The 15 Best ’80s Movies, Ranked – Indian Rupee Forecast

As a cinephile, I often find myself defending the ’80s from the stereotypes that have been unfairly cast upon it. Contrary to popular belief, the ’80s were not just a decade of cheesy blockbusters and forgettable sequels. While it’s true that some movies from this era haven’t aged well, the ’80s bridged the gap between the electrifying new cinema of the ’70s and the boundless experimentation of the ’90s in a way that was unique and groundbreaking. They were a time of transition, where Hollywood dared to explore new territories, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It’s time we revisit this decade with fresh eyes and appreciate its contributions to the world of cinema.

In essence, the 1980s served as a platform for some of the most groundbreaking and memorable films of the 20th century across various budgets, scopes, and audiences. This collection spotlights the 15 movies that represent the decade’s finest artistic accomplishments in fiction features, evaluated based on craft, originality, impact, and significance within the medium. Ranging from 18th-century Vienna to pre-colonial Mali to the vibrant cityscape of contemporary Manila, this selection showcases the best that ’80s cinema has to offer.

15. After Eight… Forever

Under the guidance of the talented Ana Carolina, “After Eight… Forever” stands as one of the significant feminist masterpieces of the 1980s and a cornerstone in modern transgressive cinema. The iconic Brazilian actress Xuxa Lopes portrays Tereza, a woman in her late thirties who questions her life choices, attempting to escape the constraints of traditional conservatism by engaging in a succession of complex, multi-faceted, supposedly liberating relationships with different men. However, as Tereza discovers, finding true freedom for a woman in the later 20th century is not a simple journey.

After Eight… Forever,” an intriguing and thought-provoking neo-surrealist creation, delves deep into the complex, profound aspects of feminism during a tumultuous period of transition. This film is not only visually stunning but also intellectually demanding. It’s a cinematic journey that will leave you incredulous from start to finish, as its unique and thought-provoking scenes unfold.

Cast: Xuxa Lopes, Ney Matogrosso, Daniel Dantas
Director: Ana Carolina
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to Watch: Not available in the U.S.

14. Raging Bull

Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece “Raging Bull” showcases a collaboration between the director and his longtime editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, that results in an unparalleled, heart-wrenching, and humorous cinematic achievement. Robert De Niro delivers one of his finest performances as 1950s boxing champion Jake LaMotta. The film leaves no stone unturned in depicting LaMotta’s rise to fame and subsequent downfall, both athletically and morally.

Instead of following the traditional structure of a sports biopic, “Raging Bull” is captivated by the brutal nature of Jake LaMotta’s profession and portrays it as an embodiment of deep existential anxiety. Unlike any other film, it elegantly yet powerfully conveys Martin Scorsese’s recurring theme of American masculinity as a destructive force; each sharp cut and intense close-up of Robert De Niro seems like a powerful punch to the audience.

Cast: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
Director: Martin Scorsese
Rating: R
Runtime: 129 minutes
Where to Watch: MGM+, Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

13. Angel’s Egg

Angel’s Egg” marked the debut of Mamoru Oshii as a pioneer in Japanese anime, and it truly embodies the concept of ‘originality’. This 71-minute animated film is almost devoid of context or dialogue, making it one of the most abstract pieces within the anime genre. However, if you’re open to the surreal, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful fantasy film that stands among the best in its class.

As a gamer, I can tell you that diving into the enigmatic world of “Angel’s Egg” is like embarking on an intricate puzzle where pieces keep changing and the solution remains elusive. In this story, I find myself as Mako Hyōdō, wandering through a desolate, crumbling landscape carrying a massive egg. Along my journey, I come across Jinpachi Nezu, a fellow traveler who becomes my companion. Our conversations delve into profound philosophical thoughts that leave me pondering long after the screen fades to black.

Unlike other narratives, “Angel’s Egg” doesn’t offer straightforward answers; instead, it plants seeds of ideas and images deep within my mind. These mental impressions linger, carving a permanent niche in my thoughts, inviting endless contemplation. The mystery surrounding the egg and its connection to this dystopian world remains unsolved, but that only adds to the allure and haunting beauty of this animated masterpiece.

Cast: Mako Hyōdō, Jinpachi Nezu, Keiichi Noda
Director: Mamoru Oshii
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 71 minutes
Where to Watch: Not available in the U.S.

12. Moral

Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s standout, vibrant, and top-tier movie, titled “Moral,” embodies the intersection between humanistic and politically-driven cinema. This film, grand in scale and loose in its narrative structure, traces the lives of four university friends at the University of the Philippines Diliman across multiple years post-graduation.

During the late ’70s in Philippine society, they navigated diverse aspects of life as women, finding solace and strength in their friendship amidst the challenges posed by patriarchal suppression. Diaz-Abaya, screenwriter Ricky Lee, and their outstanding cast bravely address taboo subjects and burning issues. “Moral’s” lengthy 138 minutes reveal a profound sense of lives fully lived. Despite its specific setting, it belongs to the select few movies that convey nothing short of what it means to exist.

Cast: Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong
Director: Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 138 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

11. Toute une Nuit

Among Chantal Akerman’s avant-garde masterpieces, none are as skillfully balanced between innovative formal exploration and raw emotional expression as “Toute une Nuit.” Building upon the groundwork laid by “Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles,” “Toute une Nuit” paved the way for the ’90s and 2000s’ “hyperlink films” with its interwoven narrative of Brussels’ insomniac residents moving through the city during a single late summer night.

The unique aspect, consistently found in Akerman’s work, is that the restless journey of the movie’s diverse cast is portrayed as vivid poetic snapshots, with minimal dialogue and background details. Akerman provides fragments of these characters’ lives, focusing on random encounters, harsh rejections, overwhelming loneliness, and all other aspects that keep us awake at night, as the film seamlessly transitions between these instances with masterful cinematic finesse.

Cast: Aurore Clément, Tchéky Karyo, Angelo Abazoglou
Director: Chantal Akerman
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 90 minutes
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel

10. Manila by Night

Known as “City After Dark,” Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 film “Manila by Night” is an underrated classic that seems almost too good to be true, given its origins during Ferdinand Marcos’ rule and a full decade before the ’90s “new queer cinema” movement. It’s remarkable how this movie, made in the heart of Manila, manages to intertwine multiple colorful narratives about the diverse experiences of working-class LGBTQ+ individuals living in the city’s underbelly, showcasing their lives with a depth and authenticity that was rare at the time.

Not only is “Manila by Night” one of the greatest, vibrant films ever made, but it’s also a mesmerizing blend of sorrow, humor, penetrating social insights, dreamy romance, and mouthwatering color palettes. The director masterfully maintains this captivating balance for an impressive two-and-a-half hours, offering a cinematic experience that is truly unforgettable. Few films can deliver such rich entertainment value for the price you pay.

Cast: Charito Solis, Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino
Director: Ishmael Bernal
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 150 minutes
Where to Watch: Not available in the U.S.

9. Amadeus

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that among all the intense films I’ve seen, “Amadeus” stands out as an extraordinary masterpiece. In terms of sheer cinematic artistry, it’s hard to find anything in American cinema history that matches Miloš Forman’s work in this film. He masterfully weaves together music, clever editing techniques, vivid imagery, and dramatic acting, creating a narrative that feels like a grand opera. The 18th-century rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (portrayed brilliantly by Tom Hulce) and Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) unfolds before us in a way that is both captivating and unforgettable.

Set aside discussions about its grandeur, nevertheless, ‘Amadeus’ offers an unparalleled cinematic journey due to its intense emotional and philosophical impact. Rarely have such profound tragedies in film history been as convincing, heartfelt, or resonant with the existential burden of regret, obsession, death, and madness. In this instance, a Best Picture Oscar recipient truly demonstrates the extraordinary potential of Hollywood’s resources when employed to stir massive audiences.

Cast: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge
Director: Miloš Forman
Rating: PG
Runtime: 160 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

8. Losing Ground

In 1982, Kathleen Collins, an American poet, playwright, filmmaker, professor, and activist, combined her vibrant academic and artistic life into the film “Losing Ground.” This groundbreaking movie transformed profound concepts into deeply personal narratives. The story of a couple whose relationship begins to fray as they pursue separate intellectual paths, challenged the norms of American cinema, particularly in depicting Black women’s experiences on screen.

Regrettably, the groundbreaking indie film “Losing Ground” didn’t receive commercial distribution until 2015, leaving American cinema deprived for decades. Upon its release, it was evident that this film served as an electrifying symbol in the annals of independent movie history. It was a thought-provoking, introspective, intellectually rich adult romantic drama that stood apart from any American film of its time. “Losing Ground” continues to circle tracks of wit and originality, surpassing many films produced years or even decades later. Viewing it today is like catching a glimpse into an unrealized, radiant alternative universe of American cinema.

Cast: Seret Scott, Bill Gunn, Duane James
Director: Kathleen Collins
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 86 minutes
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, Metrograph, Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

7. Born in Flames

In a revised and conversational style, Lizzie Borden’s “Born in Flames” sets its stage in an alternate U.S., post-political revolution, where democratic socialism is the aspired ideal. However, despite this transformation, challenges remain. Women from various underserved groups across New York City, including workers, lesbians, Black activists, and more, must unite, forge alliances, and fiercely advocate for changes that have yet to materialize.

The film’s candid discussions and conflicts are strikingly contemporary and forward-thinking; the faith Borden has in her audience to follow along with her complex blend of drama and sociology is nearly unprecedented. In essence, “Born in Flames” seems like a movie from 2025 sent back 40 years ago, except that very few modern films share its daring spirit, sophistication, insight, and depth.

Cast: Honey, Adele Bertei, Jean Satterfield
Director: Lizzie Borden
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 79 minutes
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, OVID, Apple TV (rent/buy)

6. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

If you want to experience the essence of Pedro Almodóvar’s filmmaking style, watch ‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.’ This film was widely popular in 1988, and it’s easy to understand why. It takes Almodóvar’s signature themes to their limits, making other movies appear dull and uninteresting next to it.

In the film titled “chica Almodóvar,” actress Carmen Maura plays Pepa, a voice artist who experiences a sudden and painful breakup with her boyfriend and work partner Ivan (Fernando Guillén). On her quest to understand why Ivan left her, Pepa encounters an array of quirky, indelible female characters that form one of the most remarkable ensemble casts in cinematic history. This film, produced 37 years ago, stands out as a significant turning point due to its poignant blend of humor and tragedy; it felt like a major shift when Almodóvar first released it, as if the world of movies had undergone a massive earthquake.

Cast: Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Rating: R
Runtime: 88 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

5. Yeelen

Souleymane Cissé’s “Yeelen,” widely recognized as the best Malian film ever made and a strong contender for the title of greatest African film of all time, doesn’t rely on these accolades to impress and leave an impact. Instead, it stands out as a captivating and haunting cinematic experience in its purest form. The film serves as a reimagined work of lavish fantasy, transforming the genre into a means for artistic and creative reinvention. In response to decades of European ethnographic films that portrayed Africa in a simplified manner, Cissé created a film that presented an expansive mythological landscape for Mali, thereby enriching West Africa’s cinematic self-perception.

In this rephrased version: Issiaka Kane portrays Nianankoro, a 13th-century Malian youth endowed with mystical abilities reminiscent of his estranged father, Soma (played by Niamanto Sanogo). When a premonition indicates that Soma will meet his demise at the hands of his own son, Nianankoro embarks on a journey to avoid his father’s relentless pursuit and ensure he strikes first before it’s too late – thus unfolding an epic tale of tragedy that stands among cinema’s most memorable masterpieces, characterized by visuals of extraordinary poetic and symbolic intensity.

Cast: Issiaka Kane, Aoua Sangare, Niamanto Sanogo
Director: Souleymane Cissé
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 105 minutes
Where to Watch: Kanopy

4. Come and See

There can be no doubt or resistance to the raw power of Elem Klimov’s “Come and See,” a film that offers a powerful and unyielding anti-war message. The story follows Belarusian teenage soldier Flyora (played exceptionally well by Aleksei Kravchenko in his debut performance), as he endures a harrowing journey through the horrors of World War II. War is not just a living hell, but an exposure of humanity’s true potential – both its best and worst aspects.

Although “Come and See” is infamous for its disturbing content, it isn’t a film that’s cynical, sadistic, or full of hate towards humanity. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The film is like a tragic carnival, filled with deep compassion and unity at its heart. It appears as though Klimov is meticulously recording the worst human actions could inflict upon each other, as if to warn future generations and prevent such horrors from recurring. This film stands out among cinematic works for its powerful impact, intense sensory jolts, and overwhelming emotional depth.

Cast: Aleksei Kravchenko, Olga Mironova, Liubomiras Laucevicius
Director: Elem Klimov
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 142 minutes
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, Kanopy, Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

3. My Neighbor Totoro

Nearly every movie by Hayao Miyazaki is a strong contender for any list of top films, and this one could easily highlight the heartwarming toughness of “Kiki’s Delivery Service” or the grand, anti-war narrative of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” However, there’s an exceptional quality about the uncomplicated yet deeply evocative charm of “My Neighbor Totoro” that places it atop many animated and even overall film categories.

The essence lies in how Miyazaki embodies and cherishes a child’s perspective on life – viewing the world as a stepping stone towards mystery, surrounded by the borderland and magical on all sides. Unlike traditional stories, “My Neighbor Totoro” does not deliver clear-cut lessons or teachings because it presents not just the considered world but the felt world. We watch, we get immersed, we don’t grasp everything, but it ignites in us a lasting ember of curiosity and affection. This is the hallmark of exceptional artistry.

Cast: Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: G
Runtime: 86 minutes
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

2. Vagabond

Even though many renowned directors often start to decline after three decades of filmmaking, Agnès Varda defied this norm. Almost four decades following her groundbreaking debut, “La Pointe Courte” in 1955, she continued to captivate audiences with her masterpiece, “Vagabond.

In a subtle yet profound way, Varda’s movies often begin with a deceptive sense of tranquility and simplicity, gradually transforming into poignant laments. Among these, “Vagabond” stands out as her most raw and unwavering confrontation with the inherent melancholy of human existence. The acclaimed actress Sandrine Bonnaire portrays a young woman whose examination after death reveals the gradual unravelling of a spirit adrift — a narrative that Varda illuminates with remarkable, unique insight, drawing on her full creative power to explore each facet of what we perceive as life’s purpose. The desires, cravings, resentments of this character shed light on our own collective humanity, playing out across the expansive vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Cast: Sandrine Bonnaire, Macha Méril, Stéphane Freiss
Director: Agnès Varda
Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 106 minutes
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel

1. Do the Right Thing

The film “Do the Right Thing” stands out so remarkably among this wealth of options that nothing else seems fitting for the top spot. It’s quite apt that Spike Lee’s intricate portrayal of various characters in a Brooklyn neighborhood, which was released towards the close of the decade, serves as a perfect finale and ushered in the ’90s. In many ways, “Do the Right Thing” embodies both a thoughtful goodbye and an energetic start to what’s next.

With passion burning brightly as both director and scriptwriter, Lee crafts each film scene to add another layer of depth to its sweeping, nation- and century-spanning examination, offering poignant reflections every minute without ever resorting to straightforward morals or conclusions. This thought-provoking allegory tackles themes such as race, class, gender, fear, anger, love, and hate, set in New York City and beyond. However, it’s chiefly remarkable — and this is its true brilliance — for being an exceptional film about a collection of individuals.

Cast: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis
Director: Spike Lee
Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Video (rent/buy), Apple TV (rent/buy)

2025-07-02 00:32