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When it comes to movies, the 1980s were a unique time. After the conflict-filled 1970s, American society started making lots of cash in the 80s.
Music was going in wild new directions, as was this new thing called MTV. Cable television started to permeate the suburbs in every American community, and suddenly the world was starting to be connected in new and profound ways.
It was in this world, where some of the most memorable American films were made. There were original comedies, action movies, science fiction films, and much more.
One ubiquitous thing that was inescapable about the 1980s – and this translated into the films of the time period as well – was the manic energy. While it is nearly impossible to pick the absolute best 80s movies without leaving out someone’s favorite – we have distilled the decade down into ten of the must-see classics that everyone should watch.
Our Top Pick
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
There may not be a movie that better personifies the shifting climate and endless fun of the 1980s, than Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Taking place all within about 12 hours, the film is also a love letter to the city of Chicago.
Penned by John Hughes in basically one long weekend, the film is remembered so fondly for its irreverent, kind-hearted look at the world – as well as for its endlessly replayable dialogue. There was an attempt at making it a TV show, but it did not really go anywhere.
You can’t really catch lightning in a bottle twice, as the saying goes, and Ferris Bueller was just one of those perfect storms where everything came together at the right time, and worked perfectly. The film has been referenced in ads, songs, emblazoned on t-shirts, and still permeates through popular culture. One of the finest films ever committed to celluloid.
Other Great Picks
Blue Velvet
Pretty much the exact opposite of Ferris Bueller, despite being made at almost the exact same time, Blue Velvet is a cinematic masterpiece. David Lynch always had a much darker view of American life, and it’s all captured in his magnum opus here.
While Lynch arguably made better films, more accessible films, and more plot-driven films – this one is the one that will haunt you for years. Gorgeously shot, perfectly pace, and unsettlingly creepy – it’s the details and shocking oddness that will fuel your nightmares for decades to come.
A very good primer for what was to come in the phenomenon of Twin Peaks just a few years later, Blue Velvet is one of the landmarks of American cinema, for the entire 20th century. It was almost a perfect foretelling of what was to come in the 1990s, as well. Highly recommended.
The Breakfast Club
John Hughes was on fire throughout the 1980s, and The Breakfast Club is by far his most serious film from the time period. Taking the same premise as Ferris Bueller (having the whole film take place in just one single 12 hour time period) – but distilling it down even further, as the entire film takes place inside a school library – Hughes was able to craft a quintessential masterpiece.
The film resonates today due to the honest portrayal of teenager’s lives and problems, which are just as accurate now, as they were when the film was released. Hughes should also be lauded for covering female issues in an honest way – a true rarity at the time.
While we all have our own favorite characters, the film displays each genre of teenager absolutely perfectly – whether you want to see a jock, a misfit, a nerd, a popular girl, or a weirdo – it’s all unflinchingly displayed here. There is pretty much nothing bad you can say about this film, and it’s also anthemic and triumphant, in that uniquely 1980s cinematic way.
Ghostbusters
One of the most fondly-remembered 1980s popcorn flicks, Ghostbusters was both hilarious and groundbreaking. Taking some of the best SNL alumni, and stuffing them into a downright ridiculous premise, it was able to find humor in even the most mundane situations.
Bill Murray is, of course, a tour de force in the film. Co-writers Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis also star in the film, and they deliver some of the most memorable scenes.
The success of the film led to an equally funny sequel, as well as a huge boom of merchandising. While the film is firmly rooted in the unique decade of the 1980s, it is still a great watch for your young children today. One of the all-time best comedies.
Caddyshack
Caddyshack – another over-the-top, only in the 80s, comedy. With Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase, the film is about as realistic as you might expect.
Featuring an animated gopher, Bill Murray, and a slew of ridiculous gags, Caddyshack is one of those films that just makes you feel good. The soundtrack is also very 80s, and the movie has been described as perhaps the funniest sports film ever produced.
It’s hard to really see a lot of depth in the film, but it was so successful that restaurants were even licensed from its success. If you need a feel-good, fun time – this is the film to choose. Definitely a classic.
Back To The Future
Back To The Future is one of our all-time favorite films, and the sequel is equally fun. You have to sort of depart with your brain at the onset, but if you are willing to suspend disbelief, this series of films is one of the most fun rides every committed to film.
Presented by Steven Spielberg, the first film is the most realistic (not a high bar to clear), and features the cast going back to the 1950s. The film is lighthearted, and doesn’t have much in the way of serious concerns.
The second film is equally fun, and features even more special effects. However, the third film is not as fondly remembered, and features Marty McFly going back to the wild west (not our favorite premise, either).
Batman
The first Tim Burton version of Batman revived the once-dead series. While Batman had long been a staple of comics, it had been decades since the TV show, which was cheesy and featured Adam West.
This dark take on the Dark Knight also featured Jack Nicholson as the Joker – who would never be topped until Heath Ledger, nearly 20 years later. Prince provided the soundtrack, because this was the 80s, and Michael Keaton did a surprisingly great job as the caped crusader.
With German expressionism lighting and cinematography, elaborate sets, and great acting – this version of Batman caused a seismic impact, upon its release. The film also inspired a mega-boom in merchandising, and countless follow-up films. A true must-see.
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark
This classic Harrison Ford film is everything America is about – freedom, adventure, and a bit of magic. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film grossed $330 million dollars – making it the biggest money maker of 1981.
Critics also loved the film, and it was a perfect merging of popcorn flick and critical pleaser. All these years later, it still holds up, as the acting is particularly strong.
The music for this film is also legendary, as it contains one of the most iconic themes of all-time. Whether you’re 70 years old, or 7 – this is one of the most enjoyable movies you’ll ever watch. Highly recommended.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. will forever be remembered as one of the quintessential 1980s films. Featuring one of the first instances of product placement (Reese’s Pieces), Steven Spielberg captured the entirety of America’s imaginations with this film.
Based on an imaginary childhood friend Spielberg created after his parents divorced, this was the highest-grossing film of all-time for over a decade. Appealing to both children and adults alike, it has a pureness and innocence that can only be described as childlike.
The film made just under $800 million dollars, which was jaw-dropping for the time. It is perhaps the most quintessential American film ever made, and will likely never be topped, in terms of just how moving and impactful it is. A must-watch.
Raging Bull
Raging Bull is thoroughly depressing – there is no doubt about that. However, it’s also an incredibly well-made film, and stands as a true American masterpiece.
Martin Scorcese and Robert DeNiro should be lauded for their amazing work on the picture, and the slow motion scene alone is one of the textbook examples of cinema’s appeal. The black and white cinematography was also a bold choice, though it works surprisingly well.
It’s unlikely that a film like this would do well today, as it’s simply too slow for most modern audiences. But it is one of the top ten American films ever made – no question about that – and remains a must-see classic. Simply stunning.
A Few Of The Other Best 80s Movies
While we did our absolute best to dwindle the list of 80s movies down to just ten, there are myriad other films that are also great from this time period. Below are 5 other films that are essential 1980s flicks.
Blade Runner: With perhaps some of the best science fiction music and cinematography ever committed to film, Blade Runner is an absolute masterpiece. Blade Runner features yet another great performance by Harrison Ford, as well as incredible directing from Ridley Scott.
While there have been remakes and imitators since – nothing holds a candle to the original. If you want an essential ‘dystopian future’ film – go for this one.
The Shining: Perhaps the most frightening movie of the entire decade, The Shining was a masterpiece crafted by the genius mind of Stanley Kubrick. Jack Nicholson also delivers a legendary performance, and even Shelley Duvall plays every scene absolutely perfectly.
While author Stephen King hated Kubrick’s version of his book, everyone else disagreed. The Shining was a sensation, and still gives us chills every time we watch it.
The Empire Strikes Back: Many people cite this as their favorite of the Star Wars films, and for very good reason. In Empire, everything was taken to the next level, and many feel the film actually eclipses the original Star Wars film.
Empire also became the highest-grossing film in the year it was released, as well as one of the most successful sequels ever made. The twist at the end (which we won’t spoil for anyone) – is likely the best twist in any film ever made, bar none.
Airplane!: Perhaps one of the best comedies ever made, Airplane! is still just as quotable as it was upon its release. There is nothing serious about this film, but that’s precisely why we love it.
The film made over $150 million dollars, despite having a tiny budget. While many have tried to replicate it since, it remains unrepeatable, and absolutely a product of its time.
The Terminator: Making Arnold Schwarzenegger a star seemingly overnight, this film is a perfect mesh of everything 80s. It’s overblown, futuristic (not realistic), has a great score, and is shot in a super-cool way.
You don’t need to be a genius to see why this film was successful – it has style for days, and offers one of the most memorable premises for an action-adventure film. Still quoted today, The Terminator will likely never be forgotten, and caused at least one actor to become a bonafide star.
The Best 80s Movies
There you have it – our picks for the best 80s movies. The decade was a true anomaly – movies made in the 1980s are instantly recognizable, and it’s not just due to the stylish fashion.
The music, the way things were shot, and the premises of films were all-new – and most of these unique qualities did not carry over into the 1990s. As such, the films of the 1980s sit in sort of a timeless amber – like the dinosaurs were embalmed in.
While many have tried to remake 1980s films – there was just something about the time period, that makes them unique and original. In fact, while decades have past, many of the films from the 1980s still completely delight and dazzle us to this very day.