Top Movies Of 1988

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. Set in the Japanese city of Kobe during the final months of World War II, the film tells the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two Japanese children whose lives are disrupted by the war. When an American firebombing raid separates the two, Seita is left to care for his four-year-old sister alone. Despite his best efforts, Seita is unable to find enough food or shelter to keep himself and his sister alive. The film follows their struggle to survive during the devastating aftermath of the war. The film received critical acclaim for its realistic and detailed portrayal of the effects of war on ordinary people.

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

Cinema Paradiso is a 1988 Italian drama film written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It tells the story of Salvatore, a film projectionist, and his lifelong passion for cinema. Salvatore is an introverted boy growing up in a small Sicilian village in the 1950s. He is fascinated by the local cinema, and forms a close bond with the projectionist, Alfredo. When the cinema catches fire, Alfredo saves the reels of films, and reopens the cinema outside the village. Salvatore eventually grows up and leaves for Rome, but he is still haunted by childhood memories of Alfredo and the cinema. Through flashbacks, the film portrays Salvatore's journey as he comes to terms with his past and embraces the joy of cinema.

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

Die Hard is a classic American action movie directed by John McTiernan and released in 1988. The movie stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, an NYPD officer who is visiting his estranged wife at her office party in Los Angeles. When the building is taken over by a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), John is forced to take action to save the hostages and defeat the terrorists. With the help of Sgt. Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) and FBI agent (William Atherton), John fights the terrorists with wit, cunning and sheer determination to overcome overwhelming odds. In the end, John is triumphant and the terrorists are defeated. Die Hard is considered to be one of the classic action movies of all time, with its thrilling action sequences and memorable one-liners.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a classic fantasy film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows two young sisters, Mei and Satsuki, who move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother. During their stay, they befriend magical forest spirits, most notably the mysterious and adorable creature known as Totoro. The girls embark on a series of magical adventures with Totoro and his companions, discovering a secret world hidden within their rural surroundings. As they explore, they learn the importance of living in harmony with nature and the power of friendship and family. Both charming and uplifting, My Neighbor Totoro is an enduring classic that has delighted generations of viewers, young and old.

From Errol Morris, starring Randall Adams, David Harris, Gus Rose, Jackie Johnson
Rated Not Rated

The Thin Blue Line is a 1988 documentary film directed by Errol Morris, chronicling the story of Randall Dale Adams, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The documentary follows Morris as he investigates the 1976 murder of Dallas police officer Robert Wood, and the subsequent trial and conviction of Adams. After interviewing the police, witnesses, and the defendants involved, Morris reveals serious flaws in the investigation, and presents strong evidence in support of Adams' innocence. The film is credited with overturning Adams' conviction and sparking increased attention to wrongful convictions in the United States.

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

Rain Man is a 1988 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, and tells the story of an abrasive and selfish young wheeler-dealer, Charlie Babbitt (Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Hoffman), an autistic savant whom Charlie never knew existed. Charlie is determined to gain control of his father's fortune. He tracks down Raymond in an institution and kidnaps him, hoping to use him to gain a share of the estate of his father. Against his will, Charlie takes Raymond on a cross-country trip from Cincinnati to Los Angeles. As they start to bond, Raymond's remarkable capabilities come to light and they eventually develop a strong and loving relationship. Charlie ultimately comes to understand the importance of family and how his previously disregarded autistic brother can enrich his life.

From Katsuhiro Ôtomo, starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Rated R

Akira is a 1988 science-fiction anime film directed by Katsuhiro Ôtomo. Set in a post-apocalyptic world of Neo-Tokyo, the story follows Shōtarō Kaneda, leader of a local biker gang, as he attempts to rescue his childhood friend Tetsuo Shima from a secret government project. Tetsuo develops powerful psychic abilities and is abducted by the military in an attempt to harness his powers for their own use. Shōtarō and his gang must battle against the government forces in order to save Tetsuo from himself and from the government's sinister plans. Along the way, they uncover an old government conspiracy linking the mysterious "Akira" to a catastrophic event that destroyed Tokyo decades earlier. The film is highly acclaimed for its visual style and its far-reaching influence on the anime industry.

From Alan Parker, starring Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif
Rated R

Mississippi Burning is a 1988 period drama film directed by Alan Parker, set in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. The story follows two FBI agents, Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe), who are sent to investigate the disappearance of three civil rights workers. During their investigation, they encounter strong resistance from local law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan. As Anderson and Ward uncover more evidence, they realize that the disappearance of the three men is just the tip of the iceberg, and they must find a way to get justice in a deeply entrenched system of racism and corruption.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action/animated comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman. The film stars Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, and Charles Fleischer, with the voices of Alan Tilvern and June Foray. The plot follows a private detective who must exonerate a cartoon rabbit accused of murder in an effort to save the Toontown animation community. The film, set in 1947 Los Angeles, features a blend of live-action and animation. Toons interact with live-action characters, as well as each other, in the fictional Los Angeles neighborhood called Toontown. Private detective Eddie Valiant is hired to investigate an alleged affair between a toon, Roger Rabbit, and the wife of a popular cartoonist. After Roger is accused of murder, Valiant attempts to prove his innocence. In the process, the detective discovers a villainous plot to ruin Toontown and its inhabitants. The film was released to critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1988 in the United States and grossing over $330 million worldwide. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. It is also considered to be one of the

From Sidney Lumet, starring River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry
Rated PG-13

Running on Empty is a 1988 drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, and Judd Hirsch. The story follows the lives of the Pope family, and how their fugitive life of the past 18 years has taken a toll on the family. When their son, Danny, is accepted into a prestigious music conservatory, his parents, Annie and Arthur, must decide whether to continue running or to finally reveal their true identity and face the consequences. Despite their attempts to keep Danny away from the truth, he eventually discovers their past and must come to terms with his parents' choices. The film explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the complexities of family relationships. As Danny faces his parents' past and his own future, the Pope family must confront their choices and search for redemption.

From David Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, O.J. Simpson, Ricardo Montalban
Rated PG-13

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is a 1988 American comedy directed by David Zucker. Starring Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling Frank Drebin, the film follows him as he attempts to foil a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Los Angeles. With the help of Nordberg (George Kennedy), Drebin must uncover the true identity of the mysterious villain behind the assassination attempt. Along the way, Drebin comes face-to-face with his true love Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley) and encounters a series of comedic misadventures. Through his dodgy detective work, Drebin manages to foil the plot and save the Queen in the end. The Naked Gun is a classic comedy that still holds up to this day.

From Stephen Frears, starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz
Rated R

Dangerous Liaisons is a 1988 period drama directed by Stephen Frears. Set in pre-revolutionary France, the film follows the manipulative and seductive Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) as they attempt to outwit one another in a game of seduction and betrayal. Merteuil and Valmont become involved in a series of dangerous liaisons involving Merteuil's former lover and Valmont's current target, the beautiful, innocent Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer). As the game progresses, Valmont and Merteuil's mutual rivalry and manipulation leads to a tragic ending. The film is a faithful adaptation of the French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, and features a stellar cast of actors.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Paul Greco
Rated R

The Last Temptation of Christ is a 1988 film directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film follows Jesus Christ as he struggles with his faith and the temptations of the devil. Jesus is portrayed as a human being with thoughts, feelings, and temptations, and is tempted by Satan to give up his divine mission of redemption. The film also explores Jesus' relationships with Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot, as well as his inner struggles with his faith and his doubts about his mission. Ultimately, Jesus chooses to remain faithful to his mission, and is crucified for his faith.

From Directors: Charles Crichton, John Cleese, starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin
Rated R

A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 comedy film starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin and John Cleese. The film follows the story of four eccentric Londoners – con artists Wanda Gershwitz (Curtis), her lover Otto West (Kline), and a pair of bungling thieves, Archie Leach (Palin) and Ken Pile (Cleese). After a successful diamond heist, the foursome find themselves pitted against each other in a game of deceit, manipulation and double-crossing. When Wanda and Otto realize they have been double-crossed, they enlist the help of barrister George Thomason (Tom Georgeson) to help them get the diamonds back. With the help of an animal rights activist (Maria Aitken), the group sets out to outwit the criminals and reclaim the diamonds. In the end, the group manages to get the diamonds back and Wanda and Otto decide to stay together, despite their differences.

From Tim Burton, starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Annie McEnroe
Rated PG

Beetlejuice is a 1988 fantasy-comedy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, a mischevious and mischievous ghost. The film follows a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who become ghosts and hire Beetlejuice to help them scare away the family who just moved into their home. Along the way, Beetlejuice wreaks havoc, creating chaos and mayhem wherever he goes. With the help of a devious demon named Betelgeuse, the Maitlands must ultimately battle to save their souls from being trapped forever in the mortal world.

From Martin Brest, starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton
Rated R

Midnight Run is a 1988 action comedy directed by Martin Brest and starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. The film follows bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) as he is hired by bail bondsman Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano) to track down and bring in Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin), a Mafia accountant who has stolen fifteen million dollars and is now on the run. Walsh manages to locate The Duke and embarks on a daring cross-country race against crime boss Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina) and the FBI to return Mardukas to Los Angeles. Along the way, Walsh and Mardukas develop a grudging respect for each other, and The Duke is able to prove his innocence and clear Jack's name. In the end, Jack and The Duke reach Los Angeles in time, and Jack is rewarded with a large sum of money for his efforts.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano, Rossy de Palma
Rated R

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a 1988 Spanish comedy-drama film directed by Pedro Almodóvar. It follows the story of Pepa (Carmen Maura), a television actress whose live-in lover Ivan (Fernando Guillén) has just left her. Pepa is determined to find him and discover why he left. She enlists the help of her friend Candela (Maria Barranco) and her ex-husband’s lawyer (Antonio Banderas). Along the way, they encounter a series of strange and funny characters, all of whom seem to be linked in some way to Pepa's lost love. The film ultimately reveals a web of hidden secrets, lies, and affairs that culminates in an explosive finale. Featuring wild and colorful visuals, an eclectic soundtrack, and witty dialogue, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a classic of Spanish cinema.

From Don Bluth, starring Pat Hingle, Gabriel Damon, Helen Shaver, Bill Erwin
Rated G

From Terence Davies, starring Pete Postlethwaite, Freda Dowie, Angela Walsh, Dean Williams
Rated PG-13

From Mike Leigh, starring Phil Davis, Ruth Sheen, Edna Doré, Philip Jackson
Rated PG

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard
Rated PG

From Philip Kaufman, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin, Derek de Lint
Rated R

From John Sayles, starring John Cusack, Clifton James, Jace Alexander, Gordon Clapp
Rated PG

From David Cronenberg, starring Jeremy Irons, Geneviève Bujold, Heidi von Palleske, Barbara Gordon
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh
Rated PG