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: Tracy Merrifield
  • 10. Say Anything
    I fall in live with John Cusack every time I watch this!!!
  • 9. tie: The Lost Boys and Earth Girls Are Easy
    The Lost Boys: Probably the best vampire movie ever made, plus it has both Corey's and Kiefer Sutherland! Earth Girls Are Easy: This is so corney and great! The songs are brilliant!! I put these two togeter because they both have that wonderfull corney quality to them!
  • 8. Dream a Little Dream
    The best "switching bodies" movie I've ever seen-and it has the Corey's! What more could one ask for?
  • 7. The Goonies
    Again, this has an absolutly amazing cast! This is one of the greatest adventure movies ever made! After watching it, I was sure I could go out and find "the rich stuff" just like the goonies did!
  • 6. Sixteen Candles
    Truely one of the funniest movies ever made.
  • 5. St. Elmo's Fire
    Great Brat Pack movie! What a cast!!!
  • 4. License to Drive
    Both the Corey's at the top of their carreres and as fine as ever!!! I remember going to the drive-in to watch this and practiclly dying of excitment!!!
  • 3. Pretty in Pink
    Teen angst at it's finest.
  • 2. The Breakfast Club
    This has to be about the best movie ever made, because it captures so perfectly what high school is like for so many people.
  • 1. Stand By Me
    This has been just about my favorite movie since I first watched it. River Phionex, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, Jerry O'Conner, Kiefer Sutherland and John Cusack!!! This is an amazing story, told by an amazing cast!
Hi! My name is Tracy, and, as you can probably tell, I love movies filled with teen angst and great actresses and actors. My favorites are movies the angst-ridden ones with Molly Ringwald or the fun ones with Corey Feldman and Corey Haim! I wish Hollywood still made movies like these!!!
By: Beth
  • 10. Dirty Dancing
    Actually, I should have put this one second.... How much do I love this movie....Who didnt swoon for Swayze's bod? Okay, so this was the first and last Swayze swoon, but damn, he looked good!
  • 9. The Lost Boys
    Okay so Im a girl, HELLO Jason Patric with fangs! Included the Haim/Feldman Phenomenon PLUS Keifer. AHHHHHHH......
  • 8. The Outsiders
    Based on a book, and still kept its feeling. Besides, it was a Ralph Macchio movie we werent embarrassed to go see......
  • 7. Heathers
    The mother of all "normal" High school students gone bad. The liars club, Jawbreaker, scream.....they were spawn from this classic.
  • 6. Dream A little Dream
    Okay so Im a spiritualist too....and who didnt awe over the whole Haim/Feldman Phenomenon?
  • 5. Stand By Me
    It could have been our parents. It could have been us. What a story.
  • 4. Wizards
    This one couldnt be far down on my list. It is a very well kept secret cult movie of the 80's. Those who saw this animated war classic, will surely appreciate this vote.
  • 3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Ok, so one cliche movie after another, but who can deny the classics? Ferris is who we all wanted to be. And Mr. Rooney was the typical 80's principal. Who couldnt relate?
  • 2. The Breakfast Club
    I know, how original. But it was a mile marker for the 80's generation. It was cut and dried, whats wrong with teenagers in society at that time. Our childrens, children will watch it and will be able to instantly tell just how messed up we were.
  • 1. The Empire Strikes Back
    THere is nothing better than Star Wars. The 80's started it all. And No other movie symbolizes the 80's like Star Wars. I had to choose one of them at least, and this one is the most classic.
There are way too many 80's movies that are top 10. These were just on my mind at the time I wrote this. Its always fun to jog your memory.
By: John Lindsey
  • 10. Howard the Duck.
    i love this Movie and it wasn't so bad.
  • 9. Labyrinth
    David Bowie in Tights, Yeesh... but Jennifer Connely is HOT!!!!!!
  • 8. Princess Bride.
    one of the weirdest Movies ever.
  • 7. Big Trouble in little China.
    old jack burton always says " What the Hell."
  • 6. Brazil.
    The number one Fantasy in the 80's.
  • 5. Oliver and Company.
    i still remembered it from my Childhood and i own it.
  • 4. Commando
    Let off some steam Bennet, the best Action Movie ever.
  • 3. The Dark Crystal.
    one of the best Fantasies in the World.
  • 2. The Last Unicorn
    a great animated Film and also exciting, sad, and hilarious. Schmendrick is one not too bright wizard, Unicorn is a amazing thing, Lir is one skinny Jerk, Almatheia is one beautiful Cutey and Haggard is scarier than the Creepshow Skeleton.
  • 1. Transformers: The Movie
    this Movie is The BOMB.
Conan the Barbarian, Return to Oz, Willow, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Terminator, Secret of NIMH, Heavy Metal, The Hobbit, Akira, My Neighbor Totoro, The Black Cauldron, Dune, Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Goonies, Evil Dead 1 and 2, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Re-Animator, Aliens, Blade Runner.
By: Corinne
  • 10. The Princess Bride
    Aw this'll reel in even the kind that hate "chick-flicks". Mandy Patinkin's portrayal as Inigo Montoya was amazing and I liked Billy Crystal's cameo too!
  • 9. Dead Poets Society
    One of the most touching and heartfelt movies ever produced. Ethan Hawkes and Robin Williams' peformances were simply outstanding.
  • 8. The Shining
    Would I be scaring you if I told you I first saw this when I was six and LOVED every minute? ;) "Heeeeeeeeeee'res Johnny!!"
  • 7. The Breakfast Club
    How could any 80's movie list be complete without this one? Judd Nelson and Moll Ringwald were fantastic in this one, I must say.
  • 6. When Harry Met Sally..
    Plot's pretty predictable, but Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are adorable together as the typical pair of soulmates searching their souls.
  • 5. Spaceballs!
    The funniest movie ever made - Mel Brooks is a genius! May the Schwartz be with ya'll!
  • 4. Flight of the Navigator
    Friends still look at me weird when I tell them "See you later, navigator".
  • 3. Goonies
    "GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE!!" Wow, does this bring back memories..
  • 2. Labyrinth
    David Bowie in tights...hmm. I don't think so. Well aside from that it rocks! Not much of a plot, but the puppeteering is great, Jennifer Connelly is adorable and the music is KICKIN'!
  • 1. Heathers
    My favorite film EVER and Christian Slater's best work yet..critics called him a young Jack Nicholson in the making after seeing this film. Rumour is they'll be a sequel.
Runners up: -A Nightmare on Elm Street: all parts - they don't make horror movies like this anymore.. *sigh* -Little Shop of Horrors: My dad and I know the entire score and still blast the tape (well, CD now) on road trips. And dentists have never looked the same since..
By: Sheena
By: Alana
  • 10. Good Will Hunting
  • 9. Blast From The Past
  • 8. City Slickers
  • 7. Liberty Heights
  • 6. Stepmom
  • 5. Dirty Dancing
  • 4. Big Daddy
  • 3. 10 Things I Hate About You
  • 2. Ferris Beuler's Day Off
  • 1. Mrs. Doubtfire
By: Robert Marmel
  • 10. One Crazy Summer
    Anything with Cusack and Bobcat in the same movie merits a mention.
  • 9. Die Hard
    Still ranks as one of the best action movies of all time (see Terminator)--Yippekayee M*****F#####
  • 8. Friday the 13th
    Perhaps the scariest movie of the 80s. The scene at the lake (at the end) was the only time a film has made me scream in terror.
  • 7. A Fish Called Wanda
    "I'm sorry,... I'm really, really sorry"--Kevin Kline gives his best performance ever as a Nietze worshipping psychopath who really, REALLY hates everything British.
  • 6. Breakfast Club
    "Don't you forget about me"--aside from the 80s coolest theme song, this movie is the teen angst bible. The first, and only, good movie ever made by the 80s "Brat Pack"
  • 5. Sixteen Candles
    Not big on memorable quotes, but up there nontheless. Somehow manages to make the improbable seem believeable (like when AM Hall gets the trophy chick.
  • 4. Real Genius
    "Pacific Tech: Smart people on Ice"--Excellent college move featuring a young Val Kilmar. Chock full of unforgettable quotes & gags.
  • 3. Terminator
    "I'll be back"--Probably the best action movie ever. This, and the fact that it made Arnold a star, make this a strong contender.
  • 2. Valley Girl
    "If they attack the car, save the radio"--Outstanding teen movie and first movie for Nick Cage. The ultimate 80s nostalga movie
  • 1. The Sure Thing
    "Don't you want to give me a ride?"--The best teen movie ever! If you have any doubts, watch the scene in the truck where Cusack scares the S#*T out of a redneck
"I am your Father Luke!"--The Empire Strikes Back deserves a mention if only because it will turn out to be the best Star Wars movie (past or future).
By: Kate
Most of these i've only seen on the t.v. when they have 80s movie specials but they are all wonderful.
By: Rasmus Henicz
By: Joy
  • 10. Casual Sex
    Andrew Dice Clay, that is all I have to say..............
  • 9. Uncle Buck
    It just makes me laugh, alot..
  • 8. Pretty in Pink
    Gotta Love all the movies with Molly.
  • 7. The Goonies
    Chunk doing the dance outside before he could get into the house.....Poor kid, and of course Corey Feldman......
  • 6. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
    "Were going to have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby danced wtih Danny fuc**n' Kay."
  • 5. License to Drive
    Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, they were a buy one get one free kind of deal but I love them together....The bike ride home from school cracks me up.
  • 4. Can't Buy Me Love
    Nerd turns cool, turns to a nerd again, gets the girl.....
  • 3. Ferris Buellers Day Off
    "Bite the Big One Junior"
  • 2. The Breakfast Club
    The whole movie is awesome, it was hard to put something above it....Did I make the right choice??????
  • 1. Sixteen Candles
    The ending when Jake comes to the church then takes Samantha back to his house to make a birthday wish is the best ending......TOO CUTE!!!
By: roberto
bonus.... the lost boys police academy poltergeist airplane weird science secret admirer amitiville II evil dead......................
By: Annika Ainslie
  • 10. The Karate Kid
    I still haven't managed to perfect the final kick!"
  • 9. The Golden Child
    "Chunky asses....sequel to a book written by Butt King!"
  • 8. Prom Night
    This film freaked me out the first time I watched it!
  • 7. High School USA
    I don't really know why I like this movie so much!
  • 6. Stand by Me
    I ran all the way hoooommmmmeee!!!
  • 5. Terms of Endearment
    Jack Nicholson and Shirley Maclaine...what a combo...what a tearjearker!
  • 4. Caddyshack
    One cool movie.
  • 3. Uncle Buck
    John Candy again. Need I say more..?
  • 2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
    John Candy kicks ass. My favourite scene is in the car with 'Mess Around' playing and they're on the wrong side of the road!
  • 1. Back to School
    A film I could watch over and over again....Rodney never fails to make me laugh. Sam Kinison is hilarious. God rest his soul.
By: Jay
By: JAKE
By: Beaner007
  • 10. Sleepless in Seattle
    One of the best and most memorable films of all time!
  • 9. The Jerk
    What can I say about this movie? It's a classic.
  • 8. The Three Amigos
    One of the best movies to ever come out of the 80's!
  • 7. Spies Like Us
    No one makes a better pair than Chevy Chase and Dan Akroyd! I love this movie!
  • 6. National Lampoon's Vacation
    The Griswold's are the coolest family in America! My favorite part is when Clark freaks out at the family after Aunt Edna dies....he plays a nutcase so well!
  • 5. Who's Harry Crumb?
    In my opinion, one of John Candy's best films! The disguises he wears are just hilarious!
  • 4. Weekend at Bernie's
    This movie will always make me giggle!
  • 3. When Harry Met Sally
    I just love how Meg and Billy finally end up...it's not a love at first sight movie...it's closer to real life. And the fake orgasm scene will never be outdone!
  • 2. The Burbs
    I can't believe this movie isn't on more peoples lists!! This movie made my friends and I scream!!! Tom Hanks was great!
  • 1. The Great Outdoors
    John Candy and Dan Akroyd made this movie a classic...it will always be one of my favorites!
By: David Hinkle
  • 10. Goonies
    Good enough for you, its good enough for me
  • 9. Dirty Dancing
    The tape I had with Rad on it was my childhood friends and dirty dancing was on the tape as well, like it would go back and forth so you'd hvae to see clips of it and stuff. never really seen the *entire* thing though but its almost midnight and i am running out of ideas. sorry.
  • 8. Some Kind of Wonderful
    Another great bouncing souls song so that makes the movie good.
  • 7. Sixteen Candles
    I haven't even seen the thing yet, but my friend says its good so i'll take her word for it
  • 6. Say Anything
    The bouncing souls have a song named after this and another from a quote from it. that means its good
  • 5. Real Genius
    another young val kilmer comedy
  • 4. Rad
    BMX we got suss, when we ride dont mess with us
  • 3. Top Secret!
    Best spy movie ever starring a young Val Kilmer. Comedy that puts Bond to shame.
  • 2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Great movie, if you haven't seen this then there is something wrong with you.
  • 1. Better Off Dead
    Great movie to relate to if you are a loser. Just kidding. Lane Meyer is a cool name, so watch it.
By: Bryan Cano
  • 10. Ferri's Bueller's Day Off
    Forget the "Breakfast Club", this is John Hughes at the peak of his powers.
  • 9. The Blues Brothers
    In the era that attempted to revive the musical. This was a terrific homage and reaction to those classics of yesteryear.
  • 8. The Last Temptation of Christ
    It doesn't take Cecil B. DeMille to pull this story off.
  • 7. Die Hard
    Put action films back on the map.
  • 6. Blade Runner
    Brilliant futuristic allegory of the City of Angels.
  • 5. Day of the Dead
    A lost horror classic, every bit as good or even better than "Night of the Living Dead.
  • 4. Blow Out
    "Scarface" was out of Brian DePalma's league. This movie shows him in all his glory.
  • 3. Aliens
    James Cameron's first technical masterpiece.
  • 2. The Empire Strikes Back
    They don't make sequels like they used to. You learn more about these characters in two hours than in the countless sequels of other genre offerings.
  • 1. The King of Comedy
    No other film defined our culture during the latter half of the 20th century than this overlooked 80's gem. A brilliant satire on a society that puts celebrities on a pedestal and beats down the common man who tries to get his foot in the door. Forshadowed the likes of Kato Kaelin, Athena Rolondo, O.J. Simpson, Shannen Doherty, Big Brother, you name it!
By: colin
  • 10. the karate kid
    pure cheese, and machio was probably 26...but the final scene still gives me chills!
  • 9. ghostbusters
    "ray?...come in ray."
  • 8. scarface
    mountains of coke, tons of swearing and people gettin' shot...what more to yyou need?
  • 7. raging bull
    gotta get a drama in there somewhere, so why not a black and white classic!
  • 6. bull durham
    hilarious.
  • 5. raiders of the lost ark
    i hear they're planning on making a forth one!
  • 4. back to the future
    probably the only movie i have memorized.
  • 3. heavy metal
    animated cult classic w/ a kick-ass soundtrack to boot!
  • 2. blade runner
    harrison ford's career stays on a roll. ridley scott's best.
  • 1. silverado
    great western w/ a blockbuster cast
By: Rachel
By: Douggy P
  • 10. frankie and Johnny
    because Pacino's in it, why else?
  • 9. the music of chance
    also a unheard of film, it kept me up for days, James Spader also looks just like my mate Kev in this one.
  • 8. bambi
    why not?
  • 7. meet the feebles
    also as disturbing
  • 6. bad taste
    tasty stuff, watch it.
  • 5. Never Ending Story
    for corrupting my childhood
  • 4. Midnight Run
    DeNiro is God
  • 3. amazon women on the moon
    so many famous people starred in this one but nobody's seen it. keep an eye out for it.
  • 2. The Man with Two Brains
    needs no words.
  • 1. Caddyshack
    Bill Murray's finest, part 2 though was complete tripe.
nope, can't think of any other films, I'll click off though and think of about 50, darn!

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