Top Movies Of 1987

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, based on the novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford. The film follows a group of U.S. Marines as they go through boot camp and then on to Vietnam for their tour of duty. The movie focuses on the experiences of two Marines, Private Joker and Private Cowboy, from the brutal boot camp training to their harrowing mission in Vietnam. Throughout their journey, the soldiers struggle to survive and make sense of the senselessness of the war. Full Metal Jacket is a powerful and visceral examination of the effects of war on individuals and societies.

From Louis Malle, starring Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg
Rated PG

Goodbye, Children is a French drama film directed by Louis Malle and released in 1987. The story is set in Nazi-occupied France in 1944 and follows two boys, Julien (Gaspard Manesse) and Jean (Raphaël Fejtö), as they attend a Catholic boarding school. Julien is a privileged student and an avid follower of Nazi ideology, while Jean is a Jew in hiding. The story follows their complex relationship as the boys grapple with the harsh realities of the war, their own personal struggles and the eventual fate of their friendship. Through Julien's journey from an innocent follower of Nazi ideology to a more nuanced understanding of morality, the film explores the effects of war on the young minds of its characters.

From Wim Wenders, starring Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander, Curt Bois
Rated PG-13

Wings of Desire is a 1987 romantic fantasy film about two angels, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander), who watch over the city of Berlin. Damiel is in love with a beautiful trapeze artist, Marion (Solveig Dommartin), and is drawn to her in a way that he has never experienced before. He decides to give up his divine form and become human so that he can be with her. The film follows Damiel as he navigates the human world and experiences the joys, sorrows, and complexities of being mortal. As the two angels watch over the city and its people, they are witnesses to the beauty and tragedy of life.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a classic fairy tale adventure directed by Rob Reiner. It follows the story of Buttercup (Robin Wright) a beautiful young woman, and Westley (Cary Elwes), her beloved farmhand. When Westley is reported dead, Buttercup reluctantly agrees to marry the odious Prince Humperdinck. However, before the wedding can take place, Buttercup is kidnapped by a band of mercenaries led by the criminal genius Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). To rescue her, Westley must face off against a series of dangerous opponents, including a giant named Fezzik (André the Giant) and a master swordsman named Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin). Along the way, Westley is aided by the mysterious Man in Black, who is later revealed to be his true love. The movie features plenty of action, comedy, and romance. The cast also includes Christopher Guest as the bizarre King, Billy Crystal as Miracle Max, and Carol Kane as Valerie. The Princess Bride is a timeless classic, and a beloved family favorite.

From Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith
Rated R

The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet. It stars Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia. The film follows the efforts of Treasury Agent Eliot Ness (Costner) in his attempt to bring down the notorious gangster Al Capone (De Niro) in Prohibition-era Chicago. Ness and his team of incorruptible agents, dubbed "The Untouchables", are tasked with stopping Capone and his mob from smuggling and selling illegal alcohol. The film follows Ness and his team as they struggle to battle the city's corruption and organized crime, while also dealing with the personal demons of each of their own lives. The Untouchables is based on a true story, and features several historical figures and locations, and won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Connery), Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography.

From John McTiernan, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Kevin Peter Hall, Elpidia Carrillo
Rated R

Predator is a 1987 sci-fi action movie directed by John McTiernan, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers. The plot follows a team of elite commandos, led by Schwarzenegger's character Dutch, who are sent to a remote Central American jungle to rescue hostages from a group of rebels. Unbeknownst to them, they are being stalked by an extraterrestrial creature, which is hunting them for sport. Despite their superior firepower and training, the commandos are no match for the Predator, who systematically kills them one by one. In the end, Dutch and his surviving team members, including Weathers' character Dillon, face off against the Predator in a desperate battle for their lives.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Rated PG

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 epic historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on J. G. Ballard's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. It stars Christian Bale as Jamie “Jim” Graham, a young English boy who is separated from his parents and subsequently finds himself alone in wartime Shanghai. During his desperate search to find his family, he is interned in a Japanese concentration camp where he must learn to survive among its harsh realities. With the help of a mysterious American prisoner of war, Jim eventually learns to endure his struggles and eventually triumphs over adversity with his newfound strength and understanding of life. The film follows Jamie’s transformation from an innocent child to a young adult, and emphasizes his courage and resilience in the face of extreme hardship.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is a 1987 biographical drama film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone as the titular emperor, Pu Yi. Set in the 20th century, the film follows Pu Yi as he lives through the fall of China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. After Pu Yi abdicates in 1912, he is imprisoned in the Forbidden City, eventually emerging as a puppet emperor under the control of the Japanese during World War II. After being liberated by the Red Army in 1945, Pu Yi is taken to a re-education camp and is eventually released from prison and is allowed to live in the ordinary world for the first time, struggling to adjust and find his place in the new society. The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva
Rated R

Evil Dead II is a 1987 black comedy horror film directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. It is a sequel to the 1981 cult classic horror film The Evil Dead, and serves as both a parody and a tribute to the horror genre. The plot follows Ash as he is transported back in time to the same cabin in the woods where he and his friends encountered the evil forces in the first film. He must battle the resurrected deadites, evil entities from beyond the grave, once again in order to save himself and the world. Aided by his “boomstick”, a chainsaw for his right hand, and an old shotgun, Ash must face his demons head-on in order to survive. The film is filled with dark humor and over-the-top violence, as well as impressive special effects, making it a cult classic.

From James Ivory, starring James Wilby, Rupert Graves, Hugh Grant, Denholm Elliott
Rated R

Maurice is a British drama film released in 1987, directed by James Ivory and adapted from the novel of the same name by E. M. Forster. It is set in England in the early decades of the 20th century and tells the story of Maurice Hall, a young man from an upper-class background struggling with his own homosexuality. Maurice is in love with his close friend Clive Durham, a privileged but troubled Cambridge student. The film follows Maurice and Clive's relationship as they navigate society's expectations, face homophobia, and ultimately, decide to be together despite the odds. Along the way they meet Alec Scudder, a working-class man who begins a tempestuous affair with Maurice. As the film progresses, Maurice must come to terms with his own identity and accept his feelings for Clive, despite the legal and social consequences. The film was highly praised for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of homosexuality in a repressive environment, and has since become a classic of British queer cinema.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox
Rated R

RoboCop is a 1987 science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film follows a police officer named Alex Murphy who is brutally murdered and then revived as a powerful cyborg law enforcement officer known as RoboCop. He is programmed to serve the public trust, protect the innocent, and uphold the law—all with the help of an artificial intelligence system. As RoboCop begins to regain his humanity, he discovers the corruption behind the company that created him and decides to take justice into his own hands. The film is a commentary on corporate greed, human nature, and the ethics of technology. The movie is considered to be a cult classic and is still highly regarded by critics.

From Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan
Rated R

Lethal Weapon is a 1987 American buddy cop action film directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as two mismatched police officers teamed up to investigate a drug smuggling and distribution ring. The story follows the two officers as they investigate a series of related murders, and eventually uncover a major drug smuggling operation. Along the way they must contend with a psychopathic former Special Forces operative, as well as a group of corrupt police officers. As they work together they form a strong bond, and eventually become close friends. The film is often credited as one of the most influential buddy cop films, and is the starting point for the Lethal Weapon franchise, which would later include three sequels and a television series.

From John Hughes, starring Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean
Rated R

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It stars Steve Martin as Neal Page, a high-strung marketing executive, and John Candy as Del Griffith, an ebullient shower curtain ring salesman, who are forced to travel together by a variety of transportation woes from New York City to Chicago in order to reach Neal's home in time for Thanksgiving. Along the way, Neal and Del endure a series of misadventures, including their rental car being stolen, their money being stolen, and them being kicked off a train. The film follows the duo as they attempt to reach their destination, encountering an array of characters and situations along the way. The film culminates with Neal and Del finally reaching Chicago and reuniting Neal with his family for Thanksgiving.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Josette Simon, Wabei Siyolwe
Rated PG

From Percy Adlon, starring Marianne Sägebrecht, CCH Pounder, Jack Palance, Christine Kaufmann
Rated PG

From Woody Allen, starring Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Mike Starr, Paul Herman
Rated PG

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover
Rated R

From Barry Levinson, starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tom. T. Tran, Chintara Sukapatana
Rated R

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson, John Goodman
Rated PG-13

From Alan Parker, starring Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
Rated X

From Joel Schumacher, starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Barnard Hughes
Rated R

From James L. Brooks, starring William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter, Robert Prosky
Rated R

From David Mamet, starring Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, Lilia Skala
Rated R

From Norman Jewison, starring Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello
Rated PG

From Mel Brooks, starring Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman
Rated PG