The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #1 Aliens (5 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

The Accused was fantastic.. and yet, I always forget about it. Agree about Jodie- an all time performance. Such a brutal movie to watch, but so well done.

 

[Don Quixote]

Pauline Kael would be proud of this list.

Maybe not The Little Mermaid though. Pauline Kael was at her scathing best.

The Little Mermaid (1989) | Review by Pauline Kael - Scraps from the loft

Read the full Pauline Kael's review of "The Little Mermaid," the 1989 animated musical fantasy film released by Walt Disney Pictures.

scrapsfromtheloft.com

I didn’t expect the new Disney The Little Mermaid to be Faust, but after reading the reviews (“everything an animated feature should be,’’ “reclaims the movie house as a dream palace,’’ and so on) I expected to see something more than a bland reworking of old Disney fairy tales, featuring a teen-age tootsie in a flirty seashell bra.… Are we trying to put kids into some sort of moral-aesthetic safe house? Parents seem desperate for harmless family entertainment. Probably they don’t mind this movie’s being vapid, because the whole family can share it, and no one is offended.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Sheesh. What kind of Disney movie was she looking for? William Friedkin directing a version of Hansel and Gretel penned by Werner Herzog?

 

[Gally]

Sheesh. What kind of Disney movie was she looking for? William Friedkin directing a version of Hansel and Gretel penned by Werner Herzog?

I don't know what any of that means but I am sure it's a good point.

 

[Hastur]

26. The Accused (1988)

Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan

Starring: Jodie Foster, Kelly McGillis

Synopsis: A woman presses charges against the men who cheered on her rape.

What the **** does it matter how I was dressed? They tore it off me! - Jodie Foster as Sarah Tobias

Jodie Foster gives the performance of her life in this superb drama which did much to change perceptions about rape in this country. Actually all the performers in this film are great. It’s extremely intense and I personally knew a few women who had real trouble watching it.

Never heard of it. I was 18 when it came out. Out of high school, going to college, etc.

 

[El Floppo]

26. The Accused (1988)

Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan

Starring: Jodie Foster, Kelly McGillis

Synopsis: A woman presses charges against the men who cheered on her rape.

What the **** does it matter how I was dressed? They tore it off me! - Jodie Foster as Sarah Tobias

Jodie Foster gives the performance of her life in this superb drama which did much to change perceptions about rape in this country. Actually all the performers in this film are great. It’s extremely intense and I personally knew a few women who had real trouble watching it.

Never heard of it. I was 18 when it came out. Out of high school, going to college, etc.

it's never heard of you either, chief.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

 

[timschochet]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

I don’t see this as a good argument. Sometimes I make the point that a film has cultural importance, but that’s for discussion purposes only; it’s irrelevant to the greatness of the film IMO.

Whether you personally remember The Accused or not, I have read that it changed the way this society views rape. Thats a pretty big deal; even so it had no impact on my ranking of this film. I think it’s a better movie than Back to the Future.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

I don’t see this as a good argument. Sometimes I make the point that a film has cultural importance, but that’s for discussion purposes only; it’s irrelevant to the greatness of the film IMO.

Whether you personally remember The Accused or not, I have read that it changed the way this society views rape. Thats a pretty big deal; even so it had no impact on my ranking of this film. I think it’s a better movie than Back to the Future.

In that case, I don’t see your argument as a very good one.

Most people view movies as a source of entertainment, not for their societal impact necessarily - and lol on it changing the way society viewed rape. Was it considered a good thing before that movie came out?

 

[El Floppo]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

I don’t see this as a good argument. Sometimes I make the point that a film has cultural importance, but that’s for discussion purposes only; it’s irrelevant to the greatness of the film IMO.

Whether you personally remember The Accused or not, I have read that it changed the way this society views rape. Thats a pretty big deal; even so it had no impact on my ranking of this film. I think it’s a better movie than Back to the Future.

In that case, I don’t see your argument as a very good one.

Most people view movies as a source of entertainment, not for their societal impact necessarily - and lol on it changing the way society viewed rape. Was it considered a good thing before that movie came out?

It shined a light on things in a pretty graphic way, especially victim blaming (eg.."look at how she was dressed and acting" ).

And it was a really well done movie, telling a compelling story with an absolutely stunning performance from Foster.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

I don’t see this as a good argument. Sometimes I make the point that a film has cultural importance, but that’s for discussion purposes only; it’s irrelevant to the greatness of the film IMO.

Whether you personally remember The Accused or not, I have read that it changed the way this society views rape. Thats a pretty big deal; even so it had no impact on my ranking of this film. I think it’s a better movie than Back to the Future.

In that case, I don’t see your argument as a very good one.

Most people view movies as a source of entertainment, not for their societal impact necessarily - and lol on it changing the way society viewed rape. Was it considered a good thing before that movie came out?

It shined a light on things in a pretty graphic way, especially victim blaming (eg.."look at how she was dressed and acting" ).

And it was a really well done movie, telling a compelling story with an absolutely stunning performance from Foster.

Yes - I'm not disagreeing, on that, but at best it caused a conversation for a while. I wouldn't say it changed the landscape of rape all that much. Victim blaming still creeps into the conversation now.

I really was only kind of making a flip remark about BTTF to start and then responded to Tim when he took issue with my post.

It is a great movie and this is all in fun - it's an 80s movie ranking. I meant no offense to tim of course by continuing the Back to the Future was robbed spiel.

 

[timschochet]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

I love it!

Not the movie, mind you. Just the statement.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

I love it!

Not the movie, mind you. Just the statement.

The movie is not watchable as far as I'm concerned. I tried. What a bunch of boring losers.

 

[El Floppo]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

 

[Gally]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it.

Take it to the Accused thread of movies people have seen and can't remember

 

[northern exposure]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

You saw Hannah and Her Sisters as a kid and loved it? What age were you?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

You saw Hannah and Her Sisters as a kid and loved it? What age were you?

Good question. Do someone's nipples feature in it?

I tried this one a few months ago. Nope.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

If forced to pick, I'd probably say this is Woody's best drama. There is more emotional depth than what we usually get in his films, and there's just the right amount of Woody -- he doesn't overwhelm the proceedings.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

If forced to pick, I'd probably say this is Woody's best drama. There is more emotional depth than what we usually get in his films, and there's just the right amount of Woody -- he doesn't overwhelm the proceedings.

Killer cast.

 

[TripItUp]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Solid movie, probably doesn't make my top 100.

 

[BlackCrowes]

The Accused is definitely worthy of that ranking

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

Updated
“Just wait until you see what will be ahead of it.
On Golden Pond, Reds, Tender Mercies, 66-The Color Purple, Out of Africa, Driving Miss Daisy, 25 - Hannah and Her Sisters, Stardust Memories, Zelig, 50- Purple Rose of Cairo, Broadway Danny Rose, 39- Crimes and Misdemeanors, Radio Days, September etc”

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The Accused is definitely worthy of that ranking

For me to poop on

 

[El Floppo]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

You saw Hannah and Her Sisters as a kid and loved it? What age were you?

18

 

[Tau837]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

I'm shocked that another Woody Allen movie is ranked above so many other better movies!

 

[BlackCrowes]

The Accused is definitely worthy of that ranking

For me to poop on

 

[timschochet]

25. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Weist, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Max Von Sydow, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Three sisters in Manhattan struggle with romance and family.

For all my education, accomplishments, and so-called wisdom, I can’t fathom my own heart. - Michael Caine as Elliot.

Suck it, haters! This is second IMO only to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best movie. Its discussion of human relationships and the deceptions we offer each other is brilliant and timeless. The ensemble cast is pitch perfect. It’s a wonderful film.

Updated
“Just wait until you see what will be ahead of it.
On Golden Pond, Reds, Tender Mercies, The Color Purple, Out of Africa, Driving Miss Daisy, 25 - Hannah and Her Sisters, Stardust Memories, Zelig, 50- Purple Rose of Cairo, Broadway Danny Rose, 39- Crimes and Misdemeanors, Radio Days, September etc”

The Color Purple was taken at #66

 

[timschochet]

24. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Directed by: Nicholas Meyer

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ricardo Montalban

Synopsis: The genius warlord Khan escapes from his prison planet and threatens the starship Enterprise.

I have…hurt you. And I wish to go on…hurting you. - Ricardo Montalban as Khan.

So this was the other film I mentioned that was in my mind awful yet completely enjoyable. But truth be told it’s not really awful, it just seems that way at times because of the incredible overacting contest between Montalban and Shatner. These two really compete with each other as to who can be more absurd and bombastic, ham it up more. As always Shatner wins, but this time for once it really is a close contest. Bill takes the edge with his primal scream: “Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnn!!” Love how he screws up his face before doing it too. So good. Some other points, in no particular order:

1. Walter Koenig’s Russian accent was never more ridiculous: “S.S. Botany Bay…Botany Bay! Oh no!”
2. For the one and only time in her acting career, Kirstie Alley is kinda hot in this.
3. Kirk’s son is so annoying…does anyone else want to strangle him with that preppie sweater or blow him out of the airlock?
4. Khan’s #2 dude always looked just like Tommy Shaw of Styx to me.

Still the best Star Trek movie, by far.

 

[northern exposure]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

You saw Hannah and Her Sisters as a kid and loved it? What age were you?

18

OK. I was picturing a 10-12 year old kid with horn rimmed glasses and a sweater vest sitting in the front row clapping and shouting "Bravo!" as the credits rolled.

 

[El Floppo]

I saw it in the theater as a kid and loved it.

But Zero memory of it. I honestly have no idea if it's something id like or not upon revisit.

You saw Hannah and Her Sisters as a kid and loved it? What age were you?

18

OK. I was picturing a 10-12 year old kid with horn rimmed glasses and a sweater vest sitting in the front row clapping and shouting "Bravo!" as the credits rolled.

Ftr, I reached my peak sophistication levels around 12/13... Been straight downhill since then. I'm basically "ow my balls" at this point

 

[Andy Dufresne]

You toed the line with your mild criticisms of ST:TWOK... But it I'll let it slide.

Ranking is too low but at least it's ahead of, well, a lot of other things.

 

[El Floppo]

Khan is campy and fun.

To me, not a great film.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Kirk’s son is so annoying…does anyone else want to strangle him with that preppie sweater or blow him out of the airlock?

I'll pick the second one, please. Such a tool.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't remember anything about The Accused.

I remember everything about Back to the Future.

I don’t see this as a good argument. Sometimes I make the point that a film has cultural importance, but that’s for discussion purposes only; it’s irrelevant to the greatness of the film IMO.

Whether you personally remember The Accused or not, I have read that it changed the way this society views rape. Thats a pretty big deal; even so it had no impact on my ranking of this film. I think it’s a better movie than Back to the Future.

In that case, I don’t see your argument as a very good one.

Most people view movies as a source of entertainment, not for their societal impact necessarily - and lol on it changing the way society viewed rape. Was it considered a good thing before that movie came out?

It shined a light on things in a pretty graphic way, especially victim blaming (eg.."look at how she was dressed and acting" ).

And it was a really well done movie, telling a compelling story with an absolutely stunning performance from Foster.

Culturally re: rape... A popular and pretty great movie came out a year later, where one of the leads, and smarter characters, insulted one of the others and joked about something regarding the insignificance of date-rape.

This is just a memory, not something directed at Doc Oct.

 

[Gr00vus]

THIS is Ceti Alpha 5!

Also, Kirstie Alley was pretty sexy in Summer School. Unfortunately for her that movie also included Courtney Thorne Smith, so Kisrtie came in 2nd there. I probably shouldn't have spotlighted, I'm sure Summer School will be in the top 10 here somewhere.

 

[northern exposure]

24. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Directed by: Nicholas Meyer

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ricardo Montalban

Synopsis: The genius warlord Khan escapes from his prison planet and threatens the starship Enterprise.

I have…hurt you. And I wish to go on…hurting you. - Ricardo Montalban as Khan.

So this was the other film I mentioned that was in my mind awful yet completely enjoyable. But truth be told it’s not really awful, it just seems that way at times because of the incredible overacting contest between Montalban and Shatner. These two really compete with each other as to who can be more absurd and bombastic, ham it up more. As always Shatner wins, but this time for once it really is a close contest. Bill takes the edge with his primal scream: “Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnn!!” Love how he screws up his face before doing it too. So good. Some other points, in no particular order:

1. Walter Koenig’s Russian accent was never more ridiculous: “S.S. Botany Bay…Botany Bay! Oh no!”
2. For the one and only time in her acting career, Kirstie Alley is kinda hot in this.
3. Kirk’s son is so annoying…does anyone else want to strangle him with that preppie sweater or blow him out of the airlock?
4. Khan’s #2 dude always looked just like Tommy Shaw of Styx to me.

Still the best Star Trek movie, by far.

re. Kirstie Alley, I never bought her as the smokeshow that riled up Sam on Cheers.

 

[timschochet]

THIS is Ceti Alpha 5!

Ricardo had the sexiest voice…I’m a straight guy but he could have talked me into it.

“Fantasy Island!”

“Cordova!”

 

[northern exposure]

THIS is Ceti Alpha 5!

Ricardo had the sexiest voice…I’m a straight guy but he could have talked me into it.

“Fantasy Island!”

“Cordova!”

Don't forget "fine corinthian leather".

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

THIS is Ceti Alpha 5!

Ricardo had the sexiest voice…I’m a straight guy but he could have talked me into it.

“Fantasy Island!”

“Cordova!”

Don't forget "fine corinthian leather".

He was smokin' at 62. Amazing.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Wrath of Khan is a lot more heartfelt than it's given credit for.

Unfortunately, like Downfall was satirized to death by the Hitler Reacts videos, so too was ST:TWOK with Shatner's scream.

But a couple over the top elements shouldn't detract from things like Kirk's feelings of regret and aging. And the last 30 minutes rules. Spock's death is extraordinarily well done.

The key was that director Nicholas Meyer knew next to nothing about Trek when he took on the project. That kept him from feeling duty bound to provide a lot of fan service.

 

[timschochet]

23. The Princess Bride (1987)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Andre the Giant

Synopsis: Brave Westley and his companions must rescue Princess Buttercup from sinister forces.

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. - Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya

Such a great fantasy/comedy/children’s movie. Everybody is terrific. So many classic lines.

I first saw Mandy Patinkin on stage in 1980 in the Los Angeles version of Evita, in which he played the lead role of Che Guevara. He was tremendous, and he has been tremendous ever since. This movie is probably his defining role.

 

[timschochet]

I get accused of loving Woody Allen films but I think I have more Rob Reiner movies on this list than any other director. Still one more coming: the best one of all.

 

[bryhamm]

24. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Directed by: Nicholas Meyer

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ricardo Montalban

Synopsis: The genius warlord Khan escapes from his prison planet and threatens the starship Enterprise.

I have…hurt you. And I wish to go on…hurting you. - Ricardo Montalban as Khan.

So this was the other film I mentioned that was in my mind awful yet completely enjoyable. But truth be told it’s not really awful, it just seems that way at times because of the incredible overacting contest between Montalban and Shatner. These two really compete with each other as to who can be more absurd and bombastic, ham it up more. As always Shatner wins, but this time for once it really is a close contest. Bill takes the edge with his primal scream: “Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnn!!” Love how he screws up his face before doing it too. So good. Some other points, in no particular order:

1. Walter Koenig’s Russian accent was never more ridiculous: “S.S. Botany Bay…Botany Bay! Oh no!”
2. For the one and only time in her acting career, Kirstie Alley is kinda hot in this.
3. Kirk’s son is so annoying…does anyone else want to strangle him with that preppie sweater or blow him out of the airlock?
4. Khan’s #2 dude always looked just like Tommy Shaw of Styx to me.

Still the best Star Trek movie, by far.

Regarding #2 ... Runaway down?

 

[El Floppo]

Thought Princess Bride might go higher. Great movie, 80s or otherwise.

And it was always one of those movies guys and gals both loved equally.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Thought Princess Bride might go higher. Great movie, 80s or otherwise.

And it was always one of those movies guys and gals both loved equally.

A great movie for date night.

 

[Gally]

Thought Princess Bride might go higher. Great movie, 80s or otherwise.

And it was always one of those movies guys and gals both loved equally.

A great movie for date night.

great movie for any night with anybody

 

[zamboni]

Also, Kirstie Alley was pretty sexy in Summer School. Unfortunately for her that movie also included Courtney Thorne Smith, so Kisrtie came in 2nd there.

Italian exchange student down?

 

[TripItUp]

23. The Princess Bride (1987)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Andre the Giant

I don't know anybody who doesn't like this movie. Timeless classic.

 

[TripItUp]

Khan is campy and fun.

To me, not a great film.

Yeah, I kind of agree. Would be lower on my list...but would definitely make the list.