Top 20 Films from the 1980s You Can't Miss

The 1970s saw Hollywood studios granting daring young filmmakers unprecedented creative freedom, ushering in a cinematic renaissance (and plenty of stress for studio executives). By the 1980s, wary of the excesses and high-profile failures of the previous decade, studios regained control, focusing on producing predictable, commercially safe films. Yet, creativity couldn't be stifled. Despite tighter constraints and studio demands for box office success, the decade still delivered a wealth of exceptional films, many of which redefined classic genres and storytelling techniques to achieve timeless greatness.

1. Raging Bull (1980)

Martin Scorsese, a trailblazer from the 1970s, began the new decade with what is often hailed as his greatest work. This black-and-white biographical drama about a troubled boxer (Robert De Niro, who earned an Oscar for his performance) didn't fare well commercially (causing Scorsese considerable distress), but it received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Today, it is celebrated as one of the finest boxing films ever made.

2. Airplane! (1980)

David and Jerry Zucker, along with Jim Abrahams, didn't create the spoof genre, but they elevated it to new heights with Airplane!. Even after four decades, this rapid-fire blend of slapstick, clever wordplay, and endless gags remains uproariously funny and continues to set the benchmark for all spoofs (though their 1984 film Top Secret! comes in as a strong contender).

3. The Shining (1980)

While Stephen King famously disapproved of Stanley Kubrick's take on his horror novel, film enthusiasts—particularly Kubrick fans—were captivated by this eerie, unconventional, and deeply unsettling tale of a man descending into madness at a remote hotel. Kubrick's unconventional techniques are legendary (explored in the fascinating documentary Room 237), and The Shining endures as one of the most chilling portrayals of a fractured psyche.

4. Ordinary People (1980)

Robert Redford's first venture into directing, a poignant exploration of a family grappling with the loss of a son, earned him his sole competitive Oscar to date and cemented his reputation as a beloved actor who might be even more talented as a filmmaker. Sitcom icons Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch showcased their dramatic chops, turning Ordinary People into a multi-layered triumph.

5. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, two trailblazers from the 1970s, joined forces to create a nostalgic tribute to the serialized adventures of their youth. Their collaboration resulted in a masterclass in crafting a high-quality film within mainstream boundaries. With Harrison Ford in the lead and the combined genius of Spielberg and Lucas (as producer), they could have settled for a simple blockbuster. Instead, they delivered a brilliantly crafted piece of popcorn entertainment that set a new standard.

6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Spielberg enjoyed a remarkable decade (especially if you credit him with directing Poltergeist), and after Raiders of the Lost Ark, he delivered this timeless sentimental classic about a boy and his alien companion. While Spielberg's penchant for sentimentality occasionally led to misfires like Always, here he struck the perfect balance of heart and nostalgia. By weaving in themes of parental divorce and inevitable goodbyes, he reminded audiences that even the most cherished memories often carry a hint of sadness.

7. Tootsie (1982)

While cross-dressing has been a recurring theme in cinema since its inception, Sydney Pollack's comedy stands out for its razor-sharp satire and clever humor. Dustin Hoffman plays a struggling actor who lands a role on a soap opera by disguising himself as a woman. Though evolving gender dynamics would alter the film's reception today, its commentary on sexism and its comedic brilliance remain universally relevant.

8. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Sergio Leone, renowned for his Italian "spaghetti Westerns," concluded his career with this sprawling gangster saga featuring Robert De Niro and James Woods. Initially, the film was butchered for release and met with failure, but the full 229-minute cut later garnered critical acclaim for its poetic and violent portrayal of ambition and greed.

9. Amadeus (1984)

F. Murray Abraham earned an Academy Award for his portrayal of the envious Salieri in this brilliant and insightful depiction of the composer's rivalry with Mozart (played by Oscar-nominated Tom Hulce). The film, which won Best Picture, stands as one of the most compelling explorations of artistic brilliance and doubles as a captivating lesson in music appreciation.

10. Ran (1985)

Akira Kurosawa, nearing the end of his illustrious career, delivered another epic with this dark and magnificent adaptation of King Lear. Filled with tragedy, violence, and grandeur, the film offers a visually stunning and timely critique of war and greed. Its battle sequences, amplified by 1400 meticulously crafted costumes and Kurosawa's masterful direction, are among the most breathtaking ever captured on screen.

11. Brazil (1985)

Terry Gilliam's darkly comedic portrayal of a dystopian future is packed with striking imagery and bizarre scenarios, rivaled only by the tumultuous story of the film's release. Despite the challenges, Brazil transitioned from a cult phenomenon to a celebrated classic, showcasing some of the most inventive political satire ever committed to film.

12. Back to the Future (1985)

This movie, crafted within the studio system, defied conventional expectations by delivering near-perfect entertainment. Its premise is captivating, the execution is lively, and the performances are universally charming. The term "masterpiece" isn't exclusive to lengthy, solemn films—this one proves it.

13. Platoon (1986)

During this period, a wave of intense Vietnam War films emerged, including Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, which could have easily earned a spot here. However, Oliver Stone's film distinguishes itself with its semi-autobiographical approach, vividly capturing the brutal and dehumanizing realities of war. It also showcases Charlie Sheen's finest performance (a modest achievement) alongside standout performances by Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger.

14. Blue Velvet (1986)

This shimmering nightmare delves into the dark underbelly of suburban life, showcasing David Lynch at his most Lynchian. It’s a hypnotic horror-noir following a naive young man (Kyle MacLachlan) who becomes entangled with a troubled nightclub singer (Isabella Rossellini) and her tormentor, a deranged drug dealer (Dennis Hopper). Hopper’s portrayal stands as one of cinema’s most chilling non-supernatural villains.

15. The Untouchables (1987)

To capture the explosive story of Eliot Ness taking on Al Capone, you need a bold director like Brian De Palma and a sharp screenwriter like David Mamet. De Palma, much like Scorsese, brought his flair for stylized violence from the ‘70s, crafting a tale that allows Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, and Sean Connery to deliver powerhouse, adrenaline-charged performances.

16. The Last Emperor (1987)

Bernardo Bertolucci, the Italian maestro behind Last Tango in Paris, won an Oscar for Best Director with this lavish biopic about China’s final emperor. Filmed largely in Beijing’s breathtaking Forbidden City and featuring 19,000 extras, the film is a visual marvel. Yet, its true brilliance lies in Bertolucci’s ability to illuminate an entire nation’s history through the lens of one iconic figure.

17. Wings of Desire (1987)

This romantic fantasy explores the love between angels and mortals, with Peter Falk playing a former angel who chose humanity over immortality. Wim Wenders’ lush, magical masterpiece was later adapted into City of Angels in 1998, but the original remains a poignant, inventive, and heartfelt meditation on human existence, tinged with the melancholic beauty of how angels perceive the world in black and white.

18. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Robert Zemeckis, always pushing technological boundaries, achieved multiple breakthroughs with this detective noir story, which echoes elements of Chinatown. The seamless blending of live-action and animation was revolutionary and remains unmatched in many respects. Securing the rights to feature iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse from competing studios was a monumental achievement. The film is also a wildly inventive comedy packed with meta-humor and clever references.

19. Field of Dreams (1989)

Few people recall the writer-director behind this sentimental favorite (Phil Alden Robinson, who also directed Sneakers), but its iconic line, “If you build it, he will come,” is unforgettable. The “it” refers to a baseball diamond, while the “he” is left for viewers to uncover as Kevin Costner delivers a heartfelt tale about fathers, sons, and the essence of America’s beloved sport.

20. Do the Right Thing (1989)

It’s widely acknowledged that Spike Lee was unjustly overlooked for an Oscar the year this incendiary story about racial tensions on a sweltering Brooklyn day went up against the tame Driving Miss Daisy. From the electrifying opening scene of Rosie Perez dancing to Public Enemy to its powerful conclusion, this film is a passionate, provocative, and humorous exploration of social injustice, brimming with raw emotion and dynamic filmmaking.