’80s Movies: 17 Breathtaking Classics

The cinema of the 80s is marked by entertainment and also by experimentation. Acclaimed hits to date make up this remarkable time in the film world, with a growing production for young audiences, full of dramas, comedies and science fiction. Let’s travel back in time and remember some classic 80’s movies:

1. Back to the Future (1985)

It is the first of a three-film sequel, directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael J. Fox plays a young man who accidentally travels to the 1950s, in a time machine, where he finds his parents still single. Thus, he starts a cupid operation so that his parents stay together, guaranteeing their existence in the future.

2. ET: The Extraterrestrial (1982)

This is one of the most remembered movies of the 80’s. An alien lost on Earth meets Elliott, who becomes his great friend. Elliott hides the ET in his house, and with the brothers’ help, begins an adventure to help his new extraterrestrial friend get back to his planet safely.

3. Ghostbusters (1984)

A classic available on Netflix, this film is about a trio of parapsychologist professors, who after being fired, decide to open the Ghostbusters ghost exterminator. A twist happens when a portal from another dimension opens in New York, and the hunters must save the city.

4. Child’s Play (1988)

Who hasn’t heard of Chucky the killer doll? A horror classic from the 80s. This cursed toy causes panic and claims several victims, but it is after a single boy, its owner, so that he can ensure its survival in the boy’s body.

5. Clube dos Cinco (1985)

For those who like a classic American comedy, Clube dos Cinco is typical of young rebels on a day of detention at school. A great friendship emerges, despite the differences between them. Iconic scenes make the feature one of the most played at the time.

6. The Shining (1980)

This film is among the classics of horror and suspense of the 80’s, being an adaptation of Stephen King’s book. A man suffers from mental problems as he is isolated in a hotel, which makes him aggressive and dangerous.

7. Rambo: Programmed to Kill (1982)

Another iconic character from the 80s is Rambo. Sylvester Stallone is a Vietnam War veteran who, after being wrongfully arrested, escapes and starts a war against the police and the entire city.

8. Gremlins (1984)

Another one of Steven Spielberg’s classics from the 80’s, the Gremlins is a mixture of comedy and horror, which tells the story of a father who presents his son with a strange animal. However, some care must be taken so that this kitty does not become a terrifying little monster.

9. Enjoying Life Crazy (1986)

If you want to know what it was like to be a young man in the 80s, far from the smartphones and technology we have today, this film is ideal. Running away from school for fun and walking around town with his girlfriend and friend is what makes this comedy even more hilarious. And it’s another production available on Netflix.

10. The Terminator (1984)

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the plot brings a lot of action, science fiction with special effects and very refined photography for the time. A war between humans and machines takes place in the future, and a cyborg has a mission to stop the machines from dominating man in the 21st century.

11. Karate Kid – The Moment of Truth (1984)

Another great classic that deserves its place in our selection is Karate Kid: the moment of truth. When moving to another city because of his mother’s work, the boy with few friends meets Miyagi, a karate master, who will teach him the martial art so that he can defend himself from bullies.

12. Dead Poets Society (1989)

This is one of the most exciting dramas of the 80s that can be found on Netflix. An excellent film for those who like to reflect on the way we perceive the world. In the plot, Robin Williams is a teacher who has a new teaching methodology, impacting the traditional method of education at school.

13. RoboCop (1987)

The vision of the future is a strong characteristic of 80’s movies. In Robocop, a human police officer becomes half robot to defend the city from a gang led by an executive.

14. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

This is the second film in the sequel. We certainly could not leave out one of the greatest cinematographic productions like Star Wars. In the film, Yoda tries to turn Luke into a Jedi Knight, while Darth Vader tries to stop those who want to save the galaxy.

15. Os Saltimbancos – Trapalhões (1981)

And to make our selection of films from the 80’s even more special, we couldn’t leave out a successful Brazilian production. The film was box office champion of the year, with more than 5 million spectators. Os Trapalhões is a classic of Brazilian cinema. A fun film, but also a social critique of work and oppression.

16. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Talking about cinema in the 80s is talking about adventure. And Indiana Jones is certainly a classic that can’t be missed. Indiana Jones’ mission in this film is to free the children enslaved in the mine he discovers while seeking to recover the stones stolen by a terrible sorcerer.

17. Dirty Dancing – Hot Rhythm (1987)

One of the greatest dance novels and movie references, Dirty Dancing lulled audiences to heart in the 1980s, most notably with the soundtrack to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. A forbidden love on her family vacation, makes the young Baby discover her talent in dancing and her great love.

Movies from the 80s are truly breathtaking, whether for the action or the excitement in the soundtrack. It is worth remembering or knowing the great classics of cinema of the decade. If you prefer, watch other animated films to enjoy with the family or with the guys.