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: Amy
  • 10. Friday the 13th Part 2
    This is a guilty pleasure of mine. I always wanted to go to summer camp, and as I got older, I always wanted to be a counselor. I was in girl scouts and we went camping...all of us girls were scared in our cabins because we thought Jason was going to come get us...we didn't sleep very much that night!
  • 9. St. Elmos Fire
    I love the atmosphere and ambiance of this movie. It took place in the fall, which is my favorite season, with all of the leaves in brillant colors. I loved Kevin's character, I would have left Alec for him in a heartbeat. (I always had a crush on Andrew McCarthy - {sigh}) "Fluff and fold, buddy. Soon as I make it really big, I'm going fluff and fold."
  • 8. The Shining
    "All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy" Again, here's one of my favorite actors. I had a friend and after school, I'd go to his house (nearly everyday) and we'd watch The Shining and listen to the Beatles. Good memories
  • 7. Labyrinth
    Youza, David Bowie - homina homina homina...yummy. I loved the characters, especially Sir Didymus and Ludo ("Smell bad") I liked the final scene in the stairwell and I liked the ballroom scene. I used to watch this over and over again with my friends.
  • 6. Terms of Endearment
    I watched this movie because of Mr. Jack Nicholson, who is still one of my favorite actors. What a sad show, it's just a show about a mother and a daughter and the struggles. Very tender movie.
  • 5. The Lost Boys
    This was a very cool movie. The soundtrack is by far still one of the top 5 for me. Cry little sister, I still believe. Jamie Gertz is gorgeous in this movie, if I were a boy I'd be totally into her.
  • 4. Pretty in Pink
    Again, my girl MR, I even had a shirt like hers, it's a black top turtleneck sleeveless shirt that she wears when making her prom dress. The social classes in this movie were very similar to my school. I can recite this movie verbatim too. "His name is blane, Oh that's a major appliance not a name" "I'm off like a dirty shirt"
  • 3. Breakfast Club
    Ok, I admit I can recite this movie verbatim too. I was told my entire teenage years that I resembled Molly Ringwald, so in honor of her, her movies became a part of me. "Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?" "I'll give you the answer to that Mr. Bender next Saturday" "Hey, how come Andrew gets to get up? If he gets up, we'll all get up, it'll be anarchy."
  • 2. Sixteen Candles
    I can recite this movie, verbatim. My sister, best friend, and me used to watch this movie as many times as we could in a weekend. "What's happenin' hot stuff" - No more yanky my wanky, the donger needs food!"
  • 1. The Big Chill
    I love this movie. I saw it when I was a young teenager and fell in love with the closeness of these friends. They smoked pot, snorted coke and listened to some of the best music ever made. I love how they all have seemingly great lives until each of their old friends brings out the truth in them all.
I am a child of the 80's and proud of it. Leg warmers, parachute pants, breakdancing, Jordache so tight you needed a coathanger to pull up the zipper while you laid on the bed with white lacey ankle socks and 3 inch white pumps, Madonna, Tears for Fears, and yes Wham! (Wham, bam, I am a man, job or no job you can't tell me that I'm not).
By: TJ
Hard to make a Top Ten list. There were so many great movies from the 80's. If I had to do this list again it would probably end up in a different order and perhaps a few different movies.
By: RandaQ
other good movies: Back to the Future, Top Gun, Who Framed Roger Rabbit,Karate Kid, E.T., Airplane, Dirty Dancing, and many many more!!!
By: Ray
  • 10. Trading Places
    1983 - Great take on the old 3 Stooges episode about breeding or environment making the man. Eddie Murphy is fantastic as the poor guy made into a gentleman. Great supporting cast (Dan Aykroyd, Denholm Elliot, Jamie Lee Curtis and especially Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy). Still funny today!
  • 9. Poltergeist
    1982 - This movie scared the sh*t out of me when I first saw it. Scary, scary, scary! Great job Tobe Hooper and Steven Speilberg!
  • 8. Robocop
    1987- Part man, part machine, all cop! Satirical script and great action scenes makes this a fantastic movie. ED 209 is AWESOME!
  • 7. Porky's
    1981 - I was 17 when I saw this movie in 1981 and that was who this movie appealed to. Roundly panned by critics then, it was a HUGE hit with teens. Laugh out loud funny!
  • 6. The Road Warrior (Mad Max 2)
    1982 - Is it a western, a sci-fi movie, an action flik? No, it is all of the above and more! Excellent follow up to Mad Max finds him helping a rag tag group of survivors against a marauding gang. Great characters (Humungous, Wez, the Feral Kid), a good story and the most INCREDIBLE stunts I have ever seen (up to that time and even today). Get the popcorn out for this one!
  • 5. The Elephant Man
    1980- Tragic story of John Merrick, the grossly deformed man with the soul of a nobleman. I balled my eyes out when I first saw this movie. Well made with a great cast. Superb!
  • 4. Ghostbusters
    1984- Another fun movie from the 80's. The movie that was so much fun I saw it twice in the same day. Very silly, with a great cast and a memorable theme song. "Who ya gonna call?" "GHOSTBUSTERS!"
  • 3. Amadeus
    1984 - When I heard classical music before I saw this movie, I would think of some dead old fart who had written some very boring music. After seeing this movie, I realized that the giants who composed classical music were as alive and as full of the same characteristics as we who are alive today. It made me appreciate classical music and, eventually, learn to love it.
  • 2. Back to the Future
    1985 -What a great, fun movie this is! Michael Fox is perfectly cast as the teen who gets trapped in 1955. I would love to see this remade in 2015 and have the character travel back to 1985!
  • 1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
    1981 - I remember just before this movie came out, TIME had a story about how terrific this movie was. I tried to convince some of my friends to see it, but no one was interested, so I went alone. And of course, I was blown away! By the time my friends decided to see it, I couldn't help blurting out major plot lines ruining the movie for them. I saw this movie 15 times just in the year it came out. FOUR STAR CLASSIC!!
Honorable mention: Blues Brothers, Caddyshack, The Empire Strikes Back, An American Werewolf in London, Tootsie, The Thing, Aliens, Ferris Bueller, A Christmas Story, Big, Platoon. Obviously these are my favorite movies of the 80's and not the best movies of the 80's. I could list many others. The 80's, good times, great memories!
By: Ian
  • 10. Superman III
    Where else would you see our favorite superhero drinking himself belligerent in a hotel bar?
  • 9. The Terminator / Predator
    Again too hard to pick, both are Schwarzeneggar powerhouses.
  • 8. Weird Science / Sixteen Candles
    These tie, too hard to choose.
  • 7. jressentials77@hotmail.com
    Superman III
  • 6. Where else would you see our favorite superhero drinking himself belligerent in a hotel bar?
    The Terminator / Predator
  • 5. Again too hard to pick, both are Schwarzeneggar powerhouses.
    Weird Science / Sixteen Candles
  • 4. These tie, too hard to choose.
    Back To The Future
  • 3. All of us feel like George McFly once in a while.
    Revenge Of The Nerds
  • 2. One word (or name rather), Booger!
    The Goonies
  • 1. Mouth is king of the Goonies!
    Gremlins
An underrated 80s gem. "Listen mister, there's three rules you gotta follow"
By: Shawn
  • 10. Raiders of the Lost Ark
    One of the key action/adventure films in its genre
  • 9. Back to the Future
    One of the most entertaining films every made with seemless special effects for its time
  • 8. The Terminator
    Groundbreaking sci-fi and special effects; set the stage for future films in its category
  • 7. To Live and Die in L.A.
    Best counterfeiting movie with best car chase scene every shot next to the French Connection; the type of atmosphere conveyed in this film, in my opinion, has never been equaled since in its genre
  • 6. Black Rain
    Best depiction of cross-culture and action/mystery of the 80's
  • 5. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
    Practically re-defined the action/movie genre after the first installment
  • 4. Aliens
    Best outer-space action movie, one of the best sequels every produced
  • 3. Blade Runner
    Best overall sci-fi film every directed; unequaled dark atmosphere every captured
  • 2. The Thing
    Best animatronic monster effects ever put on film to date
  • 1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
    Best space sci-fi movie to date with special fx decades ahead of its time
I miss the 80's film style and imagination as depicted in the list of films provided.
By: Shawn
  • 10. Raiders of the Lost Ark
    One of the key action/adventure films in its genre
  • 9. Back to the Future
    One of the most entertaining films every made with seemless special effects for its time
  • 8. The Terminator
    Groundbreaking sci-fi and special effects; set the stage for future films in its category
  • 7. To Live and Die in L.A.
    Best counterfeiting movie with best car chase scene every shot next to the French Connection; the type of atmosphere conveyed in this film, in my opinion, has never been equaled since in its genre
  • 6. Black Rain
    Best depiction of cross-culture and action/mystery of the 80's
  • 5. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
    Practically re-defined the action/movie genre after the first installment
  • 4. Aliens
    Best outer-space action movie, one of the best sequels every produced
  • 3. Blade Runner
    Best overall sci-fi film every directed; unequaled dark atmosphere every captured
  • 2. The Thing
    Best animatronic monster effects ever put on film to date
  • 1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
    Best space sci-fi movie to date with special fx decades ahead of its time
I miss the 80's film style and imagination as depicted in the list of films provided.
By: Donna Schindler
  • 10. Princess Bride
    Anybody want a peanut?
  • 9. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  • 8. Honey I Shrunk the Kids
  • 7. Star Wars
    Ok one of this trilogy was made in '77. I love these movies! I am lucky enough to have a couple sets of the vhs originals from before they were messed up and redone by Lucas. I do not care for the new Star wars movies at all.
  • 6. UHF
    Underrated Weird Al Flick
  • 5. Back to the Future trilogy
  • 4. Dark Crystal
    Henson masterpiece.
  • 3. Labyrinth
    David Bowie. Need I say more?
  • 2. Spaceballs
    Ludicrous Speed!
  • 1. Planes Trains and Automobiles
    John Candy is great in this, per usual
By: Ken Racine
By: Geraldean Robles
  • 10. Firestarter (1984)
    (drew barrymore, david keith) interesting plot- pretty good acting- cool special effects- overall good movie.
  • 9. Dream A Little Dream (1989)
    (corey feldman, meredith salenger, corey haim) amazing music throughout the movie- good concept- great cinematography.
  • 8. Dirty Dancing (1987)
    (patrick swayze, jennifer grey) ENOUGH SAID !!!
  • 7. Class (1983)
    (andrew mccarthy, rob lowe, john cusack) unusal depth for a teen movie- but the young cast delivered a dramatic and accomplished performance.
  • 6. The Burbs (1989)
    (tom hanks, carrie fisher, corey feldman) good movie- an entertaining movie about the paranoia in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
  • 5. Breathless (1983)
    (richard gere) lots of passion-great romance scenes- tons of action- some suspense- and awsome music throughout the movie.
  • 4. The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)
    (lucy deakins, jay underwood) a magical and wonderful movie- it will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside.
  • 3. Angel (1984)
    (donna wilks) i like how she fools you in the beginning- she plays a good double role.
  • 2. Airplane (1980)
    (leslie neilsen) supremely funny through the whole movie.
  • 1. Adventures In Babysitting (1987)
    (elisabeth shue) great performance by elisabeth shue- lots of tension and general sense of weirdness.
i hope that you all enjoy my list of great eighties movies- i hope i brought some good memories back to you.
By: Mark
  • 10. Beverly Hills Cop(1984)
    This was a much better comedy for Eddie Murphy than 48 hours.
  • 9. Glory(1989)
    Actually was the best picture of 1989 which did not get nominated. Denzel Washington won for best supporting actor though. The only film about the first all black volunteer regiment in the Civil War
  • 8. Back to the Future(1985)
    One of the best science fiction/ fantasy comedies ever. Won most of the techical awards in 1985.
  • 7. Aliens(1986)
    Won most of the technical awards in 1986. Was the best action packed science fiction/ action/ horror films of the 1980s. Easily one of the best science fiction films ever made.
  • 6. Poltergeist(1982)
    One of the most frightening films of the 1980s. Makes you think twice about leaving the television on. Produced by the great Steven Spielberg. Feels like he directed it too.
  • 5. E.T(1982)
    The best science fiction fantasy of 1982. Did not win best picture in 1982 because of Ghandi. Once again directed by the great Steven Spielberg. Edged out Tron and Poltergiest for visual effects award.Considered one of the best movies ever made.
  • 4. The Color Purple(1985)
    Made a star of Whoppi Goldberg. The only film to be nominated for 13 academy awards and not win one. Final slap in the face came when Steven Spielberg was not nominated as best director.One of the best films of the 1980s period.
  • 3. Raiders of the Lost Ark(1981)
    Greatest blockbuster of summer of 1981. Called one of the greatest action/adventure films of all time. Highest money maker of the summer of 1981 and of the whole year. Won all of the technical awards. Another Steven Spielberg triump. Considered one of the best movies ever made.
  • 2. The Empire Strikes Back(1980)
    The greatest science fiction film of the 1980s. Many regard this as the best of the StarWars trilogy. Won all of the techical awards in 1980.The greatest blockbuster of the summer of 1980. The highest money maker of 1980. Considered one of the finest movies ever made.
  • 1. Ragging Bull(1980)
    One of the finest autobiographies ever made on an individual in sports,needless to say...a boxing legend. Lost out to Ordinary People for best picture. Considered one of the finest movies ever made.
I had to ommit other good ones like Ghostbusters, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Cry Freedom, Field of Dreams,The Last Emperor, Out of Africa, Robocop, The Terminator, Tender Mercies, Witness, War Games, Under Fire, Born on the fourth of July, My Left Foot,The Elephant Man, Places in Heart, 2010
By: tony
  • 10. Without a Trace
    I know. What??? Look this one up. Judd Hirsch and Kate Nelligan. If you can get past its slow pace, the film builds to a magnificent climax that will choke you up, money back quaranteed!
  • 9. Field of Dreams
    disappointed with this too, when I went to see it at the theatre. It was being compared to "Wonderful Life". It gets better with every viewing.
  • 8. Dead Poet's Society
    Last ten minutes will leave you with tears in your eyes and a fist clinched in victory!
  • 7. Top Gun
    Disappointed when it first hit the screens. Since then it's grown on me. I now consider it very close to the quintessential 80s movie, what with that MTV soundtrack, lighting, and costumes.
  • 6. Some Kind of Wonderful
    Totally underrated. It's "highs" are higher than any Hughes movie.
  • 5. Pretty in Pink
    The Duckman? What more need be said. Better than 16 candles or Breakfast Club.
  • 4. Chariots of Fire
    The music alone, coupled with the two star performances make it stunning.
  • 3. Terminator
    Didn't go at all to this one. Thought it must be terrifible w/ some 'bodybuilder" in the main part. Boy was I dumb.
  • 2. Karate Kid
    Saw it eight times at the theatre.
  • 1. E.T.
    2nd best movie of ALL time (behind It's a Wonderful Life, of course.)
These are the ten films I liked best from the 80s. There are many better made films, such as Platoon. I understand. But these just touched me. That's what it's all about.
By: Tracy
Some good Movies
By: Taylor
  • 10. Beetlejuice
    "because i myself am strange and unusual"
  • 9. Back to the Future(s)
    dare I say "1.21 gigawatts"
  • 8. Wierd Science
    If only high school relationships really worked out that way.... nice fantasy though
  • 7. E.T.
    its a classic
  • 6. Platoon
    this is still one of the best Nam films made.
  • 5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    i only wished my best friends dad had a car like that when i was cutting school
  • 4. Lost Boys
    Corry haims best role EVER!
  • 3. Ghostbusters
    the theme song really makes the movie!
  • 2. The Breakfast Club
    i watched this as a high school student and identified with the characters and now that i teach teens i can see not much has changed.
  • 1. The Goonies
    full of teen nostalgia and heroism with some piracy!
80's movies are the best!
By: Rebecca
  • 10. Caddy Shack
    Funny, funny Funny
  • 9. The Goonies
    Good movie about friendship and family
  • 8. Dirty Dancing
    I watched this movie over and over growing up Even had a cat named "Baby"
  • 7. Howard the Duck
    funny Movie
  • 6. Short Circuit 1&2
    Good movie for any family
  • 5. Dream a Little Dream
    good story great movie
  • 4. My Chauffeur
    funny movie
  • 3. Footloose
    great movie and great soundtract
  • 2. The Neverending Story
    All 3 are great movies bought them on Ebay and added them to my collection. best movies growing up
  • 1. The Legend of Billy Jean
    Awesome movie with Great Soundtract. She be made into DVD.
All these movies I remember fondly growing up and watching on Television. Some I was able to tract down and have on VHS or DVD but others I can't find or get a good new copy (Legend Of Billy Jean, Howard The Duck)
By: Holly
  • 10. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    Groundbreaking teen comedy at its best
  • 9. Ghostbusters/ Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
    Ghostbusters means that you can never ask "who you gonna call?" and expect a straight answer ever again BATEA made everyone go "Whoah!"
  • 8. Better Off Dead/ Can't Buy Me Love
    BOD- Hilarious John Cusack CBML- Check out McDreamy's anteater dance
  • 7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    a classic for everyone, bueller...bueller...bueller
  • 6. 16 Candles
    just plain funny.
  • 5. Weird Science
    "He doesn't have a license Lisa!"
  • 4. Back to the Future Trilogy
    each one rocked more than the previous and Michael J Fox was perfect as Marty as was Christopher Lloyd as Doc.
  • 3. The Goonies
    spielberg IS a genius
  • 2. St. Elmo's Fire
    starring the cream of the eighties talent crop
  • 1. The Breakfast Club
    great cast, great storyline, relevent to teenagers who didn't love it? The quintessential eighties movie, by the God of the Eighties, John Hughes
SPECIAL MENTIONS: Dirty Dancing, Footloose, Blues Brothers, Pretty in Pink, Uncle Buck, Caddyshack, Stripes, Splash, Class, Weekend at Bernies and many more!
By: Chris Upton
By: poipoider1
the 80s were great times for movies. I think it's very difficult to chose only 10. I've read all the lists and all are great. I just wanted to contribute listing some of my favourite movies ever.
By: Daniel
By: sammie
  • 10. Class (1983)
    this was great movie to and as i said is that they act the people that they are playing good.he is some what funny but it was great.
  • 9. The Karate Kid 3 (1989)
    this is the end and he still wins.the sad part is that he stop training with the same on the 1 and 2 one of this.but he was always there for him.
  • 8. Karate Kid 2 (1986)
    the same on this one.but he is still learning how to do stuff he haven't done before.so i think thats great
  • 7. The Karate Kid (1984)
    i love this movie. on how when he gets hurt he don't stop trying to win.you see if it was me i would of stoped along time ago.
  • 6. Teacher (1984)
    well this movie remine me of my class room at school.Ralph Macchio is a great actor. plays a great role and how he it was great, keep up the good work bud.
  • 5. Youngblood (1986)
    "youngblood,youngblood blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood,blood youngblood,youngblood,youngblood,youngblood,youngblood"
  • 4. E.T. (1982)
    when i was little i loved this movie. thats all i have to say is that i love this movie.
  • 3. The Hitcher(1986)
    if you seeing people kill other people,well this is your movie. this is good to show people never to pick people you don't on the road because they might kill you.so i like it.i would give this a 9.
  • 2. Secret Admirer (1985)
    this was a little bit crazy because you would have to look at it two timesand then you would get it.but the thing that i like about this movie was that c.thomas howell was in it.
  • 1. The Outsiders (1983)
    this was great movie about boys growing up on the wrong side of the tracks.i think c.thomas howell,Ralph Macchio,Patrick swayze,tom cruise,rob lowe,matt dillon,and Emilio Estevez did a great job.
these movies had so of the best actor that i ever known in life. i don't know that many stars but i know them.SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!

Previous List or Next List


We also have pages on this topic devoted to the 70s and 90s
Do You Have a Top Ten Song List to Share?

This site grows only with submissions from dedicated visitors like yourself. If you would like to reflect about a concert you attended, please fill out the form below.

Please use the The Top Ten 80s Movies submission page.