The Best Movies of 1986

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Updated May 16, 2024 36.5K views 87 items
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Only movies released in theaters in 1986.

A list of the best movies of 1986. The '80s were a decade where Hollywood thrived with new stars and big blockbusters and 1986 was no exception. Some of the best movies of this year are some of the best teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies,  horror films, and dramas in history. The films on here are very memorable and had audiences on the edges of their seats, and still pack a punch so many years after they were first released. You shouldn't be too surprised by the movies listed on here. As stated before, some of the best comedy movies of the decade were released in 1986. Who could forget Ferris Bueller's Day Off with Matthew Broderick, Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield, and of course, Three Amigos with Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. Dramas from that year were gripping and tense, which are signs of a great enduring movie. Examples from this year include Platoon and Hoosiers.

The best movies of 1986 featured some of the biggest stars in the movie business. Whether it was the aforementioned stars continuing their success or the up-and-comers featured in Stand By Me or Jennifer Connelly in the cult classic Labrynth, which featured both an appearance and a soundtrack by David Bowie.

Some of the best movies of all time were made in 1986. This is the ultimate list with more than 100 of the best movies of 1986. Vote and re-rank this list according to how you think the best movies of that year should be reflected.

Most divisive: Flight of the Navigator
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies of 1986
  • Aliens
    1
    Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn
    726 votes
    In the science fiction thriller Aliens, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), survivor of the spaceship Nostromo, returns to confront her nightmares. Waking up 57 years later, she discovers a human colony has been established on the alien-infested planet she once escaped from. Accompanied by a squad of marines, Ripley must face her fears and the extraterrestrial menace once again. Directed by James Cameron, this sequel boasts an Oscar-winning visual effects team that brings the terrifying creatures to life. With suspenseful twists and thrilling action sequences, Aliens is a cinematic masterpiece in its genre.
  • Stand by Me
    2
    Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
    687 votes
    In the engaging film Stand by Me, four young boys - Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) - embark on an unforgettable quest. Their aim? To locate a missing teenager's body somewhere in the woods of Oregon. Directed by Rob Reiner, this coming-of-age drama is based on Stephen King's novella The Body. It's a gripping tale about friendship, adventure, and the harsh realities of growing up. The film, ripe with poignant performances and a captivating storyline, won critical acclaim upon its release in 1986.
  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    3
    Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
    685 votes
    In the classic comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is a high school senior who decides to play hooky for a day. He cleverly manipulates his parents, outwits his sister Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), and convinces his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to join him. They embark on an unforgettable adventure in Chicago, involving a vintage Ferrari, the Sears Tower, and a local parade. Meanwhile, their suspicious principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones) is determined to catch Ferris in the act. This film explores themes of friendship and rebellion against societal norms without resorting to heavy drama or violence.
  • Top Gun
    4
    Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards
    667 votes
    In the high-octane film Top Gun, Pete Maverick Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is an audacious naval aviator with an insatiable need for speed. His reckless flying style lands him a spot at the prestigious Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun, where he competes against the best fighter pilots in the country. Here, Maverick meets his match in both the air and on ground - rival pilot Tom Iceman Kazansky (Val Kilmer) and astrophysics instructor Charlotte Charlie Blackwood (Kelly McGillis). This 1986 action drama directed by Tony Scott won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and is celebrated for its thrilling aerial sequences and iconic soundtrack.
  • Platoon
    5
    Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen
    623 votes
    In the gritty war drama Platoon, we follow Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), an American soldier thrust into the horrors of the Vietnam War. As he navigates this brutal landscape, Chris finds himself torn between two sergeants: the morally corrupt Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the righteous Elias (Willem Dafoe). Directed by Oliver Stone, this film offers an unflinching portrayal of warfare's dehumanizing effects. The movie was lauded for its realism and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It stands as a chilling testament to the savagery of conflict and the toll it takes on those who endure it.
  • Big Trouble in Little China
    6
    Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun
    522 votes
    In Big Trouble in Little China, trucker Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) finds himself drawn into a mysterious world beneath San Francisco's Chinatown. He's there to help his friend, Wang Chi (Dennis Dun), rescue his kidnapped fiancée, but they quickly become embroiled in an ancient battle between good and evil. The film is a blend of martial arts action and screwball comedy, directed by John Carpenter. It has since gained cult status for its unique mix of Western and Eastern cinematic influences.
  • Crocodile Dundee
    7
    Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, Mark Blum
    577 votes
    A New York reporter heads to Australia to interview the living legend Mike Dundee (Paul Hogan). When she finally locates him, she is so taken with him that she brings him back with her to New York. In New York, Mike Dundee is amazed by the wonders of the city and the interesting people there.
  • Highlander
    8
    Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart
    451 votes
    In the film Highlander, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) is a Scottish swordsman who discovers he's an immortal being. Trained by another ageless warrior, Ramirez (Sean Connery), MacLeod learns of his destiny to fight against other immortals until only one remains. The film traverses time from 16th-century Scotland to modern-day New York City, where MacLeod must face his ultimate foe, The Kurgan (Clancy Brown). This fantasy action-adventure won the Academy Award for Best Sound Editing in 1986 and has since birthed a franchise including sequels and television series.
  • Labyrinth
    9
    David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
    474 votes
    In Labyrinth, a teenage girl named Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is thrust into a maze-like dimension after wishing her baby brother away to the Goblin King, Jareth (David Bowie). The film combines elements of fantasy and adventure as Sarah embarks on a quest to rescue her brother from the whimsically treacherous world. Navigating through an intricate labyrinth filled with peculiar creatures and unpredictable challenges, she must rely on her wits to solve riddles and puzzles. This 1986 cult classic, directed by Jim Henson and produced by George Lucas, is noted for its imaginative storyline, distinctive puppetry, and memorable musical score. Despite not winning any major awards, Labyrinth has remained a fan favorite and continues to captivate audiences with its blend of fairy tale magic and coming-of-age drama.
  • Pretty in Pink
    10
    Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy
    415 votes
    In Pretty in Pink, a classic '80s teen drama, high school senior Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) navigates the social divide between wealth and poverty. Andie, from a modest background, finds herself torn between her childhood friend Duckie Dale (Jon Cryer), who harbors unrequited feelings for her, and affluent Blane McDonough (Andrew McCarthy). As prom night approaches, Andie must wrestle with the class differences that threaten to keep her and Blane apart while also dealing with Duckie's romantic advances. A poignant exploration of love and socio-economic disparity, this film remains a beloved staple of its genre.
  • Hoosiers
    11
    Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper
    438 votes
    In the heartland of Indiana, a small-town high school basketball team, led by their new coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), embarks on an unlikely journey to the state championship. Dale, a former college coach with a checkered past, employs controversial methods that ruffle feathers in the tight-knit community. His assistant Shooter (Dennis Hopper), a troubled local and former basketball star, aids him in this quest. Hoosiers, inspired by true events from 1954, is a sports drama that received two Academy Award nominations, including one for Hopper's supporting role.
  • The Fly
    12
    Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz
    462 votes
    In the unsettling horror flick The Fly, eccentric scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) unveils an invention that promises to revolutionize travel: a teleportation device. However, an unexpected housefly making its way into the machine leads to horrific consequences. In a disastrous mix-up, Brundle's DNA is fused with that of the fly, triggering a grotesque transformation. As he becomes increasingly insect-like, his girlfriend Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) grapples with the horrifying implications of this metamorphosis. Winning the Academy Award for Best Makeup, The Fly weaves a chilling story of scientific ambition gone awry.
  • The Karate Kid, Part II
    13
    Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Tamlyn Tomita
    419 votes
    The Karate Kid, Part II is a 1986 American martial arts film. A sequel to 1984's The Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita reprise their respective roles as young karate student Daniel LaRusso and his mentor Kesuke Miyagi. Like the original film, the sequel was a success, earning even more at the box office than its predecessor, although it received mixed reviews from critics.
  • Little Shop of Horrors
    14
    Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin
    413 votes
    In the quirky musical horror-comedy Little Shop of Horrors, Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) is a meek florist who discovers an unusual plant with a ravenous appetite. This peculiar specimen, which he dubs Audrey II (voice of Levi Stubbs), has a taste for human blood. As Seymour tries to satisfy the increasingly demanding plant, his life spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, he navigates his feelings for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). Directed by Frank Oz, this film offers a darkly humorous spin on the 'mad scientist' trope, blending catchy tunes with macabre themes - all set within an eccentric flower shop.
  • Manhunter
    15
    William Petersen, Kim Greist, Dennis Farina
    240 votes
    In the chilling thriller Manhunter, former FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) is coaxed out of retirement to hunt a serial killer known as The Tooth Fairy. With his unique ability to empathize with psychopaths, Graham consults incarcerated cannibalistic murderer Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Brian Cox) to gain insights into the case. As Graham delves deeper into the mind of the killer, he finds himself on a perilous journey that tests his mental strength. Directed by Michael Mann, this film is a masterful precursor to The Silence of the Lambs.
  • ¡Three Amigos!
    16
    Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Martin Short
    440 votes
    In the comedy classic ¡Three Amigos!, Lucky Day (Steve Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chevy Chase), and Ned Nederlander (Martin Short) are silent film stars known as The Three Amigos. Accidentally, they're mistaken for real heroes by a small Mexican village terrorized by El Guapo (Alfonso Arau), a notorious bandit. The actors, initially unaware of their blunder, decide to embrace their newfound roles. As they confront genuine danger, hilarity ensues. This film is a wild comedic romp that combines western and adventure genres, offering viewers laughs aplenty without sacrificing narrative integrity.
  • The Hitcher
    17
    Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
    298 votes
    While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh), pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders.
  • Short Circuit
    18
    Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens
    347 votes
    After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).
  • Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
    19
    William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Catherine Hicks
    362 votes
    In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the crew of the USS Enterprise, led by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy), face a dire ecological crisis threatening Earth. In response, they embark on a daring time-travel mission to 20th-century San Francisco to retrieve two humpback whales‚ species extinct in their time‚ in hopes of communicating with a destructive alien probe. The film, part of the popular science-fiction franchise Star Trek, is renowned for its unique blend of humor, adventure, and environmental commentary. This installment won critical acclaim for its innovative plot and was nominated for four Academy Awards in technical categories.
  • Heartbreak Ridge
    20
    Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill
    230 votes
    Marine Sgt. Thomas Highway (Clint Eastwood) is a decorated veteran of two wars. On his last posting before retirement, he is surrounded by officers with no combat experience who view him as an odd, even dangerous, holdover. Highway is assigned to train a group of undisciplined recruits including Cpl. Stitch Jones (Mario Van Peebles), a slick hustler who has previously encountered Highway. As the old soldier prepares his men for a war they don't believe will come, the U.S. invades Grenada.
  • An American Tail
    21
    Cathianne Blore, Laura Carson, Dom DeLuise
    354 votes
    In the animated feature An American Tail, we follow Fievel Mousekewitz (voiced by Phillip Glasser), a young Russian mouse, on an adventurous journey to America. With his family in tow, they dream of a land without cats. Disaster strikes during their voyage, leading to Fievel's separation from his family. His quest to reunite with them forms the heart of the narrative. Directed by Don Bluth and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film won a Grammy for its song Somewhere Out There. A poignant tale of hope and perseverance, An American Tail is a classic in animation cinema.
  • Peggy Sue Got Married
    22
    Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, Kevin J. O'Connor
    209 votes
    In the film Peggy Sue Got Married, Peggy Sue Bodell (Kathleen Turner), a middle-aged woman, faints at her high school reunion and wakes up in 1960. She's back in her teenage body, yet with adult memories and wisdom. Living through her past again, she interacts with her younger self's world, including her high school sweetheart turned disappointing husband, Charlie (Nicolas Cage). This romantic comedy-drama, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, explores the concept of time travel and second chances. It earned three Academy Award nominations, showcasing a poignant blend of nostalgia and introspection.
  • The Color of Money
    23
    Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
    361 votes
    The Color of Money, a dramatic sports film, spotlights the seasoned pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) who, after years in retirement, reenters the competitive scene. He encounters Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), a young and cocky talent. Seeing potential, Felson takes Vincent under his wing, seeking not just to tutor him in the art of the hustle but also to exploit his skills for financial gain. As their journey unfolds, a complex relationship develops. The film's narrative is infused with tension and strategy, earning Newman an Academy Award for Best Actor.
  • Back to School
    24
    Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Keith Gordon
    365 votes
    Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) is concerned that his son Jason (Keith Gordon) is unsure whether to go to college, so the uneducated self-made millionaire encourages him by signing up as a student as well. As Jason tries to establish himself among his peers and make the diving team, Thornton falls for a pretty professor (Sally Kellerman) and gets others do his schoolwork for him. When the suspicious dean (Paxton Whitehead) finds out, Thornton needs to show he can get by on his own.
  • Blue Velvet
    25
    Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper
    325 votes
    In the unforgettable film Blue Velvet, Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) stumbles upon a severed ear, catapulting him into a world of intrigue and danger. Teaming up with Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), they embark on an investigation that leads them to sultry nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and psychotic criminal Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Directed by David Lynch, this 1986 mystery-thriller is known for its intense scenes and surrealistic undertones. The Academy Award-nominated screenplay draws the viewer into a captivating narrative that explores the underbelly of small-town America.
  • The Great Mouse Detective
    26
    Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val Bettin
    254 votes
    In the heart of Victorian London, a genius detective rodent, Basil of Baker Street (Barrie Ingham), takes on a challenging case. A toymaker (Alan Young) has been kidnapped by the villainous Ratigan (Vincent Price), and it's up to Basil and his loyal sidekick Dr. Dawson (Val Bettin) to solve the mystery in The Great Mouse Detective. This animated adventure from Disney weaves together elements of suspense, comedy, and musical numbers, making for an intriguing watch. With its clever plot twists and memorable characters, this film stands as a testament to Disney's knack for creating engaging narratives in unexpected worlds.
  • The Money Pit
    27
    Tom Hanks, Shelley Long, Alexander Godunov
    321 votes
    Young lovers Walter (Tom Hanks) and Anna (Shelley Long) are house-sitting the New York City apartment owned by Max (Alexander Godunov), Anna's ex-husband, who suddenly decides to toss them out. Needing a new home, they settle on buying a country estate outside the city, which is available for a suspiciously low price. It soon becomes apparent why, as doors fall off their hinges, staircases come tumbling down and a bathtub falls through the floor. The couple's relationship suffers similarly.
  • The Transformers: The Movie
    28
    Peter Cullen, Michael Bell, Corey Burton
    203 votes
    Ultra Magnus and the Transformers fight planet Unicron and the Decepticons in 2005.
  • Critters
    29
    Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Terrence Mann
    181 votes
    When strange fuzzy creatures from outer space arrive on a farm, the Brown family -- Jay (Billy Green Bush), Helen (Dee Wallace-Stone), their daughter, April (Nadine Van Der Velde), and their son, Brad (Scott Grimes) -- must fend off the malevolent little aliens. Two bounty hunters with superhuman abilities follow the aggressive beasts from beyond, but the warriors aren't terribly effective, leaving the Brown family to battle the fur balls and rescue April from their clutches all by themselves.
  • One Crazy Summer
    30
    John Cusack, Demi Moore, Joel Murray
    248 votes
    After graduating from high school, art school hopeful Hoops McCann (John Cusack) struggles to complete his application to the Rhode Island School of Design. Resigning himself to a summer of boredom, McCann agrees to go along with his best friend, George Calamari (Joel Murray), on a family trip to Nantucket, Mass. But, after McCann and Calamari meet rocker-in-distress Cassandra (Demi Moore), it suddenly looks like it's going to be "one crazy summer."
  • Cobra
    31
    Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni Santoni
    278 votes
    Los Angeles policeman Lt. Marion "Cobra" Cobretti (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself at the center of a spate of murders carried out by a secret society called New Order: killers who select "weak" members of society for extermination. As the murder rate rises, Cobra takes model Ingrid (Brigitte Nielsen) into protective custody after she witnesses New Order's leader in action. As Cobra falls for Ingrid, they find shelter in a small town, but must soon fight for survival.
  • Lucas
    32
    Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen
    201 votes
    Lucas (Corey Haim) is an unusually bright teenager whose nerdy looks and meek demeanor make him a favorite target for bullies. His life at school seems to improve when he befriends Maggie (Kerri Green), a cute new girl whose love interest, Cappie (Charlie Sheen), protects him from harassment. However, despite his friend Rina's (Winona Ryder) clear affection for him, Lucas falls for Maggie, and in a final effort to impress her, joins the high school football team.
  • The Golden Child
    33
    Eddie Murphy, Charles Dance, Charlotte Lewis
    266 votes
    After a Tibetan boy, the mystical Golden Child (J.L. Reate), is kidnapped by the evil Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance), humankind's fate hangs in the balance. On the other side of the world in Los Angeles, the priestess Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis) seeks the Chosen One, who will save the boy from death. When Nang sees social worker Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy) on television discussing his ability to find missing children, she solicits his expertise, despite his skepticism over being "chosen."
  • Flight of the Navigator
    34
    Joey Cramer, Veronica Cartwright, Cliff DeYoung
    292 votes
    In Flight of the Navigator, David Freeman (Joey Cramer), a 12-year-old boy, inexplicably vanishes in 1978 only to reappear without having aged a day in 1986. The perplexing phenomenon draws the attention of NASA scientist Dr. Faraday (Howard Hesseman). Simultaneously, an alien spacecraft crashes on Earth. David's connection to this ship and its robotic pilot, Max (voiced by Paul Reubens), unfolds the core narrative - a blend of science fiction and adventure. A unique aspect is the incorporation of time-travel and artificial intelligence, making it a notable movie in the family-friendly sci-fi genre.
  • 9½ Weeks
    35
    Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Margaret Whitton
    179 votes
    Two strangers, Wall Street trader John (Mickey Rourke) and art gallery assistant Elizabeth (Kim Basinger), become involved in a new relationship. What begins as a courtship, though, becomes extremely sexual, as John begins to push for more daring and kinky scenarios, including striptease and bondage. Although their passion is strong, Elizabeth starts to realize that John is not sharing any part of his life besides sex. She must make a decision about what she wants from their relationship.
  • The Name of the Rose
    36
    Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Elya Baskin
    235 votes
    In the 14th century, William of Baskerville (Sean Connery), a renowned Franciscan monk, and his apprentice, Adso of Melk (Christian Slater), travel to an abbey where a suspicious death has occurred. Using his deductive powers, William begins investigating what he believes to be murder. During the course of his investigation, several more monks wind up dead. With fear running through the abbey, the church leaders call forth Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham), William's nemesis, to find the truth.
  • Ruthless People
    37
    Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold
    130 votes
    Sam Stone (Danny DeVito) hates his wife, Barbara (Bette Midler), so much that he wants her dead. He's ecstatic when she's taken by a duo of kidnappers who want $500,000 ransom in exchange for her life. Fully intending to ignore every one of the kidnappers' demands in the hopes that they do him a favor and murder her for him, the two confused kidnappers (Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater) have to figure out how they're going get their money, and what they're going to do with the overbearing Barbara.
  • Police Academy 3: Back in Training
    38
    Steve Guttenberg, Leslie Easterbrook, David Graf
    261 votes
    When the governor announces the state can't afford to keep both of its police academies open, Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes) and Commandant Mauser (Art Metrano) are pitted against one another. Lassard asks some of his old cadets, including Sgt. Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), to train the new recruits, who include high-strung Sweetchuck (Tim Kazurinsky) and loudmouthed Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait). As evaluation day approaches, each side tries to sabotage the other.
  • Running Scared
    39
    Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Jimmy Smits
    181 votes
    Ray and Danny (Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal) are two Chicago police detectives hot on the trail of drug kingpin Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits). They manage to nab the drug lord, but the bust is messy, and the two are suspended. While vacationing in Key West, Fla., they decide to retire from the police force and open up a bar. But when they return to Chicago and find out that Gonzales has been released on bail, they vow not to quit the force until the dangerous dealer is behind bars for good.
  • About Last Night
    40
    Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Jim Belushi
    203 votes
    In this adaptation of David Mamet's hit 1974 off-Broadway play "Sexual Perversity in Chicago," Danny (Rob Lowe) and Bernie (James Belushi) are a couple of single guys who live in the Windy City and struggle to balance their desire for sex with the possibility of love. When Danny meets cute Debbie (Demi Moore) at a bar the friends frequent in Chicago's luxurious Gold Coast, the two start a sexually charged courtship that leaves jangled nerves and questioned motives all around.
  • F/X
    41
    Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, Diane Venora
    181 votes
    Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is a special-effects expert for low-budget Hollywood movies. As gangster Nicholas DeFranco (Jerry Orbach) prepares to testify in court against his former bosses, FBI agents, fearing Nicholas will be killed by the mob before he can take the stand, decide to fake his assassination. The agents hire Rollie to use his special-effects skills to make the murder look believable. Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy), a detective, steps in to investigate the murder.
  • Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
    42
    Corey Feldman, Tony Goldwyn, Ron Palillo
    255 votes
    Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is a 1986 slasher film, the sixth film in the Friday the 13th film series. The film was written and directed by Tom McLoughlin. Although the original concept called for Tommy Jarvis, the protagonist of parts IV and V, to become the new villain, the poor fan reception of Friday the 13th: A New Beginning prompted the producers to bring back Jason Voorhees as the series' antagonist. In resurrecting Jason, McLoughlin made Jason an explicitly supernatural force for the first time in the series
  • River's Edge
    43
    Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper
    185 votes
    Teenage burnout Samson (Daniel Roebuck) has murdered his girlfriend and left her naked body lying on the bank of a river just outside their small California town. He not only doesn't run away, he brings his friends to gawk at her dead body. Speed freak Layne (Crispin Glover) tries to force the teens' silence to protect their friend, but conscience is gnawing at the others -- particularly Matt (Keanu Reeves) and Clarissa (Ione Skye Leitch), who want to go to the police.
  • Hannah and Her Sisters
    44
    Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Michael Caine
    220 votes
    Hannah and Her Sisters is a captivating drama-comedy, directed by the acclaimed Woody Allen. The narrative revolves around Hannah (Mia Farrow), and her two sisters, Holly (Dianne Wiest) and Lee (Barbara Hershey). Hannah, being the stalwart of the family, often finds herself tangled in the lives of her eccentric siblings. The film intricately weaves their stories over a span of two years, revealing complex relationships and personal transformations. Celebrated for its sharp writing and stellar performances, it clinched three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. A compelling exploration of love, infidelity, and ambition.
  • Armed and Dangerous
    45
    John Candy, Eugene Levy, Robert Loggia
    203 votes
    A police officer who has been wrongly dismissed from his job, Frank Dooley (John Candy) finds work as a security guard, along with Norman Kane (Eugene Levy), an inept lawyer. Unfortunately, the company that employs Frank and Norman is involved in some shady dealings, and it's up to the bumbling guards to foil the plans of the corrupt leaders, most notably tough mobster Michael Carlino (Robert Loggia), who isn't happy to have his profitable scheme threatened.
  • The Mission
    46
    Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally
    197 votes
    Jesuit priest Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) enters the Guarani lands in South America with the purpose of converting the natives to Christianity. He soon builds a mission, where he is joined by Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), a reformed slave trader seeking redemption. When a treaty transfers the land from Spain to Portugal, the Portuguese government wants to capture the natives for slave labor. Mendoza and Gabriel resolve to defend the mission, but disagree on how to accomplish the task.
  • Gung Ho
    47
    Michael Keaton, Gedde Watanabe, George Wendt
    223 votes
    When a western Pennsylvania auto plant is acquired by a Japanese company, brokering auto worker Hunt Stevenson (Michael Keaton) faces the tricky challenge of mediating the assimilation of two clashing corporate cultures. At one end is the Japanese plant manager (Gedde Watanabe) and the sycophant (Sab Shimono) who is angling for his position. At the other, a number of disgruntled long-time union members (George Wendt, John Turturro) struggle with the new exigencies of Japanese quality control.
  • House
    48
    William Katt, George Wendt, Kay Lenz
    161 votes
    A mounted fish moves, household objects levitate, and monsters haunt a troubled novelist (William Katt).
  • Children of a Lesser God
    49
    William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper Laurie
    198 votes
    Starting his new job as an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, James Leeds (William Hurt) meets Sarah Norman (Marlee Matlin), a young deaf woman who works at the school as a member of the custodial staff. A romance slowly develops between the pair in spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state due in part to her difficult relationship with her mother (Piper Laurie). Matlin, who is deaf in real life, won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this, her first film role.
  • Poltergeist II: The Other Side
    50
    JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Julian Beck
    188 votes
    The Freelings have escaped their haunted house, which is now being studied by paranormal investigators, including shaman Taylor (Will Sampson). When Taylor realizes that the Beast, masquerading as the Rev. Kane (Julian Beck), knows where young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) now lives, he goes to warn the family that their daughter is in danger again. To protect Carol, her father, Steve (Craig T. Nelson), and the rest of the family must plot to take down the Beast.
  • SpaceCamp
    51
    Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston
    185 votes
    Andie Bergstrom (Kate Capshaw), an astronaut eagerly awaiting her first trip to space, runs a summer camp for teenagers with her NASA-employed husband, Zach (Tom Skerritt). One night during an engine test, Andie and four teenage campers are accidentally shot into space. Together, the group -- which includes Kathryn (Lea Thompson), a pilot-in-training, and Tish (Kelly Preston), a ditz with a perfect memory -- must work together to operate the spacecraft and return home.
  • Something Wild
    52
    Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, Ray Liotta
    159 votes
    Free-spirited Lulu (Melanie Griffith) sets her sights on uptight banker Charles (Jeff Daniels) for a little bit of fun. Their relationship starts off simple enough with a tryst and some modest adventure, but Lulu wants Charles to pose as her husband at a high school reunion. It seems harmless enough to Charles, but that all changes when Lulu's actual husband, Ray (Ray Liotta), confronts them at the event. Understandably, Ray isn't content to let Charles and Lulu ride off into the sunset.
  • Down and Out in Beverly Hills
    53
    Nick Nolte, Richard Dreyfuss, Bette Midler
    99 votes
    Unlucky and homeless, Dave (Nick Nolte) decides to call it quits, and so sneaks into a stranger's backyard and tries to drown himself in the pool. However, Jerry's plans are stopped by the pool's owner, white-collar businessman Dave (Richard Dreyfuss), who pulls the tramp out of the water and into his home. But Dave's hospitality and his status-obsessed wife, Barbara (Bette Midler), don't impress Jerry, who ignores them and instead pursues the family's maid, Carmen (Elizabeth Peña).
  • April Fool's Day
    54
    Deborah Foreman, Griffin O'Neal, Deborah Goodrich
    145 votes
    When a group of college students decides to spend spring break at the secluded island estate of their wealthy classmate, Muffy St. John (Deborah Foreman), what starts out as a fun, hedonistic weekend turns into something more sinister. Muffy is very fond of practical jokes, and sets up numerous gags throughout her mansion. But, when friends begin going missing and turn up dead, they realize that they're trapped on the isolated isle with a mysterious and brutal killer.
  • The Mosquito Coast
    55
    Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix
    137 votes
    A brilliant but unstable inventor and his family create what they hope will be their Utopia in Central America.
  • Wildcats
    56
    Goldie Hawn, Nipsey Russell, Swoosie Kurtz
    160 votes
    Molly McGrath (Goldie Hawn) is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she's faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham (James Keach), who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters.
  • Salvador
    57
    James Woods, Jim Belushi, Michael Murphy
    98 votes
    Unable to find work in America because of his penchant for booze and drugs, photojournalist Richard Boyle (James Woods) heads to El Salvador with his DJ friend Doctor Rock (James Belushi) to see if he can get a gig covering the country's ongoing civil war. Boyle decides it's time to flee the country when the violence escalates to a level that even he is uncomfortable with, but his relationship with an El Salvadorian woman (Elpidia Carrillo) complicates matters.
  • Youngblood
    58
    Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, Patrick Swayze
    154 votes
    Dean Youngblood (Rob Lowe) is an exceptionally skilled young ice hockey player trying to make a name in the Canadian Junior Hockey circuit and impress scouts from the National Hockey League. However, he becomes bullied by goon Carl Racki (George Finn), a dirty player who has injured Dean's teammate and friend, Derek (Patrick Swayze). After Dean returns to his childhood home deflated, his father (Eric Nesterenko) tries to toughen up the hockey prodigy for a rematch with Racki.
  • The Big Easy
    59
    Dennis Quaid, Ellen Barkin, Ned Beatty
    94 votes
    Colorful drama, set in New Orleans, about the relationship which develops between a young police lieutenant and an uncompromising female DA who is unimpressed with the bribery and corruption which is rife in his department. A vicious gang war is also simmering and looks set to erupt at any moment, as the murder of a Mafia soldier is followed swiftly by the killing of three drug-dealing gangsters.
  • Iron Eagle
    60
    Louis Gossett, Jason Gedrick, David Suchet
    170 votes
    When Col. Ted Masters' (Tim Thomerson) plane goes down in an Arab country and he's sentenced to death for trespassing, his 18-year-old son, Doug (Jason Gedrick), is determined to save him. Unfortunately, Doug isn't the best fighter pilot -- he wasn't accepted into the Air Force because he needs to listen to music in order to hit a target. So he enlists the help of Col. Chappy (Louis Gossett Jr.) to borrow a couple of F-16 planes, fly across the Atlantic and start a rescue mission.