The 50 Best 80s Movies Everyone Should Take A Chance To Watch ASAP
You've seen nothing until you see these movies.
The 1980s gave us some of the most rewatchable movies ever made, from sharp comedies to big adventure blockbusters and unforgettable coming-of-age stories.
This list rounds up 50 standout films from the decade, including early hits from stars who would go on to define modern Hollywood. Some are obvious classics, others are cult favorites, but all of them still hold up for viewers looking for great storytelling, iconic scenes, and plenty of nostalgia.
If you have been meaning to revisit the era, this is a solid place to start.
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
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4. Do the Right Thing (1989)
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5. Mystic Pizza (1988)
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6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
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7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
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8. Stand By Me (1986)
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9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
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10. Die Hard (1988)
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11. Ghostbusters (1984)
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12. Blue Velvet (1986)
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13. Dirty Dancing (1987)
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14. The Karate Kid (1984)
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15. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
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16. Moonstruck (1987)
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17. The Color Purple (1985)
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18. The Blues Brothers (1980)
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19. Three Men and a Baby (1987)
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20. Rain Man (1988)
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Before you hit play on more ’90s teen chaos, here’s Jason Biggs weighing whether American Pie 5 will ever happen.
21. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
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22. Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
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23. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
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24. Glory (1989)
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25. The Shining (1980)
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26. Beetlejuice (1988)
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27. Working Girl (1988)
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28. Dead Poets Society (1989)
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29. Top Gun (1986)
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30. Labyrinth (1986)
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31. Hairspray (1988)
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32. Rocky IV (1985)
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33. The Big Chill (1983)
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34. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
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35. Gremlins (1984)
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36. Lethal Weapon (1987)
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37. Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
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38. Risky Business (1983)
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39. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
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40. Sixteen Candles (1984)
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41. The Goonies (1985)
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42. Raising Arizona (1987)
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43. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
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44. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
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45. Howard the Duck (1986)
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46. Pretty in Pink (1986)
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47. Trading Places (1983)
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48. The Princess Bride (1987)
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49. The Money Pit (1986)
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50. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
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In Summary...
The movie industry has come a long way from the '80s to date. There is no better way to appreciate the industry's progress over the years than by revisiting the classics.
Although these movies were made over 30 years ago, some of them feature issues that are still prevalent in society today.
You can find these films on streaming platforms hosting classics from the decade.
Want more “built different” nostalgia? Check out these vintage photos proving your grandparents lived without modern safety rules.
