15 Totally Awesome Movies from the ’80s
So, we’ve covered the worst movies of the ‘80s. One thing is for sure, there were tons of films that we could have added, and picking the worst of the worst was pretty difficult. There were just so many. Granted, we have to admit that for every horrible film, there was another that blew us away. Cinema in the ‘80s didn’t wholly suck; although some of the worst movies were so bad, they could easily become the best comedies of the decade.
No, in all fairness, the 1980s also had tons of fantastic films that we were happy to wait in line just to get a ticket. The ‘80s was all about being big: big hair and big shoulder pads. It just makes sense that some of the best blockbuster hits came from the ‘80s, right?
For this list, we’re picking the cream of the crop, the cream-de-la-crème, the movies that made us think about seeing it twice, three times, or more! From classic teen flicks to sci-fi hits, here are 15 totally awesome films from the ‘80s! In our humble opinion, we think that everyone who missed out has to see these films at least once in their lifetime.
"Sixteen Candles" (1984)
This comedy centers around Sam, an insecure teen whose family has forgotten her sixteenth birthday. Along with nerdy Farmer Ted, over-the-top handsome Jake, and her grandparents’ exchange student, Long Duk Dong, Sam tries to navigate the world of high school dances and relationships.
"Beverly Hills Cop" (1984)
No one made audiences laugh more in the ’80s than Eddie Murphy. He even made crime and action funny when he played Axel Foley, a Detroit detective who goes to Beverly Hills to solve a murder.
"The Empire Strikes Back" (1980)
Audiences and critics think this may be the best movie in the Star Wars franchise. Audiences meet Yoda, who begins to train Luke Skywalker, and the movie culminates with a lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader.
"E.T." (1982)
The catch phrase of 1982 was “phone home.” E. T. had became the then highest grossing film of all time. Audiences loved the story about kids who meet a gentle alien and hide it from their mom and government agents until it can communicate with its space ship and go home.
"Back to the Future" (1985)
A DeLorean is an iconic ’80s car, so it was the perfect choice to make into a time machine! In this film, teenager Marty McFly inadvertently travels back 30 years and must undo the changes he creates and save his friend Doc, the creator of the machine.
"Do the Right Thing" (1989)
Racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood lead to violence in this 1989 film. Spike Lee wrote, directed, and starred in this important movie that received accolades and initiated conversation.
"Poltergeist" (1982)
The quintessential ’80s horror movie is Poltergeist. The Freeling family has a nice life in their planned California neighborhood until they are invaded by a poltergeist. Their young daughter Carol Anne communicates with it through the TV and announces in an iconic scene that, “they’re here.”
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981)
One of moviegoers’ favorite characters was born in the ’80s: Indiana Jones. An archaeologist who fights Nazis for the Ark of the Covenant is among the greatest action-adventurers ever!
"An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982)
This great ’80s romance is also a story of perseverance and character. Super-hot Richard Gere portrays Zack Mayo. He enters naval aviation officer candidate school, contends with a harsh drill instructor, and romances a local girl name Paula (played by Debra Winger).
"Ghostbusters" (1984)
A cast of hilarious actors makes Ghostbusters a fun ’80s romp. The characters establish a paranormal investigation and elimination service and use high-tech equipment to fight ghosts and a giant Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man.
"The Little Mermaid" (1989)
This film launched a new era of Disney animation called the Disney Renaissance. It had been years since audiences had loved one of Disney’s animated movies this much! Award-winning music helped tell the tale of Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to be human.
"Raging Bull" (1980)
Regarded as one of the best films ever made, Raging Bull documents the life of an out-of-control boxer, Jake LaMotta. Shot in dramatic black and white, Robert De Niro won a best actor Oscar for portraying LaMotta.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986)
In this iconic ’80s film, Ferris devises the ultimate day of school-skipping. With his sister and his school dean in hot pursuit, he leads his best friend and girlfriend on a day of sight-seeing and adventure in Chicago while he narrates by breaking the fourth wall.
"Top Gun" (1986)
No ’80s guy was hotter than Tom Cruise in this 1986 film. As a fighter pilot named Maverick, he attends Top Gun School and flies in maneuvers and actual combat.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)
Writer Cameron Crowe went undercover at a high school to gather material for his book, which became this movie. A 1980s soundtrack accompanies high schoolers who work at the mall and attempt romantic relationships.
