The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #1 Aliens (4 Viewers)

[Pip's Invitation]

I saw Superman II in the theater with my grandparents. They were deeply offended by the “not God, Zod!” line. And they weren’t hardcore Bible thumpers, just run of the mill Episcopalians.

 

[TripItUp]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I saw Superman II in the theater with my grandparents. They were deeply offended by the “not God, Zod!” line. And they weren’t hardcore Bible thumpers, just run of the mill Episcopalians.

Zod is one of my favorite movie villains of all time. Stamp nailed the role with his exasperated looks at the ninnies around him. Bow before Zod!

 

[Todem]

Superman II is clearly hands down the best Superman movie ever made to date.

You guys if you haven’t should check out the Richard Donner cut as well. Donner was fired during the middle of filming Superman II.

It has a much different start and a much different Lois and Clark at Niagara Falls scene. Interesting to say the least.

I prefer the theatrical release but do watch the Donner cut from time to time.

I loved Superman The Movie….being 8 years old and a huge huge Superman and Super Friends fan this was heaven.

Superman III gets a ton of flack and yes it was uneven….but it wasn’t horrible like the train wreck that was Superman IV The Quest for Peace. Ugh….that was just dreadful.

 

[Psychopav]

86. Superman Ii (1980)

Directed by: Richard Lester

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terrance Stamp

Synopsis: Superman must confront criminals from Krypton.

Kneel before Zod! - Terrance Stamp as General
Zod.

Stamp is such a cool villain. It’s hard not to root for him. His two cohorts are kind of meh but he is all kinda of awesome.

This is also the movie in which Superman has to give away his powers in order to have booty time with Lois. Believe it or not there have been wide ranging internet discussions about what would happen if Clark attempted sex with his powers intact. Would Lois’ head explode? Would the force of his stuff destroy her uterus and kill her instantly? This is why science is important: it helps us understand this sort of thing.

Probably what inspired The Boys.

Also...

Australia!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Fletch (which probably isn’t even on Tim’s list): “God I admire you…..”

Say it ain’t so.

 

[Gr00vus]

Dammit, now I want to watch Summer School.

Same. It's a good 80's comedy. My second favorite thing about it (after Courtney of course) was the inclusion of the song I'm Supposed To Have Sex with you by Tonio K. Not the greatest song of all time or anything, but I enjoy it. Bought the movie soundtrack just for that song.

 

[timschochet]

85. Round Midnight

Directed by: Bertrand Tavernier

Starring: Dexter Gordon

Synopsis: An American jazz legend spends a night in Paris playing music and ruminating over the mess he has made of his life with drugs, liquor and bad relationships.

I’m tired of everything except…the music. - Dexter Gordon as Dale.

This entire film is about one guy playing music and talking. Dexter Gordon is great but I wouldn’t call it an acting job because he’s playing himself. If you’re into jazz music this movie is a masterpiece and an absolute must see. If you’re not into jazz I’d stay away.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

86. Superman Ii (1980)

Directed by: Richard Lester

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terrance Stamp

Synopsis: Superman must confront criminals from Krypton.

Kneel before Zod! - Terrance Stamp as General
Zod.

Stamp is such a cool villain. It’s hard not to root for him. His two cohorts are kind of meh but he is all kinda of awesome.

This is also the movie in which Superman has to give away his powers in order to have booty time with Lois. Believe it or not there have been wide ranging internet discussions about what would happen if Clark attempted sex with his powers intact. Would Lois’ head explode? Would the force of his stuff destroy her uterus and kill her instantly? This is why science is important: it helps us understand this sort of thing.

OK, I'll bite on this lol. I may be wrong, but with his powers there's never really been a case where he gets carried away and it goes out of control. There's no reason to believe this would be any different with intimate time. I feel like he would probably be the best in this regard as well. If he did happen to finish prematurely or something, he could just fly around the earth really fast and go back in time.

Have none of you people read "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" by Larry Niven? It pretty much covers all of this. My favorite part is about if Superboy plays with himself, do girls all over Smallville get pregnant?

 

[Eephus]

85. Round Midnight

Directed by: Bertrand Tavernier

Starring: Dexter Gordon

Synopsis: An American jazz legend spends a night in Paris playing music and ruminating over the mess he has made of his life with drugs, liquor and bad relationships.

I’m tired of everything except…the music. - Dexter Gordon as Dale.

This entire film is about one guy playing music and talking. Dexter Gordon is great but I wouldn’t call it an acting job because he’s playing himself. If you’re into jazz music this movie is a masterpiece and an absolute must see. If you’re not into jazz I’d stay away.

It's a wonderful performance from a one-and-done actor. I know he's playing a fictionalized version of himself but I'm glad the filmmakers were able to capture Gordon's personality on film forever.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

 

[Gally]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

Avatar might be from Stripes (which hasn't been listed yet)

 

[Alex P Keaton]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

Avatar might be from Stripes (which hasn't been listed yet)

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

Avatar might be from Stripes (which hasn't been listed yet)

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Is it getting the spatula treatment?

 

[TripItUp]

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Dude

 

[Dennis Castro]

Come and get me sucka! - Robin Williams as Jack Dundee

You better watch it, Dr. Death! I'm pretty damn fast for a Caucasian

Came here to post this exact thing.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

Avatar might be from Stripes (which hasn't been listed yet)

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Or it'll show up one or two spots from now with "I don't get it, but everyone else thinks this is funny so I put it on the list."

 

[Rustoleum]

The script to Ghostbusters is perfect. There's not a single wasted line. Every one is sets up plot, sets up a joke, or delivers a punchline. Some do all of them. Some do all of them and also make for great t-shirt lines. Just perfect.

Love the ESP test scene as the introduction to Venkman.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

87. Ghostbusters

Liked more as a kid than as an adult.

Avatar and comment do not match.

Avatar might be from Stripes (which hasn't been listed yet)

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Or it'll show up one or two spots from now with "I don't get it, but everyone else thinks this is funny so I put it on the list."

Yeah. It will be right behind Howard the Duck.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Dude

It's interesting what movies get people worked when they are missing from countdowns like this. I didn't see it on ours either, but did get a laugh seeing the ***s by the movies we took heat for in our countdown - Goonies, Airplane!, Ghostbusters, and Raiders.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Dude

It's interesting what movies get people worked when they are missing from countdowns like this. I didn't see it on ours either, but did get a laugh seeing the ***s by the movies we took heat for in our countdown - Goonies, Airplane!, Ghostbusters, and Raiders.

I can’t imagine leaving any of those movies off a top-100 list…..

 

[KarmaPolice]

Oh, don’t worry, Stripes won’t make this list

Dude

It's interesting what movies get people worked when they are missing from countdowns like this. I didn't see it on ours either, but did get a laugh seeing the ***s by the movies we took heat for in our countdown - Goonies, Airplane!, Ghostbusters, and Raiders.

I can’t imagine leaving any of those movies off a top-100 list…..

They weren't left off.

Eta: im sure Airplane wasn't on mine. I meant all 4 were on the countdown

 

[timschochet]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

Huge fan. Underrated Cusack movie.

 

[TripItUp]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Never heard of it which means it never gets re-aired by cable etc. I was 11 when it came out.

 

[Doug B]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Nice coordination with @Scoresman 's SciFi/Fantasy Films thread. Current title:

The 100 Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movies of All Time: 30. The Thing

Presumably much less of a "sure thing".

 

[Alex P Keaton]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Never heard of it which means it never gets re-aired by cable etc. I was 11 when it came out.

I was 10 when it came out

 

[Gr00vus]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

Huge fan. Underrated Cusack movie.

A 22 year old Daphne Zuniga is a hell of a plan B.

 

[timschochet]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

 

[FarFromHome]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

I don't care. I'm a classic alpha male type. Think John Rambo. I loved this movie. Dont be mean.

 

[bryhamm]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

naughty, naughty

 

[El Floppo]

I saw it in the theater when it came out and just never liked Elmo's fire. Doubt I'd rewatch to test... My teen self had better taste than my old self.

 

[UncleZen]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Good call, especially as the song has nothing to do with the movie.

 

[TripItUp]

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

Which song...this soundtrack had multiple bangers.

 

[TripItUp]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

loved this brat pack movie...this and breakfast club defined the 80s for me personally.

Would be higher on my list for nostalgia reasons and I don't care what the critics thought/think.

 

[TripItUp]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

Which song...this soundtrack had multiple bangers.

Umm... - the title song.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Breakfast Club

Never watched St Elmo's Fire. Don't intend to.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Breakfast Club

Never watched St Elmo's Fire. Don't intend to.

I tried. It's pretty bad but not bad enough to be good.

 

[SFBayDuck]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Another in the post-college genre that totally hit home for me when I was barely a teenager. It’s up there in the top 20 of most times I’ve watched a movie. And that’s despite a creepy stalker storyline.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

The last few all seem like good movies but not really worthy of a Top 100 IMO.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The last few all seem like good movies but not really worthy of a Top 100 IMO.

Forget it Mojo, it's Timschochettown.

 

[Todem]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Fawk no.

Mighty Ducks man!!!!

 

[Todem]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Breakfast Club

Never watched St Elmo's Fire. Don't intend to.

I tried. It's pretty bad but not bad enough to be good.

A lot better in the genre than this.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

Huge fan. Underrated Cusack movie.

A 22 year old Daphne Zuniga is a hell of a plan B.

 

[BlackCrowes]

St Elmo's Fire better than Ghostbusters...

this is like the Jerry Rice shouldn't be in the HOF thread.

 

[BlackCrowes]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Breakfast Club

Never watched St Elmo's Fire. Don't intend to.

nor should you. total dreck.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Relative to hype, one of the worst movies I’ve seen. Still not a bad movie — but massively overrated. Watched it during Covid. Shocked how bad it was.

 

[Todem]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Relative to hype, one of the worst movies I’ve seen. Still not a bad movie — but massively overrated. Watched it during Covid. Shocked how bad it was.

It’s pretty bad lol……Judd Nelson was a total tw*t too. He lost all his coolness from The Breakfast Club instantly with his dip s*** character in St Elmos Fire……oh man….so bad.