32 Movies That Make 1986 The Ultimate Year For Film Lovers!

Some could argue that the standout years for cinema are 1994 or 1939, citing films like “Pulp Fiction”, “Shawshank Redemption”, and “Forrest Gump” (though perhaps not the last one), as well as “Gone With the Wind”, “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”, and “The Wizard of Oz”. However, I firmly believe that 1986 was a remarkable year for film, and here’s my list of movies that back up my claim.

Platoon

To ensure this list is complete, you should add the Best Picture Oscar winner, “Platoon,” to it. Unlike “Forrest Gump,” “Platoon” stands out as a remarkable film. While “Gump” tells a heartwarming story, “Platoon” offers a gripping portrayal of the Vietnam War and showcases stellar performances from actors like Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and Charlie Sheen, to name a few. It’s also a testament to director Oliver Stone’s exceptional skills at his peak.

Back to School

I have a strong affection for Rodney Dangerfield. His humor style and the way he delivers it are truly one-of-a-kind and laugh-out-loud funny. However, it’s accurate to say that he didn’t star in many outstanding films. Of course, “Caddyshack” is a timeless classic filled with unforgettable scenes and quotes, but it features an ensemble cast. “Back To School,” on the other hand, largely focuses on Rodney, and it’s side-splittingly funny.

Aliens

1986 boasted some remarkable films from renowned Hollywood directors, one of them being James Cameron’s exceptional work, “Aliens.” It’s uncommon for a sequel to surpass the original, but in this case, “Alien” pales in comparison to its follow-up. While “Alien” may be scarier, “Aliens” offers relentless action, more humor, and an exceptional cast.

Crocodile Dundee

Although Crocodile Dundee might seem like an outdated joke from ’80s comedy nowadays, if you haven’t watched it recently, you might be missing out on its charm. It’s a delightful, humorous, heartfelt film that doesn’t require much intellectual effort but offers plenty of laughs and touching moments in return.

Blue Velvet

David Lynch, who has since passed away, created some extraordinarily unconventional films, with “Blue Velvet” being one of his most unorthodox works. Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern delivered outstanding performances in this neo-noir movie that significantly contributed to Lynch’s distinctive filmmaking style.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

1986 (or the ’80s in general) wouldn’t be complete without a John Hughes film on your list of great movies. He wrote two films released that year, one being “Pretty In Pink” which he didn’t direct, and the other was “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” a movie he directed. Both are timeless classics with some of Hughes’ most hilarious dialogue.

Labyrinth

One intriguing possibility is to express this in a more conversational style: “Pairing one of Hollywood’s most imaginative directors, Jim Henson, with one of the 20th century’s most creative musicians, David Bowie, results in none other than the enchanting film ‘Labyrinth.’ Although it may not have been an instant blockbuster and has its flaws, this movie is brimming with moments and characters that are so captivating they leave a lasting impression on viewers for years to come.

Stand by Me

1986 was a time when Stephen King adaptations had us jumping out of our skin, but none prepared us for Stand By Me. Unlike his usual horror fare, it’s a heartwarming tale about four friends embarking on an adventure to discover a deceased individual. In my view, it’s nearly flawless and the fact that it features talented actors like River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, among others, only adds to its charm.

The Mission

Robert De Niro’s film, titled “The Mission“, is often overlooked but boasts a unique depth for a religious movie. Far from being a tiresome watch, it’s quite the opposite – engaging and captivating, even for a film centering on religion. Moreover, the cinematography is noteworthy, with each scene showcasing something visually intriguing.

Top Gun

If you weren’t born in 1986 or somehow isolated from popular culture, you might not recall the immense impact of the film Top Gun. It was a colossal cultural phenomenon. The movie itself was massive, its soundtrack was equally significant, and it even featured advertisements on the VHS tape (for Pepsi), which was a groundbreaking move at the time. While we now view the film as a timeless Hollywood masterpiece, during that era, it transcended its status and left an indelible mark.

Big Trouble in Little China

Keep in mind the frequent reminder from old Jack Burton: “1986 was the peak year for movies.” This year saw the release of the cult favorite Big Trouble In Little China, a film that features some of Kurt Russell’s most memorable dialogues, which is quite an achievement.

Hoosiers

1986 introduced us to the inspiring sports film, “Hoosiers”. Often hailed as one of the greatest sports movies ever made, it showcases remarkable performances from two legendary Hollywood actors, Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper. The underdog story in this movie is unparalleled, making it a favorite among many.

Sid And Nancy

1986 was a time when rock biopics were less common than they are now. A remarkable tale was needed for a movie to be produced about a musician, and none could rival the wild and unconventional story of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Gary Oldman delivers an outstanding performance as Vicious, while Chloe Webb’s portrayal of the tragic Spungen is equally compelling. This film is among the finest rock biographies ever made.

Highlander

In much the same way as there’s only one year – 1986 – in existence, so too can there be just one Highlander. Over time, however, this film has transformed into a cult classic of its era. Despite being a flop both critically and financially when it was first released in 1986, it has since given birth to an extensive media franchise that includes sequels, reboots, novels, and even a TV series.

The Golden Child

It could be asserted convincingly that Eddie Murphy stood out as the most hilarious movie and television personality during the 1980s. His side-splitting jokes on Saturday Night Live and hit movies such as Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places made a compelling case. Although his film The Golden Child from 1986 wasn’t its finest, it was still above average, and even in its less impressive moments, Murphy remained the funniest person around that year.

Little Shop Of Horrors

Few would consider the 1980s as a peak period for musicals, yet 1986 stands out as exceptional with the arrival of “Little Shop Of Horrors”, arguably the most remarkable and distinctive musical of the decade. The performances from all participants are simply marvelous, and when you throw in a singing, carnivorous plant, it easily earns a spot among my favorites.

The Fly

Speaking of horror masterpieces from the ’80s, David Cronenberg’s film “The Fly” truly stands out. This remake of a 1958 movie shares the same title and showcases Jeff Goldblum delivering one of his finest performances. It was among the films that significantly contributed to Goldblum’s lasting fame in Tinseltown, cementing him as a Hollywood legend.

Short Circuit

In every remarkable year for cinema, there are standout films suitable for children, and in 1986, one such memorable movie was “Short Circuit“. It was an era when people believed robots could be amicable rather than harbingers of destruction. Granted, with the exception of “The Terminator“, which hailed from 1984… But let’s not dwell on that!

Pretty in Pink

Among John Hughes’ finest works are the films he wrote but didn’t direct, and “Pretty In Pink” is one such example. This timeless teen romantic comedy beautifully encapsulates the bewildering aspects of being a high school student in love, something Hughes excelled at portraying. He was indeed a virtuoso in this regard.

The Name of the Rose

In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, “The Name of the Rose” is more than just a religious period drama; it’s a captivating murder mystery subtly woven within its folds. It may not appeal to everyone’s taste initially, but I assure you, once you invest your time in watching it, the intrigue and beauty of this masterpiece will undoubtedly win you over.

Sean Connery delivers one of his finest non-Bond performances in this film, and the entire cast surrounding him is at the pinnacle of their acting prowess. It’s a cinematic experience not to be missed by those who appreciate well-crafted tales set against the backdrop of a deeply spiritual era.

Children of a Lesser God

At the 1987 Oscars ceremony, Marlee Matlin made history as the first (and up until now, the only) deaf actor to receive an Academy Award for her outstanding role in “Children of a Lesser God.” Although the film may be challenging to watch, it is undeniably rewarding and well worth investing your time into.

Manhunter

Among all films adapted from Thomas Harris’ books, such as “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Red Dragon”, it’s fair to say that “Mindhunter”, despite being directed by Michael Mann in his signature ’80s style and starring William Petersen, is not as memorable. However, it should be acknowledged for its significant contribution – it was the first to introduce the character of Hannibal Lector, played brilliantly by Brian Cox, to the big screen, a role that would later become iconic.

The Color of Money

1986 was undeniably the year when movies and music truly shined, and Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, “Racing the Rhythm,” gracefully added to this vibrant era. This film is a symphony of memorable musical sequences, such as the electrifying moment when my character, Tom Cruise, dances to the rhythmic beats of “Werewolves of London.” But it’s not just about the music; it’s an exceptional movie in its own right. As a movie critic, I can confidently say that “Racing the Rhythm,” directed by the legendary Scorsese and featuring the stellar performances of Cruise and Paul Newman, is a cinematic triumph that should not be missed.

Iron Eagle

Did you know that, surprisingly enough, “Top Gun” and “Iron Eagle” were both debuted in the same year, 1986? Contrary to popular belief, which often sees “Iron Eagle” as a replica of “Top Gun”, it was actually released months prior to Tom Cruise’s blockbuster. This doesn’t mean that it’s a superior film, but it holds a unique appeal for those who watched it during their childhood. It offers an absurdly thrilling tale of teenage adventures, one that, despite its outrageousness, remains enjoyable and brings back fond memories.

Three Amigos!

In the spirit of rephrasing, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short united for one of the wackiest comedies ever made, titled “Three Amigos!“. Although some might argue that it doesn’t quite match up to the film’s legendary status today, there remain numerous hilarious scenes and quotable lines that solidify its place among the reasons 1986 was a standout year.

A Room With A View

A Room With A View” poses a bit of a challenge to include on this list because while it first appeared in 1985 during a special performance, it wasn’t broadly distributed until early 1986. However, due to its eligibility for the 1987 Oscars, I’m including it here. Notably, it was nominated for eight Academy Awards and took home three in 1987.

Hannah and Her Sisters

During the pinnacle of his professional journey, Woody Allen was renowned as one of the most productive movie makers ever. In the 1980s, he consistently released a film every year, missing only 1982. One of his most cherished works, “Hannah and Her Sisters,” was written and directed by him in 1986. This masterpiece earned Allen an Oscar for Best Screenplay, and it remains one of his timeless masterpieces.

Heartbreak Ridge

Another director adding to the list of remarkable 1986 films is Clint Eastwood, renowned for his work on “Heartbreak Ridge”. In this movie, Eastwood portrays a tough-as-nails army commander who molds a group of misfits into a formidable team. It’s classic Eastwood all the way!

Ruthless People

Ruthless People is a timeless dark humor film featuring Bette Midler portraying a wealthy woman who becomes the victim of kidnapping, only to discover that her spouse (Danny DeVito) has no intention of meeting the ransom demand. Despite its grim subject matter, it’s surprisingly humorous – I assure you!

9½ Weeks

9 1/2 Weeks is renowned as a timeless erotic drama. It catapulted Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke to stardom and was one of the most buzzworthy films of its year. Reflecting on it now, it may not hold up quite as well over time, but certain scenes remain indelible in memory.

One Crazy Summer

In the 1980s, Director Savage Steve Holland produced a couple of fantastic films, with his top pick being “Better Off Dead” released in 1985. A year afterward, he presented another film titled “One Crazy Summer,” which starred John Cusack and Demi Moore. Although it didn’t quite match the brilliance of his first movie, it remains remarkable, brimming with similar humor and superb animation work.

Something Wild

As a cinephile, I must acknowledge that Director Jonathon Demme is primarily recognized for his masterpiece, “The Silence Of The Lambs.” However, let me tell you, in the vibrant ’80s, he showcased his versatility by crafting comedic gems such as “Swing Shift” and “Married to the Mob.” Among these, “Something Wild” stands out as his most eccentric work. Although it might not be as iconic as some of his other productions, it remains a timeless classic in its own right.

1986, I’m telling you, was an exceptional year for cinema. A year so rich in classic films that it’s simply astonishing. Films like “Cobra,” “Raw Deal,” “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” “The Transformers: The Movie,” “An American Tail,” and “The Karate Kid Part II” were among those released, not to mention a film by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, “Peggy Sue Got Married.” Alas, there was only so much room in my review for all these cinematic gems. Simply put, 1986 was a year that movie lovers will never forget.

2025-02-24 03:39