The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #15. Rain Man (6 Viewers)

[timschochet]

OK I’ll start this in the morning. Same rules apply: no TV films, no films that weren’t made in English (Ran would be very high up there I think, and Das Boot, but I just haven’t seen enough foreign films to compare.)

This was a much harder list for me than the 70s. I cut some films out that I just don’t like. For instance, there is no Gandhi on this list. That’s a fascinating subject matter but man it was such a long and boring film. No thanks. I need to be entertained.

No Return of the Jedi either. Ewoks totally suck and the Emperor sounded too much like Truman Capote. Not on my watch.


100. Bloodsport
99. The Best of Times
98. Dead Ringers
97. Three O’Clock High
96. Can’t Buy Me Love
95. Re-Animator
94. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
93. Less Than Zero
92. Red Dawn
91. Purple Rain
90. Fandango
89. Runaway Train
88. Mommie Dearest
87. Ghostbusters
86. Superman II
85. Round Midnight
84. The Sure Thing
83. St. Elmo’s Fire
82. Hollywood Shuffle
81. La Bamba
80. Cocoon
79. Empire of the Sun
78. The Goonies
77. WarGames
76. Beverly Hills Cop
75. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
74. The Last Emperor
73. Risky Business
72. Little Shop of Horrors
71. Parenthood
70. Ragtime
69. A Christmas Story
68. Rocky III
67. Stripes
66. The Color Purple
65. Lucas
64. Platoon
63. Top Gun
62. Excalibur
61. Fast Times At Ridgemont High
60. The Karate Kid
59. Pretty In Pink
58. Lost In America
57. Ordinary People
56. River’s Edge
55. 48 Hours
54. Mississippi Burning
53. Poltergeist
52. Wall Street
51. The Blues Brothers
50. The Purple Rose of Cairo
49. Big
48. Chariots of Fire
47. Bull Durham
46. Amadeus
45. Victory
44. Caddyshack
43. The Shining
42. The Right Stuff
41. An American Werewolf in London
40. Full Metal Jacket
39. Crimes and Misdemeanors
38. Sixteen Candles
37. The Untouchables
36. Eight Men Out
35. My Favorite Year
34. Stand By Me
33. Say Anything
32. Dead Poets Society
31. Rocky IV
30. Back to the Future
29. Glory
28. When Harry Met Sally
27. The Little Mermaid
26. The Accused
25. Hannah and Her Sisters
24. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
23. The Princess Bride
22. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
21. Raising Arizona
20. Blade Runner
19. Field of Dreams
18. The Elephant Man
17. Atlantic City
16. Broadcast News
15. Rain Man

 

[higgins]

 

[Andy Dufresne]

No foreign and no Jedi. Worst fears confirmed.

Let's do this!

 

[KarmaPolice]

No foreign and no Jedi. Worst fears confirmed.

Let's do this!

Nah, worse would be he's huge Jedi fan but doesn't like Spielberg movies.

 

[shuke]

Didn't we already do this?

 

[El Floppo]

My favorite movie won't be on this list then

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

No foreign and no Jedi. Worst fears confirmed.

Let's do this!

Nah, worse would be he's huge Jedi fan but doesn't like Spielberg movies.

I'm the one who doesn't like Spielberg movies. (With one exception not appearing here.)

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I'm the one who doesn't like Spielberg movies. (With one exception not appearing here.)

schindlers list?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Didn't we already do this?

Yes but this is Tim’s list so it will have things like Xanadu in the top 10 and a bunch of woody Allen films

 

[KarmaPolice]

Didn't we already do this?

Yes but this is Tim’s list so it will have things like Xanadu in the top 10 and a bunch of woody Allen films

..and still no Raiders?

 

[Todem]

This outta be interesting…..

 

[Dr. Octopus]

How many musicals were in the 80s?

 

[Redwes25]

This outta be interesting…..

or not

 

[timschochet]

100. Bloodsport (1988)

Directed by: Newt Arnold

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Forest Whitaker, Bolo Yeung

Synopsis: A US Army Captain competes in the “Kumite”, an illegal martial arts tournament in Hong Kong.

You break my record, now I break you, like your friend! - Bolo Yeung as Chong Li

This flick has terrible acting, terrible writing, awful direction, and all scenes that take place outside of the tournament can be skipped over. None of that matters; I’m here for the fights. Outside of Enter the Dragon (in which Bolo Yeung was also one of the villains) this movie is arguably the most important martial arts film ever released, but that doesn’t really matter either. It’s simply entertaining as hell.

I don’t really know how Van Damme became an international star; dude has no personality whatsoever. Bolo Yeung on the other hand is an outstanding bad guy.

 

[Scoresman]

Didn't we already do this?

Twice!

What's the over under on movies we'll see on this list that did not appear on both previous 80s lists?

 

[KarmaPolice]

"Ok USA!"

 

[timschochet]

Didn't we already do this?

Twice!

What's the over under on movies we'll see on this list that did not appear on both previous 80s lists?

I did ask before I started if anyone wanted me to do this and I was encouraged. I haven’t looked at those other threads.

 

[Gally]

You break my record, now I break you, like your friend! - Bolo Yeung as Chong Li

Poor Ogre

 

[FarFromHome]

Bloodsport was the first movie I watched it felt like I was an immediate brown belt in martial arts and just a few interactions from a black belt. I was at my peak.

 

[Scoresman]

Didn't we already do this?

Twice!

What's the over under on movies we'll see on this list that did not appear on both previous 80s lists?

I did ask before I started if anyone wanted me to do this and I was encouraged. I haven’t looked at those other threads.

Oh, I dont really mind if I'm being honest. These threads are fun either way.

 

[Todem]

Kumite…..Kumite…..Kumite….

 

[Deepster]

1) Chong Li may be the best villain ever in a sports movie.
2) The scene where Frank fights blind is so terrible it's amazing.
3) The 80's blond love interest is a smoke.
4) Oscar-worthy performance by Ogre in the hospital.

 

[zamboni]

4) Oscar-worthy performance by Ogre in the hospital

I’ll drink to that.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

1) Chong Li may be the best villain ever in a sports movie.
2) The scene where Frank fights blind is so terrible it's amazing.
3) The 80's blond love interest is a smoke.
4) Oscar-worthy performance by Ogre in the hospital.

I thought Chong Li was the hero in the film. Bolo was JACKED

 

[zamboni]

1) Chong Li may be the best villain ever in a sports movie.
2) The scene where Frank fights blind is so terrible it's amazing.
3) The 80's blond love interest is a smoke.
4) Oscar-worthy performance by Ogre in the hospital.

I thought Chong Li was the hero in the film.

Second to the skinny fighter who jumped around but got his back broken by the big fat guy.

 

[timschochet]

99. The Best of Times (1986)

Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode

Starring: Kurt Russell, Robin Williams

Synopsis: Two friends attempt to relive an old high school football game.

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

Ron Shelton’s first sports movie script, this is a sweet comedy. What makes it work is the chemistry between William’s and Russell, and Sheldon’s ability to demonstrate nostalgia for glory days.
There is a great scene in this movie in which a dinner party designed to reconcile the two guys relationships with their wives is interfered with by the desire to watch Monday Night Football. That always struck a chord with me; who among us can’t relate?

 

[Gally]

99. The Best of Times (1986)

Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode

Starring: Kurt Russell, Robin Williams

Synopsis: Two friends attempt to relive an old high school football game.

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

Ron Shelton’s first sports movie script, this is a sweet comedy. What makes it work is the chemistry between William’s and Russell, and Sheldon’s ability to demonstrate nostalgia for glory days.
There is a great scene in this movie in which a dinner party designed to reconcile the two guys relationships with their wives is interfered with by the desire to watch Monday Night Football. That always struck a chord with me; who among us can’t relate?

Underrated movie for sure. I haven't seen in it a long time so I wonder how well it holds up.

 

[Gr00vus]

99. The Best of Times (1986)

Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode

Starring: Kurt Russell, Robin Williams

Synopsis: Two friends attempt to relive an old high school football game.

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

Ron Shelton’s first sports movie script, this is a sweet comedy. What makes it work is the chemistry between William’s and Russell, and Sheldon’s ability to demonstrate nostalgia for glory days.
There is a great scene in this movie in which a dinner party designed to reconcile the two guys relationships with their wives is interfered with by the desire to watch Monday Night Football. That always struck a chord with me; who among us can’t relate?

Love this film. So many great scenes. I didn't imagine this one would make the cut, really glad to see it on the list. You've totally redeemed yourself here Tim, whatever comes after .

Jack...Aquarius. Gotta, gotta, gotta - satisfy.

 

[FarFromHome]

99. The Best of Times (1986)

Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode

Starring: Kurt Russell, Robin Williams

Synopsis: Two friends attempt to relive an old high school football game.

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

Ron Shelton’s first sports movie script, this is a sweet comedy. What makes it work is the chemistry between William’s and Russell, and Sheldon’s ability to demonstrate nostalgia for glory days.
There is a great scene in this movie in which a dinner party designed to reconcile the two guys relationships with their wives is interfered with by the desire to watch Monday Night Football. That always struck a chord with me; who among us can’t relate?

Actually rewatched this a few months a ago. Solid sports movie. Reno! Reno!

 

[El Floppo]

I've never heard of this one.

Must've come out when I was off at college my first year and oblivious to the world.

 

[shuke]

Didn't we already do this?

Twice!

What's the over under on movies we'll see on this list that did not appear on both previous 80s lists?

I did ask before I started if anyone wanted me to do this and I was encouraged. I haven’t looked at those other threads.

Carry on.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

 

[timschochet]

98. Dead Ringers (1988)

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold

Synopsis: Twin gynecologists suffer mental decline.

Separation can be a…terrifying thing. -Jeremy Irons as Beverly Mantle

This is a really weird and dark movie. I vividly remember it but I’m not sure I’d watch it again because it’s so unsettling. I might call it horror except there’s nothing particularly horrifying, just the overall mood of the film (except perhaps for the bizarre gynecologist tools that one of the twins designs.) Exceptional acting by Irons in a dual role.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

98. Dead Ringers (1988)

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold

Synopsis: Twin gynecologists suffer mental decline.

Separation can be a…terrifying thing. -Jeremy Irons as Beverly Mantle

This is a really weird and dark movie. I vividly remember it but I’m not sure I’d watch it again because it’s so unsettling. I might call it horror except there’s nothing particularly horrifying, just the overall mood of the film (except perhaps for the bizarre gynecologist tools that one of the twins designs.) Exceptional acting by Irons in a dual role.

Never heard of it.

 

[timschochet]

97. Three O’Clock High (1987)

Directed by: Phil Joanou

Starring: Casey Siemazsko, Richard Tyson, Stacey Glick

Synopsis: A meek high school student is challenged by a psychopathic bully to a fight after school.

Being flunked beats being dead. - Stacey Glick as Brei Mitchell

The first of several high school films on this list. Was there ever a better decade for high school movies? I don’t think so. This one, which copies heavily from the all time classic film High Noon has the tension of the clock all the way throughout. The main character knows what’s coming for him and there’s no way out. That creates a great sense of drama all the way through. Funny at times, with quirky characters, a terrifying villain, and a satisfying ending, this is a thoroughly entertaining film.

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

97. Three O’Clock High (1987)

ha, I love this movie! haven't watched it in many years, but sometimes a quote from it will randomly pop into my head. and whenever I notice that it's 3 o'clock, I MUST say "3 o'clock..." in a very menacing way.

 

[Todem]

97. Three O’Clock High (1987)

Directed by: Phil Joanou

Starring: Casey Siemazsko, Richard Tyson, Stacey Glick

Synopsis: A meek high school student is challenged by a psychopathic bully to a fight after school.

Being flunked beats being dead. - Stacey Glick as Brei Mitchell

The first of several high school films on this list. Was there ever a better decade for high school movies? I don’t think so. This one, which copies heavily from the all time classic film High Noon has the tension of the clock all the way throughout. The main character knows what’s coming for him and there’s no way out. That creates a great sense of drama all the way through. Funny at times, with quirky characters, a terrifying villain, and a satisfying ending, this is a thoroughly entertaining film.

Buddy Revel…..school yard legend.

Very underrated flick from the late 80’s. Has not aged great but I actually rather watch this than Ferris Bueller's Day Off which is now cringe worthy.

 

[shuke]

97. Three O’Clock High (1987)

Directed by: Phil Joanou

Starring: Casey Siemazsko, Richard Tyson, Stacey Glick

Synopsis: A meek high school student is challenged by a psychopathic bully to a fight after school.

Being flunked beats being dead. - Stacey Glick as Brei Mitchell

The first of several high school films on this list. Was there ever a better decade for high school movies? I don’t think so. This one, which copies heavily from the all time classic film High Noon has the tension of the clock all the way throughout. The main character knows what’s coming for him and there’s no way out. That creates a great sense of drama all the way through. Funny at times, with quirky characters, a terrifying villain, and a satisfying ending, this is a thoroughly entertaining film.

Tim, you've preemptively redeemed yourself for whatever crap picks lie ahead. Thank you.

 

[Hastur]

No Return Of The jedi. This list was flawed before it started.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

No Return Of The jedi. This list was flawed before it started.

At least the Christmas Special is excluded by rule.

 

[timschochet]

96. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Directed by: Steve Rash

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson

Synopsis: High school nerd pays popular girl to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Nerds, jocks, my side, your side, it’s all ********! - Patrick Dempsey as Ronald Miller

One of several high school movie classics on this list. This one has a simple plot which is rather silly but it works because of the chemistry of the two leads, the overall message regarding high school roles and status is a good one and timeless, and there are funny scenes throughout.

 

[FarFromHome]

96. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Directed by: Steve Rash

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson

Synopsis: High school nerd pays popular girl to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Nerds, jocks, my side, your side, it’s all ********! - Patrick Dempsey as Ronald Miller

One of several high school movie classics on this list. This one has a simple plot which is rather silly but it works because of the chemistry of the two leads, the overall message regarding high school roles and status is a good one and timeless, and there are funny scenes throughout.

As a teenager during this time this movie checked all the boxes for me. Classic 80s movie.

 

[TripItUp]

100. Bloodsport - higher on my list
99. The Best of Times - barely makes my list
98. Dead Ringers - not on my list
97. Three O’Clock High - not on my list
96. Can’t Buy Me Love - barely makes my list

 

[Todem]

96. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Directed by: Steve Rash

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson

Synopsis: High school nerd pays popular girl to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Nerds, jocks, my side, your side, it’s all ********! - Patrick Dempsey as Ronald Miller

One of several high school movie classics on this list. This one has a simple plot which is rather silly but it works because of the chemistry of the two leads, the overall message regarding high school roles and status is a good one and timeless, and there are funny scenes throughout.

Love this movie to this day. Great characters and a lot of great memories in my life when this came out. I was dating my version of Cindy Mancini right when this came out she was 18 (a senior in high school) and I was 19 and out of high school.....she was a great time for a little while as we dated for a year.....funny we actually spoke recently after 28 years of not speaking to each other......crazy the things you flashback to with movies and music.

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

96. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Directed by: Steve Rash

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson

Synopsis: High school nerd pays popular girl to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Nerds, jocks, my side, your side, it’s all ********! - Patrick Dempsey as Ronald Miller

One of several high school movie classics on this list. This one has a simple plot which is rather silly but it works because of the chemistry of the two leads, the overall message regarding high school roles and status is a good one and timeless, and there are funny scenes throughout.

RIP Cindy Mancini. (Amanda Peterson passed in 2015)

this movie also has a young Seth Green who perfectly plays the annoying younger brother.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

These movies seem kind of lightweight so far.

 

[El Floppo]

These movies seem kind of lightweight so far.

Godfather 3 coming right up!

 

[El Floppo]

(I don't remember when that came out)

 

[timschochet]

95. Re-Animator (1985)

Directed by: Stuart Gordon

Starring: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton

Synopsis: Medical students discover a serum that re-animates dead bodies


Who’s going to believe a talking head? Get a job in a sideshow. - Jeffrey Combs as Dr. Herbert West

One of the better horror-comedies of the era. Based on an HP Lovecraft short story. Combs is terrific as Dr. Herbert West. This whole movie is gross and hilarious.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

95. Re-Animator (1985)

Directed by: Stuart Gordon

Starring: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton

Synopsis: Medical students discover a serum that re-animates dead bodies


Who’s going to believe a talking head? Get a job in a sideshow. - Jeffrey Combs as Dr. Herbert West

One of the better horror-comedies of the era. Based on an HP Lovecraft short story. Combs is terrific as Dr. Herbert West. This whole movie is gross and hilarious.

This is an amazing and hilarious movie. I would have it much higher.
Ive seen a cut of this that had Crampton on the table which i thought would warrant an X rating.
It was extremely graphic. Other cuts are much less revealing
Sequels are quite fun too