Taking a look back at the best movies in 1982.
In a year of cinematic greats, E.T became a household name, Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver sizzled on screen, and Blade Runner gave us a glimpse of a cyberpunk future.
But that’s not all. Let’s take a walk down memory lane, and relive the best movies of 1982.
1. Blade Runner
Cult 80s films don’t get bigger than Ridley Scott’s iconic Blade Runner. Transcending generations and genres, the famous movie paints a picture of a dystopian future. Far from being one of the top box office movies of 1982, it was light years ahead of its time, and much like a good wine has matured over the years… or perhaps, audiences have.
Either way, Harrison Ford offers a flawless performance as Deckard, the Blade Runner cop, who must conquer replicants who have returned to earth.
IMDb: 8.1/10
- Classification: M
- Genre: Sci-Fi
- Cast: Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer and more
Stream Now On Apple TV
2. The Thing
Shape-shifting aliens were all the rage in the 80s and The Thing brings the intensity and tension of this to life all too well.
When a group of researchers visit the Antarctic, they encounter an other-worldly creature that makes them question everything – including each other. With groundbreaking special effects and a rousing soundtrack, this sci-fi horror deserves its title as a cinematic masterpiece.
IMDb: 8.1/1
- Classification: MA15+
- Genre: Horror
- Cast: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley and more
Stream Now On Stan
3. Gandhi
One of the top box office movies in 1982, director Richard Attenborough tells the important life of Mohandas Gandhi.
With a standout performance from Ben Kingsley in the starring role, this biopic shares the incredible story of a lawyer from India, who goes on to bring about change through peaceful protests. This is set at the time when British rule threatened the independence of the country.
IMDb: 8/10
- Classification: PG
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Roshan Seth and more
Stream Now On Netflix
4. E.T the Extra-Terrestrial
One of Steven Spielberg’s most famous and most-loved productions also happens to be one of the highest-grossing movies of 1982.
E.T tells the story of an alien who is left behind on planet Earth by his family. Befriended by a boy called Elliot and adopted into their household, the children (including a young Drew Barrymore), go to great lengths to disguise his identity and keep their secret friend under wraps.
But when the government comes hunting, the family has to make some difficult decisions. If you’re not crying at the end of it, who even are you!
IMDb: 7.8/10
- Classification: PG
- Genre: Family
- Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace and more
Stream Now On Stan
5. The King of Comedy
Satire at its eighties best, Rupert Pumpkin (Robert De Niro) is going nowhere, with delusions of grandeur as a famous comedian.
Things take a dark turn when he encounters talk show king Jerry Langford. In his own words: “Better to be king for a night, than schmuck for a lifetime.”
IMDb: 7.8/10
- Classification: PG
- Genre: Crime
- Cast: Martin Scorsese, Jerry Lewis, Rober De Niro and more
Stream Now On Apple TV
6. Sophie’s Choice
Based on the novel of the same name, Meryl-Streep gives an Oscar-winning performance as Sophie – a Nazi concentration camp survivor.
She soon finds solace and romance with an American Jew, however, he turns out to be obsessed with the holocaust. Haunted by her past, Sophie’s future happiness is a stake.
IMDb: 7.6/10
- Classification: M
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol and more
Stream Now On Amazon
7. Tootsie
Frequently popping up in the top 100 movies of 1982, Tootsie is a film that stands the test of time.
Michael Dorsey (beautifully played by Dustin Hoffman) is a jobbing actor struggling to find work. That is until he reinvents himself as Tootsie – an actress. But when Michael falls for his co-worker Julie (the incredible Jessica Lange), it could all unravel.
IMDb: 7.4/10
- Classification: M
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Sydney Pollack and more
Stream Now On Apple TV
8. The Year of Living Dangerously
Guy Hamilton (Mel Gibson) is a journalist on location in Indonesia when he meets and falls in love with British ambassador Jill Bryant (Sigourney Weaver).
The love affair is set to a backdrop of political unrest at the time of President Sukarano’s demise in the mid-sixties. Aside from the dramatic storyline, the chemistry between Gibson and Weaver is palpable.
IMDb: 7.1/10
- Classification: M
- Genre: Romance
- Cast: Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt and more
Stream Now On Apple TV
9. 48 hrs.
Strap yourself in for a lively ride, as ambitious cop, Jack (Nick Nolte), lets convict Reggie (Eddie Murphy) out of jail for a 48hour furlough, in order to help him capture his former partner in crime.
Mayhem ensues and pressure mounts in this action-packed comedy performance.
IMDb: 6.9/10
- Classification: MA15+
- Genre: Action/Comedy
- Cast: Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Brion James and more
Stream Now On Apple TV
10. The Border
Charlie Smith (Jack Nicholson) is a corrupt border patrol agent, who has pulled into smuggling illegal immigrants across the Mexican border.
When one of them loses her newborn baby to the system, Smith reforms his behaviour in an attempt to right his wrongs.
IMDb: 6.4/10
- Classification: M
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Warren Oates and more
Stream Now On Apple TV