The best movies of 1987 take center stage in this ranked list, celebrating a year rich with cinematic achievements. The criteria for choosing these films include their cultural impact, memorable performances, and timeless storytelling. Another standout feature of this list is its crowdranking nature; thousands of enthusiastic movie fans have cast their votes to help determine the ultimate favorites. This approach ensures a diverse and engaging selection, reflecting the passionate opinions of a broad audience.
A few notable mentions include The Princess Bride, a fairy tale full of adventure and romance that remains beloved for its witty dialogue and charming characters like Westley and Buttercup. Planes, Trains and Automobiles stands out with its hilarious yet heartwarming story about two mismatched travelers, played by the brilliant Steve Martin and John Candy. On the action front, Predator delivers intense suspense and iconic sci-fi thrills, with Arnold Schwarzenegger leading a team of commandos against an alien hunter. Another genre-defining action movie, RoboCop, combines thrilling sequences with social commentary, bolstered by Peter Weller's memorable portrayal of the titular cyborg enforcer.
These selected films are just the beginning. Fatal Attraction captivated audiences with its intense psychological drama starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, while The Lost Boys brought a stylish and entertaining take on vampire lore. Additionally, The Untouchables left a lasting impression as a gripping crime drama featuring stellar performances from Kevin Costner and Sean Connery. From the year's highest grossing blockbusters to underrated cult classics, all of these films offers something unique, from the heart-pounding action of Lethal Weapon to the comedy gold of Raising Arizona.
Dive deep into the full list of popular 1987 film releases and discover more gems from the year. Your opinion matters, so make sure to vote for your favorite movies from this iconic. Check out the complete ranked list of the best movies of 1987 and see how your top picks against others. Voting is simple and helps ensure that the best-loved films continue to get the recognition they deserve.
- 1
Featuring a true love story between Buttercup and Westley, this fairy tale adventure is filled with iconic characters and memorable quotes. Directed by Rob Reiner, it showcases standout performances by Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin. It continues to charm audiences of all ages with its blend of romance, adventure, and humor.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
- 1Robin Wright16 Votes
- 2Cary Elwes11 Votes
- 3Chris Sarandon14 Votes
- 4Mandy Patinkin24 Votes
- 2
Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a team of commandos on a mission in Central America, where they face an unearthly enemy. Directed by John McTiernan, this thrilling sci-fi action film continues to captivate audiences. Its engaging storyline and intense action sequences make it a classic.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- 1John Rambo161 Votes
- 2John Wick181 Votes
- 3Batman183 Votes
- 4Din Djarin108 Votes
- 3
A hilarious comedic pairing of Steve Martin and John Candy brings to life the tale of two mismatched travelers trying to get home for the holidays. Directed by John Hughes, this film expertly balances humor and heart. Its relatable story and endearing characters make it a beloved classic.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Hughes
- 4
A quintessential buddy-cop film, it showcases the dynamic chemistry of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched partners. Directed by Richard Donner, the movie expertly combines action, comedy, and emotion. Its engaging plot and memorable characters cemented it as a pop culture staple.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- 5
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this gritty exploration of the Vietnam War is known for its realistic portrayal and thought-provoking exploration of the effects of war on soldiers. With standout performances by Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, and Vincent D'Onofrio, this unforgettable film leaves a lasting impact on viewers. Its intense storytelling and immersive visuals make it a must-watch film.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- 6
Featuring a fearless group of lawmen led by Eliot Ness, this crime drama takes on the notorious Al Capone in the Prohibition Era. Directed by Brian de Palma, the film boasts excellent performances from Kevin Costner, Robert de Niro, Andy Garcia, and Sean Connery. Its gripping storytelling and intense action sequences make it a must-see.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
- 7
Set in a futuristic Detroit, this action-packed film tells the story of a brutally murdered police officer transformed into a cyborg law enforcer. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it combines thrilling action with satire and social commentary. The captivating plot and memorable characters contribute to its status as a cult classic.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- 8
A rollicking sci-fi parody directed by Mel Brooks, this film spoofs classics like Star Wars and Star Trek with slapstick humor and memorable characters. Starring Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, it is consistently amusing and clever. Its irreverent commentary on the genre continues to elicit laughter and delight from fans.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Mel Brooks
- 9
This horror-comedy classic follows two brothers as they uncover their new town's chilling secret. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film features a young ensemble cast, including Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, and Corey Haim. Its stylish and entertaining take on vampire lore has made it a pop culture phenomenon.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joel Schumacher
- 10
In this chilling thriller, Michael Douglas and Glenn Close portray former lovers caught in a dangerous, obsessive spiral. Directed by Adrian Lyne, the film's shocking twists and intense performances make it a classic. Viewers are consistently drawn in by its edge-of-your-seat storytelling and indelible characters.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Adrian Lyne
- 1Anne Archer20 Votes
- 2Glenn Close27 Votes
- 3Michael Douglas14 Votes
- 4Ellen Hamilton Latzen13 Votes
- 11
Eddie Murphy reprises his iconic role as detective Axel Foley in this action-packed sequel. Directed by Tony Scott, the film maintains the winning blend of comedy and action of its predecessor. Murphy's infectious energy and humor keep the flick engaging and entertaining for audiences.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Tony Scott
- 12
This offbeat comedy stars Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter as a couple that kidnaps a baby to create their own family. Directed by the Coen brothers, the film showcases their unique style and wit. The eccentric humor and quirky characters make it a fan favorite.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joel Coen
- 13
Featuring a captivating performance by Elisabeth Shue, this teen comedy recounts the wild and heartwarming night of a babysitter in Chicago. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film is packed with charm and hijinks that entertain viewers of all ages. Its high-energy adventure and endearing characters make it a beloved classic.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
- 14
Robin Williams delivers a powerful, unforgettable performance as a radio DJ with a unique approach during the Vietnam War. Directed by Barry Levinson, the film masterfully balances humor and touching drama. This iconic film continues to resonate with viewers, thanks to its engaging storyline and memorable acting.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Barry Levinson
- 15
Adapted from a Stephen King novel, this gripping thriller stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a resistance fighter who's forced to participate in a sadistic, deadly TV game show. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, the film explores themes of media manipulation and oppression. Its engaging plot and strong performances make it a standout thriller.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Paul Michael Glaser
- 16
Taking viewers into the high-stakes world of finance, this film features a standout performance by Michael Douglas as ruthless Gordon Gekko. The journey of an ambitious young broker played by Charlie Sheen is accompanied by themes of greed and power. Directed by Oliver Stone, this dramatic masterpiece continues to captivate audiences.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Oliver Stone
- 17
This poignant biopic tells the story of Ritchie Valens, a talented musician whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 17. A powerful performance by Lou Diamond Phillips captures Valens' impact on music, with a catchy soundtrack to match. The film pays fitting tribute to a music legend gone too soon.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Luis Valdez
- 18
In this heartwarming comedy, three bachelors find themselves caring for a baby, transforming their lives in unexpected ways. Starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson, the film showcases touching moments and humorous situations. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the movie's charming characters and engaging plot make it a must-watch.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Leonard Nimoy
- 19
In this romantic comedy, an amnesiac heiress learns valuable lessons from a carpenter she wronged. Directed by Garry Marshall and starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, it delights with its heartwarming theme and charming chemistry between the leads. The film remains popular for its feel-good sentiments and strong performances.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Garry Marshall
- 20
This timeless romantic drama, starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, is set in a summer resort and tells the story of forbidden love between a dance instructor and a young woman. Directed by Emile Ardolino, the film features iconic moments and a memorable soundtrack. Its passionate story and captivating performances make it a classic favorite.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Emile Ardolino
- 21
This unique blend of horror and comedy follows Ash, played by Bruce Campbell, as he battles demonic forces in a remote cabin. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film is praised for its inventive special effects and slapstick humor. Its cult classic status endures through its memorable storyline and engaging characters.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- 22
Steven Spielberg's powerful war drama follows the harrowing journey of a young British boy stranded in wartime China. Starring a young Christian Bale, the film is known for its evocative storytelling and emotional impact. The unforgettable tale and compelling visuals make it a cinematic triumph.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 23While returning from a trip in the woods, George Henderson (John Lithgow) and his family run into something with their car that turns out to be a Sasquatch. Thinking the creature is dead, they take him home, but "Harry" (Kevin Peter Hall) soon awakens. Despite their initial fears, Harry is a kind and sensitive being, and the Hendersons become very fond of him. However, it is difficult to keep him a secret, and soon they begin to fear for Harry's safety.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: William Dear
- 24Navy Lt. Tom Farrell (Kevin Costner) meets a young woman, Susan Atwell (Sean Young), and they share a passionate fling. Farrell then finds out that his superior, Defense Secretary David Brice (Gene Hackman), is also romantically involved with Atwell. When the young woman turns up dead, Farrell is put in charge of the murder investigation. He begins to uncover shocking clues about the case, but when details of his encounter with Susan surface, he becomes a suspect as well.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Roger Donaldson
- 25Police detectives Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) and Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez) are on the hunt for escaped prisoner "Stick" Montgomery (Aidan Quinn). When the trail dries up, the pair are put on around-the-clock surveillance of the fugitive's former girlfriend, Maria (Madeleine Stowe). What starts as a boring assignment monitoring the woman with binoculars quickly turns into something more exciting when romance -- and Maria's gun-toting ex -- arrive on the scene.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Badham
- 26
This epic historical drama recounts the true story of Pu Yi, China's last emperor, as he navigates a changing political landscape. With sweeping visuals and an evocative storyline, the film earned nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and featuring stellar performances, it remains an enthralling cinematic experience.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci
- 27Larry (Billy Crystal), an author with a cruel ex-wife, Margaret (Kate Mulgrew), teaches a writing workshop where Owen (Danny DeVito), one of his students, is fed up with his domineering mother (Anne Ramsey). When Owen watches a Hitchcock classic that seems to mirror his own life, he decides to put the movie's plot into action and offers to kill Margaret, if Larry promises to murder his mom. Before Larry gets a chance to react to the plan, it seems that Owen has already sealed Margaret's fate.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Danny DeVito
- 28
Cher delivers an Academy Award-winning performance in this romantic comedy as a woman caught in a love triangle with her fiancé and his unpredictable brother. With powerful chemistry and captivating storytelling, the film explores love and family dynamics. The memorable performances and charming storyline make it an enduring favorite.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Norman Jewison
- 29
A thrilling sci-fi comedy, this film follows the adventures of a miniaturized test pilot accidentally injected into a hypochondriac. Directed by Joe Dante, the film features hilarious banter and heartfelt moments between stars Dennis Quaid and Martin Short. With its unique concept and engaging storytelling, it continues to entertain audiences.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joe Dante
- 30
This horror sequel brings Freddy Krueger back to haunt the dreams of a new group of teens in their battle against the sinister figure. The film introduces new characters with unique powers as they face off against evil. Engaging and thrilling, the film's bold storytelling keeps viewers hooked.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Chuck Russell
- 31In the chilling, noir-tinged mystery Angel Heart, Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke), a low-rent private investigator in 1950s New York, is assigned to locate a missing crooner, Johnny Favorite (Robert De Niro). The search leads him into a world of voodoo and murder. As he delves deeper, Angel finds himself embroiled in strange occurrences that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. With each revelation, he becomes further entangled in a web of deception and darkness. This film masterfully intertwines elements of horror and detective genres, keeping viewers on their toes until its shocking climax.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Alan Parker
- 32
Michael J. Fox stars in this comedic tale of ambition and perseverance as a small-town graduate working his way up the corporate ladder in New York City. Engaging and humorous, the film features Fox's undeniable charm and excellent comedic timing. Directed by Herbert Ross, this captivating film continues to delight viewers with its bold storytelling and memorable performances.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Herbert Ross
- 33In the charming romantic comedy Roxanne, we meet C.D. Bales (Steve Martin), a witty and well-liked fire chief in a small town, who happens to have an unusually large nose. He falls for the beautiful Roxanne Kowalski (Daryl Hannah), a smart astronomer new to the town. However, Roxanne is smitten with Chris McConnell (Rick Rossovich), a handsome but dim-witted firefighter under Bales's command. In a twist of Cyrano de Bergerac-style love triangle, Bales helps McConnell woo Roxanne, while secretly harboring his own feelings for her. This film gracefully intertwines humor and heartache, showcasing Martin's comedic genius and Hannah's captivating performance.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Fred Schepisi
- 34
Masterminded by Clive Barker, this horror masterpiece introduces audiences to the world of pain and pleasure that surrounds the iconic villain Pinhead. The film is revered for its inventive visuals and engaging lore, resulting in a dedicated cult following. Its hauntingly imaginative storytelling continues to intrigue and terrify viewers.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Clive Barker
- 35In the quaint town of Eastwick, three friends - Alexandra (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon), and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) - harbor secret desires. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a mysterious man, Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), arrives. Unbeknownst to them, Daryl's charm masks a sinister purpose. As they become entwined in his seductive web, their hidden powers surface, leading to an unforeseen revelation. The Witches of Eastwick, a blend of comedy and horror, weaves a tale of female empowerment and the supernatural, underscored by Nicholson's memorable performance. It won the BAFTA award for Best Special Visual Effects.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: George Miller
- 36
A high school nerd pays a popular cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend in this heartwarming teen rom-com. Starring Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson, the film explores themes of love, social status, and self-discovery. Its memorable performances and engaging plot make it an enduring classic.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Steve Rash
- 1Patrick Dempsey16 Votes
- 2Amanda Peterson14 Votes
- 3Darcy DeMoss20 Votes
- 4Dennis Dugan23 Votes
- 37Intelligent satire of American television news. A highly strung news producer finds herself strangely attracted to a vapid anchorman even through she loathes everything he personifies. To make matters worse, her best friend, a talented but not particularly telegenic news reporter, is secretly in love with her.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: James L. Brooks
- 38
This quirky romantic comedy features a man falling in love with a department store mannequin brought to life. Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall deliver enchanting performances in this charming tale of magic and romance.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Michael Gottlieb
- 39A trucker (Sylvester Stallone) yanks his snooty son (David Mendenhall) out of military school and goes to Las Vegas to arm-wrestle.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Menahem Golan
- 40Apathetic gym teacher Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon) is ready to take the summer off in Hawaii, but he's forced to either teach summer-school English or risk losing his tenure. Now he's stuck teaching a group of unmotivated students as disappointed to be stuck in school over the summer as he is. But with the help of a friendly history teacher (Kirstie Alley), Shoop is at least learning how to act the part of supportive mentor and perhaps even learning something about himself as well.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Carl Reiner
- 41No-nonsense Los Angeles detective Sgt. Joe Friday (Dan Aykroyd) is partnered with the wisecracking Pep Streebeck (Tom Hanks), a hip upstart cop, and the mismatched duo is ordered to investigate a strange series of ritual killings. Though Friday and Pep do their share of quarreling, they eventually trace the clues to an ominous cult, and the officers interrupt a violent ceremony. Friday then begins a romance with near-victim Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul), but it could hinder his police work.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Tom Mankiewicz
- 42When bachelor Walter Davis (Bruce Willis) is set up with his sister-in-law's pretty cousin, Nadia Gates (Kim Basinger), a seemingly average blind date turns into a chaotic night on the town. Walter's brother, Ted (Phil Hartman), tells him not to let Nadia drink alcohol, but he dismisses the warning, and her behavior gets increasingly wild. Walter and Nadia's numerous incidents are made even worse as her former lover David (John Larroquette) relentlessly follows them around town.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Blake Edwards
- 43Cowboy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar) meets gorgeous Mae (Jenny Wright) at a bar, and the two have an immediate attraction. But when Mae turns out to be a vampire and bites Caleb on the neck, their relationship gets complicated. Wracked with a craving for human blood, Caleb is forced to leave his family and ride with Mae and her gang of vampires, including the evil Severen. Along the way Caleb must decide between his new love of Mae and the love of his family.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
- 44Members (Andre Gower, Robby Kiger) of a monster fan club meet Count Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein, the Mummy and Gill Man.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Fred Dekker
- 45Some Kind of Wonderful is a compelling coming-of-age drama, with a touch of romance, set in the backdrop of an American high school. Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz), a blue-collar teen with artistic dreams, finds himself caught in a love triangle with his best friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) and the popular girl Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson). As Keith navigates the tricky dynamics of adolescent relationships, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and self-discovery. This engaging narrative is helmed by director Howard Deutch and penned by John Hughes, both renowned for their contributions to 80s cinema.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Howard Deutch
- 46British secret agent James Bond (Timothy Dalton) helps KGB officer Georgi Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé) defect during a symphony performance. During his debriefing, Koskov reveals that a policy of assassinating defectors has been instated by new KGB head Leonid Pushkin (John Rhys-Davies). But as Bond explores this threat, a counterplot surfaces, involving a shady American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker) and a pair of Russian assassins, Necros (Andreas Wisniewski) and Kara Milovy (Maryam d'Abo).
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Glen
- 47Frank (Hume Cronyn) and Faye Riley (Jessica Tandy) are an elderly New York City couple living in a depressed part of town. There, they run a diner as well as an apartment building, which is home to a poor but friendly group of people. One day, Frank and Faye learn that a property developer wants them to sell the apartment. When they refuse, their diner is vandalized. However, Frank, Faye and their tenants are aided by mysterious flying saucers, which help them repair the diner and fight back.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Matthew Robbins
- 48Poking around in a church cellar, a priest (Donald Pleasence) finds an otherworldly vial filled with slime. Frightened, he brings his discovery to a circle of top scholars and scientists, who eventually learn that the strange liquid is the essence of Satan. The slime then begins to seep out, turning some of the academics into zombified killers. As the possessed battle the survivors, student Kelly (Susan Blanchard) is infected by a large quantity of the liquid and becomes Satan personified.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Carpenter
- 49Feeling that his squad is not up to snuff, a police commander comes up with an unorthodox plan to hire everyday citizens to work alongside police officers. Unruly Sgt. Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) is given the job of training the citizens. At first Mahoney does not take the job seriously, but, when he learns that his nemesis, Capt. Harris (G.W. Bailey), is gunning for his commander's job, Mahoney focuses on making the plan work -- and bringing down Harris at the same time.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Jim Drake
- 50This second horror anthology presents more eerie tales based on Stephen King stories. One episode finds a cigar-store Native American statue coming to life to avenge the death of the shop owner (George Kennedy) and his wife (Dorothy Lamour). Another features a group of teens menaced by a blob-like creature. The final installment follows a wealthy and callous woman (Lois Chiles) who hits a hitchhiker with her car and decides to flee the scene, but the victim isn't inclined to remain dead.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Michael Gornick
- 51Kamp Kikakee janitor Ernest (Jim Varney) finally gets to be counselor, for a bunch of juvenile delinquents.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John R. Cherry
- 52Eddie Murphy Raw is an American stand-up comedy film directed by Robert Townsend and starring Eddie Murphy. It was Murphy's second feature stand-up film, following Eddie Murphy Delirious. However, unlike Delirious, Raw received a wide theatrical release. The 93-minute show was filmed in New York City's Felt Forum, a venue in the Madison Square Garden complex.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Robert Townsend
- 53After triumphing over the jocks in the Alpha Beta fraternity at Adams College, the nerds of Tri-Lamba are headed to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to attend a national fraternity convention. Unfortunately, Alpha Beta is also in attendance and want to get even. Now Lewis (Robert Carradine), Booger (Curtis Armstrong), Lamar (Larry B. Scott) and Poindexter (Timothy Busfield) have to fight the jocks for their rightful place all over again, although at least this time they can take the fight to the beach.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joe Roth
- 54J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) is a New York City businesswoman who is married to her job and has a relationship with Steven (Harold Ramis), a successful investment broker. J.C.'s life takes an unexpected turn when a relative suddenly dies and makes her the caretaker of a baby girl. Soon, the baby's arrival causes J.C. to lose first Steven, and then her job. She moves to Vermont and embarks on a series of life-changing events. But when offered the opportunity, will she return to her corporate ways?
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Charles Shyer
- 55The new principal (James Belushi) of a drug-infested high school joins with a security guard (Louis Gossett Jr.) to clean it up.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Christopher Cain
- 56A middle-aged man looks back on his childhood in Rockaway, N.Y., in a series of vignettes focused on the golden days of radio. Joe (Woody Allen), who narrates, is portrayed as a teenager in the film by Seth Green. Eccentric relatives and radio personalities inhabit various stories, including an unlucky aunt (Dianne Wiest), a cigarette girl (Mia Farrow) with career ambitions, and two burglars with excellent timing. Young Joe involves his friends in a scam to earn a decoder ring.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Woody Allen
- 57When the evil Skeletor (Frank Langella) finds a mysterious power called the Cosmic Key, he becomes nearly invincible. However, courageous warrior He-Man (Dolph Lundgren) locates inventor Gwildor (Billy Barty), who created the Key and has another version of it. During a battle, one of the Keys is transported to Earth, where it is found by teenagers Julie (Courteney Cox) and Kevin (Robert Duncan McNeill). Now both He-Man and Skeletor's forces arrive on Earth searching for the potent weapon.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Gary Goddard
- 58Colorful drama, set in New Orleans, about the relationship which develops between a young police lieutenant and an uncompromising female DA who is unimpressed with the bribery and corruption which is rife in his department. A vicious gang war is also simmering and looks set to erupt at any moment, as the murder of a Mafia soldier is followed swiftly by the killing of three drug-dealing gangsters.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Jim McBride
- 59Over the course of 10 days in May 1969, an infantry squad led by Lt. Frantz (Dylan McDermott) and composed of both seasoned troops and new recruits, attempts to take a hill during the Vietnam War. In between attacks, the squad members deal with the other psychological stresses of the war, including the effect on morale of the antiwar movement back home and flashes of racial hostility between white and African-American soldiers, all mediated by the cool-headed medic, Doc (Courtney B. Vance).
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Irvin
- 60Set in apartheid-torn South Africa. Donald Woods is the editor of the East London Daily Express and Steve Biko is a young black leader struggling to improve life in the townships. The two form an unlikely friendship but when Biko is taken into police custody and then murdered, Woods is placed under house arrest. Fearing for his family's safety, he decides to smuggle them over the border.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Richard Attenborough
- 61Jerry Blake (Terry O'Quinn) is a family man, but he happens to have a series of families, with each one on the receiving end of his murderous ways. When Jerry sets his sights on a lovely widow named Susan (Shelley Hack) and her headstrong daughter, Stephanie (Jill Schoelen), it appears that his brutal pattern of killings will continue. However, Stephanie begins to suspect that there's something wrong with the seemingly well-adjusted Jerry, and a violent confrontation is inevitable.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joseph Ruben
- 62Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes home to Los Angeles after his first semester of college and encounters some disturbing developments. His former lover, burgeoning model Blair (Jami Gertz), has begun to abuse cocaine. But her addiction pales in comparison to the drug dependency of her new boyfriend, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), who's also Clay's childhood buddy. Clay tries to help them get sober, but the process is complicated by Rip (James Spader), a callous dealer Julian is indebted to.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Marek Kanievska
- 63There are secrets Chris (Jeb Stuart Adams) and Cathy (Kristy Swanson) never knew about their parents. After their father dies, the teenage siblings, along with their younger brother and sister, are sent to live with their cruel grandmother, Olivia (Louise Fletcher). Olivia is disgusted by the children -- she knows their mother (Victoria Tennant) and father were actually cousins -- and locks the brood in the attic. The kids then try to keep their spirits high in spite of their bleak situation.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Jeffrey Bloom
- 64Charged with killing a client, call girl Claudia Draper is awaiting her trial. While Claudia's parents seek to have her declared insane so that she can avoid a likely guilty verdict and serve time for manslaughter, she rejects this approach because she doesn't want to be put in a mental institution. Lawyer Aaron Levinsky reluctantly takes on Claudia's case and tries to prove that she's not crazy, but the volatile prostitute doesn't make his task easy.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Martin Ritt
- 65While Dr. Jack Hammond (Dudley Moore) is a respected surgeon on his way to getting a coveted position at the hospital where he works, his son, Chris (Kirk Cameron), is a mediocre high school student with problems his dad could not care less about. Then one day, Chris' friend (Sean Astin) invents a formula that causes father and son to switch minds. Now Chris, who is in Jack's body, has to deal with all the grown-up issues his dad contends with, while Jack gets to revisit the days of teen angst.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Rod Daniel
- 66In this animated film, five sentient household appliances -- Toaster, Blanky, Radio, Lampy and a vacuum cleaner named Kirby -- living in an abandoned cabin have grown lonely. Longing to reunite with their owner, a young man named Rob, the appliances set off on a harrowing trek through the wilderness, surviving as best they can despite limited sources of electricity. Worse yet, when they arrive in the big city they discover they may no longer be useful because of new, modern appliances.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Jerry Rees
- 67Serial pick-up artist and commitment-phobe Jack Jericho (Robert Downey Jr.) takes lessons in the art of seduction from aging player Phil Harper (Danny Aiello). Jack finds a formidable opponent in Randy Jensen (Molly Ringwald), a fiery tour guide who has a retort for his every line. Though she initially spurns his advances, Jack finds a way in when Randy's alcoholic, compulsive gambler father, Flash (Dennis Hopper), ends up in serious debt and deep trouble with gangsters in Atlantic City.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: James Toback
- 68Wings of Desire is a 1987 Franco-German romantic fantasy film directed by Wim Wenders. The film is about invisible, immortal angels who populate Berlin and listen to the thoughts of the human inhabitants and comfort those who are in distress. Even though the city is densely populated, many of the people are isolated or estranged from their loved ones. One of the angels, played by Bruno Ganz, falls in love with a beautiful, lonely trapeze artist. The angel chooses to become human so that he can experience the human sensory pleasures, ranging from enjoying food to touching a loved one, and so that he can experience human love with the trapeze artist. The film is shot in both a rich, sepia-toned black-and-white and color, with the former being used to represent the world as experienced by the angels. The film was followed by a sequel, Faraway, So Close!, in 1993. City of Angels, an American remake, was released in 1998.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Wim Wenders
- 69After one of her patients threatens suicide, psychiatrist Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse) confronts the source of his anxieties, a downtown bookie named Mike (Joe Mantegna). Once she decides that Mike is not a serious threat, however, she herself becomes interested in his world of high-stakes gambling, and makes use of her skills at reading "tells," becoming entrenched in his dealings. Things get dangerous, though, when Mike turns out not to be a bookie at all, but a con man.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: David Mamet
- 70In the post-apocalyptic California of 2017, Sam Treadwell (David Andrews) manages a recycling plant. His companion is Cherry 2000 (Pamela Gidley), a lifelike robot who caters to his every need. When Cherry expires, Treadwell refuses to settle for a newer, less attractive robot. Salvaging the chip containing her personality, he hires tracker E. Johnson (Melanie Griffith) to lead him through the lawless desert zone, where a replacement Cherry 2000 model can be found.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Steve De Jarnatt
- 71As punishment for a minor offense, the Air Force assigns pilot Jimmy Garrett (Matthew Broderick) to watch over a group of chimpanzees used for military experiments. Jimmy bonds with Virgil, a chimp capable of communicating with sign language. But when he witnesses the military's plan to kill the animals with radiation, Jimmy enlists the help of Teri MacDonald (Helen Hunt), the graduate student responsible for teaching sign language to Virgil, to free the chimps.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan
- 72Director John Boorman drew from his own childhood experiences for this touching coming-of-age tale about a boy growing up in and around London during World War II. For young Billy Rowan (Sebastian Rice Edwards), the nightly bombings provide a frightening show, but they include opportunities to rummage through the rubble with friends in the mornings. As Billy plays, his family struggles to remain intact as they suffer through the anguish and losses of wartime.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Boorman
- 73Pelle the Conqueror is a 1987 Danish-Swedish drama film co-written and directed by Bille August that tells the story of two Swedish immigrants to Denmark, a father and son, who try to build a new life for themselves. It stars Pelle Hvenegaard as the young Pelle, with Max von Sydow as his father. Critically acclaimed, it won the Palme d'Or at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival, the 1988 Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the 1988 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Bille August
- 74When a shipwreck separates the courageous dog Benji from his trainer (Frank Inn), the crafty canine must brave the dangers of an island wilderness alone. As Benji avoids winding up the meal of bears and wolves, the resourceful mutt comes across four cougar cubs left orphaned by a hunter (Red Steagall) who shot their mother. Unwilling to see the cubs exposed to the perilous environment, Benji puts himself in harm's way to protect the feline infants while searching for a safe haven.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joe Camp
- 75Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood (Paul McGann) and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty (Richard Griffiths), they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Bruce Robinson
- 76In this film of unconnected humor sketches, bad movies and late-night television are parodied extensively. A doctor (Griffin Dunne) has to help Brenda (Michelle Pfeiffer) give birth, with unexpected results. In "Son of the Invisible Man," Griffin (Ed Begley Jr.) is actually more naked than invisible. Among the many other segments, there is a spoof of alarmist 1950s hygiene instructional films featuring a woman (Carrie Fisher) being harshly advised about her new sexually transmitted disease.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, John Landis, Robert K. Weiss
- 77When Al (Christa Denton) and Glenn's (Stephen Dorff) parents (Deborah Grover, Scot Denton) leave town for the weekend, Al uses the opportunity to throw a party while little brother Glenn and his friend Terry (Louis Tripp) decide to explore a hole left by a tree-removal service in the backyard. When unexplainable phenomena begin occurring, Terry -- with the help of his extensive heavy-metal music collection -- comes to the conclusion that he and Glenn have accidentally opened a gateway to hell.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Tibor Takacs
- 78A Los Angeles native (Cheech Marin) is rounded up by mistake with illegal aliens and dumped south of the border.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Cheech Marin
- 79Seeing the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a nuclear arms race that could lead to Earth's destruction, Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides that he must take action. He collects all the nuclear warheads from the world and throws them into space. Meanwhile, Superman's nemesis, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), has broken out of prison with a new scheme. He clones Superman with radioactive material to create Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow), a being just as powerful as the man of steel.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Sidney J. Furie
- 80Winslow Lowry (Anthony Geary) is a greedy man determined to get his hands on the fortune of his ailing and very wealthy uncle, Albert Dennison (Ralph Bellamy). As a way to hasten Uncle Albert's death, Winslow puts him in the care of three hapless orderlies -- Buffy, Markie and Kool, also known as the Fat Boys (The Fat Boys) -- but their jolly dispositions actually make the elderly man feel better. When Winslow steps up his devious efforts, can the trio stop him?
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Michael Schultz
- 81A Cleveland brother (Michael J. Fox) and sister (Joan Jett) rise with a rock band while coping with personal problems.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Paul Schrader
- 82A former beach boy (Frankie Avalon) and his wife (Annette Funicello) go to California and become part of the new beach scene.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Lyndall Hobbs
- 83Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor (Robert Townsend) catches the ire of his grandmother (Helen Martin) for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge. When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a series of conflicted dreams satirizing African-American stereotypes in Hollywood, and must reconcile his career goals with his desire to remain a positive role model for his little brother (Craigus R Johnson).
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Robert Townsend
- 84Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish drama film directed by Gabriel Axel. The film's screenplay was written by Axel based on the story by Isak Dinesen. Produced by Just Betzer, Bo Christensen, and Benni Korzen with funding from the Danish Film Institute, Babette's Feast was the first Danish cinema film of a Blixen story. It was also the first Danish film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Gabriel Axel
- 85The family of widow Ellen Brody (Lorraine Gary) has long been plagued by shark attacks, and this unfortunate association continues when her son is the victim of a massive great white. In mourning, Ellen goes to visit her other son, Michael (Lance Guest), in the Bahamas, where she meets the charming Hoagie Newcombe (Michael Caine). As Ellen and Hoagie begin a relationship, a huge shark appears off the coast of the island, and Ellen's trouble with the great whites begins again.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Joseph Sargent
- 86Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper), a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson (James Earl Jones) and a sympathetic mayor and police chief heroically fight the power represented by a coal company and Matewan's vested interests so that justice and workers' rights need not take a back seat to squalid working conditions, exploitation and the bottom line.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Sayles
- 87Au revoir les enfants is an autobiographical 1987 film written, produced and directed by Louis Malle. The screenplay was published by Gallimard in the same year. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Louis Malle
- 88Although awkward college student Todd Howard (Jason Bateman) is particularly adept at science, he's paying for school with an athletic scholarship that he will lose should he not fare well in an upcoming boxing tournament. Luckily for Todd, he has inherited the same family curse that once turned his cousin into a werewolf. As he transforms into the hairy, fanged, howling monster, he finds both his physical agility and his popularity skyrocketing -- but at what cost?
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Christopher Leitch
- 89A man (Arye Gross) and his friend (Jonathan Stark) exhume an ancestor (Royal Dano) in the house where his parents were killed.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Ethan Wiley
