10 Best Movies Of 1980 & How To Watch

Taking a look back in time at the best movies of 1980.

Ahh the 80s, you had to be there.

But, if you weren’t, you don’t have to miss out, because we’re giving you all the throwback feels with the top movies 1980 gave us. In a year when the Rubik’s Cube made its debut and Blondie’s ‘Call Me’ topped the charts, find out what all the cool kids were watching….

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Strap yourselves in for 124 minutes of action-adventure in this masterpiece, still revered to this day. In this Star Wars sequel, Mark Hamill comes into his own as Luke Skywalker. When the Rebels are overpowered by the Imperial forces on planet Hoth, Skywalker commences Jedi training with Yoda in preparation for a duel with the dark side. 

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure
• Cast: Mark Hammill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford

IMDb: 8.7/10

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2. The Shining

The movie that would coin a thousand ‘Here’s Johnny’ memes. Jack Nicholson plays Jack Torrance, a writer-turned caretaker of The Overlook Hotel, who moves in whilst trying to cure a case of writer’s block. We see his son Danny –besieged with disturbing psychic premonitions as the true darkness of the hotel’s hidden secrets come to light.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it’s widely viewed as one of the best 80s movies and greatest horror films of all time.

• Classification: MA15+
• Genre: Horror
• Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd

IMDb: 8.4/10

3. Raging Bull

This multi-award-winning biopic is delivered beautifully by Martin Scorsese, as we follow the life of boxer Jack LaMotta (Robert de Niro) as he emerges into the ring for the middleweight title. Set against a backdrop of his troubled personality, violent outbursts and romance with a girl from the Bronx, we see the rise and demise of this legendary athlete, that once had it all.

• Classification: MA15+
• Genre: Sport/Drama
• Cast: Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Cathy Moriarty

IMDb: 8.2/10

4. The Blues Brothers

Everybody needs somebody… cue Dan Aykroyd,  John Candy, and John Belushi – all the greats! Blues Brothers Jake and Elwood reform their band, after a stint in prison in order to raise money to prevent their childhood orphanage from going under. Up against time, mayhem ensues.

• Classification: M
• Genre: Musical/Comedy
• Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Aretha Franklin

IMDb: 7.9/10

5. Airplane

Full of slapstick humour that only Leslie Nielsen can deliver with such aplomb. Airplane centers around a man who must overcome his fear of flying at the worst possible time – when he lands a plane to safety after the pilots fall sick.

• Classification: M
• Genre: Comedy
• Cast: Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty

IMDb: 7.7/10

6. Caddyshack

Of course, Chevy Chase had to feature in our top 80s movies! In this golf-themed caper, Ty Webb (Chase) is a golfing guru of TV fame set to a backdrop of an up-and-coming caddy who tries to gain votes for a college scholarship. It’s funnier than it sounds, promise!

• Classification: M
• Genre: Comedy
• Cast: Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield

IMDb: 7.3/10

7. Nine to Five

In a movie that wouldn’t be out of place in the wake of #metoo, Nine to Five features icons Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda team up in this original chick-flick comedy. When three downtrodden female employees tire of a sexist bigoted boss, they find a way to right the wrongs. It has early girl power written all over it, and a pretty awesome soundtrack to boot.

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Comedy
• Cast: Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda

IMDb: 6.9/10

8. Superman II

Perhaps it’s coincidental that yet another one of the best 80s movies happens to again be a sequel. Grossing $108.19million in the box office, Christopher Reeve reprises his role as the infamous superhero. This time, just as he’s about to give it all up for love (Lois Lane), he is forced to make a difficult decision in order to protect planet earth against Kyrptonian criminals.

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Action/Sci-Fi
• Cast: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp

IMDb: 6.8/10

9. Stir Crazy

80s comedy duo Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor feature in this crime-caper-comedy directed by Sidney Poitier. When the duo is stitched up for a crime they didn’t commit, they hatch a foolproof plan to escape prison, stumbling across some hidden talents they never realised they had! 

• Classification: M
• Genre: Comedy
• Cast: Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Erland van Lidth

IMDb: 6.8/10

10. Smokey and the Bandit II

Smokey and the Bandit might just be Burt Reynolds at his best. In this follow up hit, Bandit has fallen on hard times. That is until he’s recruited to help move a pregnant elephant to a Republican convention in Texas. But with rival Sheriff Buford foiling a plan to undo his good work, anything could happen on the road…

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Comedy/Action
• Cast: Jerry Reed, Sally Field, Burt Reynolds

IMDb: 5.3/10

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