The 1980s brought the world neon colors, synth-heavy music, denim on denim fits, and a whole lot of great movies. Plenty of actors, directors, and franchises that are still dominating the box office today got started in the ’80s.
While today we may have progressed light years in terms of special effects, many ‘80s films have held up quite well in every other regard. With original plots, universal stories, and enduring characters, a lot of the box-office hits of that era are still popular today. Though times and tastes change, good movies are good movies. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine some of these flicks becoming such massive hits if they were released today.
So, look back at the top box-office hits of the '80s and make your voice heard on which retro blockbusters deserved every cent that they earned.
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How Much It Made: $792,910,554
What's The 411? Curious aliens visit Earth and unknowingly leave one of their comrades behind. The small alien is found and taken in by 10 year-old Elliot Taylor. Elliot and the alien, named E.T., develop a strong friendship as they attempt to find a way to get a message to E.T. 's family so they can be reunited. Elliot, his friends and siblings embark on a journey of a lifetime to protect E.T. from government agents and scientists who want to capture and study him.
How '80s Is It? It's hard to think of a film that represents the decade more than this one. While the lack of sophisticated technology and use of bulky phones and TVs are a dead giveaway of the time period when the film was created, the story itself is one that still endures and sends a message of heroism that is still relevant today.
Cultural Impact: E.T. wasn’t just a hit film, it created a cultural shift in the sci-fi genre. While the story was about an alien trying to get back home, the heart of it was friendship and family. It tackled challenges such as single parenthood, bullying, and loneliness from a child’s perspective. The result was a film that was nominated for nine Oscars, winning four, leaving a legacy that still endures today. It also left one of the most most fantastical and iconic moments in film history - Elliot riding his bikes into the sky, past the full moon, with E.T. in the front basket.
- Actors: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore, C. Thomas Howell
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Still got it?- 1Henry Thomas16 Votes
- 2Peter Coyote20 Votes
- 3Drew Barrymore20 Votes
- 4Robert MacNaughton20 Votes
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How Much It Made: $411,569,241
What's The 411? Millionaire Bruce Wayne secretly spends his nights as a masked vigilante named Batman, protecting the citizens of Gotham City. When a villain known as “The Joker" plans to release a deadly chemical that will kill thousands of people in Gotham City, Batman goes into action to take him down.
How '80s Is It? While the special effects and characters' fashion choices definitely place this movie as something created decades ago, Batman is a story for the ages - as evidenced by the fact that this iteration got multiple sequels, and plenty of new Batman films have been made since. Even with other great versions of the Dark Knight to compare to, many people still love Keaton's version.
Cultural Impact: The film was nominated for a slew of awards, notably taking home the Academy Award for best art direction. The ensuing movie series not only brought revived popularity for Batman as a character, it also changed Michael Keaton’s career by helping him break out of the typecast roles in comedy films that he was stuck in at the time.
- Actors: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Tim Burton
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How Much It Made: $389,925,971
What's The 411? In the mid 1930s, adventurer and archeology professor Indiana Jones is sent on a mission by the US military to recover the Ark of the Covenant, a chest rumored to hold extreme power. However, he must race against time, as German Nazi forces are also searching for the Ark, hoping it will make their armies invincible. With his trademark hat and trusty whip, Jones travels across the world, defeating baddies along the way.
How '80s Is It? Evil foreigners, damsels in distress, a good-looking American adventurer out to save the day - Raiders of the Lost Ark definitely contains staple ingredients of ‘80s action flicks. Plus, Harrison Ford in his prime. Although the narrative is timeless, some of the portrayals of non-American characters are stereotypes that are probably best left in the past.
Cultural Impact: The US Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in 1999 due to its impact on cinema. Additionally, while they might be less impressive than modern VFX, the practical effects were incredible for their time and still hold up quite well. Of course, Indiana Jones became so popular as a character, several more films were made, with Harrison Ford playing the whip-cracking professor as recently as 2023.
- Actors: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies
- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
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How Much It Made: $329,803,958
What's The 411? Half-live action and half-animation, this unique comedy is set in an alternate reality where cartoons (AKA toons) and humans coexist in Hollywood. A human private investigator, Eddie Valiant, must overcome his dislike of toons when he is asked to and help toon star Roger Rabbit prove his innocence in a murder case.
How '80s Is It? While today, any film involving animation is expected to be kids’ fare, Who Framed Roger Rabbit contains some sexual innuendo and racy scenes that helped it find popularity with adults as well, but might not fly in a family film released today.
Cultural Impact: In 2016, the film was chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation to honor its importance to the culture and medium. While mixing live action and animation is still not a very common technique, the success of this film showed that it was possible.
- Actors: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Stubby Kaye, Alan Tilvern
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
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How Much It Made: $296,578,797
What's The 411? A group of friends and paranormal investigators decide to begin a ghost hunting business in New York City. Armed with suits and their own ghost catching technological inventions, they take on cases throughout the city. One of their cases proves out to be a lot more than they bargained for, when a concentration of supernatural energy threatens to awaken a god of destruction that wants to bring about the apocalypse.
How ‘80s Is It? The stylings and special effects are, of course, very ’80s, but special mention has to be given to the jumpsuits and proton packs that just feel so retro sci-fi. Narratively, Ghostbusters is timeless, though, with the friends persevering even when no one believes them about the phantasms endangering the city.
Cultural Impact: As far as supernatural comedies go, Ghostbusters can be considered the gold standard. It laid out a template for blending horror or sci-fi with comedy, and its impact on pop culture - from the distinctive crossed-out ghost logo, to the catchy slogan “Who you gonna call?” - hasn't waned even a little bit four decades later. Various sequels and remakes have been released even into the 2020s.
- Actors: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Ivan Reitman
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How Much It Made: $384,577,472
What's The 411? In 1985, teen Marty McFly is dealing with issues in his home life when accidentally drives a time-traveling DeLorean into the past. Stuck in 1955, Marty not only has to find a way back home, but he also has to fix the consequences of his arrival in the past, which threatens his parents' future relationship, and thus, his own existence.
How ‘80s Is It? Back to the Future arguably helped define many things that are now considered ’80s, like time-traveling DeLoreans, and irreverent sci-fi plots that also incorporate teen move plot staples. Nothing's more retro-nostalgic than Marty's guitar performance of “Johnny B. Goode.”
Cultural Impact: The movie popularized time travel as a plot device, as well as showing how sci-fi could be blended with broad plots of family films appealing to a wide audience. Thanks to the success of the first film, multiple sequels were made, and tropes from the original continue to be referenced and parodied in film and TV many years later.
- Actors: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson, Wendie Jo Sperber
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Still got it?- 1Christopher Lloyd35 Votes
- 2Michael J. Fox33 Votes
- 3Lea Thompson23 Votes
- 4Crispin Glover16 Votes
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How Much It Made: $316,360,478
What's The 411? Detroit detective Axel Foley sets out to investigate the murder of his friend Mikey Tandino, despite not being allowed to due to his friendship with the victim. His investigation leads him to Beverly Hills, where local cops are less than thrilled about having him around. Despite this, Axel refuses to give up on finding his friend’s killer and ends up discovering a much larger crime network along the way.
How ‘80s Is It? This decade was a time when action movies were plenty, and Beverly Hills Cop uses several action tropes to great effect, while also playing up comedy as a secondary genre. Axel is a cop who refuses to play by the rules, who ends up busting one of the biggest crime rings in Beverly Hills in his time off. The specific balance of tension and humor is one that the ’80s did well.
Cultural Impact: Beverly Hills Cop was the highest grossing film in 1984, and was a big part of launching Eddie Murphy into stardom, including in the two sequels that followed. The screenplay was nominated for an Oscar in 1985, and the love still continues decades later, with a fourth film planned for release in summer 2024.
- Actors: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Martin Brest
Still got it?- 1Eddie Murphy20 Votes
- 2Jonathan Banks18 Votes
- 3Bronson Pinchot15 Votes
- 4Judge Reinhold22 Votes
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How Much It Made: $475,106,177
What's The 411? In the third installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, the battle continues between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Now confident in his skills as a Jedi, Luke Skywalker sets out to rescue his friend Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and tries to sway his father, Darth Vader, away from the dark side.
How '80s Is It? The film used various new special effects that were only beginning to take off. While, by today’s standards, they might not seem like much, they were quite revolutionary at the time. Although plenty of new entries in the Star Wars universe continue to be released, there's something undeniably '80s about the original trilogy.
Cultural Impact: It would be impossible to not be aware of the cultural impact Star Wars has had in the world. George Lucas's series became a business that encompassed far more than just movies. Star Wars toys, clothes, books, and accessories were only some of the items that boomed as a result of the entire original trilogy, which Return of the Jedi capped off with a fantastic finish.
- Actors: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Richard Marquand
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How Much It Made: $357,288,178
What's The 411? Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is a young naval aviator lieutenant attending Top Gun, a Naval Fighter Weapons School. As his nickname suggests, Maverick has a reputation for cockiness and aggressive flying maneuvers. In the face of a tragic accident that takes the life of his friend Goose, he must overcome his self-doubt and guilt in order to complete his duties and enable the rescue of a ship stuck in hostile waters.
How ‘80s Is It? Top Gun is the epitome of an ’80s action blockbuster. The synth-heavy music and fashion choices ground the story in its period. Additionally, the themes of individuality and patriotism are prevalent, reflecting where US society was at that time period.
Cultural Impact: The denim, bomber jacket, and the aviator sunglasses worn by Maverick in the film have become a legendary cool-guy style still associated with the film today. The colorful, action-forward sexy feel of the film proved to be a winning combination, especially with realistic flight sequences and impressive stunts. While Top Gun remained popular in its own right, its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, became another massive hit decades later.
- Actors: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Tom Skerritt
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Tony Scott
Still got it?- 1Tom Cruise11 Votes
- 2Val Kilmer16 Votes
- 3Meg Ryan12 Votes
- 4Tom Skerritt5 Votes
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How Much It Made: $538,375,067
What's The 411? The second installment in the Star Wars franchise, this entry expands the war between the villainous Galactic Empire and the underdog Rebel Alliance. While Princess Leia and Han Solo rally the Rebel forces, Luke Skywalker trains with Jedi master Yoda to master the Force and prepare to take on Darth Vader.
How ‘80s Is It? Hitting theaters in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back was the first blockbuster of the era. The special effects are very advanced for the time and still look good overall, though some moments may appear just slightly dated. Iconic scenes such as Darth Vader revealing his connection to Luke are simultaneously extremely ’80s and eternal, legendary moments of cinema.
Cultural Impact: The Empire Strikes Back gave audiences a moment that became a cultural phenomenon that even those unfamiliar with the film could likely quote: the moment where Luke Skywalker learns who his father is. It also introduced Yoda, who remains one of the most well-known Star Wars characters today. Overall, it raised the bar for movie sequels, proving that follow-up movies could surpass their predecessors (many fans consider it the best Star Wars film of all).
- Actors: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Irvin Kershner
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How Much It Made: $235,860,116
What's The 411? In 1959, an English teacher named John Keating begins teaching at a boys' boarding school in Vermont. His methods are unorthodox and a break from the traditions that are strictly adhered to at the school. While the faculty are not happy with his performance, he becomes a source of inspiration, strength, and admiration for the students he teaches.
How ‘80s Is It? Individuality and self discovery were big themes throughout the ’80s, and they're especially prevalent in this film. Of course, these themes resonate with youth throughout all time periods, so even though it's set in the 1950s and released in the '80s, it still connects with viewers today.
Cultural Impact: Considered one of the most inspirational films made, this film touches on very serious subjects, including suicide. The core message of the importance of seizing the day and following one's dreams is one that endures and easily translates from generation to generation. Additionally, Dead Poets Society is remembered as one of the greatest performances from the late Robin Williams.
- Actors: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Peter Weir
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How Much It Made: $474,171,806
What's The 411? The third installment in the Indiana Jones adventure franchise sees Indy being tasked with finding his father, who has gone missing while attempting to find the Holy Grail. His jet-setting adventure takes him around the world following clues to the location of the Grail, pitting him once again against Nazi foes.
How '80s Is It? This installment continues promoting the tough-guy action hero archetype that was incredibly popular in the ’80s - especially as played by Harrison Ford. The film's effects hold up and, despite some cultural aspects that seem perhaps less sensitive than modern movies, the story is still appealing to current generations.
Cultural Impact: If he wasn't already before this, The Last Crusade cements Harrison Ford as one of the best and most versatile action actors in history. By refocusing on the family-friendly adventure that was slightly lost in the second Indiana Jones film, this entry proved Indy was a reliable crowd-pleaser.
- Actors: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Still got it?- 1Big Trouble in Little China38 Votes
- 2Willow34 Votes
- 3Romancing the Stone24 Votes
- 4Highlander23 Votes
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How Much It Made: $328,203506
What's The 411? Sue Charlton is an American writer covering a story on Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee, an Australian bushman known for legendary encounters with wildlife. She embarks on a comedic journey to Australia where she follows his exploits and ends up being saved from a crocodile attack by Mick. As Sue becomes more and more engaged in his personality, she invites Mick to come back to New York City with her, throwing the wild man into an entirely new environment.
How '80s Is It? The color palette of the movie, especially in scenes set in the Outback, makes it feel very vintage. While some of the content and humor feels dated, Crocodile Dundee is an entertaining watch and a sort of time capsule to the era it comes from.
Cultural Impact: Crocodile Dundee became the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. The hit opened up a new world for the American public to explore and get to know and created a rise in tourism in Australia. While two other follow-up films were made, neither matched the success of the first, but still did well in their own right.
- Actors: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, Mark Blum, John Meillon, David Gulpilil
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Peter Faiman
Still got it?- 14
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How Much It Made: $354,825,435
What's The 411? Charlie Babbitt is a young schemer attempting to make quick money in Los Angeles. When his father dies, he returns home with the expectation that he will have inherited his father’s estate. What he finds instead is Raymond, a secret older brother who is an autistic savant who has inherited all their father’s money. In an attempt to gain access to the money, Charlie claims he will become Raymond's caretaker, with little patience for his brother at the start. As they embark on a road trip back to Los Angeles, Charlie's understanding of and affection for Raymond deepens.
How '80s Is It? While there are definitely visual cues that pin down the decade, namely the wardrobe and hair, the family story at the heart of Rain Main could be set in any era. While society’s understanding of autism has come a long way since the release of this film, creating some scenes that feel old-fashioned in the way others talk about Raymond, it’s still a tender story about brothers forming a deep bond.
Cultural Impact: Rain Man was one of the first films to explicitly portray autism on screen in a way that showed the humanity of autistic people and challenged the stereotypes surrounding the condition. The film was helpful in opening up the conversation regarding autism and won a great deal of awards, including the Oscar for best picture.
- Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen, Michael D. Roberts
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Barry Levinson
Still got it?- 1Dustin Hoffman17 Votes
- 2Michael D. Roberts6 Votes
- 3Tom Cruise20 Votes
- 4Gerald R. Molen19 Votes
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How Much It Made: $167,780,960
What's The 411? Three bachelors who live in New York City have their lives turned upside down when a baby is left on their doorstep with a note claiming that one of them is her father. As the men cope with the new addition in their lives, they learn the ins and outs of parenthood, while also getting wrapped up in a drug deal gone wrong. The result is a sentimental, dramatic and hilarious adventure for all involved.
How '80s Is It? The men in the film are party-going bachelors, sporting an array of the looks single men sported in that era. The challenges of parenthood, however, aren’t confined to any decade, making the premise and story enjoyable in any year.
Cultural Impact: The film was an absolute hit that led to a sequel (though it ever came close to the financial success of the first). By showcasing the role of men as caregivers, Three Men and a Baby encouraged the creation of more comedies that explored the challenges of different parental dynamics through exaggerated situations with plenty of heart.
- Actors: Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, Ted Danson, Nancy Travis, Margaret Colin
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Leonard Nimoy
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