21 Iconic Movies Of The ’80s To Rewatch Now

The 80s era was an extraordinary time for cinema. The moment you take some time to look at the most popular films ever made, you’ll find names from the 80s. The films made in the 1980s are the perfect blend of critical appreciation and box office success. Be it action-packed gems like Top Gun or the visionary masterpiece Do the Right Thing.

The box office heroes of the 80s include films like E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial that emerged as the highest-grossing film of the decade. With the revolutionary change in Hollywood came big names like Spike Lee, Amy Heckerling, and Steven Spielberg. Classic actors of the 80s are popular even today, like Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, and Eddie Murphy.

Greatest 80s Films to Rewatch Today

The iconic 80s films were not confined to just one genre. You can find horror, action, romance, comedy, and even science fiction. The films will surely make you laugh, cry, feel awe, and even bring you to the edge of your seat. These binge-worthy ’80s films have churned a creative bonanza. So we’ve curated a thoughtful list of iconic 80s films that should be in your must-watch list.

21. Glory (1989)

A film with an all-star cast is bound to be a hit. The star-studded cast includes Morgan Freeman, Andre Braugher, and Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar. Glory follows the story of the Civil War and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. It also follows the first all-Black U.S. regiment when a White colonel takes over. The Edward Zwick-directed R-rated film was a massive success.

The movie, which included fictional characters but was based on genuine events, made Washington an A-list actor. Glory is available on Sling, Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

20. Blade Runner (1982)

Set in a dystopian “future” Los Angeles in 2019, this science fiction movie launched the well-known Blade Runner franchise. In the movie, a business creates artificial people, or “replicants,” to labor in space colonies. When a renegade crew of replicants comes to Earth, they are viewed with suspicion and terror. To “retire” the wayward replicants and make them no longer a threat to actual people, a police team of “blade runners” tracks them down.

Blade Runner is still considered one of the kind films when discussed among cinephiles. The film is available on Apple TV+, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video.

19. Ghostbusters (1984)

The iconic cinematic masterpiece has its fair share of sequels and reboots. One was even released in spring 2024, but nothing compares to the original. The spirit-inducing crew of Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson made headlines. The Ivan Reitman PG-rated film still lives on in pop culture.

At the time of its release as well the film got good reviews and has only become popular. You can watch Ghostbusters on Sling, Fubo, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu.

P.S.: We’re sure no Halloween is complete without a bunch of kids dressing up as Ghostbusters.

18. Back to the Future (1985)

The Robert Zemeckis-directed time travel film Back to the Future is nothing short of excellence. The film was not only the highest-grossing film of 1985 but also created a cultural phenomenon.

Teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported back in time to 1955 by a time-traveling DeLorean in this landmark film from the 1980s. The course of Marty’s future changes when he meets his young parents. How is Marty going to make amends for the past, return to 1985, and then erase his future self?

The film is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV+

17. The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride, a fantasy-adventure movie with elements of comedy and fairy tale, was directed by Rob Reiner. A handsome, brave farmhand named Westley sets out on a mission to save Princess Buttercup, his one true love, from the evil Prince Humperdinck. She’s been unwillingly betrothed to the evil prince, in this legendary classic.

The classic does follow a “damsel in distress” trope. But the comic timing, the picturesque visuals, and the cute pair make it a perfect watch even today. You can watch this romantic film on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Netflix.

16. Die Hard (1988)

While visiting his separated wife and children on Christmas, New York City police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) receives an unexpected task. He must defend a high-rise against terrorists commanded by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). The R-rated film Die Hard, directed by John McTiernan, combines romance, action, and a little humor.

“Yippe-ki-yay, mother——-,” the most-quoted line, has grown to become one of the most recognizable catchphrases in movies. You can watch Die Hard on Hulu, YouTube, Roku Channel, Philo, Sling, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu.

15. Field of Dreams (1989)

Field of Dreams, directed by Phil Alden Robinson, is a film about religion, but the religion is baseball. The film is a fantasy, and you are drawn into it. What makes the film a must-watch is its guts to take the flight of imagination.

In this paranormal story, Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, a farmer, hears a voice in his cornfield that says, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray constructs a baseball field to draw the spirits of some of the best players in history in response to this and other mysterious orders. He makes amends with his late father, a baseball enthusiast, in the process.

You can watch this heartwarming film on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

14. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

This R-rated movie is a tribute to fans of Modern Family, The Office, and other modern mockumentaries. Starring Rob Reiner (who also directed), Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean (who contributed to the screenplay), the fictional documentary centers on a once-popular metal band that is attempting to regain its footing.

With a 96% fresh rating, it is still among the top films on Rotten Tomatoes, and the most well-known remark, “These go to 11,” is still cited. This is Spinal Tap is available on Philo and Sling.

13. Poltergeist (1982)

When talking about the 80s, how could we possibly forget the iconic horror films? Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper, definitely reigned over the genre. A simple spooky story of a family staying in a haunted house, a classic trope. What makes the film unique is the way the spirits communicate with the family through a TV.

Poltergeist stars JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson as concerned parents who then turn to an exorcist to help them. The PG-rated film received good reviews and has an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating. You can watch Poltergeist on YouTube, Apple TV+, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies & TV.

Unfortunately, the tragic deaths of 12-year-old Heather O’Rourke and 22-year-old Dominique Dunne still stay with us.

12. Lean On Me (1989)

Five-time Academy Award nominee Morgan Freeman turned up one of the great performances in 1989, one in Lean On Me, where he played a tough-as-nails principal brought in to crack down on drugs and fighting in a poor New Jersey school. An actual story served as the basis for the PG-13 movie.

John G. Avildsen directed the movie, which earned decent reviews and has been a mainstay on basic cable in the decades since. You can watch Lean On Me on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu.

11. Big (1988)

The legendary version of “Chopsticks” on Big’s gigantic F.A.O. Schwarz piano is just one of the great moments of the film. This PG-rated film is about a 12-year-old boy whose yearning to become “big” turns him into a 30-year-old man. This comedy appeals to both parents and children because of Hanks’ exceptional acting and perceptive observations on adulthood.

Big, which was directed by Penny Marshall, was widely praised by critics and was nominated for an Academy Award for Hanks. Disney+, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu are all places to watch Big.

10. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

Not all alien films are serious, and about aliens taking over the Earth. Some aliens are adorable, vulnerable, and friends with humans. Yes, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is not your regular science fiction film.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a classic science fiction film by Steven Spielberg, is about a friendly alien who is stuck on Earth. In the movie, a little boy and his siblings make friends with E.T. and try to bring him home while evading the government’s pursuing operatives.

E.T. is a well-known and adored American cultural icon that is full of adventure, fun, and touching moments. You can watch the classic movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on Amazon Prime Video. It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Google Play.

9. Coming to America (1988)

In Coming to America, Eddie Murphy, one of the most popular comedic talents of the 1980s, plays an African prince who travels to America. He starts his journey with Arsenio Hall as his sidekick to avoid an arranged marriage and discover love on his own. The film shines because of Murphy and Hall’s relationship (they both portray different characters).

Because of the film’s continued popularity, Amazon Prime Video produced a sequel in 2021. Coming to America is available on Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling.

8. The Color Purple (1985)

An adaptation of Alice Walker’s classic novel with the same name hits the right chords. The Color Purple is melancholic, impactful, and is considered an epic period drama. The film includes one of Whoopi Goldberg’s greatest performances to date. She portrays Celie, a young lady who seeks comfort in her friendship with singer Shug (Margaret Avery) after being married off to an abusive husband (Danny Glover).

The PG-13 movie had an Oprah Winfrey cameo. Goldberg was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. The film, which had excellent reviews, is available on Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Max, and Amazon Prime Video.

7. Batman (1989)

Batman, another Burton film that may have been the catalyst for the current superhero obsession. The film has a quirky lead character (Michael Keaton’s subtle portrayal of Bruce Wayne) who fights the evil Joker (a great Jack Nicholson) for control of Gotham. The film, which starred Kim Basinger, received a Golden Globe nomination as well.

The movie inspired numerous sequels and reboots. Batman is available on Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Sling, and Tubi.

6. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

A slow-blooming romance between Ryan’s Sally and Billy Crystal’s Harry, who had a long-running argument about whether a man and a woman can be platonic friends. A debate, which is ultimately undone by their own experience, holds the premise of When Harry Met Sally. The reason Meg Ryan became queen of the rom-com is partly because of this R-rated movie. The Golden Globe-nominated film was directed by Rob Reiner.

After Sally pretends to have an orgasm in a diner, the woman sitting next to her jokes to the waitress, “I’ll have what she’s having.” A dialogue that is one of the most famous quotes from the 1980s. When Harry Met Sally is available on Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

5. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

One of the decade’s hallmark comedies is another Murphy movie, in which he portrays a brazen investigator, Axel Foley. The character was inspired by the well-known song Axel F. The R-rated film tracks Foley’s quest to discover his best friend’s killer. The film is directed by Martin Brest and stars Lisa Eilbacher, John Ashton, and Judge Reinhold.

One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is Murphy’s famous laugh, which garnered a 2024 sequel. Netflix, Sling, Paramount+, Hulu, Fubo, Roku Channel, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu are all places to watch Beverly Hills Cop.

4. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s book opened to mixed reactions, but since its debut, the film has emerged as a classic. The film The Shining is deranged and dense, giving birth to thousands of conspiracy theories. Jack Torrance and his wife, Wendy, are responsible for taking care of the haunted Overlook Hotel.

Jack soon begins to lose his mind over eerie events, ghost encounters, and terrifying corridors. The real star of the film is, however, the Overlook Hotel. The hotel is filled with terror peeping from every corner, like the elevator, the spooky twins, and the dead guest. Every frame of the film is a visual treat, almost suffocating to watch.

3. Top Gun (1986)

Tom Cruise’s character Maverick in Top Gun is brash and enjoys breaking the rules, which is true to his name. Iceman (Val Kilmer), who is difficult to frighten and even more difficult to defeat in the air, is his opponent. In Tony Scott’s PG picture, they compete for air dominance at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, or simply “Top Gun.”

Except for the action sequences, the well-liked film didn’t impress critics when it first came out. But it has since gained popularity and a highly anticipated sequel in 2022. You can watch Top Gun on Pluto TV, YouTube, Sling, Paramount+, Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu.

2. The Goonies (1985)

To preserve their neighborhood, a group of misfits (played by Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Quan, and other well-known performers from the 1980s) set out to unearth a pirate’s hidden treasure. This film embodies the underdog narrative that so many people adore. The PG-rated, family-friendly movie, which was directed by Richard Donner, received positive reviews when it was first released.

The Goonies went on to become a cult favorite, and although no film has been made, there have been online whispers about a sequel for years. The film The Goonies is available on Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sling, and Tubi.

1. The Breakfast Club (1985)

“A criminal, a princess, a basket case, an athlete, and a brain.” The Breakfast Club told its story and distinctively introduced its characters. It investigates what occurs when five different students spend a Saturday afternoon lowering their barriers and becoming more open.

Among the numerous John Hughes productions to get praise in the 1980s was the R-rated film, which starred “Brat Packers” Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Ally Sheedy. You can watch The Breakfast Club on Hulu, YouTube, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV+, and Vudu.