A Filmmaker's Guide to the 10 Greatest Films of the 1980s

The 80s was an incredible decade for film, not only was there new and inventive cinematic techniques being developed, but there were also an incredible amount of really, really good and entertaining movies. My opinion though, may be very different from yours and so, we may not have the same views when we talk about what the greatest films of the 80s as a decade were. What we are going to look at is what I rate as the ten best films of that decade and why I rate them so. So, without a further introduction, I'd like to give you my top ten films of the 1980s and why I feel like they are contenders for the list.

10. Poltergeist

This film changed the face of horror/thriller cinema forever. It was one of those films where even if you haven't watched it, you know what happens. A cultural phenomenon, Poltergeist (1982) has been repeated and repeated by many films from a remake to films that used this as inspiration. It truly was a landmark in horror cinema and is an incredibly entertaining experience of a film. The reason it is on this list is because with this much service to horror cinema, it becomes very hard to ignore Poltergeist (1982).

9. Platoon

One of the greatest movies of the 1980s has to be Platoon. From its Best Picture win, to the fact it is directed by Oliver Stone - this is hands down one of the best war films ever made. Starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Johnny Depp and so many more, the film's line-up and its perfect cinematography are great cases to say that this may as well be the best war film of the 80s.

8. The Blues Brothers

Changing the face of comedy film is The Blues Brothers, a film in which incorporating song, jokes, different genres and a range of different filmmaking styles is absolutely necessary and seems essential to ground the film's cultural importance for the rest of cinema history. The Blues Brothers is also one of those films that you can watch over and over again and you'll never become bored or tired of the humour. It is a great, great film and so, it appears on this list.

7. Batman

How could you have a list of the best movies of the 80s and not have Batman (1989)? Well, you couldn't. It wouldn't be a list. It would be a mess. Batman (1989) was a landmark of comic book cinema, it showed the world that not only could you adapt novels to film, you could also adapt graphic novels to film as well - and very well too. (Such as the 1966 movie was done well, but not well for the 80s). Every era of cinema now seems to have its own Batman/Joker film. If you're from my generation it was Bale/Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008). Batman (1989) made the list because of its cultural significance, in the most obvious of ways!

6. Stand By Me

Stand by Me redefined the coming of age film and made teens everywhere actually want to go to the movies to see not a teen rom-com, but this intelligent drama surrounded by people of their own age group dealing with things they saw, thought and knew. It is a really bloody good film and has some incredibly deep themes that teenagers everywhere would've understood living in the age and time that they did. On this list is a film that touched the hearts of people all over the world - Stand by Me is an instant and absolute classic.

5. Raging Bull

Possibly Robert De Niro's greatest performance on screen, Raging Bull is a film loved by many many people who have loved cinema and its history throughout the years. Sometimes cited as one of the greatest movies ever made, it is a classic that has great potential to be a blindingly great film in which you can immerse yourself over and over again. An experience, a psychodrama, a historical film, a powerful story and filmmaking techniques of the likes you have never seen before, Raging Bull is one incredible film that will never, ever die.

4. The Empire Strikes Back

This film just has to be on the list and really, it was between this and The Return of the Jedi - it had to be this one though. ESB is one of the greatest films of the Star Wars franchise and really, if you take a good look at the filmmaking, it is one of those revolutionary films in which you will never really see that much innovation ever again. It's a visually stunning experience and that is why it makes it on to my list.

3. My Left Foot

This is one of the greatest biopics ever made, don't argue with me on that because you're wrong. Redefining a genre is difficult when there's already so much in that genre, but when you've got the talented and gorgeous Daniel Day-Lewis, it becomes easier since he does such an amazing job. This film is just one of those where the first time you watch it, if you don't cry then you have no heart whatsoever. Seriously, it's just such a sweet and sad film. I love it so much and it has to be my personal favourite on this list.

2. The Shining

What would a list be without The Shining? Best horror film list, best movies of the 80s, greatest Kubrick films, best performances by Jack Nicholson, greatest cinematic experiences and even best opening scene and best orchestral soundtrack. Those are only a few of the lists that The Shining could top. This film is one of the greatest pieces of cinema to date and so, it being a part of the greatest films of the 80s is really no big deal, is it?

Films that Didn't Make the List by Just a Tiny Bit!

Top Gun

The Breakfast Club

An American Werewolf in London

The Goonies

Scarface

1. E.T: The Extra Terrestrial

This is quite possibly one of the most visually stunning films ever made. E.T. is a classic of children's cinema, a filmmaking masterpiece, a musical piece of brilliance (thank you Michael Jackson) and an incredibly entertaining feat of cinema. It isn't only one of those films you can watch over and over again - but it is also that kind of film in which the word "timeless" pops to mind. It is a true classic of 80s cinema and we have not seen anything like it ever since.