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: Al
  • 10. Rocky 3
    Any movie that combines Mr. T AND Hulk Hogan has got to be awesome
  • 9. The Warriors
    Yeah yeah, I know, 1979... but it's so so good...and didn't catch on until at least the 80's
  • 8. The Last Starfighter
    Yeah, video games turn into interstellar combat... Badass!
  • 7. Short Circuit
    Number 5 is still alive
  • 6. The Dark Crystal
    Damn, them Skeksis are freaky
  • 5. Aliens
    What movie is a better blend of action, violence, and action, and aliens, and violence... Plus it's my favorite movie of all time
  • 4. The Lost Boys
    Keifer Sutherland can make any movie kick ass, and he did in this one...plus there's that ridiculous ripped guy playing the sax
  • 3. The Neverending Story
    This movie is great on like 30 levels, or just one...
  • 2. A Nightmare on Elm Street
    Freddy Rocks!
  • 1. Goonies
    Does this movie need an explanation? It just belongs on the list. Period
By: Shelley
Summer Rental was good too
By: Cam-Dawg
Of course, an honorable mention should go to Fletch and National Lampoon's Summer Vacation.
By: Brian
  • 10. Field Of Dreams
    Kevin Costner is absolutly fantastic in this one. I love it when he gets to play baseball with his dad I wish that could really happen.
  • 9. Platoon
    One of the very best war movies. Very good cast.
  • 8. Ferris Buellers Day Off
    Very wisely done,very well directed Matthew Broderick makes it work exspecialy when talking straight into the camera.
  • 7. The Outsiders
    I read the book five times and the movie is pretty close. Excellent cast.
  • 6. Top Gun
    Very good action now thats almost what its like to sit in a cockpit of a fighter jet. So they say lol. Tom Cruise could star in anything and people will come.
  • 5. Lethal Weapon and all the sequels.
    Danny Glover and Mel Gibson are the best. No other two actors could have pulled this off like they did.
  • 4. Die Hard
    Excellent action flick good one liners, I also liked all the sequels.
  • 3. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
    What can I say Chevy Chase is always hilarious in any movie he dose.I loved all the sequels to. Not to mention Beverly D'Angelo she's hot! What can I say Chevy Chase is awsome and so were all the sequels. And Beverly D'Angelo is hot.
  • 2. Beverly Hills Cop
    The very best of Eddy Murphy always kept me thinking of what he was up to and always kept me laughing. Remember Serge?
  • 1. Cannonball Run
    the very best movie of the 80's. An all star cast. Burt Reynolds and Dom Deluise probably the best team since Abbot and Costello.
I would like to know the name of the movie that stars Micheal Keaton as a mobster. I belive the movie is set in the 1930's. Remember the Italian that screwed up the English language you farging icehole? And not to mention bastige!
By: James Robinson
  • 10. The Blues Brothers
    There is nothing on paper about this movie that should imply that it is good, but I've watched it at least 200 times. All while eating four whole fried chickens and a Coke.
  • 9. Batman
    Ok, had to throw it in there. Michael Keaton IS Batman!
  • 8. National Lampoons Vacation
    Ah yes, the days when Beverly D'Angelo was a MILF and Chevy Chase was funny.
  • 7. The Breakfast Club
    The 80's the way it should be remembered: Anthony Michael Hall as a geek, Molly Ringwald as a stuck up princess, and the willingness to have a pot smoking scene that doesn't turn into a social commentary.
  • 6. Rain Man
    ...and K-Mart still sucks.
  • 5. Ghostbusters
    This movie still provides the answer to the question, "Who ya gonna call?"
  • 4. Back to the Future
    This is the best movie ever made featuring Wendy Jo Spencer.
  • 3. Ferris Buellers Day Off
    Bueller?......Bueller?....
  • 2. Revenge of the Nerds
    Too bad they had to ruin things by making really bad sequels.
  • 1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
    One of my favorites from any decade.
Throw Momma from the Train, Heathers, Indiana Jones.... Way to many movies in the 80's that should be in the top ten.
By: Thomas
  • 10. Can't Buy Me Love
    Patrick Dempsey shines in another movie about wanting to be accepted!!!!
  • 9. An Officer And A Gentleman
    a beautifully written story, with fine performances by Richard Gere, Lois Gosset, Jr; and Debra Winger
  • 8. A Nightmare On Elm Street
    scared the crap out of me. I wouldn't sleep for weeks after seeing this film for the first time on video. I remember my brother and sister renting it when it came out, and it literally scared me to death.
  • 7. Sixteen Candles
    long live Long Duck Dong
  • 6. Fast Times At Ridgemont High
    like the breakfast club, this also defines the 80's
  • 5. The Lost Boys
    great comic fun
  • 4. The Karate Kid
    a movie about friendship and acceptance
  • 3. The Breakfast Club
    the movie that defines the 80's. It's a movie where you can watch over and over again
  • 2. The Goonies
    what's not to love about this film? It's a movie where EVERY character is loved. The Fratelli's were the best..
  • 1. Just One Of The Guys
    a funny movie that always gets overlooked in the best of 80's category
girls just wanna have fun; Dream A Little Dream; Revenge Of The Nerds; Better Off Dead; Gremlins; Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade; Say Anything; The Hitcher
By: The Jellyroll
By: Alex P. Fortucci
  • 10. Teen Wolf
    dont know but kick ass movie michael j. fox
  • 9. Back to the Future
    zemeckis
  • 8. Extra Terrestrial
    good film
  • 7. Ferris Buelers Day Off.
    john hughes film
  • 6. The Breakfast Club
    john hughes film
  • 5. After Hours
    martin scorsese pic.
  • 4. Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
    john hughes film
  • 3. Scarface
    al pacino.
  • 2. Return of the Jedi
    george lucas
  • 1. Three O' Clock High
    buddy reveil.
f-in rad!
By: Erik G.
  • 10. Top Gun (1986)
    You just feel good after watching this movie. And Kelly McGinnis being so hot doesn’t hurt (or slider or iceman or maverick if you’re a chick reading this). Best Lines: "That’s because I was inverted." & "The plaque for the alternates is down in the Ladies Room."
  • 9. Stand By Me (1986)
    I had to have at least one more movie that wasn’t a comedy or part of a trilogy. Stand By Me is a classic. Anyone who wasn’t scared by the dead body is lying. Best Lines: "You guys wanna go see a dead body?" & "Did your mother have any kids that lived?"
  • 8. Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
    Revenge of the Nerds has staying power. Everyone loves the underdog. I could listen to Booger belch or Takashi say "Hairpie" all day long. Best Lines: "Weevveee got Bush!" & "Hairpie, thankyou, Hairpie, thankyou…"
  • 7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
    If you don’t love this movie, get off this page. SAVE FERRIS, and Cameron rocks. Best Lines: "Bueller, Bueller, Bueller…"
  • 6. Star Wars: the Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    And again, all of them are great, but I think the consensus is that #2 (or is it number 5 now) is the best. Best Lines: "Luke… I am your father!" "NOOOOOO…" & "Adventure. Heh!" "Excitement. Heh!" "A Jedi craves not these things."
  • 5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
    All of them are great, but I think the consensus is that #2 is the best. Shortround rocks! Best Line: "You call him Dr. Jones, Lady!"
  • 4. Back to the Future 2 (1989)
    All of them are great, but I think the consensus is that #2 is the best. Best Line: "HEY MCFLY…"
  • 3. the Breakfast Club (1985)
    On everyone’s top 80’s list. Everyone can relate to one of the characters. Best Line: "The Donger need food!"
  • 2. Wierd Science (1985)
    If you haven’t seen this 20 times, then you are missing out. One of the classics. Best Lines: "Why do you have to be such a wanker?" "Because I get off on it." & "Tense is your middle name." "Wyatt Tense Updonnally."
  • 1. Real Genius (1985)
    Val Kilmer has been in some great movies, and this is easily the funniest. Best Line: "This?" "This is ice, this is what happens to water when it gets cold." "This?" "This is Kent, this is what happens when you get sexually frustrated."
I think I put the two best in the #1 and #10 spots, the rest are in no particular order. Check out my site Beer Isn't Just For Breakfast Anymore! if you want to see more great stuff including the 80s and other movie stuff. And, I got to throw this in... Honorable Mention: Private Resort (1984) This one should be on the list, but too many people haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it. Once it finally is re-released on DVD, I will make sure that everyone I know gets the privilege. Hector Elizondo and Johnny Depp and even Andrew Dice Clay show up in this one. Best Lines: "Hubie Boobie…" "Don’t call me that!" & "I’m gonna murder that barber!"
By: Laura
By: Daisy
  • 10. Sixteen Candles
    Do I need to say why?
  • 9. On Golden Pond
    Two of my favorite actors are there,Henry and Katharine and its really touching.
  • 8. About Last Night
    I know the movie is kinda sleazy but it has a great soundtrack and the actors are pretty good and I like the way they edited it.
  • 7. The Outsiders
    The movie with the most goodlooking cast!
  • 6. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    One of my John Hughes favorite.
  • 5. ET
    Who doesnt like this movie?
  • 4. Back to the Future
    Great idea from Robert Zemeckis!
  • 3. Children of a Lesser God
    Great performanced and just touching.My favorite scene is when William Hurt's students are lip synching the Boomerang song.
  • 2. The Right Stuff
    Touching and spellbinding.
  • 1. Karate Kid
    I love all movies but obviously this is the best.The actors,the fight scenes,awesome.They dont make movies like this anymore!
I think they stopped making good movies after this awesome decade!
By: Steve T.
  • 10. Top Gun
    Of course, no Top Ten list would be complete without Tom Cruise in his coolest role of the decade, as the ultra-cool Maverick. Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt and personal favorite Michael Ironside tear down the house in the coolest movie of the decade.
  • 9. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    The movie that speaks for itself. This is one of those classics that define... well, how cool the '80s were.
  • 8. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
    The movie that spawned Wayne's World, for all intents and purposes. This is another case of "one co-star gets famous, the other disappears" syndrome. Our good friend Bill would go on to minor roles and disappear into obscurity, while our most excellent amigo Ted ended up saving hottie Sandra Bullock from a Hopper-jacked bus in Speed and fighting the awesome Hugo Weaving in "The Matrix". Props all around to both for a most excellent adventure here, however.
  • 7. The Terminator
    Ah, my favorite sci-fi flick of all time, only this low on the list due to it's mega-bucks sequel in 1991 that ranks #3 on my all time favorite list period. Arnie and Mikey rule the house in the roles that made the would-be governor of California a mega-star and marked the high point for Michael Biehn, in his best role. Oh, Linda Hamilton as the All-American innocent, sweet girl here is pretty funny when compared to the Mofo-kicking Sarah Connor that we all know and love today.
  • 6. Just One of the Guys
    This was a movie that I stumbled on a few years ago while going on one of my "Watch HBO All Day and Do Nothing" spiels. Though I'd seen it way back when, I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the movie until time had passed to where I could look back and realize how prototypical of the '80s that movie was... in my neck of the woods, at least. This stands out as the definining movie of the High School scene in my neck of the woods back in the good old days.
  • 5. Field of Dreams
    I'm about as big a baseball fan as anyone, so Field of Dreams is an automatic on the list. Kevin Costner was in the hot streak of a lifetime here, coming off of the ultra-cool Bull Durham and preparing for the role of his life as John "I Like to Dance With Wolves" Dunbar. The moment with him having a catch with his father at the end is still one of the greatest moments in American cinema history. Ray Liotta is here and he still rules the house. Go, Tommy!
  • 4. Farris Bueller's Day Off
    Ah, the classic movie for skipping school, faking illness and generally having a grand old time at the expense of everyone else. Matthew Brodrick hasn't been able to top his performance as Bueller yet, and I seriously doubt he ever will.
  • 3. Raiders of the Lost Ark
    Sandwiched somewhere in between the comedy of "Fast Times", "Bueller" and "Weird Science" and the horror of Michael, Freddy, and Jason lies this action gem. I can't speak for everyone, but Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones character was who I wanted to walk, talk, and act like back in the day. Dig that ingenuity and snake-fighting ability, Indy!
  • 2. Back to the Future
    The movie that helped define Michael J. Fox as an '80s Icon. It also stands as one of the coolest movies ever made, along with a great supporting cast, capped off by Crispin Glover in his defining role. "Hey, McFly!"
  • 1. The Empire Strikes Back
    The definitive movie in the original Star Wars trilogy (and the whole saga, in my opinion). There has rarely been a movie as close to perfection as this one was, whether your a fan of the genre or not.
Honorable Mention: A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Evil Dead, Scarface (I haven't seen it enough to warrant it on the top ten list), Return of the Jedi, Footloose, Red Dawn, Batman, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Back to the Future II, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and National Lampoon's Vacation.
By: Lindsay
  • 10. Batteries Not Included (1987)
    Little aliens come to earth.....what a good movie. Very typical 80's style.
  • 9. Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986)
    I think this movie was a bad influence on me....made we want to be like Ferris and get away with the kinds of things he did.
  • 8. Gremlins (1984)
    Was this movie scary? I don't even remember....all I know is that Gizmo was awesome and I managed to find a stuff animal of him!!
  • 7. The Burbs (1989)
    Gotta love the storyline to this ..had everyone wondering about their neighbours after watching it.
  • 6. Uncle Buck (1989)
    "Why don't you take a quarter and go downtwon and get a rat to knaw that thing off your face" John Candy referring to a mole on someones face...hahahaha.
  • 5. Mr. Boogedy (1986)
    Do many people remember this movie? It used to scare the crap out of me when he used to say "Ooogedy Booogedy Boo!!"...maybe now it's not so scary...but I was little then.
  • 4. Teen Wolf (1985)
    I love Michael J Fox. Plus I learned some importnat life rules from that movie: 1) never get less than 12 hours of sleep, 2) Never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city
  • 3. Teen Witch (1989)
    Louise Miller...the classic geek in love with the highschool football player. She has magic powers and uses them to make her pretty and popular....gotta love it.
  • 2. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
    Who didn't want to be a cool babysitter like 'Chris Parker' (played by Elizabeth Shue)She had one crazy night from smashing the car, to geting kidnapped, to singing kareoke....and still had the kids home in times for bed!!
  • 1. Ghostbusters (1984) and E.T (1982)
    It had to be a tie...these movies are just classic. Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and Rick Morranis!! you can't go wrong! and an an alien that you can't help but fall in love with!!
"Joe vs. the Volcano"(with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan): although it fell one year shortof being in the 80's...it still deserves honorable mention. So does "Crybaby" (with Johnny Depp)...such a great movie!!
By: Karintha CA
  • 10. Return of the Jedi
    i love all the movies...just classic...no wonder they are constantly being redone.
  • 9. An Officer and a Gentleman
    Great Film. Plus im told that my father resembles Lois Gosslet Jr...who was so great in this movie
  • 8. Scarface
    Pacino...enough said
  • 7. Aliens
    Sigourney Weaver is like my favorite actress...she is so talented. This movie was awesome...at least what i saw of it.i couldnt watch it all.. im afraid of aliens. he-he :D
  • 6. Pretty in Pink
    Everyone's pretty in pink!
  • 5. Teen Wolf
    Too have the ability to become a vicious beast within moments not only play a mean game of basket ball. Can somebody say cool?
  • 4. Grease
    'Grease Lightnin!' oH wow the game of chicken...exhilarating part of the movie. It shows what people will do for the one they love.
  • 3. Dirty Dancin
    Back when Patrick Swayze was a total heartthrob...and dont forget the freaky scene when he jumps into Whoopi Goldberg's body. She made the movie hilarious.
  • 2. Teen Witch
    Wow..this is like every teenage girl's dream to be able to have the entire school at her feet and be the popular girl in school. Not to mention Madame Serena...the cutest thing!
  • 1. The Karate Kid
    Not only did I have a huge crush on Ralph Macchio(Daniel) but the fight scenes are awesome and Mr. Miyagi is the best!!!
sometimes i wonder why i didnt get to live through the 80's...thats sure is where my heart is.
By: amy
By: Piper Smith
  • 10. Uncle Buck
  • 9. Billy Madison
  • 8. Caddy Shack
  • 7. Ferris Buller's Day Off
  • 6. Dumb and Dumber
  • 5. Weekend At Bernie's
  • 4. Ghost Busters
  • 3. Waynes World
  • 2. Animal House
  • 1. Fletch
By: Lindsey
  • 10. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    Who hasn't wanted to, or actually HAS skipped school before? I bet it wasn't as great of a day as this boys...oh well. Only in movies right?
  • 9. Stand By Me
    There's something about it, the friendships maybe? Who knows, but a great movie.
  • 8. Dirty Dancing
    shouldn't be this high on the list, cuz It's one of my favorite movies of all time. I know it word for word, as do many other people. It's a classic.
  • 7. Say Anything
    You ever have that crush you've always wanted to talk to...but were too shy to do so? Perfect Example right here!
  • 6. Top Gun
    You wanna get pumped up? Watch it!
  • 5. The Goonies
    Oh man. Chunk, that's all I can say. Chunk!
  • 4. The Breakfast Club
    GREAT movie, with the stereotype of High School thrown in. ( The Jock, The Priss, The Brain...etc )
  • 3. Sixteen Candles
    This whole entire story plot reminds me of High School career. The shy 10th grader getting the popular senior.
  • 2. Footloose
    Gotta love it. It's one of those films where you've gotta get up and dance.
  • 1. Pretty In Pink
    Molly Ringwald, what can I say. True 80's celebrity.
Honorable Mentions - Lost Boys - ET ( I didn't see this movie until this past summer, made me cry though! ) - Fast Times at Ridgemont High!
By: DREW
Others receiving votes: License to Drive, The Monster Squad, Police Academy, D.A.R.Y.L, Pretty in Pink, Better Off Dead, Return of the Jedi, Romancing the Stone, The Running Man, Sixteen Candles, Space Camp, St Elmos Fire, Tremors, Top Gun, Wierd Science, The Wizard, Back to School, Batman, Big
By: Christina
  • 10. The Three Amigos
    "We are the three amigos" We are the three Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamigos" "My little buttercup has the sweetest smile, dear little buttercup won't you stay awile" This movie is soo hilarious. If you haven't watched it, go to the video store right now!!!
  • 9. Pirates of the Carribean
    Although this just came out a few months ago. . .It should be remembered. I loved Johnny Depp's walk. He was hott dirty and piratey looking. I loved the movie. I liked how it sort of referred back to the ride at disneyland.
  • 8. Back to the future
    I grew up on this movie. . .Oh so good. . .I love it. . .All of them.
  • 7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    I am a senior now. . .I hope I get the opportunity to skip a day and do everything I've ever wanted to do. . .DANG IT. ..I don't have a farrari.
  • 6. Dead Poets Society
    This movie is very inspirational. It grabs your heart and you can't breath at the end. I hope in my life I will have a teacher who will have inspired me and touched my soul. Very good movie. . .very good.
  • 5. Coming to America
    Very hilarious. If you ever go to another country, KNOW it before you go.
  • 4. Pretty in Pink
    Again, I just love this movie, you have to see it.
  • 3. The Princess Bride
    "Hello, my name is Enrico Montoia, you kill my father, prepare to die" This movie is so great. It has everything you want in a movie all wrapped up.
  • 2. Edward Scissor Hands
    This movie is brilliant. . .just brilliant.
  • 1. The Goonies
    "First you gotta do the truffle shuffle" --corey. . .Common guys, you gotta see this movie. . .You don't want to be deprived. . .Do you?
I think that old coooookie comedy movies are great. ;)
By: Stephen Imbriglia

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