In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.
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Welcome to our celebration of the 100 Best Films of the 1980s, a decade where cinema embraced both spectacle and sophistication. The ’80s ushered in a new era of moviemaking, where cutting-edge technology met artistic ambition, resulting in films that shaped pop culture and expanded the boundaries of storytelling.
In this list, we highlight the 100 highest-rated and most critically acclaimed films of the decade, showcasing the diverse styles, genres, and voices that came to life during this transformative time. From blockbuster hits to arthouse gems, these movies reflect the vibrant creativity and shifting cultural landscape of the era.
Discover how Martin Scorsese delved into the complexities of human nature with his intense, character-driven dramas, Hayao Miyazaki redefined animation with his imaginative and emotionally rich worlds, and Woody Allen delivered witty, introspective comedies that explored life, love, and existential questions.
Join us as we honor the films that not only encapsulate the spirit of the 1980s, but also stand as some of the most influential and enduring works of cinema. These films are a testament to the lasting impact and innovation of ’80s cinema.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore76.494 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Claude Berri
WRITERS: Gérard Brach, Claude Berri, Marcel Pagnol
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Nuytten
STARRING: Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil, Elisabeth Depardieu
GENRE: Drama
In a rural French village, an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, and are dismayed to hear that the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter’s hearts, they think only of getting the water.
Jean de Florette impresses with its authentic portrayal of rural life in Provence. Impeccable performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping narrative combine to deliver a captivating exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the human connection to the land.
Top10nerScore76.877 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Paul Schrader
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Ballhaus
STARRING: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey
GENRE: Religious Film, Period Drama, Drama, Classical Antiquity
Jesus, a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas – despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene.
In The Last Temptation of Christ, Scorsese’s profound passion for the subject matter shines brightly. The film is a thoughtful and spiritually engaging exploration of faith, occasionally achieving moments of transcendence, making it a compelling cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore76.933 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Cronenberg
WRITERS: David Cronenberg, Norman Snider
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Suschitzky
STARRING: Jeremy Irons, Geneviève Bujold
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Psychological Thriller
Elliot, a successful gynecologist, works at the same practice as his identical twin, Beverly. Elliot is attracted to many of his patients and has affairs with them. When he inevitably loses interest, he will give the woman over to Beverly, the meeker of the two, without the woman knowing the difference. Beverly falls hard for one of the patients, Claire, but when she inadvertently deceives him, he slips into a state of madness.
Dead Ringers delivers a compellingly unsettling narrative, bolstered by Jeremy Irons’ dual performance, skillfully brought to life by Cronenberg. Irons’ on-screen prowess enhances the film’s eerie allure, ensuring that the unsettling atmosphere becomes all the more mesmerizing.
Top10nerScore76.971 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sidney Lumet
WRITERS: David Mamet, Jay Presson Allen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrzej Bartkowiak
STARRING: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason
GENRE: Legal Drama
An outcast, alcoholic Boston lawyer sees the chance to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling.
In The Verdict, Paul Newman delivers a career-defining performance as an attorney striving for redemption. Mamet & Allen’s electric script coupled with Lumet’s assured direction elevate this legal drama to an exceptional level of cinematic excellence.
Top10nerScore77.023 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Redford
WRITERS: Alvin Sargent
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Bailey
STARRING: Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch
GENRE: Psychological Drama, New Hollywood, Family Drama
Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.
Robert Redford showcases his exceptional emotional insight in his directorial debut, Ordinary People. Through four outstanding performances, he skillfully captures the disintegration of a family, crafting a poignant exploration of human connections and healing.
Top10nerScore77.059 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jackie Chan
WRITERS: Jackie Chan, Edward Tang
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Cheung Yiu-Cho
STARRING: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung
GENRE: Martial Arts, Comedy, Crime
Officer Chan Ka Kui manages to put a major Hong Kong drug dealer behind the bars practically alone, after a shooting and an impressive chase inside a slum. Now, he must protect the boss’ secretary, Selina, who will testify against the gangster in court.
Combining impeccable physical humor and meticulously crafted action sequences, Police Story showcases Jackie Chan as an enduring legend in the genre. His mesmerizing performance elevates this film to a pinnacle of action cinema, reinforcing his status as a genre icon.
Top10nerScore77.228 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Bernardo Bertolucci
WRITERS: Bernardo Bertolucci, Mark Peploe, Enzo Ungari
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vittorio Storaro
STARRING: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O’Toole
GENRE: Biopic, Period Drama, Epic
A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half a billion people; through his abdication, his decline and dissolute lifestyle; his exploitation by the invading Japanese, and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the People’s Republic.
The Last Emperor captivates with its stunning cinematography, spanning decades in a mesmerizing biopic. Featuring a diverse international cast, it skillfully resurrects the Qing Dynasty era. Lone’s compelling portrayal of passivity infuses the film with an unmatched, elevated charm.
Top10nerScore77.397 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Barry Sonnenfeld
STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, Trey Wilson, William Forsythe
GENRE: Comedy, Crime
When a childless couple of an ex-con and an ex-cop decide to help themselves to one of another family’s quintuplets, their lives become more complicated than they anticipated.
An exceptionally inventive and offbeat screwball comedy, Raising Arizona may not adhere to the Coen Brothers’ strictest conventions, yet it stands as one of their most delightful and genuinely captivating cinematic works, brimming with unbridled charm and humor.
Top10nerScore77.441 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Louis Malle
WRITERS: Wallace Shawn, Andre Gregory
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeri Sopanen
STARRING: Wallace Shawn, André Gregory
GENRE: Drama, Slice of Life
Two old friends meet for dinner; as one tells anecdotes detailing his experiences, the other notices their differing worldviews.
My Dinner with Andre stands as an intellectual triumph, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking discourse. Wally Shawn and Andre Gregory’s riveting conversation transcends the ordinary, delivering a profound exploration of life’s complexities.
Top10nerScore77.586 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Víctor Erice
WRITERS: Víctor Erice
CINEMATOGRAPHY: José Luis Alcaine
STARRING: Omero Antonutti, Sonsoles Aranguren, Icíar Bollaín
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Family Drama
A woman reflects on her childhood relationship with her father, attempting to understand the depths of his despair and the truth of his myths.
El Sur enraptures with its evocative storytelling and breathtaking cinematography. Its poignant exploration of memory and longing captivates, leaving an enduring impression. A gem of Spanish cinema, it resonates deeply, inviting viewers into a realm of emotion and reflection.
Top10nerScore77.728 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Barry Levinson
WRITERS: Barry Morrow, Ronald Bass
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Seale
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
GENRE: Drama, Road Movie, Buddy
Selfish yuppie Charlie Babbitt’s father left a fortune to his savant brother Raymond and a pittance to Charlie; they travel cross-country.
Rain Man is a captivating and emotionally resonant film that expertly explores the complexities of family bonds and neurodiversity. Hoffman’s exceptional portrayal of an autistic savant is both convincing and compassionate, while Cruise delivers a career-defining performance.
Top10nerScore77.740 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Héctor Babenco
WRITERS: Héctor Babenco, Jorge Durán
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rodolfo Sánchez
STARRING: Fernando Ramos da Silva, Jorge Julião, Gilberto Moura, Edilson Lino, Marília Pêra
GENRE: Drama, Crime, Coming-of-Age, Hood Film
10-year-old Pixote endures torture, degradation, and corruption at a local youth detention center where two of its members are murdered by policemen who frame Lilica, a 17-year-old trans hustler. Pixote helps Lilica and three other boys escape and they start to make their living by a life of crime which only escalates to more violence and death.
Pixote is a compelling and socially relevant cinematic work that vividly portrays the harsh realities of Brazil’s street children. Its raw, unflinching portrayal, combined with exceptional performances, offers a powerful and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of the marginalized.
Top10nerScore77.847 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alan Parker
WRITERS: Roger Waters
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Biziou
STARRING: Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
GENRE: Rock Opera, Surrealism, Psychological Drama
A troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.
Pink Floyd: The Wall is a mesmerizing visual symphony that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, weaving a surreal narrative with haunting imagery and a pulsating soundtrack. Its avant-garde approach challenges conventions, leaving an enduring impression on audiences.
Top10nerScore77.911 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mick Jackson
WRITERS: Barry Hines
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrew Dunn, Paul Morris
STARRING: Karen Meagher, Reece Dinsdale, David Brierly
GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic, Disaster, Drama, War
Documentary style account of a nuclear holocaust and its effect on the working class city of Sheffield, England; and the eventual long run effects of nuclear war on civilization.
Threads delivers an unflinching portrayal of nuclear apocalypse, weaving a harrowing narrative that grips viewers from start to finish. Its raw authenticity and haunting imagery serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of human civilization.
Top10nerScore78.002 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
WRITERS: Woody Allen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gordon Willis
STARRING: Woody Allen, Mia Farrow
GENRE: Mockumentary, Comedy, Satire, Low Fantasy
Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.
Woody Allen’s Zelig dazzles with its inventive mockumentary style, blending humor and poignancy. Through Leonard Zelig’s chameleon-like transformations, the film explores identity and conformity with wit and charm. It’s a brilliantly crafted, thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore78.291 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Landis
WRITERS: John Landis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Paynter
STARRING: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
GENRE: Werewolf, Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy
Two American tourists in England are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.
An American Werewolf in London reshapes the werewolf genre with its blend of horror and humor. Landis’ direction and Rick Baker’s practical effects set a benchmark. It’s a howling success, combining scares and laughs effortlessly, leaving a lasting paw print on cinematic history.
Top10nerScore78.424 / 100
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DIRECTOR: George Sluizer
WRITERS: George Sluizer, Tim Krabbé
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Toni Kuhn
STARRING: Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets, Johanna Ter Steege
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Drama
Rex and Saskia are enjoying a biking holiday in France when, stopping at a gas station, Saskia disappears.
In The Vanishing, Sluizer crafts a gripping psychological thriller that lingers in the mind. With nuanced performances and a haunting atmosphere, it’s a rare gem that expertly explores the depths of human obsession and the chilling consequences of curiosity.
Top10nerScore78.838 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
WRITERS: Woody Allen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gordon Willis
STARRING: Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Low Fantasy
Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. After losing her job, Cecilia goes to see ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ in hopes of raising her spirits, where she watches dashing archaeologist Tom Baxter time and again.
The Purple Rose of Cairo effortlessly blends the charm of classic Hollywood with a touch of whimsy. Woody Allen’s direction and Mia Farrow’s enchanting performance create a poignant, bittersweet tale of escapism and the power of cinema.
Top10nerScore78.963 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Hughes
WRITERS: John Hughes
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth
STARRING: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason, John Kapelos
GENRE: Teen Movie, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Comedy
Five disparate high school students meet in Saturday detention, and discover they have a lot more in common than they thought.
A poignant portrayal of teenage angst and societal pressures, The Breakfast Club captivates with its raw authenticity and timeless relevance. Brimming with memorable performances and insightful dialogue, it’s a quintessential coming-of-age gem that still resonates.
Top10nerScore79.039 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Bresson
WRITERS: Robert Bresson, Leo Tolstoy
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pasqualino De Santis, Emmanuel Machuel
STARRING: Christian Patey, Vincent Risterucci, Caroline Lang
GENRE: Drama, Crime
A forged 500-franc note is passed from person to person and shop to shop, until it falls into the hands of a genuine innocent who doesn’t see it for what it is – which will have devastating consequences on his life, causing him to turn to crime and murder.
L’Argent stands as a thought-provoking masterpiece of minimalist cinema, exploring the corrosive nature of money through its impeccable use of non-professional actors, precise cinematography, and a narrative that delves into the darkest corners of human morality.
Top10nerScore79.090 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Theo Angelopoulos
WRITERS: Theo Angelopoulos, Tonino Guerra, Thanassis Valtinos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giorgos Arvanitis
STARRING: Tania Palaiologou, Michalis Zeke, Stratos Tzortzoglou
GENRE: Road Movie, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Slow Cinema
Two children search for their father who is supposed to live in Germany. Their obsession for this father figure will take them to the boundaries between childhood and adolescence.
Landscape in the Mist is a profound exploration of childhood innocence and the human spirit. Theo Angelopoulos crafts a cinematic journey that delves into the complexities of life, leaving a lasting impact on viewers with its thought-provoking storytelling and impeccable cinematography.
Top10nerScore79.099 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ivan Reitman
WRITERS: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: László Kovács
STARRING: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis
GENRE: Comedy, Low Fantasy, Horror Comedy
After losing their academic posts at a prestigious university, a team of parapsychologists goes into business as proton-pack-toting “ghostbusters” who exterminate ghouls, hobgoblins and supernatural pests of all stripes. An ad campaign pays off when a knockout cellist hires the squad to purge her swanky digs of demons that appear to be living in her refrigerator.
A captivating fusion of humor and cutting-edge visual effects, Ghostbusters thrives on Bill Murray’s deadpan genius, anchoring a superb ensemble of comedic talent. This supernatural comedy remains a testament to its timelessness, proving that laughter is eternal.
Top10nerScore79.231 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hou Hsiao-hsien
WRITERS: Chu Tien-wen, Wu Nien-Jen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chen Hwai-En
STARRING: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Sung Young Chen, Xin Shufen
GENRE: Period Drama, Political Drama, Taiwanese New Wave
Soon after Japan relinquishes control of Taiwan in 1945, the Lin brothers face hardships from the changing culture. Bar owner Wen-heung, the eldest brother, falls foul of local gangsters, Wen-sun disappears, and Wen-leung, scarred by his experiences in the war, ends up in an insane asylum. Deaf-mute photographer Wen-ching, the youngest brother, decides to make a stand and fight the Kuomintang government from China that is assuming power.
A City of Sadness captures the haunting beauty of post-war Taiwan with exquisite storytelling and visual poetry. Hou Hsiao-hsien’s delicate direction weaves a poignant tapestry of familial bonds and historical turbulence, evoking deep empathy and reflection on a nation’s wounds.
Top10nerScore79.265 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: Nora Ephron
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Barry Sonnenfeld
STARRING: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
GENRE: Romantic Comedy
During their travel from Chicago to New York, Harry and Sally debate whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman. Eleven years later, and they’re still no closer to finding the answer.
When Harry Met Sally… is an enduring romantic comedy that seamlessly blends humor and heart. Ephron’s sharp screenplay and Reiner’s vision give the film a timeless quality, while Ryan and Crystal’s chemistry is undeniable, cementing its status as a genre classic.
Top10nerScore79.297 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Paul Verhoeven
WRITERS: Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jost Vacano
STARRING: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Kurtwood Smith, Ronny Cox
GENRE: Action, Crime, Satire, Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Science Fiction
In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.
RoboCop stands the test of time as a thought-provoking, genre-defining classic. Paul Verhoeven’s sharp social commentary and Peter Weller’s nuanced portrayal elevate this action-packed film, delving into themes of identity, corruption, and humanity with visceral intensity.
