Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
I've come to buy an argument.
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The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #1 Aliens (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter timschochet
- Start date
northern exposure
Footballguy
No you haven't.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
If I had wanted abuse, I would have reported two doors down.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
It really depends how old you were when you first saw the movie. I was 6 or 7 — and at the time, I thought this movie was both terrifying and amazing. One of my good friends who loves movies was 16 - he loves to tell me it’s one of the dumbest movies he’s been forced to sit through.
Watched it with my kids years ago. Meh. My kids were underwhelmed. I was like, huh, why was this so iconic again? There is something about seeing the fantasy aspect as a child that makes this movie special. (Edit to add: but not for my kids evidently haha)
Anyway, I expected it to be very high up the list since most of this board (and thread specifically) is of an age that it resonated way back when.
#3 is way higher than where I would put it but there is zero doubt it remains one of THE iconic movies of the 80s.
Edit again: so iconic that Stranger Things doesn’t exist without this movie. IMO season 1 of Stranger Things is multiples better than ET.
Die Hard is way better than ET though. I’ve seen DH at least 30 times, probably closer to 40, and I never get sick of it. My kids want to watch DH every Christmas. A few years back we stopped in LA for two days on the way to Hawaii. Dec 24-26 Took the family to Nakatomi on Christmas Day and got photos — with me wearing a “Christmas 1988 - Nakatomi Plaza” t-shirt. Mrs APK was like
……And then we watched the movie that night after dinner.
zamboni
Footballguy
Definitely think E.T. is more of an iconic movie of its time than a truly great movie (although I've always liked it quite a bit). Back in 1982, the U.S. was not in very good shape either economically, politically or socially, and this movie was a fantasy/respite from all that. Plus, it was Spielberg, who was dominating the theatres at the time between this and Poltergeist.
It really depends how old you were when you first saw the movie. I was 6 or 7 — and at the time, I thought this movie was both terrifying and amazing. One of my good friends who loves movies was 16 - he loves to tell me it’s one of the dumbest movies he’s been forced to sit through.
Watched it with my kids years ago. Meh. My kids were underwhelmed. I was like, huh, why was this so iconic again? There is something about seeing the fantasy aspect as a child that makes this movie special.
Anyway, I expected it to be very high up the list since most of this board (and thread specifically) is of an age that it resonated way back when.
#3 is way higher than where I would put it but there is zero doubt it remains one of THE iconic movies of the 80s.
Die Hard is way better than ET though. I’ve seen DH at least 30 times, probably closer to 40, and I never get sick of it. My kids want to watch DH every Christmas. A few years back we stopped in LA for two days on the way to Hawaii. Dec 24-26 Took the family to Nakatomi on Christmas Day and got photos — with me wearing a “Christmas 1988 - Nakatomi Plaza” t-shirt. Mrs APK was like
And then we watched the movie that night after dinner.
Plus, penis breath
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Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
I can’t imagine a list of top 100 movies from the 1980s where Real Genius doesn’t make the cut. It is closer to 1 than 100 on my list.
A few films not making the cut…..just wow. Will hold off until tomorrow.
BLOCKED_PUNT
Footballguy
I think ET is like teens or 20's
zamboni
Footballguy
Ouch
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BLOCKED_PUNT
Footballguy
Where would you rank it then?
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
BLOCKED_PUNT
Footballguy
sure you did.....
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Adjusted for inflation, E.T. Is still the 7th highest grossing movie of all time.
That's not everything, of course, since Avatar is #2 - but that movie is really an anomaly.
E T. and Star Wars share the record for the longest theatrical run at 44 weeks. Today, movies are barely in theaters for 44 days - but that indicates a myriad of issues. By comparison, Titanic stayed for 20 weeks.
If you weren't there, it'd be tough to understand what a phenomena it was. And if you don't see it at the right time, or connect with the character's circumstances I can see why it wouldn't necessarily resonate.
But it should. The theme of empathy is something the world could do with learning a lot more about these days, IMO.
That's not everything, of course, since Avatar is #2 - but that movie is really an anomaly.
E T. and Star Wars share the record for the longest theatrical run at 44 weeks. Today, movies are barely in theaters for 44 days - but that indicates a myriad of issues. By comparison, Titanic stayed for 20 weeks.
If you weren't there, it'd be tough to understand what a phenomena it was. And if you don't see it at the right time, or connect with the character's circumstances I can see why it wouldn't necessarily resonate.
But it should. The theme of empathy is something the world could do with learning a lot more about these days, IMO.
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
Pretty sure E.T. Is still the only movie that made me cry.
timschochet
Footballguy
I love Real Genius. And yes it should have made the list. It won’t.
About halfway through posting the list I came to realize that there were some films that I had failed to consider. By then it was too late. I offer no excuses.
timschochet
Footballguy
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Denholm Elliot, John Rhys-Davies
Synopsis: Archeologist/adventurer Indiana Jones seeks the legendary Ark of the Covenant
I hate snakes Jock! I hate ‘em! - Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
I didn’t want to see it. The weekend it came out was the same weekend that Clash of the Titans premiered, with Harry Hamlin, and I wanted to see that instead. I was really into Greek mythology at the time. My parents overruled me.
At least where I was living, in Orange County, this movie didn’t have the build up of Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back - there was no long line that first weekend. There was later on: I loved it so much that I went with my friends to see it again two weeks later, and by then there was a two hour line. But the first weekend we got right in.
Anyhow I don’t need to describe what makes this movie so great, such an incredible viewing experience. If you’re reading this post and you’ve never seen it- no I doubt such a person actually exists. Among so many other things, “March” is my favorite John Williams theme, though I suppose that’s a matter of personal taste.
One more thing: the ride at Disneyland is overrated IMO. I won’t go on it anymore because it hurts my back.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Denholm Elliot, John Rhys-Davies
Synopsis: Archeologist/adventurer Indiana Jones seeks the legendary Ark of the Covenant
I hate snakes Jock! I hate ‘em! - Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
I didn’t want to see it. The weekend it came out was the same weekend that Clash of the Titans premiered, with Harry Hamlin, and I wanted to see that instead. I was really into Greek mythology at the time. My parents overruled me.
At least where I was living, in Orange County, this movie didn’t have the build up of Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back - there was no long line that first weekend. There was later on: I loved it so much that I went with my friends to see it again two weeks later, and by then there was a two hour line. But the first weekend we got right in.
Anyhow I don’t need to describe what makes this movie so great, such an incredible viewing experience. If you’re reading this post and you’ve never seen it- no I doubt such a person actually exists. Among so many other things, “March” is my favorite John Williams theme, though I suppose that’s a matter of personal taste.
One more thing: the ride at Disneyland is overrated IMO. I won’t go on it anymore because it hurts my back.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
My #1 movie of all-time.
FarFromHome
Footballguy
The journey this movie takes you on is just amazing. Cast. Story. Action. This movie has everything. This is the blueprint for what you look for in a movie.
Its a great concept and could be really good but the herky-jerky of the start stop and car does a number on your back. Plus it breaks down a lot. I think the last 5 times I have been to Disneyland the ride has been broken down for a portion of the day. There ought to be someway they can smooth the ride out a bit for us old people.
Al Czervik
Not wearing pants
Thought this would be #1. Can't think now what will be #1. Maybe Hot Dog The Movie?
Don Quixote
Footballguy
If I’m allowed to wager a guess, this guy would know the answer.
FarFromHome
Footballguy
I also haven't watch it since I was a kid. I'm not gonna either. Don't want to ruin the memory it has in my mind. Sometimes movies just aren't as good as we thought. That memory of them is a culmination of the time and who we were. ET represents a magical journey filled with happiness and tears. You can't take that from me. Ha ha
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
Mr. Mojo
Footballguy
When Raiders came out, it wasn't advertised very heavily at all. I actually got a group of friends to watch it opening night because I thought it might be good. Boy did I get lucky on that one!
I still remember the audience clapping when it was over. They also clapped some when he shot the swordsman.
I still remember the audience clapping when it was over. They also clapped some when he shot the swordsman.
Manster
Footballguy
These guys might know who #1 is........I mean if ET made #3, it's possible, right?
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Raiders rules. And I'm positive I know what #1 is - and I'm pretty happy with Tim's top 3.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I must have been the only wimp scaredy cat in the early 80s. Gremlins and E.T. scared the crap out of me as a kid when I saw them in the theater. I love them more now, but that's the reason they never really sunk in for repeat watches and loving them like Back to the Future, Karate Kid, and Ghostbusters did.
zamboni
Footballguy
Please don’t besmirch the legend that is Shannon Tweed.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
It is funny. But taken at face value while she's right - she also completely misses the point (as do the guys to be fair).gets me every time
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.youtu.be
The hero's journey that Indy takes is one of self discovery and development. At the beginning, Indy is really nothing more than a thief masquerading as an archaeologist. Did the Jovitos ASK him to recover their idol? No. He was just there to snatch it.
As he goes on the Ark journey, however, he realizes that there are more important things and that he should have a more reverent perspective on the history upon which he treads. It's irrelevant that he wasn't an actor on the events. The relevant thing is that the events acted upon HIM.
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Gr00vus
Footballguy
I'm thinking there's enough left that you could do the 2nd 100 for the 80's first.
Hastur
Footballguy
I'm about 98% sure I know what #1 will be. It's Tim, so he could make a wild left turn here, but I doubt it.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Or do a special run of the 10-20 best movies left off the list that Tim would include now if he could do it all over again…..like Real Genius
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Go for it. 1980s movies had been done before a couple of times, but this thread was still fun to follow along. Enjoy some good movie discussion.
Klimtology
Footballguy
Well?!!
We're WAITING!!!!
Yes on a 90s thread.
We're WAITING!!!!
Yes on a 90s thread.
northern exposure
Footballguy
This isn't complaints. This is getting hit on the head lessons. Complaints is next door.
northern exposure
Footballguy
Gene Simmons posts here?
Todem
Footballguy
Raiders of the Lost Ark is top 5 all time for me.
As an 11 year old I was blown away with this movie. And to this day I love it as much as I did the first time I saw it on the big screen.
The Empire Strikes Back is fantastic. Between Raiders or ESB they can both be #1 for me in the 80’s.
As an 11 year old I was blown away with this movie. And to this day I love it as much as I did the first time I saw it on the big screen.
The Empire Strikes Back is fantastic. Between Raiders or ESB they can both be #1 for me in the 80’s.
timschochet
Footballguy
1. Aliens (1986)
Directed by: James Cameron
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, Jeanette Goldstein
Synopsis: Ellen Ripley returns to deep space with a group of marines to combat the aliens that she encountered earlier.
Hey maybe you haven’t been keeping up on current events, but we just got our asses kicked, pal! - Bill Paxton as Hudson
The Empire Strikes Back, E.T the Extra-terrestrial, and Raiders of the Lost Ark are 3 of the most entertaining movies ever made. Aliens rises above them all because its characters are deeper, darker, more complex. Let me offer an example, one of many:
Late in the film there is a confrontation between Ripley and the Alien Queen mother. They have reached an unspoken agreement: the Queen will let Newt go, and in return Ripley will not burn up all the alien babies. Now it is important to remember that Ripley is aware that in a few minutes the whole base is going to blow up in a nuclear explosion which will kill all the aliens anyhow: she knows this but the Queen doesn’t. But we the viewers also know from the beginning of the movie that Ripley is a damaged person. She wants revenge. She wants the Queen to suffer. So Newt is released and Ripley, our heroine, tilts her head slightly in contemplation…and blows all the little babies to hell anyhow. This cold blooded act is one of the greatest (and most satisfying) scenes in movie history, on a par with Michael Corleone gunning down Sollozo and McClusky. And it demonstrates the complexity which, for all their greatness, doesn’t exist in the other three films.
And that’s only one example. Nearly all of the ensemble cast are made very real and part of the drama. The group of marines have great personalities (especially Vasquez and Hudson) and make this movie a terrific war flick as well as possibly the best sci-fi and horror film ever. Paul Reiser is perfectly slimy as the human villain. The special effects are convincing and don’t seem dated even now. There are movies, like the aforementioned Godfather, which I might rank higher on an all time list, but none more entertaining than this one.
Directed by: James Cameron
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, Jeanette Goldstein
Synopsis: Ellen Ripley returns to deep space with a group of marines to combat the aliens that she encountered earlier.
Hey maybe you haven’t been keeping up on current events, but we just got our asses kicked, pal! - Bill Paxton as Hudson
The Empire Strikes Back, E.T the Extra-terrestrial, and Raiders of the Lost Ark are 3 of the most entertaining movies ever made. Aliens rises above them all because its characters are deeper, darker, more complex. Let me offer an example, one of many:
Late in the film there is a confrontation between Ripley and the Alien Queen mother. They have reached an unspoken agreement: the Queen will let Newt go, and in return Ripley will not burn up all the alien babies. Now it is important to remember that Ripley is aware that in a few minutes the whole base is going to blow up in a nuclear explosion which will kill all the aliens anyhow: she knows this but the Queen doesn’t. But we the viewers also know from the beginning of the movie that Ripley is a damaged person. She wants revenge. She wants the Queen to suffer. So Newt is released and Ripley, our heroine, tilts her head slightly in contemplation…and blows all the little babies to hell anyhow. This cold blooded act is one of the greatest (and most satisfying) scenes in movie history, on a par with Michael Corleone gunning down Sollozo and McClusky. And it demonstrates the complexity which, for all their greatness, doesn’t exist in the other three films.
And that’s only one example. Nearly all of the ensemble cast are made very real and part of the drama. The group of marines have great personalities (especially Vasquez and Hudson) and make this movie a terrific war flick as well as possibly the best sci-fi and horror film ever. Paul Reiser is perfectly slimy as the human villain. The special effects are convincing and don’t seem dated even now. There are movies, like the aforementioned Godfather, which I might rank higher on an all time list, but none more entertaining than this one.
Hastur
Footballguy
I was wrong. I would have sworn it was going to be Once Upon a Time In America.
Zow
Footballguy
I think if you're going to enjoy doing it, that such analysis is the only one you should consider.
Yambag
Footballguy
Nice! I watch this at least once a year. I still remember seeing it opening weekend, especially the scene with the marines trapped in hive, it was something else on the big screen for the first time. Game Over Man!
Klimtology
Footballguy
No Midnight Run?
Softballguy
Footballguy
Whew...
Zow
Footballguy
Tim, heck of a venture you just went on to do this. Great effort and a good list. But what's a great list without some unrequested criticism from the peanut gallery?
Rated too low:
Bloodsport - only because it may be the most randomly rewatchable Saturday afternoon on TBS bored scrolling through the channels movie ever.
The Goonies - 80s classic for kids. As a kid in the 80s to 90s this was a staple of our childhood (along with Sandlot, Hook, etc.)
Top Gun - I feel the need for this to be rated higher.
Bull Durham - it's better than Hoosiers.
Caddyshack - My favorite comedy of all time.
The Shining
Blade Runner - My favorite sci-fi movie of all time
Field of Dreams - My favorite movie of all time
Empire Strikes Back - Should be #1 for its impact on movies
Too high:
E.T. - no doubt a classic, but it's not better than Empire.
Tootsie - Meh, not top ten. Only a 7.4 on imdb.
Atlantic City - never even heard of it.
Die Hard - a classic, but not top ten.
Rated too low:
Bloodsport - only because it may be the most randomly rewatchable Saturday afternoon on TBS bored scrolling through the channels movie ever.
The Goonies - 80s classic for kids. As a kid in the 80s to 90s this was a staple of our childhood (along with Sandlot, Hook, etc.)
Top Gun - I feel the need for this to be rated higher.
Bull Durham - it's better than Hoosiers.
Caddyshack - My favorite comedy of all time.
The Shining
Blade Runner - My favorite sci-fi movie of all time
Field of Dreams - My favorite movie of all time
Empire Strikes Back - Should be #1 for its impact on movies
Too high:
E.T. - no doubt a classic, but it's not better than Empire.
Tootsie - Meh, not top ten. Only a 7.4 on imdb.
Atlantic City - never even heard of it.
Die Hard - a classic, but not top ten.
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John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Yeah thats a shocking omissionNo Midnight Run?
Not sure theres enough material to do an 80s movie redux not featuring movies on Tims list, but im freaking tempted
Gr00vus
Footballguy
There definitely is enough material.Yeah thats a shocking omissionNo Midnight Run?
Not sure theres enough material to do an 80s movie redux not featuring movies on Tims list, but im freaking tempted
FarFromHome
Footballguy
Aliens #1? No problem with that
Game over man!!!!
Game over man!!!!
Klimtology
Footballguy
Also, Chances Are
I know I always push this, but it really is a great movie Top 25 for me.
I know I always push this, but it really is a great movie Top 25 for me.
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