The Top 25 Must-See Quintessential '80s Movies
Photo: Universal Pictures

The Top 25 Must-See Quintessential '80s Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 12, 2024 182.1K views 25 items
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151.4K votes
10.3K voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the '80s movies that define the genre and should be required viewing for beginners in an Intro to 1980s Films Class.

The '80s made for some great movies and - if you missed the decade - you may not realize all the great films released those years. Here, you'll find all the essential '80s movies. Given this list is comprised of films from a particular decade, there won't be a focus on genre, but there might be more than a few teen, adventure, Sci-Fi, or romantic comedies on this list. These are '80s movies for beginners - a glimpse into the must-see films that defined the decade. 

Unfortunately, '80s movies can have a reputation for being melodramatic and loaded with unnecessary - and corny - special effects, but not every movie of this time period followed this formula. Remember - this was the decade of John Cusack, Matthew Broderick, and some classic films including Back to the Future and The Empire Strikes Back! If you are sitting there thinking you could do without this decade in film, you need to rethink your position. Consider this an intro to '80s movies for all of you out there doubting the cinematic prowess of the decade. Remember, '80s movies constitute some of the most popular and famous films of the past 50 years! This was the decade where Indiana Jones first donned his famous fedora and Elliot had to say goodbye to E.T. 

There were thousands of movies released between 1980 and 1989 (many of which are rightly forgotten), making it something of a challenge to assemble a list of 25 must-see films from the decade. Many arguments will likely ensue, so vote your favorites up below to decide on the most essential films the '80s had to offer. 

  • Back to the Future
    1

    Back to the Future

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover
    5,464 votes
    In the 1985 adventure-comedy Back to the Future, high school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is catapulted back to the 1950's in a time-traveling DeLorean car invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Stranded in the past, Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents' meeting, jeopardizing his own existence. Now, he must ensure they fall in love again to secure his future. This Robert Zemeckis-directed film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and is known for its unique blend of science fiction and humor.
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  • Ghostbusters
    2

    Ghostbusters

    Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
    5,389 votes
    In the 1984 classic, Ghostbusters, three quirky parapsychologists - Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) - find themselves out of work. Unfazed, they establish a ghost removal service in New York City. When Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) reports a supernatural entity in her apartment, the Ghostbusters are thrust into a paranormal storm, battling an ancient Sumerian god, Gozer. The film is a delightful blend of comedy and supernatural thriller, with remarkable special effects for its time. It bagged two Oscar nominations for Original Song and Visual Effects.
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  • Gremlins
    3

    Gremlins

    Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
    5,103 votes
    In the movie Gremlins, a young man named Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives an unusual pet, a Mogwai called Gizmo (voiced by Howie Mandel), as a Christmas gift. This seemingly harmless creature comes with three important rules: no bright lights, no water, and never feed it after midnight. When these rules are inadvertently broken, the small town of Kingston Falls is overrun by destructive creatures known as Gremlins. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this 1984 film blends comedy, horror, and fantasy elements to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • Raiders of the Lost Ark
    4

    Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
    4,959 votes
    In the adventurous roller-coaster ride, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, we follow Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a renowned archaeologist and obtainer of rare antiquities. Set in 1936, Jones is thrust into a perilous mission to outwit his Nazi competitors who are bent on harnessing the power of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. Alongside former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones navigates treacherous terrains and relentless enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie bagged four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic action-adventure film that combines history, mysticism, and heart-stopping sequences with aplomb.
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  • Beetlejuice
    5

    Beetlejuice

    Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis
    5,303 votes
    In Tim Burton's quirky comedy-horror, Beetlejuice, a recently deceased couple Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) find their idyllic afterlife disrupted when an obnoxious new family moves into their former home. Desperate to reclaim their peaceful existence, they enlist the help of a raucous spirit named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). However, they soon realize that this mischievous ghost may be more trouble than he's worth. The film, known for its unique blend of humor and horror, won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.
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  • The Terminator
    6

    The Terminator

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
    4,857 votes
    In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.
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  • Die Hard
    7

    Die Hard

    Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
    4,893 votes
    Die Hard, a classic action-thriller, revolves around New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis). He's just trying to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), at her company's Christmas Eve party. But things spiral out of control when German terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his henchmen take over the high-rise building. Armed only with his wits and determination, McClane must face down the deadly adversaries, save the hostages, including his wife, and thwart Gruber's grandiose heist plan. A high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues creating an unforgettable cinematic experience resulting in four Academy Award nominations.
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  • The Empire Strikes Back
    8

    The Empire Strikes Back

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    4,927 votes
    The 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).
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  • The Goonies
    9

    The Goonies

    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    4,856 votes
    In the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.
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  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    10

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
    4,714 votes
    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and family drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed 'E.T.', stranded on Earth. E.T.'s health declines while government agents close in on his location. With help from his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott must help E.T. escape Earth and return to his home planet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and remains a beloved classic in the realm of cinema.
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  • The Karate Kid
    11

    The Karate Kid

    Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
    4,708 votes
    In the heart of the 1984 martial arts drama The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a high school student, finds himself in the crosshairs of bullies at his new school. To defend himself, he seeks guidance from a wise and enigmatic karate master Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Through rigorous training, Daniel learns not just about physical combat but also life's profound lessons. Directed by John G. Avildsen, this film gained an Academy Award nomination for Morita and remains one of the most enduring classics in its genre.
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  • Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
    12

    Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    4,511 votes
    In Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, directed by Richard Marquand, the galaxy's fate hangs in the balance. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is determined to bring his father, Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), back from the dark side. Meanwhile, Rebel forces, including Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), plan to destroy the second Death Star being built by the evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). The movie won an Oscar for Special Achievement in Visual Effects. This epic space opera concludes George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy with thrilling action sequences and a poignant narrative.
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  • Aliens
    13

    Aliens

    Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn
    4,218 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.
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  • Lethal Weapon
    14

    Lethal Weapon

    Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey
    4,137 votes
    In Lethal Weapon, we're thrust into the high-stakes world of two Los Angeles police detectives. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile maverick reeling from his wife's death, pairs up with seasoned detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). As they navigate the city's gritty underbelly, their contrasting styles and personalities create an undeniable dynamic. The movie, a blend of action and crime genres, is punctuated by thrilling car chases, explosive confrontations, and compelling character development. Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon has become a quintessential buddy cop film. Despite its intense action sequences, it remains grounded in the reality of its characters' lives.
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  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    15

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off

    Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
    4,447 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.
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  • Big
    16

    Big

    Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
    4,126 votes
    In the classic comedy-drama Big, Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) is an everyday 12-year-old boy who yearns for adulthood. After making a wish on a mystical arcade machine, he wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man. Now navigating the adult world with a child's heart, Josh encounters everything from finding a job at a toy company to experiencing his first love with coworker Susan Lawrence (Elizabeth Perkins). Directed by Penny Marshall, Big earned Hanks an Academy Award nomination and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. The movie gracefully explores the contrast between childhood innocence and adult responsibilities, serving both laughter and thought-provoking moments.
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  • Police Academy
    17

    Police Academy

    Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, Michael Winslow
    3,998 votes
    Police Academy is a comedic romp, all about the misadventures of a group of unlikely and eccentric recruits looking to prove themselves in the world of law enforcement. The film stars Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), a repeat offender given a choice between jail or the police academy. He's joined by characters like the sound-effects wiz Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow) and gun-obsessed Eugene Tackleberry (David Graf). As they navigate through their training, these rookies turn the academy upside down with their unconventional methods and hilarious antics. Despite its light-hearted nature, Police Academy offers subtle social commentary on authority and conformity.
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  • Top Gun
    18

    Top Gun

    Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards
    3,938 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.
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  • Vacation
    19

    Vacation

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Christie Brinkley
    3,935 votes
    In National Lampoon's Vacation, the Griswold family, led by the well-intentioned but often misguided Clark (Chevy Chase), embarks on a cross-country road trip to the fictional amusement park Walley World. With high hopes for a perfect family bonding experience, the vacation instead turns into a series of comical misadventures. From quirky relatives to highway mishaps, the journey becomes a true test of their family bond, patience, and spirit.
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  • Airplane!
    20

    Airplane!

    Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Peter Graves
    3,731 votes
    In 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.
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  • Dirty Dancing
    21

    Dirty Dancing

    Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
    3,952 votes
    In the heart of summer 1963, Frances 'Baby' Houseman (Jennifer Grey) vacations with her affluent family at a high-end Catskills resort. She's an innocent daddy's girl until she stumbles upon the resort's dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). A tough-talking guy from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny introduces Baby to an intoxicating world of dirty dancing and steamy after-hours parties. As they dance, they fall in love - a passionate affair that defies class boundaries and family expectations. Dirty Dancing, a music-filled drama that won the 1987 Oscar for Best Original Song, is a timeless tale about love, growth, and the power of dance.
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  • Trading Places
    22

    Trading Places

    Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy
    3,404 votes
    In the uproarious comedy Trading Places, Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), an affluent commodities broker, and Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a streetwise hustler, find their worlds flipped upside down. Orchestrated by the devious Duke brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy), this unlikely pair are thrust into each other's lives in a social experiment of wealth versus poverty. As they navigate their new realities, they uncover the brothers' nefarious scheme. Armed with insider knowledge, they conspire to turn the tables on their puppeteers in this delightful tale of cunning and comeuppance.
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  • Platoon
    23

    Platoon

    Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen
    3,161 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.
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  • Dead Poets Society
    24

    Dead Poets Society

    Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
    3,256 votes
    In the captivating drama, Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) introduces his students at the conservative Welton Academy to the world of poetry. His unconventional teaching methods, centered around the motto Carpe Diem - seize the day, inspire his pupils to challenge the status quo and explore their individual identities. The narrative unfolds as Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), an aspiring actor, grapples with his authoritarian father's expectations. This 1989 Peter Weir-directed film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
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  • Sixteen Candles
    25

    Sixteen Candles

    Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling
    3,352 votes
    Sixteen Candles is a classic 1984 coming-of-age comedy directed by John Hughes. The film centers around the character of Samantha Baker, (Molly Ringwald), who's celebrating her 16th birthday but feels ignored by her family who are preoccupied with her sister's wedding. Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), the high school heartthrob, is the object of Samantha's affection while she is relentlessly pursued by a nerdy freshman named Ted, (Anthony Michael Hall). As the day unfolds, hilarious and heartfelt moments ensue, culminating in a memorable birthday that Samantha didn't expect. This film marks an important milestone in teenage films for its honest depiction of adolescent life.
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