Top 101 Movies of the 80s (1 Viewer)

[JAA]

Tommorrow will be an odd one. We have 9 movies coming up. Glancing at it, these are movies that got a bump because they were on both lists. But it is a mix of ones we are really close on, and ones we are very far apart on.

For example the one with the biggest difference, I have at #11, and he had in the mid-80s. Then we have one that was #49 on one and #48 on the other.

As far as what is on the horizon:

At 3 of the movies I thought were surprises for the top 30, maybe a 4th but we will see how the reactions go
EASILY the most arty and most farty movie on the list will start off our day, and my new obsession and ranking is the reason it's so high
More freaking High School b.s.
3 "comedies"
a debut from a director I believe had 4 movies in our 90s version of this
the movie most responsible for pissing off people on my dorm floor
A movie also starring the main actor of the movie above.
The reverse of Gremlins. This time I convinced my mom to see a movie and SHE had to walk out.
The movie most quoted at the video stores I worked at, and it's dropping ranking is due to my PTSD of that. (I worked with nearly all females and had to watch this movie all the time too).

 

[Mummy4]

#27: THE KING OF COMEDY

Our #48 and #49 picks. The Scorsese 80s comedies have really grown on me over last decade. One of my favorite Bob performances and plenty of uncomfortable comedy that hits my sweet spot. Sandra Bernhard was a very pleasant surprise for me as well in this one.

absolutely LOVE this movie

 

[Ilov80s]

To the whole idea of what 80s movies were about. If you go and look at the top 5-10 grossing movies of each year, there was a ton of adult geared stuff that was immensely popular. I won’t spoil anything not already ranked by Fatal Attraction was the highest grossing movie of 87. An Officer and a Gentleman was the 3rd highest grossing of 82. Witness was 8th in 85. Even Fanny and Alexander is in the top 25 highest grossing foreign movies in US history.

Adults were seeing a lot of movies in the 80s and they weren’t all Top Gun and Coming to America.

And I really enjoyed all of those....except Fanny and Alexander did not connect with me at all and I find a foreign film in the list a little....jarring I guess. And I was 12 when that came out.....so some context around that. So yeah the 80’s were a lot about my youth...but I did watch plenty of serious adult themed movies....and loved a lot of them.

We have several foreign films on the list. Lots of good foreign movies made between 1980 and 1989.

 

[Ilov80s]

#31: BROADCAST NEWS

80s' #3 pick. It's one I was wanting to watch before I finalized my list, but the library copy I got was jacked up. As I said last night, it's one of the 5 I am going to get to.

Oh cmon

Not a bad movie, but 31? Jeez, here we go again.



I mean, if you told me it was your #60, or maybe even #50 fine. But #30? Ahead all of these other comedies? This is just silly.

I have seen this movie one time and have ZERO desire to see it again. Someone tell me why anyone should watch this movie more than 1 time?!?!?

It was my 3 for the decade.

 

[JAA]

#29: FANNY AND ALEXANDER

80s' #78, and my #23. Here's where I probably take triple crap because this is a movie I just watched in the last month for the first time. Along with the 3 "homework" movies that I was tasked with watching before doing this 80s countdown , before doing my list I wanted to get through my Bergman autobiography I was reading and get to this one because I knew it was semi-autobiographical. This was the clue I was hinting at that is my new obsession - I watched a handful of Bergman last fall and got hooked, and ending up really digging them all and wanting to dive in more. Since then I got the book (I usually have a movie related book I'm reading), listened to a few pods, bought the Criterion 39 disc set, and dove in head first.

Obviously I dug this movie as well and instantly loved it (yes, I watched the 312 minute cut), but I will also fully admit this was the movie that most got the "desert island" bump, because it would be one of the first I'd want to tackle again and keep digging into. There are other movies that got a similar treatment on my countdowns, being ones I just saw for the for first time as reasearch for this and ended up loving and would want to take to an island with me.

How many sittings to get through the 312 minute cut?

Never heard of the movie. How is that possible for someone who spent hours at Blockbuster looking for good movies?

 

[Gally]

I am probably the only white male age 35-55 that doesn't love The Thing. Carpenter in general doesn't do it for me (save for Halloween).

I thought it was a good movie but not to the extent many on here. So you are not alone....

 

[Ilov80s]

#29: FANNY AND ALEXANDER

80s' #78, and my #23. Here's where I probably take triple crap because this is a movie I just watched in the last month for the first time. Along with the 3 "homework" movies that I was tasked with watching before doing this 80s countdown , before doing my list I wanted to get through my Bergman autobiography I was reading and get to this one because I knew it was semi-autobiographical. This was the clue I was hinting at that is my new obsession - I watched a handful of Bergman last fall and got hooked, and ending up really digging them all and wanting to dive in more. Since then I got the book (I usually have a movie related book I'm reading), listened to a few pods, bought the Criterion 39 disc set, and dove in head first.

Obviously I dug this movie as well and instantly loved it (yes, I watched the 312 minute cut), but I will also fully admit this was the movie that most got the "desert island" bump, because it would be one of the first I'd want to tackle again and keep digging into. There are other movies that got a similar treatment on my countdowns, being ones I just saw for the for first time as reasearch for this and ended up loving and would want to take to an island with me.

How many sittings to get through the 312 minute cut?

Never heard of the movie. How is that possible for someone who spent hours at Blockbuster looking for good movies?

Several, it was released as a tv miniseries for that extended format.

 

[JAA]

#28: HEATHERS [prime, amc+, tubi]

80s' #27 and my #71. Not sure if you had in mind some pitch black comedy teen movies, but here we are. It's one that has been climbing the list over the years. Others like Mean Girls have tried to do similar, but you can't mimic this era and these jokes anymore. One I need to watch again soon, and another I'd expect to show up higher if we would do a similar list in 5 years.

It all makes sense now. The movie with the highest score wins. A musical for best movies of the 80s? Its not even my link

GOONIES!!

 

[El Floppo]

I'm going to take JAA's naive hyperbole as danny-noonanesque schtick to enjoy it more.

 

[Gally]

#32: COMING TO AMERICA

This was on both our lists - at #56 and #53. Another I watched recently and laughed a lot at and thought still holds up. This was another random one I remember my friends and I watching and quoting. Since my first job was (fittingly at the same store, but down the road) at a sort of fast food place, this quote got a ton of run:

The best part of this movie is the subtle tie to Trading Places.....

 

[JAA]

#27: THE KING OF COMEDY

Our #48 and #49 picks. The Scorsese 80s comedies have really grown on me over last decade. One of my favorite Bob performances and plenty of uncomfortable comedy that hits my sweet spot. Sandra Bernhard was a very pleasant surprise for me as well in this one.

Heard of it, havnt seen it. Is it really that good? I guess since both of you had it on your lists (at ~50 mind you) that our data set is prolly the real issue here.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#29: FANNY AND ALEXANDER

80s' #78, and my #23. Here's where I probably take triple crap because this is a movie I just watched in the last month for the first time. Along with the 3 "homework" movies that I was tasked with watching before doing this 80s countdown , before doing my list I wanted to get through my Bergman autobiography I was reading and get to this one because I knew it was semi-autobiographical. This was the clue I was hinting at that is my new obsession - I watched a handful of Bergman last fall and got hooked, and ending up really digging them all and wanting to dive in more. Since then I got the book (I usually have a movie related book I'm reading), listened to a few pods, bought the Criterion 39 disc set, and dove in head first.

Obviously I dug this movie as well and instantly loved it (yes, I watched the 312 minute cut), but I will also fully admit this was the movie that most got the "desert island" bump, because it would be one of the first I'd want to tackle again and keep digging into. There are other movies that got a similar treatment on my countdowns, being ones I just saw for the for first time as reasearch for this and ended up loving and would want to take to an island with me.

How many sittings to get through the 312 minute cut?

Never heard of the movie. How is that possible for someone who spent hours at Blockbuster looking for good movies?

Several, it was released as a tv miniseries for that extended format.

Criterion chopped it up into 4 segments.

 

[JAA]

#26: TOP GUN [prime, paramount+]

My #11 and 80s' #84. I will admit, this took more of a ding because the sequel is better, but it's a movie that I always have on tap in my collection and was one of the first 4ks I got, so I had to have it near the top. My dumb friends and I in the dorms put all 4 beds in one room, then had the other across the hall as our movie/music/lounge room. We rigged up no less than 12 speakers in a small dorm room and played this movie way too much. @Ilov80s - you can be my movie wingman anytime.

Excellent pic, excellent choice for #26

 

[Andy Dufresne]

His momma call him Clay, imma call him Clay!

 

[JAA]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Withhold your pitchfork?!?! THIS IS THE INTERNET!!11!!11

 

[JAA]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

uh - if you are on an island and want to get the female natives restless, Top Gun would be an excellent choice

 

[JAA]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

The original was okay and I've seen it a few times. But I don't get the over the top love for Maverick at all.

The original's opening, with Danger Zone playing over it, is pretty epic though.

I had thought the over the top for Maverick was going to be unwarranted. After watching it i'm OK with it. I think the love is based on the fact they did a reasonably decent job with a remake which was nearly impossible to do.

 

[Ilov80s]

For those After Hours fans and haters. Criterion just announced they are releasing it on blu ray

Link

 

[JAA]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Just KP and I chat movies a lot both on here and in text messages. We wanted to have a thread to generate some focused movie talk. So we both made a list of the 100 films we consider the best movies of the 80s. This is a combined ranking. So it’s just purely our subjective preferences. Oscars, box office, RT, IMDb didn’t factor at all.

And this is what makes the thread fun......because there are some off the wall picks here!!!! LOL!!!

are you saying Fanny & Alexander is off the wall?

just curious. it's widely considered a top "film" of the 80s. but yeah... defintely not an "80s" film

I think some people aren’t taking the list for what it is - most are just looking for a more generic “80s Nostalgia” movie list. Both approaches are fine but some are conflating the two.

Yeah, it's gotten a bit ridiculous with the "only movies that celebrate my youth" stuff.

I have a soft spot for stuff like The Last Starfighter as well, but come on.

We both chose a balanced approach, but to be fair if I went all "80s movies", people would still have issues because I don't click with the early comedies and Raiders still wouldn't have been on my list, so

Would be borderline 101.

What was the first "arcade game" movie? I mean, imagine a video game being a test for becoming an intergalactic starfighter? Excellent plot. I also think they did a good job with the side girl plot.

 

[Ilov80s]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

uh - if you are on an island and want to get the female natives restless, Top Gun would be an excellent choice

Might get the male natives restless as well

 

[JAA]

yeah... it's been an obvious ongoing- bordering on pointless- debate that seems separate from the lists these guys made. because of that, my question to Todem was specifically about Fanny etc for him.

but I think it's great that people looking for nostalgia only might be open to some other great films they might have missed that were adult-geared, rather than kid/family from their childhood. less great that some want to dismiss these great films because they don't fit a very narrow view of what a movie- or list of movies- should be.

Yeah...that film does not strike me as an “80’s” film. But I get it. I am just poking and having some fun with it to be honest.

It’s all subjective.

And no Karma.....I fully did not expect The Last Starfighter to be in the top 101 LOL!!!!

But there is a great Sci-Fi gem that is a film that to me get’s no credit and my hint is it starred Dennis Quaid and Louis Goesset Jr. I have a soft spot for that little sci-fi movie that could. Would it be in my top 100? Debatable.....there are a bunch of Sci Fi cheesy gems in the 80’s (Battle Beyond The Stars and Flash Gordon anyone?)

SPOILER ALERT!!

 

[JAA]

The barbershop scene from Coming to America is comedy gold.

Correct me if Im wrong, but wasnt this the first major motion picture which included main actors playing lots of different roles? Im sure there are some obscure ones, but this is the only one I remember.

lol no.

Go on

 

[otb_lifer]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

uh - if you are on an island and want to get the female natives restless, Top Gun would be an excellent choice

Might get the male natives restless as well

ya know?

 

[JAA]

#31: BROADCAST NEWS

80s' #3 pick. It's one I was wanting to watch before I finalized my list, but the library copy I got was jacked up. As I said last night, it's one of the 5 I am going to get to.

Oh cmon

Not a bad movie, but 31? Jeez, here we go again.



I mean, if you told me it was your #60, or maybe even #50 fine. But #30? Ahead all of these other comedies? This is just silly.

I have seen this movie one time and have ZERO desire to see it again. Someone tell me why anyone should watch this movie more than 1 time?!?!?

It was my 3 for the decade.

What is so great about it? Compelling storyline? Compelling characters? Period piece? What is the draw?

 

[JAA]

#29: FANNY AND ALEXANDER

80s' #78, and my #23. Here's where I probably take triple crap because this is a movie I just watched in the last month for the first time. Along with the 3 "homework" movies that I was tasked with watching before doing this 80s countdown , before doing my list I wanted to get through my Bergman autobiography I was reading and get to this one because I knew it was semi-autobiographical. This was the clue I was hinting at that is my new obsession - I watched a handful of Bergman last fall and got hooked, and ending up really digging them all and wanting to dive in more. Since then I got the book (I usually have a movie related book I'm reading), listened to a few pods, bought the Criterion 39 disc set, and dove in head first.

Obviously I dug this movie as well and instantly loved it (yes, I watched the 312 minute cut), but I will also fully admit this was the movie that most got the "desert island" bump, because it would be one of the first I'd want to tackle again and keep digging into. There are other movies that got a similar treatment on my countdowns, being ones I just saw for the for first time as reasearch for this and ended up loving and would want to take to an island with me.

How many sittings to get through the 312 minute cut?

Never heard of the movie. How is that possible for someone who spent hours at Blockbuster looking for good movies?

Several, it was released as a tv miniseries for that extended format.

So Anne of Green Gables should be considered? Maybe The Lion Witch Wardrobe?

I sure hope David Lynch gets some love, that would be devastating to @shuke

 

[JAA]

I'm going to take JAA's naive hyperbole as danny-noonanesque schtick to enjoy it more.

Are you new here?

 

[JAA]

For those After Hours fans and haters. Criterion just announced they are releasing it on blu ray

Link

Do people really have Blue Ray players?

 

[Ilov80s]

What is so great about it? Compelling storyline? Compelling characters? Period piece? What is the draw?

I don’t think it was a period piece. Loved the characters and story. It’s funny, romantic, cynical and a great commentary on the failings of modern journalism. It’s pretty much perfect.

 

[Ilov80s]

For those After Hours fans and haters. Criterion just announced they are releasing it on blu ray

Link

Do people really have Blue Ray players?

Yep, I have probably 400 of them.

ETA: blu rays, not blu ray players lol

 

[JAA]

What is so great about it? Compelling storyline? Compelling characters? Period piece? What is the draw?

I don’t think it was a period piece. Loved the characters and story. It’s funny, romantic, cynical and a great commentary on the failings of modern journalism. It’s pretty much perfect.

You want funny romantic comedy (with some actor spillover) Rob Reiner got you, in the 80s, with a much better flick. Better plot, better dialogue IMHO. Yes, yes, YES!!

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Just KP and I chat movies a lot both on here and in text messages. We wanted to have a thread to generate some focused movie talk. So we both made a list of the 100 films we consider the best movies of the 80s. This is a combined ranking. So it’s just purely our subjective preferences. Oscars, box office, RT, IMDb didn’t factor at all.

And this is what makes the thread fun......because there are some off the wall picks here!!!! LOL!!!

are you saying Fanny & Alexander is off the wall?

just curious. it's widely considered a top "film" of the 80s. but yeah... defintely not an "80s" film

I think some people aren’t taking the list for what it is - most are just looking for a more generic “80s Nostalgia” movie list. Both approaches are fine but some are conflating the two.

Yeah, it's gotten a bit ridiculous with the "only movies that celebrate my youth" stuff.

I have a soft spot for stuff like The Last Starfighter as well, but come on.

We both chose a balanced approach, but to be fair if I went all "80s movies", people would still have issues because I don't click with the early comedies and Raiders still wouldn't have been on my list, so

Would be borderline 101.

What was the first "arcade game" movie? I mean, imagine a video game being a test for becoming an intergalactic starfighter? Excellent plot. I also think they did a good job with the side girl plot.

Another movie beat that one by 2 years. Probably not spotlighting at this point, but don't want to risk it, dude.

 

[JAA]

For those After Hours fans and haters. Criterion just announced they are releasing it on blu ray

Link

Do people really have Blue Ray players?

Yep, I have probably 400 of them.

ETA: blu rays, not blu ray players lol

Interesting. Clearly your love of the cinematic experience is higher than mine. I much prefer to be able to rent (and stream) than own. I used to own a lot of VHS, but technology moves too fast.

 

[otb_lifer]

I sure hope David Lynch gets some love, that would be devastating to @shuke

oh, he better have at least ONE more up on here, or there are gonna be one very pissed off neighbor ...

 

[JAA]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Just KP and I chat movies a lot both on here and in text messages. We wanted to have a thread to generate some focused movie talk. So we both made a list of the 100 films we consider the best movies of the 80s. This is a combined ranking. So it’s just purely our subjective preferences. Oscars, box office, RT, IMDb didn’t factor at all.

And this is what makes the thread fun......because there are some off the wall picks here!!!! LOL!!!

are you saying Fanny & Alexander is off the wall?

just curious. it's widely considered a top "film" of the 80s. but yeah... defintely not an "80s" film

I think some people aren’t taking the list for what it is - most are just looking for a more generic “80s Nostalgia” movie list. Both approaches are fine but some are conflating the two.

Yeah, it's gotten a bit ridiculous with the "only movies that celebrate my youth" stuff.

I have a soft spot for stuff like The Last Starfighter as well, but come on.

We both chose a balanced approach, but to be fair if I went all "80s movies", people would still have issues because I don't click with the early comedies and Raiders still wouldn't have been on my list, so

Would be borderline 101.

What was the first "arcade game" movie? I mean, imagine a video game being a test for becoming an intergalactic starfighter? Excellent plot. I also think they did a good job with the side girl plot.

Another movie beat that one by 2 years. Probably not spotlighting at this point, but don't want to risk it, dude.

Well, as a kid I LOVED Cloak and Dagger, though Im speculating you are thinking more disc than dagger. Im not sure I would put disc in the same category as Starfighter. I think disc was more than Starfighter. It also tried super hard on special effects.

 

[JAA]

I sure hope David Lynch gets some love, that would be devastating to @shuke

oh, he better have at least ONE more up on here, or there are gonna be one very pissed off neighbor ...

Not his neo-noir!!1!!11!! ... unless I missed the reference

 

[JAA]

 

[otb_lifer]

I sure hope David Lynch gets some love, that would be devastating to @shuke

oh, he better have at least ONE more up on here, or there are gonna be one very pissed off neighbor ...

Not his neo-noir!!1!!11!! ... unless I missed the reference

oh, it be more NEO than Reeves, and more NOIR than Howell in "Soul Man"

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Just KP and I chat movies a lot both on here and in text messages. We wanted to have a thread to generate some focused movie talk. So we both made a list of the 100 films we consider the best movies of the 80s. This is a combined ranking. So it’s just purely our subjective preferences. Oscars, box office, RT, IMDb didn’t factor at all.

And this is what makes the thread fun......because there are some off the wall picks here!!!! LOL!!!

are you saying Fanny & Alexander is off the wall?

just curious. it's widely considered a top "film" of the 80s. but yeah... defintely not an "80s" film

I think some people aren’t taking the list for what it is - most are just looking for a more generic “80s Nostalgia” movie list. Both approaches are fine but some are conflating the two.

Yeah, it's gotten a bit ridiculous with the "only movies that celebrate my youth" stuff.

I have a soft spot for stuff like The Last Starfighter as well, but come on.

We both chose a balanced approach, but to be fair if I went all "80s movies", people would still have issues because I don't click with the early comedies and Raiders still wouldn't have been on my list, so

Would be borderline 101.

What was the first "arcade game" movie? I mean, imagine a video game being a test for becoming an intergalactic starfighter? Excellent plot. I also think they did a good job with the side girl plot.

Another movie beat that one by 2 years. Probably not spotlighting at this point, but don't want to risk it, dude.

Well, as a kid I LOVED Cloak and Dagger, though Im speculating you are thinking more disc than dagger. Im not sure I would put disc in the same category as Starfighter. I think disc was more than Starfighter. It also tried super hard on special effects.

The premises and settings were different so it wasn't an apples to apples comparison. Never thought of the former as 'artsy' per se, though it was a little more highbrow than the latter. I loved both and thought they would make a great double-feature.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

all my friends loved/love Heathers. I can't remember what didn't work for me, but it didn't work for me and I found it meh to ok at best. caveat- haven't seen it since it came out in the theaters

Christian Slater's entire performance?

This was going to be my guess as well.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

I’ve not seen either. Allergic to Tom Cruise and jingoism.

 

[JAA]

F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5

 

[Manster]

Heathers, and Coming to America.....two of my 80's faves

 

[Manster]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

I’ve not seen either. Allergic to Tom Cruise and jingoism.

So you've never ventured.......right into the danger zone then?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I guess I'm on an island not caring about either Top Gun movies and their cheesiness.

I’ve not seen either. Allergic to Tom Cruise and jingoism.

So you've never ventured.......right into the danger zone then?

Nope. I only court danger when I take a kicker before the last round.

 

[JAA]

Watched the trailer for Heathers. Ive seen bits and pieces I think and each time I couldnt find the attraction. My words to describe would be dark satire. Not for me.

Ill go on and make an observation that a number of movies in this list, for better or worse, seem to pump up satire. As far as a movie genre goes, its not my thing. Not only that, I dont think the 80s was a satire era. Sure, Im positive there will be a fairy tale satire in the remaining movies, but cmon ... that wasnt the 80s. The 70s, sure. But the 80s was glam, action packed, adventure or teen clique hilarity.

 

[BlackCrowes]

What is so great about it? Compelling storyline? Compelling characters? Period piece? What is the draw?

I don’t think it was a period piece. Loved the characters and story. It’s funny, romantic, cynical and a great commentary on the failings of modern journalism. It’s pretty much perfect.

its a fantastic movie. great writing

 

[Mummy4]

just saw this from the "Top 101 Movies From the 90s"

• Mar 11, 2022

• #1,958

So @KarmaPolice, why the heck was Toy Story left off the list? I mean what the hell man.

wikkidpissah

he already explained - documentaries were ineligible


...really miss that guy

 

[JAA]

Up for debate - no judgment:

Is this list more:

• Movies from the genres I like best from the 80s
• Great 80s movies regardless of genre

Again, no judgement, I'm inclined to believe these picks are more inline with preferred movie styles than the period

 

[Ilov80s]

Up for debate - no judgment:

Is this list more:

• Movies from the genres I like best from the 80s
• Great 80s movies regardless of genre

Again, no judgement, I'm inclined to believe these picks are more inline with preferred movie styles than the period

Pretty simple for me: the movies released in the 1980s that I think are the best and I like the most. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Please excuse my ignorance, as I don't venture into these threads too often. However, '80's film rankings are irresistible to me.

What criteria are being used for the rankings? IMDB rankings? Rotten Tomatoes? Personal taste? I understand it can't be straight critic reviews/Oscar nominations/etc.(Otherwise one of my favorite movies of all time 'Better off Dead' wouldn't have made the list(barely)).

I will withhold my pitchfork for the time being, as the list isn't finished yet. I will say, though, that I am getting ready to sharpen it....

Just KP and I chat movies a lot both on here and in text messages. We wanted to have a thread to generate some focused movie talk. So we both made a list of the 100 films we consider the best movies of the 80s. This is a combined ranking. So it’s just purely our subjective preferences. Oscars, box office, RT, IMDb didn’t factor at all.

And this is what makes the thread fun......because there are some off the wall picks here!!!! LOL!!!

are you saying Fanny & Alexander is off the wall?

just curious. it's widely considered a top "film" of the 80s. but yeah... defintely not an "80s" film

I think some people aren’t taking the list for what it is - most are just looking for a more generic “80s Nostalgia” movie list. Both approaches are fine but some are conflating the two.

Yeah, it's gotten a bit ridiculous with the "only movies that celebrate my youth" stuff.

I have a soft spot for stuff like The Last Starfighter as well, but come on.

We both chose a balanced approach, but to be fair if I went all "80s movies", people would still have issues because I don't click with the early comedies and Raiders still wouldn't have been on my list, so

Would be borderline 101.

What was the first "arcade game" movie? I mean, imagine a video game being a test for becoming an intergalactic starfighter? Excellent plot. I also think they did a good job with the side girl plot.

I don't know. When was that dumb one that was basically a Nintendo Powerglove commercial?