The Next 100 best movies from the 80's (1 Viewer)

[Scoresman]

For those of you that would rather watch Harry and the Hendersons over Platoon and Glory....well, I just don't have the words.

Look at my criteria again. My rankings are not a representation of what I would prefer to watch today.

Did I mention Harry and the Henderson’s won an Oscar?

 

[The General]

For those of you that would rather watch Harry and the Hendersons over Platoon and Glory....well, I just don't have the words.

Look at my criteria again. My rankings are not a representation of what I would prefer to watch today.

Did I mention Harry and the Henderson’s won an Oscar?

Best Original Screenplay?

 

[shuke]

18. Evil Dead 2
Scoresman - #24
shuke - #33

So much fun. Answers the question, what if a B-movie was actually really good.

 

[shuke]

17. Neverending Story
Lambskin - #41
Scoresman - #3

Don't remember seeing this in the 80's. Watched it a few years back with the kids, and while it's visually appealing, I didn't think it was good.

 

[Scoresman]

17. Neverending Story
Lambskin - #41
Scoresman - #3

Don't remember seeing this in the 80's. Watched it a few years back with the kids, and while it's visually appealing, I didn't think it was good.

Love this movie. It’s a great example of practical effects that still hold up. This is the movie that turned me into such a sci-fi/fantasy nerd.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

17. Neverending Story
Lambskin - #41
Scoresman - #3

Don't remember seeing this in the 80's. Watched it a few years back with the kids, and while it's visually appealing, I didn't think it was good.

It got a revival when its theme song was prominently featured in season 3 of Stranger Things.

 

[shuke]

15 (tie). Red Dawn
shuke - #22
Scoresman - #20

Nothing like stoking those Cold War fears. Watched some of it recently, and the effects don't hold up and Keystone cops antics of the Russian soldiers is laughable in parts. But still on my list for nostalgia reasons.

 

[Scoresman]

15 (tie). Red Dawn
shuke - #22
Scoresman - #20

Nothing like stoking those Cold War fears. Watched some of it recently, and the effects don't hold up and Keystone cops antics of the Russian soldiers is laughable in parts. But still on my list for nostalgia reasons.

I’ll never get over the early shot in this movie of goofy *** looking Russian soldiers parachuting into a school playground. Such a ridiculous but fun movie.

 

[shuke]

15 (tie). Weird Science
shuke - #51
Lambskin - #11
Scoresman - #41

Our first 3 vote entry! Good old fashioned 80's fun. Almost ruined by Hall's whiney co-star, who thankfully we didn't see much of any more.

 

[Manster]

21. The Outsiders
shuke - #3

Start with great source material, add an all-star cast and Coppola. Incredible film. The theme is still relevant today, maybe even more so. My 13 year old's class recently read this and watched the movie, and she really liked it.

This is easily in my top 5 for the 80's......just the cast alone.....when they were just kids! The soc's and the greasers......pretty much relevant in any town, in any time, throughout history. My 13 did the same.....really enjoyed book and movie as well.

 

[Manster]

15 (tie). Red Dawn
shuke - #22
Scoresman - #20

Nothing like stoking those Cold War fears. Watched some of it recently, and the effects don't hold up and Keystone cops antics of the Russian soldiers is laughable in parts. But still on my list for nostalgia reasons.

This is top 10 for me, easy....WOLVERINES!!

 

[Manster]

15 (tie). Weird Science
shuke - #51
Lambskin - #11
Scoresman - #41

Our first 3 vote entry! Good old fashioned 80's fun. Almost ruined by Hall's whiney co-star, who thankfully we didn't see much of any more.

This movie is such perfect cheesy 80's.....hot chick who happens to be designed by like a frickin commodore 64.....******* brother named Chet...perfect ******* brother name!....Robert Downey Jr as a dickhead.....Anthony Michael Hall.....it's got it all!

 

[TripItUp]

Look at my criteria again. My rankings are not a representation of what I would prefer to watch today.

Did I mention Harry and the Henderson’s won an Oscar?

It's all good man, just having some fun. Movie rankings are an extremely objective thing.

 

[TripItUp]

15 (tie). Weird Science
shuke - #51
Lambskin - #11
Scoresman - #41

Our first 3 vote entry! Good old fashioned 80's fun. Almost ruined by Hall's whiney co-star, who thankfully we didn't see much of any more.

Makes my top 100 mostly for nostalgia...tips 40 for Bill Paxton.

 

[TripItUp]

15 (tie). Red Dawn
shuke - #22
Scoresman - #20

Nothing like stoking those Cold War fears. Watched some of it recently, and the effects don't hold up and Keystone cops antics of the Russian soldiers is laughable in parts. But still on my list for nostalgia reasons.

Easy top 100 for me. On my "you better rank it" list.

I've probably watched it 20 times....has had a huge run on cable tv.

 

[Don Quixote]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Would be in my top five of the decade too.

 

[Ilov80s]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

 

[zamboni]

19. Platoon
shuke - #1

More Oliver Stone goodness. Probably in my top 30 movies of all time. Incredibly acted throughout.

A favorite of mine - probably my second favorite Vietnam film (after Apocalypse Now). I believe this was Charlie Sheen's first big dramatic role and really showed his versatility.

Great acting performances indeed - plus when you have the lead singer of Living Colour in the cast, you know you're in for a high quality film.

 

[otb_lifer]

A favorite of mine - probably my second favorite Vietnam film (after Apocalypse Now).

"Coming Home In A Body Bag" down?

... hands down, my favorite movie of all time - i mean, after Apocalypse Now, it's the greatest flick about 'Nam, ever! ...

 

[zamboni]

A favorite of mine - probably my second favorite Vietnam film (after Apocalypse Now).

"Coming Home In A Body Bag" down?

I believe that was the working title of the original Karate Kid.

 

[Ilov80s]

19. Platoon
shuke - #1

More Oliver Stone goodness. Probably in my top 30 movies of all time. Incredibly acted throughout.

A favorite of mine - probably my second favorite Vietnam film (after Apocalypse Now). I believe this was Charlie Sheen's first big dramatic role and really showed his versatility.

I need to watch this again. It’s probably been a decade. My memories of Sheen’s performance was the opposite. Thought he was the big flaw of the movie.

 

[zamboni]

19. Platoon
shuke - #1

More Oliver Stone goodness. Probably in my top 30 movies of all time. Incredibly acted throughout.

A favorite of mine - probably my second favorite Vietnam film (after Apocalypse Now). I believe this was Charlie Sheen's first big dramatic role and really showed his versatility.

I need to watch this again. It’s probably been a decade. My memories of Sheen’s performance wasn’t is the opposite. Thought he was the big flaw of the movie.

I can see that - he wasn't exactly powerful like his dad in Apocalypse, but thought he did a very credible job portraying a pensive, brooding, scared soldier who transformed from the hell of the war.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Everything from here on out appears on multiple lists. Before we get to it, let's recap the top 20's.

shuke
1 . Platoon
2 . Glory
3 . The Outsiders
4 . Diner
5 . ?
6 . ?
7 . Talk Radio
8 . Altered States
9 . Top Secret
10 . ?
11 . ?
12 . ?
13 . Three O'Clock High
14 . Body Double
15 . ?
16 . The Road Warrior
17 . Caddyshack
18 . Blues Brothers
19 . Sixteen Candles
20 . ?

Lambskin
1 . ?
2 . ?
3 . ?
4 . ?
5 . ?
6 . ?
7 . ?
8 . Clue
9 . ?
10 . Dirty Dancing
11 . ?
12 . Johnny Dangerously
13 . Beastmaster
14 . The Dark Crystal
15 . Clash of the Titans
16 . The Brave Little Toaster
17 . Creepshow
18 . ?
19 . The Little Mermaid
20 . ?

Scoresman
1 . ?
2 . ?
3 . ?
4 . Superman 2
5 . ?
6 . Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
7 . ?
8 . Friday the 13th part 2
9 . Halloween 2
10 . A Very Brady Christmas
11 . ?
12 . ?
13 . Ghostbusters 2
14 . ?
15 . Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home
16 . Karate Kid Part 2
17 . Revenge of the Nerds
18 . One Magic Christmas
19 . Conan the Barbarian
20 . ?

Oh boy

 

[zamboni]

Everything from here on out appears on multiple lists. Before we get to it, let's recap the top 20's.

shuke
1 . Platoon
2 . Glory
3 . The Outsiders
4 . Diner
5 . ?
6 . ?
7 . Talk Radio
8 . Altered States
9 . Top Secret
10 . ?
11 . ?
12 . ?
13 . Three O'Clock High
14 . Body Double
15 . ?
16 . The Road Warrior
17 . Caddyshack
18 . Blues Brothers
19 . Sixteen Candles
20 . ?

Lambskin
1 . ?
2 . ?
3 . ?
4 . ?
5 . ?
6 . ?
7 . ?
8 . Clue
9 . ?
10 . Dirty Dancing
11 . ?
12 . Johnny Dangerously
13 . Beastmaster
14 . The Dark Crystal
15 . Clash of the Titans
16 . The Brave Little Toaster
17 . Creepshow
18 . ?
19 . The Little Mermaid
20 . ?

Scoresman
1 . ?
2 . ?
3 . ?
4 . Superman 2
5 . ?
6 . Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
7 . ?
8 . Friday the 13th part 2
9 . Halloween 2
10 . A Very Brady Christmas
11 . ?
12 . ?
13 . Ghostbusters 2
14 . ?
15 . Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home
16 . Karate Kid Part 2
17 . Revenge of the Nerds
18 . One Magic Christmas
19 . Conan the Barbarian
20 . ?

Oh boy

reaction

 

[Don Quixote]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

The stars of the movie for me are Denzel, Freeman, etc. as shuke mentioned, but I thought Broderick was fine for what he was asked to do (not great, but not terribly miscast either). He was portraying a 25 year old, Harvard educated son of wealthy abolitionist intellectuals, who was a bit stuffy and out of touch with the practical realities of the lives of those in his command. I thought he was fine for that.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

The stars of the movie for me are Denzel, Freeman, etc. as shuke mentioned, but I thought Broderick was fine for what he was asked to do (not great, but not terribly miscast either). He was portraying a 25 year old, Harvard educated son of wealthy abolitionist intellectuals, who was a bit stuffy and out of touch with the practical realities of the lives of those in his command. I thought he was fine for that.

Yes. It may seem his was miscast because he seems out of place (but that was the point of the character).

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I remember watching glory in middle school and the teacher muted one scene because “he says some not nice things”

Other than that I really have no recollection of that movie aside from maybe some things blowing up

 

[The General]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

The stars of the movie for me are Denzel, Freeman, etc. as shuke mentioned, but I thought Broderick was fine for what he was asked to do (not great, but not terribly miscast either). He was portraying a 25 year old, Harvard educated son of wealthy abolitionist intellectuals, who was a bit stuffy and out of touch with the practical realities of the lives of those in his command. I thought he was fine for that.

Carey Ewels (spelling? Princess Bride guy) and the educated black guy (has been in a ton of stuff but don't know his name) were very good in ensemble roles.

 

[The General]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Cary Elwes was great in this movie. Perfectly cast.

Denzel and Morgan Freeman def crushed their roles. Lots of very good performances.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

nd the educated black guy

Andre Braugher

 

[The General]

nd the educated black guy

Andre Braugher

He was excellent. Been a long time since I have seen this but the lots of great performances from the whole group of soldiers.

WI’ll need to watch again to see how ham fisted the movie was done, but think it will hold up really well.

 

[Ilov80s]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

The stars of the movie for me are Denzel, Freeman, etc. as shuke mentioned, but I thought Broderick was fine for what he was asked to do (not great, but not terribly miscast either). He was portraying a 25 year old, Harvard educated son of wealthy abolitionist intellectuals, who was a bit stuffy and out of touch with the practical realities of the lives of those in his command. I thought he was fine for that.

Yes. It may seem his was miscast because he seems out of place (but that was the point of the character).

Great points by you and DQ but Broderick just doesn’t work at all for me in the movie. Feels too modern- like an 80s actor and not a person from Civil War era. Maybe that’s accomplishing what they wanted but I just think he’s miscast and gives a poor performance that only looks worse given how excellent the rest of the cast is.

 

[Ilov80s]

I guess what I’m saying is Broderick is very good when he’s asked to be funny, clever and modern. When asked to deliver a dramatic performance, I can’t ever get there with him.

 

[shuke]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Cary Elwes was great in this movie. Perfectly cast.

Hate him.

 

[The General]

I guess what I’m saying is Broderick is very good when he’s asked to be funny, clever and modern. When asked to deliver a dramatic performance, I can’t ever get there with him.

It was weird seeing Ferris lead a group of men into their deaths. SPOILER

 

[The General]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Cary Elwes was great in this movie. Perfectly cast.

Hate him.

He plays the smarmy silver spoon guy to perfection.

 

[shuke]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Probably makes my top 100 if someone other than Matthew Broderick has that lead role. He was very much miscast imo.

The stars of the movie for me are Denzel, Freeman, etc. as shuke mentioned, but I thought Broderick was fine for what he was asked to do (not great, but not terribly miscast either). He was portraying a 25 year old, Harvard educated son of wealthy abolitionist intellectuals, who was a bit stuffy and out of touch with the practical realities of the lives of those in his command. I thought he was fine for that.

Yes. It may seem his was miscast because he seems out of place (but that was the point of the character).

Great points by you and DQ but Broderick just doesn’t work at all for me in the movie. Feels too modern- like an 80s actor and not a person from Civil War era. Maybe that’s accomplishing what they wanted but I just think he’s miscast and gives a poor performance that only looks worse given how excellent the rest of the cast is.

Like I noted, this was my first impression. But on successive watches I realized he really portrayed someone who knew he was in over his head but had to fake it for the sake of his soldiers.

I think part of the problem was this was just 3 years after Ferris, and we couldn't prevent that from biasing us as viewers.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

20. Glory
shuke - #2

About as far away as you can get for an "80's movie", but I loved it, despite the presence of Cary Elwes. Wasn't a huge fan of Broderick in this either initiatlly, but over multiple viewings I've come to appreciate what he did with the role. But Denzel, Morgan, Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy steal the show here. One of my favorite original scores ever.

Also, the campfire scene on the night before the final battle is one of a handful of movie scenes that can make me cry.

Cary Elwes was great in this movie. Perfectly cast.

Hate him.

He plays the smarmy silver spoon guy to perfection.

Also works well with chimps (hope I didn’t spoil one of Scoresmans picks there)

 

[shuke]

It was weird seeing Ferris lead a group of men into their deaths. SPOILER

I think part of the problem was this was just 3 years after Ferris, and we couldn't prevent that from biasing us as viewers.

 

[zamboni]

I guess what I’m saying is Broderick is very good when he’s asked to be funny, clever and modern. When asked to deliver a dramatic performance, I can’t ever get there with him.

I think a lot of that is typecasting with Broderick - it's hard to see him outside of Ferris. Other actors have managed to better shake their typecasts, I guess.

ETA: what shuke said above

 

[zamboni]

He plays the smarmy silver spoon guy to perfection.

I thought that was the kid on the right

 

[Keith R]

I guess what I’m saying is Broderick is very good when he’s asked to be funny, clever and modern. When asked to deliver a dramatic performance, I can’t ever get there with him.

I think a lot of that is typecasting with Broderick - it's hard to see him outside of Ferris. Other actors have managed to better shake their typecasts, I guess.

ETA: what shuke said above

Yeah, Ferris reinforced the initial character most of us were introduced to Broderick through (from a movie which may or may not be named later).

 

[Uruk-Hai]

WI’ll need to watch again to see how ham fisted the movie was done, but think it will hold up really well.

I rewatched it a couple of years ago and thought it held up great.

 

[The General]

He plays the smarmy silver spoon guy to perfection.

I thought that was the kid on the right

Still playing that role today to perfection

Although sort of honed it into a smart ***, cynical guy!

 

[Hastur]

Still Missing:
48 Hours
The Outsiders

 

[zamboni]

Still Missing:
48 Hours
The Outsiders

https://y.yarn.co/c481e4db-74c9-4125-8108-9bfc2363db0a_text.gif

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The Outsiders

X

 

[otb_lifer]

The Outsiders

they already did it for Johnny, man ...

 

[Hastur]

Maybe I'm missing it on one of the lists? I scanned it 3 times.

Or, are you saying A Very Brady Christmas and Howard the Duck should be on this list, but The Outsiders should not? That's ridiculous!

 

[Hastur]

Oh, and Excalibur.