Top Movies 1989

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

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" follows archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Accompanied by his father, Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), Indy faces dangerous obstacles in his search, including Nazi agents and a band of fanatical Grail-seekers. Along the way, Indy must rely on his wits and courage as he races against time to find the Cup of Christ before it falls into the wrong hands. The action-packed adventure culminates in a showdown between Indy and the Nazis, as Indy races to save his father and the world.

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

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film written by Tom Schulman, directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The story follows the life of the new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), who returns to Welton Academy after graduating from the same school. He encourages his students to break out of the traditional mold of conformity and to go against the status quo. Through his unorthodox teaching methods, he encourages his students to find their own voices, to stand up for what they believe in, and to make their lives extraordinary. The film has a strong moral message, exploring themes of individualism, freedom of expression, conformity, passion, and romance. Ultimately, it encourages the students to "seize the day" and make the most out of life. It was a huge success at the box office and was nominated for four Academy Awards.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 drama film directed by Barry Levinson and starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. The story follows the relationship between Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a young self-centered yuppie, and Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman), his autistic older brother. Charlie had been estranged from his father for many years and learns that his father has recently passed away, leaving his entire estate to Raymond. Despite his initial irritation, Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution where he has been living and takes him cross-country in an attempt to gain control of the inheritance. Along the way, Charlie discovers that Raymond has an extraordinary ability with numbers and takes advantage of this to win at Las Vegas blackjack tables. The two brothers eventually come to terms with one another and Charlie realizes the importance of family.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a biographical drama film based on the life of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy. It follows Christy's life from childhood to adulthood, as he struggles to overcome his physical disability and establish himself as an artist and writer. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Christy develops a talent for painting and writing with his left foot, and finds an outlet for his creativity and intelligence. He is supported by his loving family and a dedicated doctor, who recognize his potential and help him to realize his dreams. With their help, Christy discovers a newfound strength and determination to make something of his life, transcending his physical limitations and inspiring others with his story.

From Spike Lee, starring Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson
Rated R

Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Spike Lee. It stars Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film tells the story of a Brooklyn neighborhood's simmering racial tension, which culminates in tragedy on the hottest day of the summer. The film is set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn on the hottest day of the summer, when tensions between the local black residents and the Italian-American owners of the local pizzeria come to a head. The film explores a variety of issues including race, religion, family and community. The film received wide critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.

From Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

Glory is a 1989 American war drama film starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, and Morgan Freeman. The film tells the true story of Robert Gould Shaw, an officer in the Union army during the American Civil War, and the all-black 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment he led. The regiment musters courage and sacrifice to fight in the Union cause, despite lacking recognition and support from the government. Through the course of the war, Shaw and the soldiers of the 54th face adversity and triumph, ultimately leading to a pivotal and heroic battle at Fort Wagner. The film was directed by Edward Zwick and was a critical and commercial success, garnering numerous awards, including three Academy Awards.

From Woody Allen, starring Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Bill Bernstein, Claire Bloom
Rated PG-13

Crimes and Misdemeanors is a 1989 drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film tells two stories of moral dilemmas; one involves Judah Rosenthal (Martin Landau), a successful ophthalmologist whose brother Jack (Jerry Orbach) has caught him in an adulterous affair. Judah then arranges for his mistress to be murdered. In the second storyline, documentary filmmaker Cliff Stern (Woody Allen) is struggling to finish a film about a self-righteous moralist (played by Alan Alda) while his own romantic woes take a toll on him. Both stories are masterfully intertwined and explore the effects of guilt, moral corruption, and the consequences of our decisions. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

From Rob Reiner, starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
Rated R

When Harry Met Sally... is a romantic comedy about two people who try to maintain a platonic relationship, despite their undeniable chemistry. Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) first meet on a road trip from Chicago to New York and become friends. Despite their differing views on relationships and love, they stay in touch over the years. As their friendship develops, they struggle to remain just friends, and eventually make the transition to lovers. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about relationships, and find out that sometimes love is right in front of you all along.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
Rated G

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 animated musical fantasy romantic comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The 28th Disney animated feature film, it is loosely based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows the travails of a mermaid princess named Ariel, who dreams of becoming human, and falls in love with a human prince named Eric. After a bargain with an evil sea witch, Ariel gives up her voice to become human and, with the help of her friends, attempts to win the prince's love. The film features songs written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, with additional music written by Menken and additional lyrics by Glenn Slater, with a score composed by Thomas Newman. Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett, and Rene Auberjonois provide the film's voice cast. The Little Mermaid was released to theaters on November 17, 1989, to critical and financial success, becoming the first Disney animated film to gross over $100 million at the box office. The film also won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original

From Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Simon Shepherd, James Larkin
Rated PG-13

Henry V is a 1989 film directed by Kenneth Branagh and based on the play by William Shakespeare. The film follows King Henry V of England as he leads his troops into battle against the French during the Hundred Years' War. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Henry's forces are able to defeat the French at the Battle of Agincourt. While his victory is celebrated throughout England, it also serves to strengthen his rule over the country. The film also explores Henry's relationships with those around him, including his closest advisers, his childhood companion Falstaff, and his love interest Princess Katharine. Ultimately, Henry is able to find a balance between his obligations as king and his personal desires.

From James Cameron, starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester
Rated PG-13

The Abyss is a 1989 science fiction film directed by James Cameron and starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn. The film follows a team of deep-sea oil drillers as they are sent to investigate an underwater nuclear submarine crash. However, things quickly get complicated as the group encounters an unknown species of extraterrestrial life deep below the ocean's surface. As the team struggles to survive and make sense of the strange events occurring on the ocean floor, they come to realize that the human race is on the brink of destruction unless they can work together to save the planet. Ultimately, they must rely on their courage and ingenuity to survive and to prevent the destruction of the world.

From Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Burt Lancaster. The film follows an Iowa farmer (Costner) who, after hearing a mysterious voice one night, takes it upon himself to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield, despite the objections of his wife, family and the local townspeople. The film explores themes of fathers and sons, second chances, and redemption. As the farmer continues to build, he begins to attract the ghosts of some of the game's most legendary players, including the character played by Jones. In the end, the farmer ultimately discovers that the field he has built is a place for people to come and find healing and reconciliation.

From Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl
Rated PG-13

Batman (1989) is a superhero film directed by Tim Burton, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The film stars Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne, a billionaire industrialist and philanthropist who moonlights as the vigilante known as Batman. He is joined by Kim Basinger as photojournalist Vicki Vale and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, a psychotic criminal mastermind. The film follows Bruce Wayne as he takes on the criminal element in Gotham City, led by the Joker. With the help of his butler Alfred, Bruce Wayne learns the skills he needs to become Batman and protect the citizens of Gotham. He does battle with the Joker, who has devised a plan to spread chaos in Gotham City, and eventually defeats him. The film also features Alfred, Wayne's love interest Vicki Vale, and his trusted confidantes Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordon. Batman goes on to become a symbol of justice and hope for the citizens of Gotham City, while the Joker is sent to Arkham Asylum, a high-security psychiatric hospital. The film is a classic example of Burton's dark and gothic style, and it was a major success, earning over $411 million at the box office.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James Le Gros, Heather Graham
Rated R

From Cameron Crowe, starring John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor
Rated PG-13

From Bruce Beresford, starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd, Patti LuPone
Rated PG

From Steven Soderbergh, starring James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher, Laura San Giacomo
Rated R

From Michael Lehmann, starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava
Rated R

From Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Patsy Kensit
Rated R

From David S. Ward, starring Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton
Rated R

From Brian De Palma, starring Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn, Don Harvey, John C. Reilly
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

From Euzhan Palcy, starring Donald Sutherland, Janet Suzman, Zakes Mokae, Jürgen Prochnow
Rated R

From Steve Kloves, starring Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, Beau Bridges, Ellie Raab
Rated R