- Chris
The Best Films Of The 80s
Delve into this great decade through our top ten list of the best films of the 80s.
The 1980s was a decade known for its blockbuster films that left a lasting impact on popular culture. It was a vibrant and transformative decade for films, marked by significant developments in various genres.
There was also the emergence of iconic movies, which not not only achieved significant commercial success, but also left a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to be celebrated and referenced today.
The best films of the 80s, often featuring high-concept ideas, special effects, and action-packed storylines, which dominated the box office. Films such as;
"Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" (1980),
"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), and
"Back to the Future" (1985)
became massive successes and spawned popular franchises and large cult followings.
80s movie genres
There were so many genres that came to prominence during the 80s, it created a collection of favourites for almost anyone. Let's take a look at some of them.
Science Fiction
Science fiction and fantasy films experienced a surge in popularity during the 1980s. Movies like "Blade Runner" (1982), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982), and "Ghostbusters" (1984) captured the imagination of audiences with their innovative storytelling, imaginative worlds, and groundbreaking special effects.
Action Films
The 1980s definitely saw the rise of the Action genre and were known for high-octane action films that featured larger-than-life heroes. This era also saw the rise of action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis, who starred in iconic movies such as "The Terminator" (1984), "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985), and "Die Hard" (1988).
Teen Films
The 1980s witnessed a surge in teen-centric movies that resonated with young audiences.
Films like "The Breakfast Club" (1985), "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), and "Sixteen Candles" (1984) explored the joys, challenges, and coming-of-age experiences of teenagers, becoming cult classics in the process.
The soundtracks that accompanied these films were also epic, with one of the best being in "Risky Business" (1983), which featured music by tangerine dream.
Our Top 10 80s Blockbusters
Let's take a look at Phoenix Mixtapes favourite films of this decade. The films chosen not only achieved significant commercial success, but also left a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to be celebrated and referenced today.
Number 10 - Full Metal Jacket (1987)
"Full Metal Jacket" is a war film released in 1987, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie is set during the Vietnam War and is divided into two parts, depicting the training of U.S. Marine Corps recruits at Parris Island and their experiences in the war.
The film showcases Stanley Kubrick's meticulous attention to detail and visual style. The film's cinematography and set design create a stark and immersive atmosphere, capturing the harsh realities of war and the contrasting environments of boot camp and the war zone.
It also features several memorable lines, including Gunnery Sergeant Hartman's intense and profanity-laced insults during training, which have become iconic and widely quoted.
Number 9 - Scarface (1983)
Scarface" is a crime drama film released in 1983, directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. The movie tells the story of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, a Cuban immigrant who rises through the ranks of the Miami drug trade, becoming a powerful and ruthless drug lord.
Al Pacino's portrayal of Tony Montana is one of the most memorable aspects of the film. His intense and charismatic performance brings the character to life, showcasing Tony's larger-than-life personality, explosive temper, and distinct accent.
"Scarface" has achieved cult status over the years, praised for its gritty portrayal of organized crime, Al Pacino's iconic performance, and its exploration of themes related to power, ambition, and the consequences of the drug trade. It remains a significant and influential film in the crime genre.
Number 8 - Blade Runner (1982)
"Blade Runner" is a science fiction film released in 1982, directed by Ridley Scott. The movie is based on the 1968 novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick.
Set in a dystopian future, the film explores themes of identity, humanity, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.he film combines elements of science fiction and film noir, creating a unique and atmospheric blend.
The dark and moody cinematography, complemented by Vangelis' iconic electronic score, contributes to the film's distinct ambiance and enhances its dystopian themes.
Blade Runner" is recognized for its visually stunning world, philosophical undertones, and its exploration of the human condition in a futuristic context. It remains a highly regarded and influential film that continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
Number 7 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a classic comedy film released in 1986. Directed by John Hughes, the movie follows the adventures of high school student Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, as he skips school for a day of fun and mischief in Chicago.
Ferris Bueller is portrayed as a charismatic and clever teenager who is skilled at manipulating situations to his advantage. He is a master of escapism and possesses a carefree and rebellious spirit. Ferris becomes the embodiment of teenage freedom and the desire to live life to the fullest.
The film has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with Ferris Bueller becoming an iconic character. The movie's quotable lines, memorable scenes, and its celebration of youth and rebellion have made it a beloved classic.
Number 6 - Karate Kid (1984)
"The Karate Kid" is a coming-of-age sports drama film released in 1984. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen, the movie tells the story of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who moves to a new city and learns martial arts from an unlikely mentor, Mr Miyagi.
Mr. Miyagi, a wise and skilled martial artist, teaches Daniel not only karate, but also important life lessons. Through unconventional training methods, such as waxing cars and painting fences, Mr. Miyagi imparts discipline, resilience, and the value of balance in life.
"The Karate Kid" is known for its blend of martial arts action, heartfelt storytelling, and themes of mentorship and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences and has remained a cherished film that has inspired subsequent generations of martial arts enthusiasts and movie goers.
Number 5 - Rambo, First Blood (1982)
"Rambo: First Blood" is an action film released in 1982. Directed by Ted Kotcheff and based on David Morrell's novel "First Blood," the movie introduced the iconic character of John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone.
The film follows John Rambo, a troubled and highly skilled Vietnam War veteran who becomes the target of harassment and mistreatment by a small-town sheriff and his deputies. Rambo, pushed to his breaking point, fights back and unleashes his military training to survive in the hostile environment.
"Rambo: First Blood" also touches on the treatment of veterans and the mistreatment of marginalized individuals. It critiques the treatment of soldiers returning from war and raises questions about the treatment of those suffering from PTSD.
"Rambo: First Blood" is known for its action-packed sequences, exploration of social issues, and Sylvester Stallone's memorable performance. The film set the stage for a franchise that continued to expand the character's story and impact on popular culture.
Number 4 - Die Hard (1988)
"Die Hard" is a highly regarded action thriller film released in 1988. Directed by John McTiernan and based on Roderick Thorp's novel "Nothing Lasts Forever," the film stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, an off-duty New York City police officer caught in a high-stakes hostage situation.
Bruce Willis's portrayal of John McClane has become iconic. McClane is a relatable and witty everyman forced into extraordinary circumstances, providing a refreshing take on the action genre. His vulnerability, humor, and determination to protect innocent lives have made him a memorable character.
"Die Hard" is often praised for its tight script, thrilling action, memorable characters, and the perfect balance of humor and intensity. It remains a beloved film that has stood the test of time and continues to entertain audiences with its gripping story and iconic moments.
Number 3 - Back To The Future (1985)
"Back to the Future" is a beloved science fiction comedy film released in 1985. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the film became a cultural phenomenon and spawned a successful franchise.
The film follows the adventures of Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox), a teenager who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 in a DeLorean time machine invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd). Marty must find a way to ensure his parents' future romance while also trying to return to his own time."Back to the Future" became a huge success and gained a devoted fan base.
Its blend of science fiction, comedy, and adventure appealed to a wide audience. The film's influence can be seen in popular culture, with references and homages to the franchise appearing in various media over the years. It even led to to creation of our Back To The 80s mixtape. Check it out here.
Number 1 - Risky Business (1983)
"Risky Business" is a coming-of-age comedy film released in 1983. It was written and directed by Paul Brickman and starred Tom Cruise in one of his breakthrough roles.
The film follows Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise), a high school student from a well-to-do family who, when left alone for the weekend, gets caught up in a series of misadventures.
Joel's plans for a quiet weekend take a turn when he meets Lana (Rebecca De Mornay), a prostitute, and gets involved in her world of risky business.Risky Business" explores themes of adolescence, rebellion, and the consequences of choices. It is particularly remembered for its iconic scenes, including the famous dance sequence featuring Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear to the tune of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll.
"The film was a commercial success and played a significant role in establishing Tom Cruise as a leading actor. It is often considered a classic of the teen comedy genre and has remained popular over the years for its humor and memorable moments.
The soundtrack of "Risky Business" is notable for its selection of songs that complement the film's themes and contribute to its overall atmosphere. Most notably with tracks created by Tangerine Dream. Take a listen here to one of our favourites from the film.
These songs, along with other tracks in the film, help to create a distinct ambiance and enhance the storytelling in "Risky Business." The soundtrack became popular, and the film's use of music has since become iconic, adding to the overall appeal and cultural impact of the movie.
Final Note
The 1980s was a decade known for its blockbuster films that left a lasting impact on popular culture. While it's subjective to determine the "greatest" blockbusters, definitely played a significant part in my growing up and also introduced me to some of the greatest directors, actors and soundtracks of our generation.
Click on the links below to discover more.
The rise of the British yuppie
10 greatest UK TV Shows
1980s tech
1980s music
1980s British Culture
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