Top Ten Lists of Eighties Movies

The concept is pretty easily, pick your ten favorite movies from the eighties. The hard part? I want JUST movies from the eighties, not movies you might have seen during the eighties. Also, try and avoid movies that came out after the eighties if possible, 1990 is pretty borderline, I won't scream too loudly if you add one that is from then...

This page currently edited by: Gwen. Past editor: Junior

By: Little Plastic Stubby Nub Players
These are not in any particular order. We just thought they needed to be added because we hadn't seen them listed in the lists we'd seen.
By: Steve
  • 10. Stand by Me
    Great movie. Very funny, and touching.
  • 9. Return of the Living Dead
    Very funny, gory movie. I love all the characters and they're reactions when trying to deal with the zombies.
  • 8. Summer School
    Underated very funny movie. Chainsaw and Dave steal the show. This movie also reminds me a lot of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The scene with the dead bodies in the class room and Chainsaw and Dave acting like leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre is maybe my favorite in the movie.
  • 7. Ferris Bueller Day Off
    One of the best feel-good movies ever made. My favorite scene is maybe a tie between the phony phone call to mr. rooney and the parade scene when ferris does twist and shout.
  • 6. Back to the future
    Extremely entertaining movie full of wonder.
  • 5. Revenge of the nerds
    What can I say? This movie is hilarious, and has always been a true favorite of mine. How can you forget the panty raid? or when the nerds instale cameras in the pi's house and watch them at home? Classic!
  • 4. Rad
    This movie is just so rad in my opinion. The acting may not be that good, and so what if its predictable its still great in my opinion. Its a movie that I think was fairly popular when it first came out, but was quickly forgotten by most people, but not me. Also this movie pumps me up almost as much as Rocky IV does.
  • 3. The Last American Virgin
    This movie is kind of unknown, but in my opinion it's the 2nd best teen movie of all time. I love the ending even though its so sad, and heartbreaking. Even Though I like the breakfast Club better, I still think the ending to this movie is better. Also the soundtrack is loaded with great 80's songs. This may be in my humble opinion the best soundtrack ever.
  • 2. Rocky IV
    Even though I like The Breakfast Club better, Rocky IV pumps me up like no other movie in history. Also The music is so good I can't take it.
  • 1. The Breakfast Club
    The best teen movie of all time, and maybe my favorite movie of all time
The Legend of Billie Jean, Just One of the Guys, One Crazy Summer, Nightmare on Elm Strett 1&2 (a lot of people hate Nightmare on Elm Street 2 but I like it a lot). Weird Science, Friday the 13th 2&3, Christine, No Reatreat, No Surrrender (for anything who remembers NRNS I know its chessy, it's so entertaining.
By: Celeste Keenan
  • 10. The Karate Kid Trilogy
    Oh boy did I ever have a crush on Ralph Machio.
  • 9. Rainbow Brite And The Starstealer
    I was happy when this movie came on TV because I got to see it un-cut.
  • 8. The Gremilins
    This movie was pretty scary and the scene where Stripe came into the TV screens and started growl, well I jumped up and spilled half a box of the candies that I was eating. That's how scary it was.
  • 7. Flight of the Navigator
    I liked this movie. It was funny and the plot was good.
  • 6. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
    This is a movie about a physchotic Rabbit who enlists the help of a private dic to find out who framed him.
  • 5. The Never-Ending Story
    A flick about a kid who's transported into a fantasy world. There isn't very much plot to it but the storyline is good
  • 4. ET- The Extraterestrial
    Wow what an amazing movie. The plotline and the storyline were excellent. I especially love the young Drew Barrymore in this movie
  • 3. My Little Pony The Movie
    It's the perfect "Chick" flick!
  • 2. Transformers The Movie
    I was probably the only girl in the whole theater that went to see TFTM that day. It's an excellent movie for people who want to relive their childhood.
  • 1. Howard The Duck
    I probably wasn't old enough to go and see it in the theaters but the minute it came out of video my mother went and rented it.
If you like "The Gremilins" movie then Gremilins 2: The New Batch is the movie that you would want to rent. It isn't as good as the first movie but at we can say that it has some sort of plot. I don't know what it is but it's a plot just the same.
By: Will E. Poo
By: buttefly14
By: Jennifer
By: Blake
  • 10. War Games
  • 9. Short Circuit
  • 8. The Care Bears Movie
    This extended toy ad is one of the best examples of 80's commercialism, and it's still a very charming film today.
  • 7. Flashdance
    This movie was expected to be a flop from the beginning, but boy did it catch on.
  • 6. The Ghostbusters
    Who you gonna call?
  • 5. The Secret of NIMH
    Don Bluth's groundbreaking animated feature
  • 4. Oliver & Company
    One of my favorite Disney animated features, and a turning point for the company. Billy Joel's and Huey Lewis' music make this film.
  • 3. The Princess Bride
    Just a great film that I never get tired of
  • 2. St. Elmo's Fire
    More great music
  • 1. Back To The Future
    This movie is the ideal outline of the decade, and with Huey Lewis' music, it's not hard to see why.
By: Denise
  • 10. Fast Times at Ridgemont High/Valley Girl
    Tied on these. Both good movies. "Mr Hand" Fast Times was too funny. Valley Girls had a lot of angst. "... she's out there somewhere"
  • 9. Dirty Dancing
    "No one puts Baby in the corner." I love that line. This is when I still recognized Jennifer Grey. Now I wouldn't know her if I ran right into her.
  • 8. Revenge of the Nerds
    "Smell this one Nerd." Good movie. Showed that good guys can finish first and still get the girl. Best person was Lamar. Love the Rap!
  • 7. Better off Dead/One Crazy Summer/Say Anything
    Gosh, I Couldn't pick which John Cusack movie was the best. The best line had to go to Better Off Dead when he fell off the bridge into the garbage truck. You know... waste of a perfectly good white boy. Also, love how Grandma charges for meals in One Crazy Summer.
  • 6. Christmas Story
    "I like the Tin Man." I can watch this over and over.
  • 5. Pretty in Pink
    "Blaine, sounds like a major appliance." Love this movie. Taught you about listening to your heart instead of everyone else.
  • 4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Wish I would have had a day like this....
  • 3. Breakfast Club
    "Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?" This movie was cool. It had someone representing every group in school and yet, you could relate to something in each of the characters.
  • 2. Pee Wee's Big Adventure
    "I'm a loner Dottie, a rebel"
  • 1. Sixteen Candles
    "Dong, Grandpa's talking to you." This is the all time best movie! I still get goosebumps when I see Jake outside the church.
Gosh, there were so many and not enough spaces on the list. I also liked Sid and Nancy, Some Kind of Wonderful, Weird Science and Stand By Me. The 80's were the best, now it seems a lot pales in comparison.
By: Clark Hill
  • 10. Thriller
    I know its not a full length movie, but its definately a crucial part of 80's history
  • 9. Footloose
    six degrees of kevin bacon starts right here
  • 8. Breakfast Club
    molly ringwold is hot, jud nelson is cool, emilio estevez never gets old, ally sheedy is also hot, and anthony michael hall is the funniest
  • 7. karate kid
    an inspiring movie that made every kid want to take martial arts and kick some ass
  • 6. labyrinth
    david bowie, jim henson, and george lucas together at first
  • 5. The Goonies
    one of feldman's finest, even if it is missing haim
  • 4. fast times
    i have shoes just like sean penn
  • 3. Back to the Future
    lea thompson is hot and michael is a stud
  • 2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    I try to be as much like ferris as i can
  • 1. Rad
    This was my favorite movie when i was a kid. If you've ever ridden a bike in your life, go watch this movie
Props to jedi and empire, the outsiders, back to the future two and three, karate kid two and three, weird science, the shining, sixteen candles, pretty in pink, and real genius. I'm sorry that there is no corey haim in my list.
By: T. N.
  • 10. Karate Kid
    You daaaaamn right! Mr. Yamaguchi is cool, but i could take 'em!!
  • 9. Outsiders
    You'll never get a better cast in a movie than this one. We got to study this book in Jr. High, and of course watch the movie! Memories...
  • 8. Flight of the Navigator
    Oh my gosh....do not tell me that you didn't like this movie.
  • 7. Mac and Me
    E.T. rip off my butt!! This movie kicks E.T. easily!
  • 6. Labryinth
    David Bowie still gives me nightmares.
  • 5. Princess Bride
    Good movie, Andre the Giant is the man! I was forced to watch this repeatedly at lunch in my elementary school, so it grew on me! :)
  • 4. Back to the Future 1 and 2
    Both damn good movies, and deserve to be at the top of the list. Michael J. Fox went to the same High School as me for 2 months!!! Ross Sheppard High baby!
  • 3. Goonies
    All i have to say is, this movie rules! I should have named this number one, but oh well.
  • 2. Lucas
    Corey Haim and Kerri Green rock! Charlie sheen is a homewrecker though! Boo to him in the movie!
  • 1. Legend
    Tom Cruise was awesome when he was young.
Someone PLEASE invent a time machine so i can go back to the 80's!!!!!
By: lacee Steele
  • 10. Regaurding Henry
    This is just put on because Harrison Ford is the best looking man on this earth. Even at 60!!!
  • 9. When Harry met Sally
    Their is just something about Billy Crystal, ahhh huh
  • 8. Bill and Teds Exellent Adventure
    Ah come on, Every one knows this one is good
  • 7. Fletch and Fletch Lives
    The two greatest Chevy Chase movies ever made!
  • 6. Strange Brew
    Funniest Canadian film anyone will ever see
  • 5. Sixteen Candles
    It's just so funny
  • 4. Airplane
    When the girl in the hospital bed looses her I.V. hahaha
  • 3. Three Amigos
    what can I say
  • 2. Better Off Dead
    Ricky and Blaines dumb friend make the film
  • 1. The Breakfast Club
    'cuz bender is just so hot
By: Kimberly
By: Michael McFly
  • 10. Willow
    Rollicking adventure of the unforgettable kind. Grade: A-
  • 9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
    Purified fun to the very core, plus Christopher Lloyd! Grade: A
  • 8. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Best Teen Movie of the '80s. Grade: A
  • 7. Dirty Dancing
    Icon of my youth...I've seen it way more times than I'm willing to admit. Grade: A
  • 6. Field of Dreams
    Virtuoso acting, writing, directing, and scenery...and pretty profound. Grade: A
  • 5. The Little Mermaid
    Best Disney movie. Grade: A
  • 4. The Princess Bride
    4th favorite movie of all time. Grade: A
  • 3. Back to the Future, part 3
    3rd favorite movie of all time... Grade: A+
  • 2. Back to the Future, part 2
    2nd favorite movie of all time... Grade: A+
  • 1. Back to the Future
    Favorite movie of all time... Grade: A+
By: Amanda
  • 10. Mystery Train
    I'm not sure I'm cool enough to watch this movie. R.I.P. Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
  • 9. Tootsie
    It's amazing it turned out so well, considering upwards of six writers worked on this thing. Bill Murray deserves most of the credit.
  • 8. Time Bandits
    Directed by Terry Gilliam, with brief appearances by a magnificent Sean Connery as Agamemnon and John Cleese as a remarkably polite Robin Hood. Robin: "And how long have you been a robber?" Strutter: "Four foot one." Robin: "Four foot one? Well, that... that... that... that... is a long time, isn't it? Jolly good!"
  • 7. Raising Arizona
    "Hell, they're all disgruntled. I ain't running no damn daisy farm."--Nathan Arizona, Sr.
  • 6. King of Comedy
    I'm not sure this is one of Scorsese's favorites, but if you acquire a taste for it, it's hard to tear yourself away. Jerry Lewis is fascinating.
  • 5. The Empire Strikes Back
    The dark, intriguing chapter in the franchise. If only Lucas would bring in Lawrence Kasdan on Episode 2...
  • 4. Raiders of the Lost Ark
    Big-budget moviemaking at its best. And, oh, Harrison Ford is so Bogart.
  • 3. Raging Bull
    I am in love with Martin Scorsese.
  • 2. A Fish Called Wanda
    I am in love with John Cleese, and I want to marry this movie.
  • 1. This Is Spinal Tap
    The most perfect comedy ever. "It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
This was a pretty poor decade for movies in general, but a fantastic one for comedies. Honorable mention: Witness, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (solely on account of Sean Connery), Prizzi's Honor.
By: Summer Coulter
  • 10. The Never ending story
    I asked for a luck dragon for like two years in a row for Christmas. Not a stuffed animal Valcore but a real Valcore . Its just a very clever and original book and movie. And I don't know about you guys but i still can't watch Artax die in the swamp of sadness...nope... have fastforward it everytime. And for the love of God somebody tell me what the name is at the end. is it MAriiiiiiialllameetghfghdj?
  • 9. the Big Chill
    Probably my favoorite movie soundtract of all. it makes me love and keep in contact with all my college friends so that I'll have back up when I have my mid-life crisis. Also, with the exception of frickin "lost in space".. I'll love anything William hurt is in! love him!
  • 8. Parenthood
    You should have to see this movie twice in your life. Once when your 13 so you understand what you parents go through for endless years and once before you even concider being a parent. "You need a licence to fish and to drive, you even need a licence to own a dog, but they will ley any dickhead be a father"
  • 7. Pretty In Pink/ The princess Bride
    O.K.... so im a sap I know pretty in pink was not a huge cinamatic event and the dress at the end is a fashion disaster and not so pretty but it makes me sigh, and I like to sigh so it gets my vote. Check out the low tech internet romance half way through the movie! And The princess Bride my favorite thing that both Fred Savage and Cary Elwes have done and the beginning of my admiration for Robin Wright-Penn.
  • 6. The Money Pitt
    Before Tom Hanks AND Steven Speilburg got all serious on us. The scene when the bath tub falls through the floor is just about the funniest thing ive ever seen in a movie.
  • 5. Goonies
    Before Speilburg got all serious on us. "But this is ourtime.... our time down here and it's all over once you ride up Troy's bucket" The truffle shuffle, mouth translating about cocaine to the maid, data's slick shoes and of corse Sloth. "Rocky Road?"
  • 4. Ferris buhler takes the day off
    "I could be the walrus, Id still have to bum rides from people evryday" Ferris is the cuuuulist boy in the world. I don't know about you guys but that little "Ferris Buhler T.V. show" made me think bad thoughts! hehehe REMEMBER when they cut the cardboard cut-out of Matthew Broadrick in half with a chain saw?????? what pray tell were they thinking? Sorry... ive been carrying that around for a long time. heheeh
  • 3. Dirty dancing
    The best of Paterick as far as Im concerned and the soundtract (s) is/are wonderful. They just don't make movies like that anymore ya know? There are no more lines like...."Nobody puts Baby in the corner"
  • 2. Say Anything
    I would marry John Cusack. I still know every word to the movie. "joe lies... joe lies.... joes lies....when he crys" and "I gave my heart and she gave me...she gave me a pen." Breaks my heart every time I tell you!
  • 1. Breakfast Club
    Emilio before the drama and I love Allie, and the princess Molly. Love them It makes me glad to be out of high school but makes me long for the god old days...sort of.
By: PJ
  • 10. Spaceballs
    This movie is hilarious. It is a must see for anyone who has seen the Star Wars movies or who likes satire. I have seen it at least 50 times and still laugh my butt off everytime I see it.
  • 9. Bull Durham
    Magnificant story of a lifelong minor leaguer in the twilight of his career with a touch of romance, some good baseball, and a ton of jokes. The sequence on the mound when the glove is cursed and the wedding gift dilemma comes up is a priceless movie moment. I buy everyone candlesticks as a wedding gift.
  • 8. E.T.
    It's just so damn cute, I had to include it. Also, it was the first movie I ever saw in a theatre, so the selection isn't entirely without bias.
  • 7. Mississippi Burning
    Wow is this a great movie. It is absolutely a must see for anyone who missed during the 1980s.
  • 6. Ghostbusters
    A classic. "If anyone asks you if you're a god, you say YES!" Wonderfully funny.
  • 5. Hoosiers
    I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw. I'm a small town kid who played small town basketball and the film captures the emotions of small town athletics so well its unbelievable. I cried when Jimmy Chitwood hit the shot to win the state title.
  • 4. Ferris Beuller's Day Off
    This may be the "coolest" movie of the 1980s, but its not quite the best. Broderick singing "Twist and Shout" on the float in the parade is one of the classic scenes in all of movie history.
  • 3. Rain Man
    I had forgotten how good this movie was until I saw it on TV a few weeks ago. And by the way, underwear is underwear whereever you buy, in Cincinatti or whereever.
  • 2. Platoon
    What a powerful movie. I have to watch it a couple times a year just to remind myself how good it really is. It's a great commentary not only on the war in Vietnam, but of American society as well (Why is it that only poor kids go to war and the rich kids get to stay home?)
  • 1. The Breakfast Club
    Nihilism at it's finest!!! We couldn't have had the 1990s if it weren't for this film. This is the best thing to come out of the 1980s (it sure beats Reagonomics anyway).
By: Chris Camposeo
By: Daniel Krok
  • 10. Major League/Dirty Dancing
    Major League was as funny as hell, but might not been an 80s flic, tied is Dirty Dancing, awesome ending, as many times as you see, it, you still find yourself, worried that they wont get it right, or get together!
  • 9. Stand By Me
    Touching, Funny, and a lesson is learned. Portrayals of the 50s in 80s movies always ruled. Just plain awesome.
  • 8. Red Dawn
    So sue me if I am patriotic. Every little boy whos played with GI Joes, wanted to live this movie! Sorry girls.
  • 7. Adventures in Babysitting
    Ok, Ok, there are better choices out there, but, this one always struck home with me! I think I always had a crush on the babysitter!
  • 6. Can't Buy Me Love
    Again, I am a hopeless romantic, and to fall in love in a way such as this movie shows, would be pretty cool.
  • 5. Back to the Future (trilogy if possible)
    To have an adventure such as this one, that was so unbelievable, yet believable at the same time? Priceless
  • 4. Top Gun
    I am a hopeless romantic, and must say that it includes great romance scenes. It also has excellent quotes.
  • 3. Goonies
    Funny, adventurous, quotable, this movie had everything! Children of the 80s, we were the goonies!
  • 2. National Lampoons Vacation
    Absolutely Legendary Humor
  • 1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Possible the funniest, most quotable movie ever! Also, who didnt want to be him?

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