Now we continue our list of the best 50 movies of the 1980's with 10 more great films to debate. This is where Jay and Matt start to agree on the movies which should be on the list! Again, we developed the list creating our own personal lists and then combining through a process that included eliminating some pictures on each others' lists we disagreed with and also using vetoes to save some the other tried to knocked off. It's complicated, we know, but it provides a great opportunity to compare our tastes and debate and disagree about certain movies that made it on. Also, please note that some of these picks are not your usual '80s movies picked for these kinds of lists! For those who may have missed the first two installments, here are numbers 50-41 and numbers 40-31.
Without further ado, here we go with numbers 30-21 . . . .
30. Glory (1989)
Directed by Edward Zwick
Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw: "We fight for men and women whose poetry is not yet written but which will presently be as enviable and as renowned as any."
Jay: This is a good pick by Matt. An important piece of history about one of the first African American regiments during the Civil War. Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), a white Bostonian from a wealthy and powerful family, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry would achieve infamy for leading the siege on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Edward Zwick's film does a great job of really characterizing the men who volunteered to fight for the North. All of the actors do fantastic work here, even Broderick who I have always felt was unfairly criticized for his performance and accent. Special recognition should go to the late James Horner for his amazing score, one of my all-time favorites.
Matt: I think this entry should've ranked a bit higher in the 20s on the list, but #30 it is! This was film that garnered Denzel Washington his first much-deserved Oscar win for his portrayal of slave-turned-soldier Trip. Along with Washington and Broderick's amazing performances, every actor here gives career-defining, amazing performances! The film not only brilliantly recreates the bloodshed and racism of the Civil War, but also the harsh conditioning of what it means to be a soldier. Like Jay said, one of Horner's best scores accentuates a wonderful film! That last scene with Broderick looking out on the beach in South Carolina while Horner's score plays is just one of the saddest non-dialogue scenes that I've watched. After recent events, it seems like a lot of people could use a re-watching of this film!
29. Raising Arizona (1987)
Directed by Joel Coen
Starring Nicholas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, William Forsythe, and Frances McDormand
Ear-Bending Cellmate: "... and when there was no meat, we ate fowl and when there was no fowl, we ate crawdad and when there was no crawdad to be found, we ate sand."
H.I.: "You ate what?"
Ear-Bending Cellmate: "We ate sand."
H.I.: "You ate SAND?"
Ear-Bending Cellmate: "That's right!
Jay: My favorite comedy of the 1980's is the movie that truly introduced two of the most important filmmakers of the last 30+ years, Joel and Ethan Coen. Now, Blood Simple was their first movie, and should also arguably be considered for this list, but it didn't enjoy mainstream success like they would achieve with Raising Arizona and beyond. What you will find here is one of the best "cold opens" in movie history as our main character, H.I. McDunnough (Nicholas Cage) narrates us through a backstory about his compulsion for robbing convenience stores and getting caught. The intro also shows us how he meets the love of his life, Ed (Holly Hunter) a police officer he encounters with every mug shot she has to take of him. The two marry and discover shortly after that they are not able to have children. Desperate to have a baby of their own, H.I. and Ed hatch a questionable scheme to kidnap one of the quintuplets of Nathan Arizona. Then the opening credits roll. Raising Arizona was a kind of comedy that was unique for the time. It was quirky yet digestible to the common moviegoer. It made a parody of these people from Arizona but also treated them with respect. It was clear the Coen's loved these characters and this locale while also holding a mirror up to how ridiculous they could be (this is a common narrative they would return to in later films, i.e., Fargo). What I love most about Raising Arizona, though, is that it has a big heart. Despite all their flaws and the crime they commit, you root for the McDunnough's and little Nathan Jr.
Matt: This is one of my favorite Coen Brothers films, but I'm not sure I'd place it this high. Nevertheless, it is one of the best of the decade and watching these lovable criminals as they strive to love makes your heart go out to them with every scene! It's been quite a while since I watched this comedy gem but the stand-out, to me, is Nicholas Cage, who proved his comedic acting chops with this role.
28. Footloose (1984)
Directed by Herbert Ross
Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker
Ren: "Ecclesiastes assures us... that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to laugh... and a time to weep. A time to mourn... and there is a time to dance. And there was a time for this law, but not anymore. See, this is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life. It's the way it was in the beginning. It's the way it's always been. It's the way it should be now."
Jay: It's not just the movie that put Kevin Bacon on the map. Footloose is movie about the distrust of youth, the fear of progress, and how it is always better to take out your frustrations in an epic, anger-filled, solo dance-off in an abandoned warehouse. For that scene alone, this 80's mainstay achieves a kind of glorified spot amongst many of the dance-centric movies in cinema history. I didn't have it on my list, but it is hard to argue about its relevance. There are many things to love about Footloose. The great opening credit sequence with all of the dancing feet/shoes, Bacon teaching Chris Penn how to dance, John Lithgow and Dianne Wiest watching the final dance from afar . . . I've always liked Footloose and I cannot begrudge Matt for putting it on the list . . . . maybe not this high, though.
Matt: Sure, people know Footloose for Kevin Bacon, the definitive 80's soundtrack, and the overall story of city boy moving to a bible belt town where dancing and rock music are illegal. But, as this movie has aged, I'm not sure if viewers fully comprehend the importance of the message set forth in the film. Sure, this film is a teen flick, but it's one of the most significant teen films ever made! Jay touched on the many great themes running throughout this film: distrust of youth, fear of progress. But the other themes explored have to do with timeless cliches such as the helplessness of letting your children go and having to face the inevitability of growing up and all that it entails. There are so many great performances here, but the ones that take the place is the scene between John Lithgow and Dianne Wiest who discuss their values but also the fact that their daughter is grown up and will soon leave them. It's a bittersweet scene set to a wonderful song ("Almost Paradise" by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson) playing in the background, coming shortly after the scene where Lithgow's preacher is addressing his congregation and giving a sermon about letting go. But it's not to all his congregation so much as it's a direct talk to his daughter (Lori Singer). The only drawback to this film, to me, is Singer. Her character is selfish, superficial, and all-around annoying. She doesn't really become likable until three-quarters into the film. But, no matter. The film is a delight and was the start of a genre of film that would go on to echo into today's films aimed at youth.
27. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Directed by Wes Craven
Starring Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Johnny Depp, and Amanda Wyss
Children (singing): "One, two, Freddy's coming for you. / Three, four, better lock your door. / Five, six, grab your crucifix. / Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. / Nine, ten, never sleep again."
Jay: Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street is not only one of the best horror films of the 1980's, it remains one of the most important in the entire genre. It also introduced the iconic character of Freddy Krueger, who today is a pop culture legend. Unlike Jason Voorhees, the hulking stalker with a hockey mask from the Friday the 13th series, who really is just a Michael Myers rip-off, Freddy is the embodiment of mischievous evil gone insane, ripping through the dreams of the teenage children of the people that burned him alive. I think almost all of the credit needs to go to Robert Englund, whose performance as Krueger is usually written off as too bombastic or over-the-top, and it certainly would get there by the later installments. But in this first film he is truly menacing and as a kid he would give me many a sleepless night after seeing Craven's masterpiece for the first time. If you want to know how to scare people as a filmmaker, watch the scene where Tina (Amanda Wyss) is massacred by Freddy in her nightmare. While her boyfriend watches, helpless to save her, Tina is dragged up the wall and across the ceiling by Freddy, his knives slashing her body as she struggles against him. But there is nothing there. It is as if she is being lifted by a ghost that only she sees, then ultimately falls lifeless onto her bed in a pool of her own blood. Violent, terrifying and brilliant staged.
Matt: The only reason I can give for this film scoring so high is it is the first of the 27 films Jay and I agreed on. Wes Craven's Nightmare is a revolutionary slasher film in an age of the slasher film. To me, this film topples any of its ilk simply for the idea behind it. A child molester and murderer, Fred Krueger (Robert Englund), is discovered by a group of parents in a wealthy neighborhood, and so the parents band together and murder him. He comes back to haunt the dreams of the parents' teenage children, donning his trademark red-and-dark-green sweater, brown fedora, and customized glove with knives on his fingers. From there, a legend was born! Freddy Krueger becomes the master of nightmares, killing teenagers in their dreams ... and in real life. But not only does Nightmare establish one of the greatest horror film slashers, as well as exploring the neverending theme of the generation gap between parents and children, it also establishes one the greatest heroines: Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) (Take note, fans of Stranger Things: Natalia Dyer's character was named after Langenkamp's Nancy as an homage). She starts off the film a typical carefree teenage girl-next-door, but soon becomes the first in a long line of the ass-kicking women to take Krueger down. As the Nightmare saga continued, Krueger became more and more cheesy with his one-liners and creative ways to kill, but it is this first installment that is immersed in real terror.
26. Caddyshack (1980)
Directed by Harold Ramis
Starring Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, Chevy Chase, Cindy Morgan, and Bill Murray
Danny Noonan: "I planned to go to law school after I graduated, but it looks like my folks won't have enough money to put me through college."
Judge Smails: "Well, the world needs ditch diggers, too."
Jay: Harold Ramis knocked this one out of the park. Caddyshack is a an absolute classic and one of the most quotable movies of all time. Nearly everyone in this comedy does the best work of their career. The fact that it is about golf is only window dressing to be honest. My personal favorite is actually the late, great Ted Knight, who is brilliant as Judge Smails, the snobbish "lord" of Bushwood Country Club. He makes me crack up every time he is on screen, he's such a prick. Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Murray all have many, many moments to shine. Murray's epically improvised Dhali Llama monologue, Dangerfield shopping in the golf shop and making fun of Smails's hat, and Chase "being the ball" are all famous scenes that all combined to make this one of the best comedies ever.
Matt: It's the ultimate movie of slobs versus the snobs! Although not credited as such, Caddyshack is a National Lampoon film, with a good portion of the magazine's alumni serving major roles in the production. Chevy Chase may have top billing here but it is Rodney Dangerfield -- in his first major movie appearance -- who steals the show with his hilarious one-liners and impeccable comedic timing! Another standout performance is Bill Murray as Carl Spackler, the groundskeeper; his improved "Cinderella story" scene has gone on to be one of the most quoted comedy lines ... especially on golf courses across America! The only hitch to this comedy gem is a scene between two comedic actors which one would think would be hilarious and legendary, but the scene falls flat. There is a scene between Chase and Murray and you can tell the scene is largely improvised, but, as the behind-the-scenes story goes, the two were quite standoffish after a confrontation backstage on Saturday Night Live. The scene was thought out by Chase, Murray and director/screenwriter Harold Ramis right before they shot it, but, since these are improvisational actors, that wouldn't be the problem. I think their SNL falling out was still there because the scene simply doesn't work; it's awkward, not funny and doesn't make much sense. Nevertheless, Caddyshack is a hilarious film, full of scenes that have made comedy history!
25. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Directed by Peter Weir
Starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, and Kurtwood Smith
John Keating: "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, 'O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?' Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
Jay: I was twelve-years-old when Dead Poets Society came out. I'm pretty sure it was the first movie that moved me in an emotional way that had never happened before. It dealt with adult themes like conformity, patriarchy and suicide in ways that I had never experienced before and for the first time I connected with a film on an mature level, even though I was still a kid. In a way Peter Weir's film influenced me in ways that no other movie has. It inspired me to read more and pursue acting in the theater, which I had never contemplated before. I think of Dead Poets Society in a different context than any other picture on this list because of these things and while it certainly is not the best film of the 1980's, for me, it was the most important one in many ways. I still think it is Robin Williams' finest performance and when I think of how his life ended I think of his John Keating and I hope he understood that this English teacher that he brought to brilliant life on screen inspired more young minds than just the boys in his classroom.
Matt: I still miss Robin Williams after his untimely death in August 2014. The man made many, many absolutely great films, but this is one of the best! Jay has already mentioned the adult themes which strongly run throughout, but it should also be mentioned how not alone you are in the grand scheme of things ... even when it seems and feels as if you are. The themes of conformity and being who you truly should be are not just monumental when you're a teenager but also for when you get older. This makes the film timeless. I definitely agree 100% with Jay that this film was one of the most important of the decade.
24. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Directed by Nicholas Meyer
Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Kirstie Alley, and Ricardo Montalban
Khan: "He tasks me. He tasks me and I shall have him! I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round perdition's flames before I give him up!"
Jay: Not just the best of the Star Trek movies (and, to be fair, there are some clunkers in this particular series), but one of the very best revenge flicks ever made, Wrath of Khan has earned its place on the list, for sure. After the disappointment of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, it was a brilliant decision to go back into the vaults of the original 1960's television series and revive a mostly forgotten villain and set him on a course to exact his brutal style of vengeance on Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). Everyone is at their best in this movie, especially Ricardo Montalban as Khan who chews threw scene after scene, making it impossible to take your eyes off of him. Star Trek II is also notable for having one of the best death scenes in science fiction history (SPOILER ALERT), as Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) sacrifices himself to save the crew of the Enterprise while his best friend, Kirk, can only watch and then mourn his Vulcan friend. "Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most . . . . human."
Indeed . . . .
Matt: It's no surprise that I'm a fan of Star Wars, not so much a Trekkie. However, this sequel to the disastrous 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture is one of the best stories not just of Star Trek lore but also of most sci-fi films of the 1980s! The movie is ultimately about revenge and the consequences that can result from our actions. I have to admit I haven't really enjoyed the other Trek films, but Khan is a film which truly encapsulates revenge in its purest form. What worked so well for this film wasn't so much the action (although that's good), but it's more the emotion and there is plenty in this wild ride!
23. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Starring Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sean Penn, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, and Ray Walston
Jeff Spicoli: "Well Stu, I'll tell you, surfing's not a sport, it's a way of life, it's no hobby. It's a way of looking at that wave and saying, 'Hey bud, let's party!'"
Jay: Every decade has it's movie that, for many, defines what it was like to be a teenager at that time. Now, there are quite a few that could vie for that title in the 1980's, but I would argue that Fast Times at Ridgemont High is the cream of the crop (even more so than John Hughes' The Breakfast Club). When I watch it today, it so realistically captures the nostalgia of its time without appearing extremely dated in any way. It was one of the first teen films to tackle serious issues that many teens face that Hollywood may have been afraid to tackle before. Sex, drugs, and teen pregnancy are all presented in a mature way and certainly not glorified or vilified in any way. It's a very funny movie too with Sean Penn really stealing the show with his performance as Jeff Spicoli, the stoner surfer who slacks his way through Mr. Hand's (Ray Walston) class. It also has to be noted that Fast Times has one of the most infamous nude scenes with Phoebe Cates removing her bikini top after climbing out of a swimming pool to The Cars' "Moving in Stereo." Before Fast Times, most teen movies wouldn't have even attempted to show nudity like this, but Amy Heckerling's film wanted to be something new and real and achieved that in so many ways.
Matt: Unlike most teen comedies, Fast Times, which is adapted from the novel of the same name by Cameron Crowe, not only tells the stories of an ensemble of students at Ridgemont High School with plenty of goofy comedy here, but the film is one of the few of its genre to explore a very serious topic such as abortion. In the hands of (at the time) first-time director Amy Heckerling, the studio and Heckerling took a big risk at the time by not only featuring the concept of abortion but also showing a good amount of nudity and heavy drug use. The film features future mega stars such as Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Eric Stoltz, Anthony Edwards, Nicholas Cage, and Forest Whitaker, and has a great 80's soundtrack. From a comedy standpoint, like American Graffiti represents 1960s teenage life, Dazed & Confused represents 1970s teenage life, and Can't Hardly Wait represents 1990s teenage life, Fast Times is probably one of the best representations of 1980s teenage life.
22. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Directed by John Carpenter
Starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong, and Kate Burton
Jack Burton: "Okay. You people sit tight, hold the fort and keep the home fires burning. And if we're not back by dawn . . . call the President."
Jay: Like a lot of John Carpenter's films in the 1980's, Big Trouble in Little China continues to grow in appreciation over time, even if it isn't the most politically correct representation of Chinese culture. I do not agree that it deserves to be this high on the list, and I had The Thing much higher than it is here, but because Matt and I both picked it and since only I had The Thing listed, it lands here at 22. That being said, Big Trouble in Little China is a ton of fun, mostly due to the excellent charisma and comic chops of the incomparable Kurt Russell. This might be my favorite of his performances, he is just that good as Jack Burton, the trucker who gets pulled into a battle between two Chinese gangs and faces off against the ancient evil that is Lo Pan (James Hong). There's a ton of action and what passes for kung-fu (though purists would protest aggressively) and the effects are great for their time. BTILC is a classic 80's adventure film for sure, and quite honestly one of the funniest of the era.
Matt: As much as I love John Carpenter's The Thing, it is this comedy/supernatural/action film that is probably my favorite film of his! Kurt Russell's portrayal of cheesy, macho Jack Burton is one of my favorite characters he's portrayed. It's like a comic book come to life, but with its own mythology. Like Jay said, yes, the politically incorrect representation of Chinese culture is prevalent, but it doesn't take away anything from this enjoyable film! Like most hero's journeys, this story is no different as Burton does his buddy a favor by driving the guy to the airport to pick up his girlfriend, only to be pulled into a supernatural conspiracy involving Triads and the most ancient Chinese mystical gangs. Anytime this film comes on, it's worth a watch ... no matter how many times you've seen it!
21. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
Directed by Sam Raimi
Starring Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Denise Bixler, Kassie Wesley, and Richard Domeier
Henrietta: "I'll swallow your soul! I'll swallow your soul! I'll swallow your soul!"
Ash: [aims shotgun at Henrietta's face] "Swallow this."
Jay: Every discussion of Evil Dead II starts and ends with Bruce Campbell and his wild, wacky performance as Ash, the man stranded in a cabin in the woods after his girlfriend is possessed by ancient evil that is resurrected by the words of the Necronomicon. As physical comedy goes, Campbell is a force in this sequel that isn't really a sequel but a remake of the original Evil Dead, also directed by Sam Raimi. The first Evil Dead is a straight up horror film, that achieved cult status for its campiness and outrageous camera work. Raimi would up-the-ante with Evil Dead II, and give us more camp, gore and goofiness, and in the process surpass the original for sheer entertainment value. When Ash's hand is possessed by the evil in the woods, what follows is a hilarious fight scene between a man and his own hand that can only be described as hilarious. Raimi goes absolutely nuts with his camera angles and insane zoom-ins that heighten the absurdity of the movie. He would continue throughout his career to utilize the unique style he created and perfected with Evil Dead II. It's a movie that is often overlooked when the great horror films are discussed but deserves recognition for seamlessly blending humor and terror in such a fantastic way.
Matt: I too love Raimi's horror-comedy classic. I wouldn't say this film is straight-up horror (that goes to the first Evil Dead); it's pure camp. However, the campiness works thanks to Bruce Campbell's energy and love for the character and the world he inhabits. What I loved most about the Evil Dead films is how Raimi took some of the most cliche stereotype aspects of a horror film and changes them up. For instance, rather than have the protagonists stupidly recite an ancient chant anyone knows will release the dead, Raimi has the protagonists innocently just press play on a recording of other stupid people reciting the words. Jay enjoys this one much more than I do, but it still rightfully deserves its place on this list.
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