The 30 Greatest Movies of the ’80s You HAVE to Watch

There's no denying that the 1980s were one of the greatest decades for lovers of cinema.

Whether you were actually around in the '80s to see the decade's greatest films on the big screen, or you came afterward and saw them for the first time from an entirely different perspective, they capture something you simply don't see in modern films. These are classics that will never get old, and will likely be celebrated for generations to come.

But which '80s movies were truly the greatest of the great? We wrangled the 30 must-watch movies that decade. Keep clicking through to see if your favorites made the list.  

(Back to the Future via Universal Pictures)

 

30. Ghostbusters (1984)

(Ghostbusters via Columbia Pictures)

Ghostbusters is one of the most beloved comedy films of all time, and for good reason. Before this, big-budget comedies loaded with fabulous special effects were unheard of, and the movie's success paved the way for innovation. It featured an ensemble cast of comedy legends Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson at the very top of their game as ghost-hunting parapsychologists, and with ghostly villains like Slimer, Gozer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow man, there's a reason it stayed in the public consciousness long after the credits rolled.

 

29. Dead Poets Society (1989)

(Dead Poets Society via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

Dead Poets Society is one of the most powerful and poignant films on this list, following the lives of students at a snooty boarding school who find inspiration in English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams. Through the use of poetry, Mr. Keating empowers his students to make the very most of their lives and find themselves. Though it's not necessarily a happy story, it's still a beautiful one about the value of passion and following your dreams, and how powerful having a strong mentor can really be.

 

28. Sixteen Candles (1984)

(Sixteen Candles via Universal Pictures)

Sixteen Candles is so much more than just a teen comedy. The John Hughes flick tells the story of Sam Baker, who's gearing up to have the worst 16th birthday of all time, with her family completely forgetting about it, and her crush not knowing she exists. Molly Ringwald's Sam is incredibly relatable to anyone who's ever been basically invisible to their crush, and the movie's sweet conclusion is exactly the wish-fulfillment we all need when we're down.

 

27. Top Gun (1986)

(Top Gun via Paramount Pictures)

Top Gun is the kind of action-packed popcorn movie we all need from time to time. Starring Tom Cruise as Navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, at its core, Top Gun is all about the drive to become the best of the best. On top of that, it's packed with epic and exciting dogfights in the air, with a healthy dose of romance sprinkled in. It's also ridiculously quotable and will make you want to get your own awesome call sign like Goose or Iceman by the time it's through.

 

26. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

(Who Framed Roger Rabbit via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

Forget the fact that Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a technical marvel and completely revolutionary in the way it painstakingly blended live-action and animation on the big screen—it's also a fabulous movie in its own right. The film is bursting with humor and charm at after corner. Bob Hoskins is ingenious as detective Eddie Vallant, wonderfully playing off Roger Rabbit (despite talking to air on set), and Christoper Lloyd is absolutely terrifying as Judge Doom. And don't forget the cameos from legendary animated characters including Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse!

 

25. Twins (1988)

(Twins via Universal Pictures)

Up until Twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger was known solely for his action roles, and people were mystified by the idea of him playing in a comedy. However, his doubters were soon proved wrong, as it turned out to be one of the most commercially successful comedic films of the '80s. In the movie, 6'2″ Arnold and 4'10" Danny DeVito play twin brothers who are results of a genetic experiment to create the perfect children. Together, the unlikely duo goes on a search for their mother, hilariously discovering they're more similar than different along the way.

 

24. Gremlins (1984)

(Gremlins via Warner Bros.)

Gremlins is a blend of so many things it's a little tough to define. Is it a horror film? A comedy? A Christmas movie? Whatever it is, it's impossible to forget after you've seen it just once. When Billy gets an adorable, furry pet called a mogwai for Christmas, he's warned never to let it get wet, expose it to bright lights or feed it after midnight. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the mogwai gets doused with water, spawning five more mogwais, and when they're fed after midnight, they transform into the horrible title creatures, who wind up being downright deadly. This haunting movie isn't for the squeamish, but is there any character cuter than Gizmo the mogwai? We don't think so.

 

23. The Karate Kid (1984)

(The Karate Kid via Columbia Pictures)

The Karate Kid is practically synonymous with the '80s, and for good reason. It stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, who starts getting bullied by karate black belt Johnny after moving to L.A. When his building's handyman, Mr. Miyagi, steps in and defeats Daniel's attackers with ease, Daniel asks Miyagi to train him. He declines, but cleverly trains him through a serious of tedious chores until he masters his skills. The film's writing is clever and funny, and its tournament montage to Joe Esposito's "You're the Best" is second only to Rocky's training montage, marking it as an iconic moment in movie history.

 

22. Big (1988)

(Big via 20th Century Studios)

Thanks in part to Tom Hanks' incredible performance, Big was one of the biggest comedies of the '80s. After getting fed up with being a kid, 12-year-old Josh makes a wish on a fortune-telling machine, only to wake up the next morning in the body of an adult. The result is comedy gold, with Josh forced to leave home and find his way in the world, dealing with adulthood for the first time through the eyes of a kid. Though his childlike sense of wonder does help him succeed in the adult world, he realizes that being grown-up isn't all it's chalked up to be, providing a valuable message for kids and adults alike.

 

21. The Little Mermaid (1989)

(The Little Mermaid via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

The Little Mermaid kicked off the era known as the Disney Renaissance, and we're very glad for that. It's hard to believe these days, but Ariel was the first Disney princess in 30 years when the film hit the big screen in 1989, and it was a fabulous return to form for Disney. Ariel is both relatable and aspirational as a gorgeous mermaid pining over a prince, and the film's incredible musical soundtrack and bold, colorful art style made it completely unforgettable. Whether you like "Under the Sea" or "Part of Your World," there's a little something here for everybody.

 

Also read about: 5 Feel-Good Disney Shorts to Instantly Improve Your Mood

 

20. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

(When Harry Met Sally via Columbia Pictures)

When Harry Met Sally is widely regarded as one of the best romantic comedies of all time, and it doesn't take long to see why. Billy Crystal is a treasure as the witty but cynical Harry, and Meg Ryan is just as lovable as the fastidious but upbeat Sally. Over a friendship spanning decades, they go from begrudging acquaintances to close friends and then something more in the ultimate will-they-or-won't-they romance. It's one that both men and women can embrace wholeheartedly.

 

19. Aliens (1986)

(Aliens via 20th Century Studios)

While 1979's Alien was a straight-up sci-fi horror film, director James Cameron took the sequel, Aliens, in a different direction to make it an action-packed adventure. The first film featured a single horrifying Xenomorph creature against a crew of space truckers, but this one ups the ante with hundreds of aliens taken on by a squadron of colonial marines. It's tense, and exciting, but also funny at times, featuring more quips and one-liners than you can count. And the scene with Ripley's Power Loader against the alien queen will go down in history.

 

18. Die Hard (1988)

(Die Hard via 20th Century Studios)

Though the debate rages on about whether or not Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie, there's no debate as to the greatness of the film. Bruce Willis is the ultimate good guy hero as John McClane, who almost singlehandedly takes down a group of thieves posing as terrorists threatening to take down Nakatomi Plaza, and Alan Rickman is iconic as the leader of the baddies, Hans Gruber. The film is pure entertainment and skillfully constructed to be just as funny as it is brimming with action. Honestly, we'll take it over the other holiday classics any day.

 

17. Beetlejuice (1988)

(Beetlejuice via Warner Bros.)

Beetlejuice's charm stems from the fact that it is one weird movie, but we wouldn't expect anything less from director Tim Burton. It features Geena Davis and Adam Baldwin as a recently deceased couple struggling with their new identity as ghosts, and their ambition to scare off the Deetz family who moves into their home. Along the way, they enlist the help of the actually terrifying Betelgeuse (wonderfully portrayed by Michael Keaton) to help with their haunting, only to find his tactics are much more than they bargained for. The movie is bizarre and sometimes legitimately creepy, but it's a blast all the way through.

 

16. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

(My Neighbor Totoro via Toho Co., Ltd.)

Not every '80s classic is from the west. In fact, Japan produced some incredible cinema during the decade. Of their anime offerings, My Neighbor Totoro is our very favorite. It follows sisters Mei and Satsuki, who move to an old house in a rural part of Japan to be closer to their ailing mother. As they acclimate to their new home, they also befriend the kindly spirits of the woods who live nearby, including the titular Totoro, who introduces them to a fantastic world full of wonder and adventure. It's light, whimsical and beautiful, making it instantly clear why Totoro is such a beloved character around the world.

 

15. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

(Ferris Bueller's Day Off via Paramount Pictures)

When you think of the heroes of '80s films, you probably think first of action stars, but Ferris Bueller probably deserves a spot on that list, too. The story is simple, following a kid who plays hooky and winds up having a day of epic proportions, all the while breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience, which was groundbreaking at the time. While we can probably relate more to best friend Cameron, Ferris is the cool kid we all wish we were—and the fact that he pulls off day away from school with zero personal consequences makes us very jealous.

 

14. Working Girl (1988)

(Working Girl via 20th Century Studios)

Working Girl is a rom-com that's as much about aspirations and making it in the business world as it is about romance. It's a Cinderella story of sorts, with Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) working her way up the corporate ladder, using her wiles and a bit of stretching the truth to meet the right people and claim her ideas before they're stolen by her boss (Sigourney Weaver). She even meets her own kind of Prince Charming along the way in the form of Harrison Ford as Jack Trainer. While it might not completely stand up today to feminist standards, it's still a lot of fun to watch, and we still find ourselves rooting for Tess to succeed every time.

 

13. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

(Adventures in Babysitting via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

While Adventures in Babysitting may not exactly be a masterpiece, it's still a kind of classic in its own right. Starring Elizabeth Shue as Chris Parker, the film follows Chris, who takes a babysitting job after being stood up by her boyfriend on their anniversary. When her best friend, Brenda, calls to be rescued from a train station in a bad part of town, Chris decides to bring the kids with her to help, only to find that everything goes wrong, and the four wind up fighting to survive in the dangerous streets of Chicago. The film is heartwarming and funny, and maybe a little unrealistic, but that's exactly what makes it so beloved.

 

12. Poltergeist (1982)

(Poltergeist via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Poltergeist is a genre-defying horror film that should not be watched by the faint of heart. It follows the Freeling family, who move into a quaint suburb, only to discover that their new home is haunted—and out to get them. The movie boasts some iconic and terrifying scenes, from ghostly hands emerging from television sets to trees reaching through windows to grab unsuspecting sleepers and skeletons bobbing in the swimming pool. This is one that'll make you want to keep the light on.

 

11. The Breakfast Club (1985)

(The Breakfast Club via Universal Pictures)

The Breakfast Club is the quintessential movie about American high school life, and for good reason. The film follows a queen bee, a geek, a jock, a rebel and a loner who all wind up in detention together. While at first, their differences drive them apart, over the course of the film, they discover that below the superficial, their stories are more alike than different, and that they're stronger together as friends than divided. The film also sports an amazing cast, making these great characters even more memorable.

 

Also read about: All the Must-See Films of Early 2024

 

10. The Goonies (1985)

(The Goonies via Warner Bros.)

The Goonies is a classic that simply can't be contained by a single genre. It's an action-adventure family comedy about a group of kids searching for lost pirate treasure so their families won't lose their homes. Add to that a pursuing family of criminals and a monstrous but kind behemoth called Sloth, plus some swashbuckling for good measure. The incredible friendship between the Goonies themselves is the heart of the film, and the movie's ensemble cast completely sells every sweet moment.

 

9. Stand by Me (1986)

(Stand by Me via Columbia Pictures)

When it comes to coming-of-age films, you don't get much better than Stand by Me. Based on a short story by Steven King and starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell and Corey Feldman, it's one of our favorite portrayals of young friendship in film, and that's what's made it so lasting. It follows four boys who hear a rumor about a body in the woods and go on an adventure to find it, learning a lot about what's important to them along the way.

 

8. Blade Runner (1982)

(Blade Runner via Warner Bros.)

Blade Runner might have taken a while to catch on with audiences, but today it's revered as a cult classic. The film takes place in 2019 (which at one point was the distant future), and with its dark, haunting atmosphere, blending film noir with futuristic technologies, it also paved the way for the cyberpunk movement. The movie follows cop Rick Deckard who's tasked with hunting dangerous replicants, or synthetic humans, only to discover along the way that the issue isn't so black and white. It's deeply philosophical, and while it's not for everybody, those who like it tend to love it.

 

7. The Terminator (1984)

(The Terminator via Orion Pictures)

While the Terminator is now known as one of cinema's most famous movie monsters, it came from humble beginnings. Shot by new director James Cameron on a $6.4 million budget with then-unknown star Arnold Schwarzenegger, it wasn't expected to succeed—but it proved everyone wrong. It stars Linda Hamilton as a meek waitress who rises to the occasion and becomes a warrior when a machine from the future is sent back in time specifically to get her, and weirdly enough, her relationship with future hero Kyle Reese is one of our very favorite romances in cinematic history.

 

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

(The Princess Bride via 20th Century Fox)

The Princess Bride was almost doomed to fail because of its oddly girly name, but it was so good that even the title couldn't stop it from spreading like wildfire among fans. The story actually unfolds as a story being read to a sick boy by his grandfather, with the action cutting between the narration at home and the romantic tale of Princess Buttercup and the farmhand Westley. But the tale is about so much more than just those two, including the fencing master Inigo Montoya, the criminal mastermind Vizzini and the strongest man alive, Fezzik. With a star-studded cast and an absurd number of quotable lines, this film is so much more than it appears on the surface.

 

5. The Shining (1980)

(The Shining via Warner Bros.)

The '80s was a great time for horror fans, and few scary movies stick with the viewer quite like The Shining. Directed by master Stanley Kubrick, it tells the story of writer Jack Torrance, who gets a job as the winter caretaker at an isolated hotel, unaware of the dark supernatural forces that inhabit it. His son, Danny, has psychic abilities, called "the shining," that allow him to perceive the scarring past of the place—but that won't be quite enough to keep the family safe from harm. There are so many iconic shots and scenes from this movie that they can be identified from a single frame, which might be why this movie is so impossible to forget.

 

4. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

(Raiders of the Lost Ark via Paramount Pictures)

The original Indiana Jones movie was also the most iconic. Starring the always-charming Harrison Ford as treasure-hunting archeologist Indy, it doesn't take long for the adventure to begin. From the opening scenes cutting through the jungle, avoiding deadly cave traps and evading giant rolling boulders, it's clear that it's a genre-defining action-adventure flick, and the fun never lets up—with just enough of the supernatural thrown in to make it unlike anything else in the movies, save its sequels.

 

3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

(Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back via 20th Century Studios)

The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as the best film not only in the original trilogy, but in the entire Star Wars filmography, for a number of reasons. It's not only a continuation of one of the greatest space stories of all time, but it's also  proof that your heroes don't always have to win to make good cinema. (Spoiler alert for a 40-year-old movie) but it ends with a number of rebel losses, Han Solo frozen in Carbonite and Luke Skywalker discovering his true parentage and losing a hand. It's the ultimate cliffhanger, but it earns its shock, and it's still worth rewatching all this time later.

 

2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

(E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial via Universal Pictures)

Thanks to some fabulous filmmaking by director Steven Spielberg, E.T. is one of the most beloved aliens in movie history. At its heart, it's about not fearing those who are different to you, and how the power of love and friendship can conquer anything. There's something magical about the relationship between E.T. and Elliott that makes us yearn to have an extraterrestrial pal of our own—and makes our hearts break when E.T. has to go home.

 

1. Back to the Future (1985)

(Back to the Future via Universal Pictures)

Thanks to its time travel premise, Back to the Future is the first movie that comes to mind when we think about the '80s and what they were all about. It tells the story of teenager Marty McFly who accidentally gets sent back in time in his mad scientist friend's time machine, and has to find a way back to his own time in the '80s from 1955. Along the way, he also accidentally stops his parents from meeting, making his time-sensitive return even trickier as he has to now play matchmaker to ensure he's born in the first place. Thanks to this film, the DeLorean time machine is now an iconic piece of '80s culture. If we had to pick one, this would be the must-watch movie of the decade.

 

On the lookout for something a little more modern? Click HERE for our ranking of Netflix's best teen comedies.