tells the intertwined stories of an extended family over two years that begins and ends with a family Thanksgiving dinner. Hannah (Mia Farrow) is the middle sister of the family. Her life seems to be in perfect order, with a loving husband and successful career in television, yet she feels empty and unfulfilled. Her two sisters, Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Dianne Wiest), are both struggling with personal issues. Lee is a discontented housewife and aspiring artist, while Holly is a scatterbrained actress searching for purpose in her life. Along the way, Hannah and her sisters find strength and humor as they work through their respective issues and ultimately come out as better versions of themselves.

From John Hughes, starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones
Rated PG-13

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a classic iconic comedic movie directed by John Hughes. It follows the adventures of high schooler Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) as he plays hooky from school. With his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), Ferris embarks on a day of mischief and hilarity that includes a visit to a famous Chicago art museum, a joy ride in a Ferrari, and a rousing performance of "Twist and Shout" in a public parade. Along the way, Ferris' principal, Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), is hot on his trail trying to uncover his devious plan. In the end, Ferris proves that a day off school is possible for anyone with a little creativity and ambition.

From David Lynch, starring Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern
Rated R

Blue Velvet is an American mystery-thriller film directed by David Lynch and released in 1986. Set in the small town of Lumberton, North Carolina, the film follows Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) as he discovers a severed ear and follows clues to uncover a disturbing mystery involving a young nightclub singer, Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini), a violent gangster, Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper), and a strange presence known only as “the Lady in Blue” (Lara Flynn Boyle). In the process of uncovering the truth, Jeffrey discovers a darker and more sinister secret beneath the idyllic surface of his quaint hometown. With a haunting score and dream-like visuals, Blue Velvet is an exploration of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of the seemingly perfect town.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi
Rated R

Down by Law is a 1986 American independent film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. The film stars Tom Waits, John Lurie, and Roberto Benigni as three unrelated men who are arrested and sent to the same jail cell in Louisiana. Escaping the overcrowded cell and the oppressive law enforcement, they travel the backroads of the state, encountering a variety of offbeat characters and strange situations. As their journey progresses and they get to know each other, their relationships grow and blossom into friendship. With its heightened attention to atmosphere, humor, and characters, Down by Law is an unforgettable blend of comedy, drama, and independent cinema.

From David Cronenberg, starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz, Joy Boushel
Rated R

The Fly is a 1986 horror-drama film directed by David Cronenberg and starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz. The plot revolves around scientist Seth Brundle's attempt to create a teleportation device. However, a common housefly slips inside the machine during an experiment, merging the DNA of Seth and the fly and ultimately transforming him into a grotesque, human-fly hybrid. The film follows the progression of Seth's physical and psychological deterioration as his newfound abilities slowly turn him into a monster. As he struggles to accept and control his transformation, his relationship with his girlfriend Veronica takes a dramatic turn as she is forced to watch as the person she loves slowly slips away. In the end, Seth must come to terms with his transformation and find a way to undo it before he is completely taken over by the fly's genes.

From Oliver Stone, starring James Woods, Jim Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage
Rated R

From Roland Joffé, starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn
Rated PG

From David Anspaugh, starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley
Rated PG

From John Woo, starring Lung Ti, Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun-Fat, Emily Chu
Rated Not Rated

From Jim Henson, starring David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson
Rated PG

From Neil Jordan, starring Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Michael Caine, Robbie Coltrane
Rated R

From Michael Mann, starring William Petersen, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox
Rated R

From Robert Harmon, starring Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jeffrey DeMunn
Rated R

From Leos Carax, starring Michel Piccoli, Juliette Binoche, Denis Lavant, Hans Meyer
Rated Unrated

From Randa Haines, starring William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper Laurie, Philip Bosco
Rated R

From Directors: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, David Michener, John Musker, starring Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val Bettin, Susanne Pollatschek
Rated G

From John Carpenter, starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong
Rated PG-13

From Russell Mulcahy, starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart
Rated R

From Denys Arcand, starring Dominique Michel, Dorothée Berryman, Louise Portal, Pierre Curzi
Rated R

From Trevor Nunn, starring Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes, John Wood, Michael Hordern
Rated PG-13

From Walter Hill, starring Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, Jami Gertz, Joe Morton
Rated R