The best movies of 1988 had something for everyone
It was a mega year for film in 1988, coining iconic pictures that we still talk about to this day.
Eddie Murphy as the Prince in Coming to America, Dustin Hoffman’s incredible performance in Rain Man, and didn’t we all just wish we could have been BIG when we were young.
Though the movie that deserves the biggest hat tip for best movie of 1988 would have to go to Die Hard – easily the best action/Christmas movie of all time.
There’s a movie for every vibe going, so without further ado, let’s check out the top movies 1988 gave the world.
Die Hard
Immortalised as John McClane, Bruce Willis is the double-hard NYPD officer that spawned the multi-million Die Hard franchise.
With catchy one-liners (‘Yippee-ki-yay, mother*cker’), epic visual effects and explosions, it’s full of action, drama and a touch of dry humour a la McClane. With the backdrop of Christmas providing a nostalgic feel to the hijack horror, it’s one to watch.
IMDb: 8.2/10
Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia and more
How to stream Die Hard
Mississippi Burning
In a movie that still (sadly) relates to the events of today, Mississippi Burning is undeniably compelling with its depiction of Southern racism during the ’60s.
A crime thriller filled with unforgettable moments as two FBI agents arrive in Mississippi to investigate the disappearance of three civil rights workers (based on actual real-life civil rights activists).
A sleazy Southern sheriff, an unwelcoming and hostile crowd of locals and strong on-screen performances from Dafoe and Hackman make for a powerful representation of racial hatred and a gripping film.
IMDb: 7.8/10
Cast: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Brad Dourif and more
How to stream Mississippi Burning
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Ahhh, they don’t make movies like this anymore!
In this motion-pictured overlaid with animation, Bob Hoskins stars as Eddie, a private detective called in to investigate a scandal around Jessica Rabbit.
Unfortunately for Eddie, he’s not a fan of cartoons. A grumpy old man meets Disney is an unlikely but rather brilliant pairing. Oh, and look out for Betty Boop too.
IMDb: 7.7/10
Cast: Bob Hoskins, Charles Fleischer, Kathleen Turner and more
How to stream Who Framed Roger Rabbit
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Leslie Nielsen was to the 80s what Will Ferrell is to this generation, and no movie sums him up better than The Naked Gun trilogy which all started here.
Full of unapologetic slapstick comedy, the movie features a stellar cast of celebrities, including Priscilla Presley (Jane), O.J. Simpson (Nordberg) and George Kennedy (Ed Hocken), along with a cameo from Weird Al Yankovic.
Detective Sergeant Frank (Neilsen) tries to uncover a plot attempting to turn civilians into assassins, in a bid to bring down the Queen. If you’re a fan of Carry On movies or the Police Academy series, you’ll definitely appreciate this.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Cast: Leslie Nielsen, O.J Simpson, Priscilla Presley and more
How to stream The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton at his weirdest, and best, Beetlejuice is a cult classic that cinema-goers lapped up, as one of the highest grossing movies in 1988.
It tells the peculiar story of The Maitland’s (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) who, after a car crash, return to their home to haunt it to keep newcomers out. But the All-American couple isn’t cut out for the macabre, and calls upon the spirits to help them, all hail Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. You have to see it.
IMDb: 7.5/10
Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis and more
How to stream Beetlejuice
Big
Every grown-up wants to be a child, and every child wants to be a grown-up!
And that’s exactly what happens to Josh Baskin in this ultimate 1988 movie, when he goes from a 12-year-old into a 30-year old man, flawlessly played by Tom Hanks. Baskin hits the bright lights and big city, landing the role as a toy tester, meeting crush Susan along the way. If for nothing else, tune in for the iconic giant piano playing scene, which still brings the crowds to FAO Schwartz.
IMDb: 7.3/10
Cast: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Jared Rushton and more
How to stream Big
Coming to America
In case you didn’t know, Eddie Murphy ruled comedy in the 80s. So, it’s fitting that he takes on the role of Prince Akeen in this story of a wealthy African member of royalty looking for love.
And where else than the land of the free, especially with an arranged marriage hanging over his head. With the sequel released just earlier this year, it’s the perfect excuse to rekindle your love for one of the top movies 1988.
IMDb: 7.1/10
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones and more
How to stream Coming To America
Rain Main
The highest-grossing movie 1988 deservedly belongs to Rain Main.
The multiple-award winning film sheds light on the little-known Savant Syndrome, which Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) lives with. When Charlie (Tom Cruise) discovers that his father has left his $3 million fortune to his brother Raymond, he checks him out of an institution, taking him cross-country back to his Californian home.
A touching story underpinned with dark comedy moments “how was that (kiss)”… “wet” – it’s easy to see how it took in $178.8 million in earnings.
IMDb: 6.8/10
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino and more
How to stream Rain Man
Twins
The perfect hangover viewing, this silly storyline isn’t to be taken too seriously.
Julius (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Vince (Danny De Vito) are separated at birth. A likely story when they couldn’t look more different physically. Despite the poor reviews, it miraculously turned out to be one of the top movies 1988.
IMdb: 6.1/10
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny De Vito, Kelly Preston and more
How to stream Twins
Cocktail
If you like your cocktails strong and stiff, with a touch of cheese on the side – this is the movie for you!
Tom Cruise takes on the role of Brian Flanagan, a bartender working his way to the top to pay for college. His flashy showmanship brings in the crowds and the ladies, in this famous 1988 movie, that’s very of its time.
IMDb: 5.9/10
Cast: Elizabeth Shue, Lisa Banes, Tom Cruise and more