The Best Movies Of 1980
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Only movies released in theaters in 1980.
- 1Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie FisherThe adventure continues in this "Star Wars" sequel. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi master's help will Luke survive when the dark side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader (David Prowse).
- 2Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny LloydIn the chilling film The Shining, Jack Torrance (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) takes on a winter caretaker role at Colorado's secluded Overlook Hotel. His aim is to overcome his writer's block, and he brings along his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). A unique aspect of this narrative is Danny's psychic abilities, which lead him to experience unnerving premonitions. The movie unfolds as Jack grapples with a stagnant writing process and Danny's visions grow increasingly alarming. The crux of the plot lies in Jack uncovering the hotel's sinister past, an event that triggers a terrifying transformation within him towards violence against his own family.
- 3Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill MurrayIn the comedy classic, Caddyshack, we are immersed in the chaotic world of Bushwood Country Club. The plot orbits around Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to earn a college scholarship. In his pursuit, he finds himself tangled with a host of eccentric characters. The movie features a wealthy club patron Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the brash real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) and an unhinged greenskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray). Amid their antics and mishaps, Caddyshack delivers a comedic examination of social class and golfing culture. The film has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of America's funniest movies.More Caddyshack
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- #34 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #8 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 4Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Peter GravesIn the 1980 comedy Airplane!, ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) finds himself thrust into an unexpected role. When food poisoning incapacitates the flight crew, including his ex-girlfriend Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty), Striker must overcome his crippling fear of flying to land the plane safely. The film, directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, is renowned for its rapid-fire humor and satirical take on disaster films. Leslie Nielsen plays Dr. Rumack, a character whose deadpan delivery became iconic. Despite its comedic nature, Airplane! won a BAFTA award for Best Screenplay.More Airplane!
- #33 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #1 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #99 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 5John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James BrownIn the eclectic comedy The Blues Brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) are on a mission from God. Paroled from prison, they set out to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from closure due to unpaid taxes. With a plan to reunite their old band and stage a big gig, they dodge police, neo-Nazis, and country singers in a madcap race against time. Director John Landis melds music, humor, and high-speed car chases in this cult classic that celebrates blues, soul, and R&B music.More The Blues Brothers
- #48 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #16 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #175 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 6Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene HackmanIn the thrilling sequel Superman II, the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) grapples with dual challenges. The plot thickens as three villainous Kryptonians, led by General Zod (Terence Stamp), escape from the Phantom Zone and set their sights on earth. Simultaneously, Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, reveals his true identity to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). A gripping tale of heroism ensues as he battles to save humanity while navigating personal sacrifices. Directed by Richard Lester, this film blends science fiction and action elements, creating a captivating cinematic experience without sacrificing its comic book roots.More Superman II
- #123 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 7Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly PartonWatch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialIn the comedic whirlwind 9 to 5, three office workers, Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), and Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda) find themselves at the mercy of a tyrannical boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman). The trio endures sexist, egotistical, and hypocritical treatment until chance events empower them to seize control of their workplace. As they navigate this new territory, hilarity ensues, revealing the absurdities of corporate life. This satirical comedy won two Golden Globe awards, reflecting its blend of humor and social commentary.More 9 to 5
- #106 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #94 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #286 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 8Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry CrosbyWatch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialOn a chilling Friday the 13th, Camp Crystal Lake reopens after two decades of closure following a series of tragic accidents. The new group of young, energetic counselors, including Alice (Adrienne King) and Bill (Harry Crosby), are unaware of the ominous history that haunts this seemingly serene locale. As darkness descends upon the camp, an unknown assailant begins to pick them off one by one. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this seminal horror film combines suspenseful storytelling with a haunting score to create a classic slasher flick that birthed the infamous character Jason Voorhees, albeit in his mother's guise initially.
- 9Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Georg Stanford BrownWith a jailbreak offering them their only way out, a despondent duo rack their brains to figure out a foolproof plan. Fortuitously, one of them discovers an unexpected talent as a rodeo rider, and an escape plan begins to take shape at the annual prisoners' rodeo.More Stir Crazy
- #200 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #258 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #89 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- 10Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe PesciIn Raging Bull, we witness the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent tendencies. Martin Scorsese directs this biographical drama, which earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. The movie is set in the world of mid-20th century professional boxing, where LaMotta battles opponents in the ring and his personal demons outside. His brother and manager Joey (Joe Pesci) tries to keep him on track, but LaMotta's fury proves to be his toughest adversary.More Raging Bull
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- #231 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 11Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D'AngeloRaised in rural Kentucky poverty and married at the age of 13, Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) begins writing and singing her own country songs in her early 20s. With the tireless help of her husband Oliver "Mooney" Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones), Loretta rises from local honky-tonks and small-time record deals to national tours and hit singles, befriending her idol Patsy Cline (Beverly D'Angelo) and becoming a country music icon despite the toll stardom takes on her family and her marriage.
- #219 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- #233 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 12Goldie Hawn, Eileen Brennan, Armand AssantePrivate Benjamin, an award-winning comedy series, explores the unconventional journey of a privileged young woman who finds herself unexpectedly enlisted in the military. The show's charm lies in its witty humor, relatable characters, and engaging storylines that unravel throughout the episodes. Goldie Hawn's captivating portrayal of Judy Benjamin, the protagonist, earned her a Golden Globe nomination and further cemented her status as a talented actress. Set against a backdrop of military life, Private Benjamin artfully balances lighthearted comedy with poignant moments of self-discovery and personal growth, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.More Private Benjamin
- #255 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #166 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #206 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 13Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher PlummerSomewhere in Time is a romantic drama that sees Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), a play writer, become smitten by a photo of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), an actress from the early 1900s. In his quest for love, Richard employs self-hypnosis to time travel back to 1912. Intriguingly, he succeeds and meets Elise, leading to a passionate romance. This film, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and based on the novel Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson, captivates with its blend of love across time, mystery, and the power of one's mind.More Somewhere in Time
- #330 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- #172 of 228 onThe 200+ Best Film Scores Of All Time
- 14Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Sally FieldFolk hero the Bandit has fallen on bad times but comes to life when he is hired to help transport a pregnant elephant to a Republican convention in Dallas. Arch-enemy Sheriff Buford T. Justice catches wind of the deal and resolves to spoil the Bandit's comeback.
- #241 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #54 of 92 onThe Best Comedy Movie Sequels
- #74 of 136 onThe Best Bromance Movies
- 15Adrienne Barbeau, Hal Holbrook, Janet LeighIn the eerie film, John Carpenter's The Fog, the quiet coastal town of Antonio Bay (set in California), finds itself haunted by a malevolent fog. This sinister fog, rolling in precisely 100 years after a ship sank under mysterious circumstances near the town, brings with it vengeful mariners' spirits. The town's radio DJ, Stevie Wayne (Adrienne Barbeau), along with other townsfolk including Nick Castle (Tom Atkins) and Elizabeth Solley (Jamie Lee Curtis), must unravel the dark truth behind this spectral invasion. As they dig deeper, they uncover a century-old secret that sets the stage for the chilling climax. Notable for its atmospheric horror genre, this movie is a testament to Carpenter's mastery of suspense and storytelling.
- #203 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #72 of 397 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #38 of 65 onHorror Movie Set-Ups You'd Least Like to Be Trapped In
- 16Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Ruth GordonJust as underground bare-knuckle fighter Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) is about to retire, he is asked by the Mafia to fight East Coast champion Jack Wilson (William Smith), who has been crippling opponents in his victories. To get Philo to agree to fight, the Mafia kidnaps his old love, Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke). When Jack finds out, he agrees to help Philo rescue Lynn. Afterward, Philo and Jack decide to fight anyway to settle who is the better brawler.
- 17John Travolta, Debra Winger, Scott GlennAfter moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis (John Travolta) starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy (Debra Winger), a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival, Wes (Scott Glenn), leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.More Urban Cowboy
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- #288 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 18Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall, Paul L. SmithWatch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialIn the 1980 film Popeye, Robin Williams takes on the eponymous role, making his cinematic debut in a world where spinach is mightier than the sword. Shelley Duvall co-stars as Olive Oyl, Popeye's love interest and damsel in distress. The movie, directed by Robert Altman, transforms E.C Segar's classic comic strip into a live-action musical extravaganza. It presents Popeye's quest to find his long-lost father while also battling the brutish Bluto (Paul L. Smith) for Olive's affection. This comedy-adventure flick showcases an idiosyncratic take on a beloved pop culture icon.More Popeye
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- #103 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- 19John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne BancroftIn the gripping biographical drama, The Elephant Man, John Merrick (John Hurt) is a severely deformed man in 19th century London. Exploited in a sideshow as the Elephant Man, he's eventually rescued by kindly Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), who provides him with a chance at a dignified life. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Merrick's transformation from an object of ridicule to an intelligent and gentle soul yearning for acceptance. Directed by David Lynch, the film earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for John Hurt.More The Elephant Man
- #290 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #34 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #19 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 20Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, N!xauThe tribal people in a remote African desert live a happy life, but it is all torn to pieces when a Coca-Cola bottle falls from a plane. With the villagers fighting over the strange foreign object, tribal leader Xi (N!xau) decides to take the bottle back to the gods to restore peace. His journey to the "end of the world" eventually has him crossing paths with a bumbling scientist (Marius Weyers) and a band of guerrillas who take a schoolteacher (Sandra Prinsloo) and her class hostage.
- #249 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #314 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #176 of 632 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- 21Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler MooreOrdinary People, a profound drama, follows the life of the Jarrett family after a catastrophic incident. Conrad (Timothy Hutton), struggles with guilt and grief post his elder brother's tragic demise. His parents, Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) and Calvin (Donald Sutherland), deal with their own sorrow while navigating their fractured relationship with Conrad. Directed by Robert Redford, Ordinary People is a poignant exploration of familial relationships and personal healing. The film won four Academy Awards in 1981, including Best Picture and Best Director, marking it as an enduring classic in cinema history.More Ordinary People
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- #338 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 22Brooke Shields, Christopher Atkins, Leo McKernIn the 1980 film, The Blue Lagoon, two young castaways, Richard (Christopher Atkins) and Emmeline (Brooke Shields), find themselves stranded on a remote tropical island after a shipwreck. As time passes, they grow from childhood friends into curious teenagers, exploring their newfound independence and burgeoning sexuality in the seclusion of paradise. The movie skirts the boundaries of adventure and romance genres, offering audiences an intriguing blend of survival narrative and coming-of-age story. Directed by Randal Kleiser, it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.More The Blue Lagoon
- #195 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 23Irene Cara, Eddie Barth, Lee CurreriIn the heart-pounding rhythm of New York City, Fame sweeps you into the high stakes world of a group of teenagers attending the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts. The narrative follows their journey from auditions to graduation, as they navigate personal and professional struggles. Their stories intertwine through characters like ambitious dancer Coco Hernandez (Irene Cara), talented but dyslexic drummer Leroy Johnson (Gene Anthony Ray), and classical pianist Bruno Martelli (Lee Curreri). This musical drama won two Academy Awards, earning its place in cinematic history with its raw portrayal of artistic pursuit.More Fame
- #248 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #11 of 78 onThe 75+ Best Dance Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #411 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- 24Charles Martin Smith, Cloris Leachman, Harvey KormanPete (Stephen W. Burns) is excited when he learns he's inherited a car from his uncle. His enthusiasm wanes when he and his friend, D.J. (Charles Martin Smith), travel to Puerta Vallarta and discover the car is a rusty old Volkswagen Beetle. But they quickly realize their car has extraordinary abilities. They set off on a road trip across Central America to enter the special Beetle in a high-stakes race, encountering pickpockets, counterfeiters and other obstacles along the way.
- 25Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, Gerrit GrahamRudy Russo (Kurt Russell) is an unscrupulous car salesman who aspires to become a politician. In the meantime, however, Rudy works for the nice but ineffective automobile dealer Luke Fuchs (Jack Warden). When Luke dies, Rudy takes over the lot, but he faces stiff competition from the scheming Roy L. Fuchs (also Warden) who wants his brother's business for himself. In order to get more customers, Rudy and Roy each devise ridiculous promotions to gain the upper hand.More Used Cars
- #159 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #464 of 631 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #1 of 19 on19 Forgotten Comedies Of ’80s Movie Stars
- 26Chris Makepeace, Adam Baldwin, Martin MullClifford Peache (Chris Makepeace) is a sensitive, well-to-do teen who becomes the target of bully Melvin Moody (Matt Dillon) after he starts attending a new school. Tired of being picked on, Clifford recruits brooding tough kid Ricky Linderman (Adam Baldwin) to be his bodyguard. While this initially works, and Clifford and Linderman form an unlikely friendship, soon circumstances strain their bond. As Clifford is forced to confront Moody again, Linderman has to deal with his own troubled past.More My Bodyguard
- #308 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #200 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #103 of 220 on'80s Movies We Wish Would Finally Get Sequels
- 27Sam Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von SydowFlash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), a New York Jets quarterback, finds himself in the heart of an intergalactic conflict when Earth is threatened by Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow). Transported to the planet Mongo alongside travel journalist Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol), Gordon grapples with bizarre creatures and treacherous alliances. As time ticks away, Flash must navigate this foreign world, rally its disparate kingdoms, and harness his own heroism to thwart Ming's destructive plans. A cult classic, this 1980 film blends science fiction with adventure, delivering high-stakes drama amidst vibrant alien landscapes.More Flash Gordon
- #172 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #94 of 114 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- #247 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 28Chevy Chase, Jane Seymour, Omar SharifOh! Heavenly Dog is a 1980 comedy film written by Rod Browning. The film stars Benjean, billed here as Benji, Chevy Chase, Jane Seymour and Omar Sharif. The film was directed by Joe Camp and released by 20th Century Fox.More Oh! Heavenly Dog
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- 29Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, Héctor ElizondoWatch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialJulian (Richard Gere), a gigolo, commands high prices for his services, living a lavish and emotionally unattached lifestyle under the management of Anne (Nina van Pallandt). While secretly working for pimp Leon (Bill Duke), Julian is assigned to service Mr. Rheiman (Tom Stewart) and his wife, Judy (Patti Carr), but leaves when their violent requests make him nervous. When Mrs. Rheiman is found dead and no one is willing to testify on his behalf, Julian finds himself the primary suspect.More American Gigolo
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- 30Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane AlexanderPosing as an inmate at a small Arkansas prison, the new warden of the penitentiary, Henry Brubaker (Robert Redford), witnesses firsthand the corruption and abuse inflicted upon the prisoners by the staff. After revealing his true identity, Brubaker brings much-needed reform to the prison with the help of supporters Dickie Coombes (Yaphet Kotto) and Lillian Gray (Jane Alexander). Yet when the benefactors of the old corrupt system are threatened by the changes, Brubaker's battles really begin.
