The 80s was an incredible time for film. From award-winning cinema to hilarious comedies and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Thankfully, many of these 80s movies still hold up today.
I regularly find myself watching these beloved 80s movies more often than modern cinema.
The Princess Bride
Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Many view 1987’s The Princess Bride as a perfect movie.
Its fairy tale adventure has resonated with audiences for nearly four decades now.
The film’s non-stop quotable lines are one reason it still holds up today.
From “Ash you wish” to “inconceivable!” don’t be surprised if fans recite the lines as they happen on screen.
Beverly Hills Cop
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
When Eddie Murphy isn’t performing multiple roles in the same film, he’s playing a wise-cracking lead who hates authority.
Murphy’s Axel Foley is incredibly charismatic and downright hilarious and helped make Murphy the star he is today.
Three movies in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise were made between 1984 and 1994, with a fourth releasing on Netflix in 2024.
Beetlejuice
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
While many view Batman as Michael Keaton’s most iconic role, you can argue that it’s actually Beetlejuice. Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice features an ensemble cast of Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder.
The success of the fantasy horror comedy led to an animated series in the 1990s, as well as a long-awaited sequel in 2024.
Karate Kid
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.
The 1984 martial arts film is as iconic as it is impressive. Its story and climactic karate tournament easily go toe-to-toe with today’s movies.
The main cast from the original films reprises their roles in the television series Cobra Kai. Additionally, several film sequels were made throughout the years.
Real Genius
Image Credit: Tri-Star Pictures.
The 1985 Val Kilmer comedy is an underrated 80s film. It’s produced by Brian Glazer, best known for his work on Arrested Development.
Kilmer plays a genius who is comfortably coasting through college and slacking off. The film has a great balance of humor that draws from slacker and nerd culture.
Airplane!
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
It’s impressive how well Airplane! holds up today. Between the non-stop jokes and insanely quotable lines of dialogue, there’s a lot to love even today.
Airplane!‘s humor is held up by its strong cast. The film stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Fletch
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
Based on the 1974 novel of the same name, Fletch stars Chevy Chase as a fast-talking newspaper reporter who can talk his way into anything.
It’s hard to pick one film as Chase’s best, but it’s hard to argue that Fletch isn’t deserving. Say whatever you want about Chase as a person, but there’s no denying his skill as a comedic actor.
The Terminator
Image Credit: Tri-Star Pictures.
The iconic James Cameron action film helped launch a mega-franchise that still runs today.
Effects used in the film hold up surprisingly well today. The non-stop action helped propel Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger as mainstream action stars.
Predator
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.
The Terminator isn’t the only action 1980s film Schwarzenegger starred in. Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura join him in 1987’s Predator.
The success of this sci-fi action film, complete with plenty of horror and monster movie elements, has led to several sequels, spin-offs, and even a recent reboot.
Back to the Future
Image Credit: Universal.
One of the greatest films ever made, Back to the Future, and its entire trilogy, define movie magic.
The ironic performances by Michael F. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson help make the trilogy as memorable as it is.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Whether you saw the film in theaters or caught it for the first time today, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will surely entertain.
The John Hughes teen comedy is a timeless classic that gives endless laughs no matter how many times we’ve seen it.
The Thing
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
When thinking of John Carpenter films, the most common response is Halloween. Yet 1982’s The Thing is arguably Carpenter’s best work.
Critical reassessment agrees that The Thing isn’t just one of the best horror movies but one of the best films ever made.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
We’ve already discussed a teen coming-of-age film by John Hughes. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not that. Instead, it’s a fantastic comedy featuring sharp, witty humor and perhaps the best performance from John Candy.
As the film takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, many fans will watch the movie on or around the November holiday.
Dead Poets Society
Image Credit: Touchstone Pictures.
Despite his penchant for comedy, Robin Williams was more than capable of delivering memorable dramatic performances. One of his best is Dead Poets Society.
Williams plays an English teacher with unorthodox methods. His encouragement to carpet diem (“seize the day” in Latin) inspires not only his students but also moviegoers.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Image Credit: Universal Studios.
The 1982 Steven Speilberg classic is a timeless treasure of a movie. It’s among the best from Speilberg and one of the best scores from legendary composer John Williams.
Not only is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial a classic film, but it’s also one of the most tear-jerking movies ever.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
The 1982 comedy starring Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold, and Jennifer Jason Leigh is based on the 1981 novel in which Cameron Crowe went undercover at Clairemont High School.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High may be a teen comedy, but it’s not afraid to dive into some serious issues high school students face. Combined with the performances from the ensemble cast, it’s easy to see why it’s still a beloved comedy today.
Uncle Buck
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
There is no shortage of iconic John Candy movies. However, none may be more memorable than Uncle Buck.
As you’d expect from a John Hughes film, it combines the perfect amount of comedy and heart that still holds up today.
John Hughes recommended Culkin play Kevin McCallister in the 1990 holiday comedy Home Alone.From there, he became one of the most iconic kid actors ever.
Coming to America
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
The 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy further cemented him as one of the best comedic actors of the decade.
In the movie, Murphy shuns his royal life of leisure to make it on his own in New York City.
Lead actors Murphy and Hall play several characters, including the main protagonists, Prince Akeem and Semmi, respectively.
Their performances in supporting roles are just as memorable.
Ghostbusters
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
Few movies are as iconic as the sci-fi comedy Ghostbusters. The all-star cast features Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson.
Since its original release, we’ve seen three additional movies in the Ghostbusters series. Additionally, television and video-game spin-offs have been released as well.
Stand By Me
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.
Based on the Stephen King novella, Stand By Me is one of the best coming-of-age films ever made.
Stand By Me‘s strength comes from how relatable the film is. When we were younger, we related to the kids in the movie. As we’ve grown up, moviegoers now connect to the narrator. It’s impressive how well the film holds up today.
Field of Dreams
Image Credit: Universal.
Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who listens to a mysterious voice to build a baseball field on his corn farm. From there, he’s taken on a journey that will forever change his life.
The 1989 baseball classic has become iconic within its sport. Major League Baseball has now played several regular season games in Iowa.
Die Hard
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.
More than “just an action movie,” Die Hard helped reshape the entire action genre. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman give iconic performances that help elevate the film.
Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve. Despite this being the only Christmas theme in the movie, many still incorporate it into their holiday viewing. There’s a popular saying: “It’s not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall from Nakatomi Tower.”
