The Best Movies of 1986
Ranked By
16.6K votes
1.1K voters
24 reranks
Voting Rules
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: Gung Ho
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies of 1986
- 1Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael BiehnIn 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.More Aliens
- Dig Deeper...12 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Aliens'
- #88 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #9 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
- 2Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey FeldmanIn 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.More Stand by Me
- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Stand By Me' That Prove The Film Shaped The Child Actors
- #77 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #17 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
- 3Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia SaraIn 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.More Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Dig Deeper...Behind The Scenes Of The Famous Parade Scene In 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
- #4 of 112 onThe 100+ Best Movies About High School
- #35 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 4Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony EdwardsIn 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.More Top Gun
- Dig Deeper...Ranker Rundown: Flying High With 'Top Gun: Maverick'
- #110 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #79 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 5Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis DunIn 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.
- #306 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #52 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #85 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 6Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie SheenIn 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.More Platoon
- Dig Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #4 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #381 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 7Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, Mark BlumA 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.More Crocodile Dundee
- #23 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #52 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #175 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 8Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne HartIn 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.More Highlander
- #410 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #49 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
- #64 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 9Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthyIn 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.More Pretty in Pink
- Dig Deeper...20 Coming-Of-Age Classics Like 'Pretty In Pink'
- #12 of 112 onThe 100+ Best Movies About High School
- #82 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 10David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby FroudIn 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.
- 11Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis HopperIn 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.More Hoosiers
- #43 of 112 onThe 100+ Best Movies About High School
- #197 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #109 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 12Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Tamlyn TomitaThe 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.More The Karate Kid, Part II
- #130 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #153 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #62 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
- 13Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason LeighWhile 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.More The Hitcher
- #221 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #106 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #37 of 79 onThe Best Teen Horror Movies Of All Time
- 14Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John GetzIn 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.More The Fly
- #4 of 64 onThe Best Horror Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #40 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #129 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 15Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve MartinIn 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.More Little Shop of Horrors
- Dig Deeper...Every Song in Little Shop of Horrors, Ranked by Singability
- #34 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #361 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 16William Petersen, Kim Greist, Dennis FarinaIn 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.More Manhunter
- #143 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #371 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #63 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- 17Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGillMarine 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.More Heartbreak Ridge
- #41 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #144 of 233 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #85 of 305 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 18William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Catherine HicksIn 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.
- #622 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #87 of 178 onThe 150+ Best Movies With Aliens
- #140 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 19Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Martin ShortIn 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.More ¡Three Amigos!
- #205 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #105 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #94 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 20Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher StevensAfter 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).More Short Circuit
- #275 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #57 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #95 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 21Cathianne Blore, Laura Carson, Dom DeLuiseIn 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.More An American Tail
- #76 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #73 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #151 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 22Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, Kevin J. O'ConnorIn 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.More Peggy Sue Got Married
- #231 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #214 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #122 of 233 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- 23Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioThe 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.More The Color of Money
- #216 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #100 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
- #77 of 206 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- 24Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Keith GordonThornton 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.More Back to School
- #157 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #221 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #37 of 233 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- 25Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val BettinIn 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.
- #98 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #257 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #180 of 368 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- 26Tom Hanks, Shelley Long, Alexander GodunovYoung 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.More The Money Pit
- #591 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #478 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #149 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 27Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis HopperIn 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.More Blue Velvet
- #134 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #75 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #341 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 28John Cusack, Demi Moore, Joel MurrayAfter 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."More One Crazy Summer
- #251 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #519 of 630 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #24 of 32 onGreat Movies Set Along the Coast
- 29Peter Cullen, Michael Bell, Corey BurtonUltra Magnus and the Transformers fight planet Unicron and the Decepticons in 2005.
- #239 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #255 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #93 of 185 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- 30Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni SantoniLos 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.More Cobra
