The Greatest Movies of the 1980’s Ranked

Not many decades produced movies as memorable as the 1980’s. A groundbreaking decade, the 1980’s changed filmmaking. Whether it’s stories of raging boxers, whip-smart archaeologists or ordinary family members, it offered bold characters. Given the sheer number of movies made in the era, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of the 1980’s that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that appreciated the whip-smart hero. I remember spending time with a grandfather that regarded Jones to be a national treasure. Through his admiration for Indiana Jones, my grandpa gave me a lifelong love of Cinema. He admired all the films made about the hero with a spark, but his favourite film was always “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Ever since release in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie of the 1980’s. Spielberg’s classic adventure film had a massive impact on popular culture through its introduction of an iconic character. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making movies through breathtaking practical effects, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Indiana Jones is chased by a dangerous boulder in a state of panic remains one of the greatest filmmaking moments of the 1980’s decade. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created a larger-than-life character that audiences adored. Ultimately, what makes “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” the greatest movie of the 1980’s is universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the decade, it tackles heartwarming themes everyone would relate to. For a film made in the 1980’s, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains relevant today. The film delivers a commemorated message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about whip-smart archaeologists searching for a lost ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a decade with a bright spark that produced unforgettable movies which left a lasting mark.

2. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, I was locked up in rooms for injuring my cousin in fights causing sorrow. I remember feeling terror when I was locked in a claustrophobic room by my mother. Driven to the brink of insanity, I couldn’t cope with isolation that affected by ability to function effectively. As someone haunted by shining memories of isolation, I adored “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as one of the greatest horror films ever made. With the most frightening film of his career, Kubrick did an extraordinary job of adapting Stephen King’s iconic book about isolation. Kubrick has an aptitude for using confined locations to build tension, and his strengths shine through in “The Shining”. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe remains one of the greatest moments of the decade. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a frightening alcoholic causing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” a horror classic is its message. the film delivers a profound message about isolation which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a shining reminder of a decade with powerful stories to tell that put audiences in a spell.

3. Raging Bull

Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing a fit of rage. I remember that my parents complained about how I had a short temper. I would often beat up peers in my school that I mistreated in ways which were cruel. As someone impacted by consequences of rage that was stressful, I adored “Raging Bull”. Released in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing masterpiece celebrated the legacy of an angry boxer in American history. Scorsese has always excelled at using silence in his movies to build tension, and “Raging Bull” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta faces silence before being beaten up in rings is one of the greatest moments of the decade. At the centre of the film is a towering performance by Robert De Niro, who embodies a boxer that achieved success several years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about rage that would resonate with everyone. A remarkable portrait of a real-life boxer with rage, it’s a riveting reminder of a great decade that produced memorable movies with a meaningful message which never lost abilities to engage.

4. Rain Man

Autism has shaped my personality. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a disease causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to form a strong relationship with my brother. I remember finding it hard to interact with my brother due to my intellectual disorder. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can affect relationships with family as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about Autism. Levinson has always excelled at using montages in his movies, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm is one of the greatest moments of the 1980’s decade. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a complicated mental condition. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” one of the best movies of the 1980’s is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers that would resonate with everyone. An awe-inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a decade that produced unforgettable movies achieving stardom.

5. The Breakfast Club

High school shaped my identity. I remember memories of attending a school which put me under pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school that left me terrified. Nevertheless, high school did play a role in shaping the person I have become today. As someone treasuring memories of high school that shaped my identity, I loved “The Breakfast Club”. Released in 1985, John Hughes’ film offered realistic depictions of adolescents searching for identities. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes captured teenagers seeking to discover identities. Hughes has an aptitude for capturing teen angst, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention is one of the greatest moments of 1980’s Cinema. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Despite focusing on teenagers during the 1980’s, its themes of adolescence resonate with modern adolescents today. A powerful portrait of adolescence, it’s a bold reminder of a decade that made great movies earning abig audience.

6. Blade Runner

The 1980’s were a great decade that produced memorable science-fiction movies. It was a ground-breaking era that introduced the science-fiction genre. In a decade that changed the science-fiction genre forever, it’s worth discussing “Blade Runner”. Released in 1982, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the world through its depiction of replicants. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s, what makes “Blade Runner” stand out is its sheer originality. Scott showcased his strength as a filmmaker by using stunning visuals to create a science-fiction world that’s compelling. Assisted by Harrison Ford who is extraordinary in the lead role, Scott created a timeless science-fiction film audiences have adored. As strong as Roy’s tears in the rain, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that produced memorable movies with the abilities to entertain.

7. Die Hard

Terrorism is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting stories of terrorists whose lives are misunderstood. In an industry that has often ignored stories of terrorists whose lives are hard, it’s worth praising “Die Hard”. Released in 1988, John McTiernan’s movie forever changed the action genre through its depiction of terrorism. McTiernan showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by staging breathtaking action that forever revolutionized the genre. Assisted by Bruce Willis is exceptional in the lead role, McTiernan created one of the greatest action films of all-time. As strong as John McClane’s desire to save a building from terrorists that are terrifying, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a decade that produced engaging movies that are worth celebrating.

8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Aliens are compelling creatures that have always fascinated me. At an early age, I developed a lifelong interest in aliens causing damage. My lifelong interest in extra-terrestrial aliens first began when I watched “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”. Released in 1982, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed filmmaking by depicting aliens from a positive point-of-view. Unlike most 1980’s movies, what makes “E.T.” stand out is its stunning special effects. Spielberg showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by creating aliens using groundbreaking special effects. Assisted by Henry Thomas who is superb in his first role, Spielberg captured the appeal of aliens that are precious. As strong as Elliot’s bond with E.T. it’s an extraordinary reminder of a great decade which produced awe-inspiring movies that audiences regard highly.

9. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted a family faced tragedy. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a decade that produced great movies audiences consider to be special.

10. Top Gun

Few films ever made about aviation have achieved the appreciation of “Top Gun”. Ever since its release in 1986, Tony Scott’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. I may be in the minority, but I have never been a huge fan of “Top Gun”. On a technical level, the film is well-made with stunning special effects. Tom Cruise is a joy to watch in the role that launched his career. However, the film’s sexist treatment of women has aged poorly. The female characters lack depth coming across as caricatures. Nevertheless, “Top Gun” remains an influential film emblematic of the 1980’s. As strong as Maverick’s desire to feel the need for speed, it’s a soaring reminder of a decade that created memorable movies that audiences fancied which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism in which I am driven to succeed.