The Highest-Grossing Movie Each Year of the 1980s

As a child of the ’80s, I can vividly remember the thrill and excitement these iconic films brought to our lives. Each one of them left a lasting impression that still resonates today. From the rebellious charm of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” to the heartwarming journey of Charlie Babbitt and Raymond in “Rain Man”, these movies took us on incredible adventures, made us laugh, cry, and even gasp in shock.

When asked about their fondly remembered movie era, many people often point to the 1980s. This decade was marked by an abundance of blockbusters, with Spielberg reigning supreme and George Lucas perfecting the sequel artistry with “Star Wars”. Moreover, horror movies started catering to a wider audience through low-budget productions that consistently made money year after year thanks to numerous sequels, spinoffs, and new slasher characters. As a result, more intimate and avant-garde cinema had to take a backseat to allow commercial cinema to flourish.

Typically, such changes significantly affect cinema earnings and the pattern of film releases. Major studios usually secure summer release dates for directors known to draw huge crowds and generate massive revenues. However, some movies have astonished studio executives by demonstrating the importance of an occasional change in style and the genres commonly associated with summer blockbusters. To gain a deeper insight into this decade’s box office trends, here is a list of the highest-earning films from each year in the 1980s.

Note: Earnings listed are based solely on domestic gross.

1980 – The Empire Strikes Back

Released on May 21, 1980 – Box Office Gross: $209 million

In The Empire Strikes Back, the Rebel Alliance persists in their battle against the Empire. Young Jedi, Luke Skywalker, undergoes a brush with death and receives guidance from the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi to further his Jedi education by finding Jedi Master Yoda. Amidst an assault by Darth Vader’s Imperial forces, Luke flees to Dagobah for training. Meanwhile, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and C-3PO seek sanctuary on a planet ruled by Lando Calrissian.

Regarded as one of the greatest sequels ever produced, “The Empire Strikes Back” significantly elevates the tension for its characters and introduces a more ominous mood to the franchise. The tale’s captivating development drew massive crowds eager to witness the long-awaited follow-up to one of the 1970s most successful films, propelling them back to theaters.

As a gamer, I can proudly say that I’ve witnessed a cinematic masterpiece that left an indelible mark on the global stage. This film, which swept two Academy Awards and shattered box office records with earnings exceeding half a billion dollars, was such a hit during its initial release in my country that it became the highest-grossing film of 1980. Over time, its influence only grew, raking in even more money through re-releases. Critics hailed it as the pinnacle of the Star Wars franchise, a title it truly deserves.

You can stream The Empire Strikes Back on Disney+.

1981 – Raiders of the Lost Ark

Released on June 12, 1981 – Box Office Gross: $212 million

As a daring gamer, I embark on the thrilling tale of Indiana Jones, a scholar with a knack for adventure who safeguards ancient relics from falling into the wrong hands. My latest escapade doesn’t end smoothly, but the government still enlists my help due to my unique skills. My task? To thwart the Nazis before they unearth the Ark of the Covenant, an age-old religious artifact said to grant invincibility to Hitler and his troops. With a heavy heart, I agree and must rely on an old friend named Marion to outmaneuver them and secure the artifact first.

The initial Indiana Jones movie by Steven Spielberg was born out of disappointment. After the setback of the film 1941, the director behind Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind was looking for a chance to bounce back, hoping studios would let him direct a James Bond movie. However, this opportunity didn’t materialize. Instead, when he shared his frustration with friend and collaborator George Lucas, Lucas proposed making an Indiana Jones film instead.

In the end, Indiana Jones became Spielberg’s debut film of the ’80s, setting a path for numerous box office successes. Nevertheless, going head-to-head with Superman II was no small feat. Both films battled it out at the box office, but in the end, Indiana Jones emerged victorious.

The movies from 1981 contributed significantly to a record-breaking $1.95 billion summer box office, surpassing previous years and making it one of the most lucrative seasons in film history. Notably, Raiders of the Lost Ark received nine Academy Award nominations and ultimately took home five.

You can stream Raiders of the Lost Ark on Disney+.

1982 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Released on June 11, 1982 – Box Office Gross: $359 million

As a ten-year-old gamer, I’d say: One day, in my backyard tool shed, I stumbled upon an extraordinary being – a wrinkled, scared alien who let out a loud screech when he saw me. The next day, I decided to leave a trail of candies to befriend this E.T., as I found out his name from a comic book. Our bond grew stronger, and soon enough, we could connect minds. E.T. yearned for home, and I was determined to help him return.

The movie became a global sensation immediately, surpassing the earnings of 1977’s Star Wars to hold the title of highest-grossing film ever made. However, this record was later broken by Spielberg’s 1993 film Jurassic Park. Remarkably, Spielberg’s movie earned nine nominations at the Academy Awards and walked away with four wins.

The film was a summer blockbuster that ranged from the scary to the endearing in a wonderful sci-fi adventure journey that appealed to young and adult audiences, as Spielberg showed for the first time that he could direct young performers as no one else could. The legacy of the film is visible in modern movies and TV shows like Stranger Things, Arrival, and Super 8.

1983 – Return of the Jedi

Released on May 25, 1983 – Box Office Gross: $309 million

In “Return of the Jedi,” our band of heroes initially endeavors to rescue Han Solo from the grasp of Jabba the Hutt, who was frozen by Vader’s team in carbonite earlier. Following an exhilarating opening sequence, the group reunites, but Luke sets off for Dagobah to complete his training.

In a bid to deactivate the new Death Star’s protective force field, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and their droids are hard at work. Meanwhile, Luke chooses to yield to Darth Vader in an attempt to persuade him away from the dark side. However, there’s a snag: Vader remains under the manipulative control of Emperor Palpatine, who intends to eliminate Luke and disable the Jedi team.

As a dedicated Star Wars fan, I can’t help but reflect on how rapidly that latest film skyrocketed to become the year’s box office champion. It garnered five Academy Award nominations and even took home one – the Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects. Looking back, it may not quite measure up to the brilliance of the previous two Star Wars films in my opinion. However, its opening sequence, arguably the best or at least among the best in all Star Wars films, has certainly endeared it to fans like me.

1984 – Beverly Hills Cop

Released on December 5, 1984 – Box Office Gross: $234 million

The narrative of Beverly Hills Cop revolves around Axel Foley, a Detroit police officer with an unconventional approach to law enforcement. Despite the occasional excessive collateral damage, he’s effective at apprehending criminals. In pursuit of justice for his deceased childhood friend, Axel is compelled to take a leave from work. He finds himself in Beverly Hills, suspecting that the trail leads to Los Angeles. It’s only upon arrival that Axel realizes that Beverly Hills bears little resemblance to Detroit, and he must adapt to fit into his new surroundings.

Featuring Eddie Murphy in the breakout role of his career, “Beverly Hills Cop” is a hilarious action-comedy that skillfully blended its genre conventions into an exhilarating and humorous rollercoaster ride. This timeless film not only kickstarted a successful franchise but continues to resonate even today.

1. The movie received a nomination for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar, an unexpected nod given its genre. Following its success as a summer blockbuster in 1984, “Ghostbusters” held the record. However, “Beverly Hills Cop” surpassed it in December, raking in a total of $234 million and eventually earning a place among the top-grossing R-rated films ever made.

1985 – Back to the Future

Released on July 3, 1985 – Box Office Gross: $210 million

Back to the Past

As a gamer immersed in sci-fi worlds, I can tell you about my personal journey following the development of an epic adventure that started with a brilliant idea conceived by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. They pitched it to Columbia Pictures, but the production hit some rough patches along the way. Luckily, the project found its perfect home at Amblin Entertainment, under the watchful eye of Steven Spielberg, where it continued to grow and evolve.

The movie gradually garnered the recognition it merited, with weekly ticket sales climbing higher as time went by. By the end of three months, it had grossed more than $150 million. Notably, it was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, and won one in the category of Best Sound Effects Editing. It’s hard to fathom why it wasn’t also recognized for its exceptional visual effects.

1986 – Top Gun

Released on May 16, 1986 – Box Office Gross: $176 million

In the movie Top Gun, the characters Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his wingman, Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, are assigned to attend Top Gun, a prestigious naval flying school. However, Maverick has a tendency to disobey orders, which causes some problems. A sad event occurs, making Maverick doubt his abilities. But if he wants to take on the enemy, he’ll need to tackle this issue head-on.

The critically acclaimed movie catapulted Tom Cruise into stardom as a dynamic action hero, able to spearhead major Hollywood productions. Despite being nominated for four Academy Awards, it failed to secure any technical prizes. Instead, it won the award for Best Original Song (for the hit “Take My Breath Away”). Despite being labeled as military propaganda, the film’s success wasn’t limited to the US, where it earned $176.8 million; internationally, it grossed an additional $177 million.

1987 – Three Men and a Baby

Released on November 25, 1987 – Box Office Gross: $167 million

Drawing inspiration from the 1985 French film “Trois Hommes et un Couffin,” the movie “Three Men and a Baby” follows the lives of three unmarried men named Peter, Michael, and Jack, who share an apartment in New York City. They lead carefree lives until one day, a baby girl named Mary is left on their doorstep with a note revealing that she’s the product of Jack’s brief relationship with an actress a year prior. As they are compelled to take care of baby Mary, their lifestyles undergo a significant transformation.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I found the straightforward plot of the film immensely appealing and effortless to follow, outperforming cinematic heavyweights such as “Fatal Attraction” and “Beverly Hills Cop II” at the box office. Although its lasting impact may not rival that of its contemporaries, it was a critical darling in its time, particularly for its trio of talented actors: Tom Selleck (in one of his finest performances), Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson. In the early 2020s, Disney announced plans for a reboot, but unfortunately, the project seems to have been shelved.

1988 – Rain Man

Released on December 16, 1988 – Box Office Gross: $172 million

In the movie “Rain Man,” the character Charlie Babbitt initially comes across as a cunning and self-centered businessman. After their father passes away, Charlie learns he has an unbeknownst brother named Raymond. Contrary to his expectations of inheriting wealth, he discovers that Raymond is the sole beneficiary. Intrigued by this newfound relative, Charlie sets out on a journey with him and gradually understands that Raymond suffers from autism. Initially planning to use Raymond for personal gain, Charlie’s perspective changes as he embarks on this road trip, eventually recognizing his brother’s unique qualities and understanding there is more to Raymond than he initially thought.

Two years following the high-flying success of “Top Gun”, I, Tom Cruise, seized control of the silver screen once again with the globally acclaimed “Rain Man”, directed by Barry Levinson. This film catapulted me beyond being just a good-looking action star capable of leading blockbusters; it showcased my versatility in tackling dramatic roles.

The movie was given eight Academy Award nominations and eventually won four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (for Dustin Hoffman as Raymond), and Best Original Screenplay. In the U.S., it became the highest-earning film, but internationally, it grossed more than $410 million.

1989 – Batman

Released on June 23, 1989 – Box Office Gross: $251 million

In Tim Burton’s film ‘Batman’, an innovative criminal mastermind, unlike any Gotham City has seen before, is wreaking havoc. Fortunately, the city has a guardian in Batman, the dark vigilante who isn’t shy about enforcing peace if needed. However, the Joker’s influence reaches everywhere within the city, and soon Batman must take action to prevent the Joker from carrying out his catastrophic act of terrorism before it’s too late.

The movie was produced by Warner Bros., who chose to back a novice director whose last project, “Beetlejuice,” achieved unexpected success. Despite the studio’s preference for an action hero, they ended up casting Michael Keaton instead. Jack Nicholson agreed to play the Joker on condition that he could manage his own shooting schedule, receive a share of the film’s profits, and be promoted as the lead actor in promotional materials.

Initially, Batman held the title for the highest-grossing superhero film ever, but in a surprising twist of fate, Spider-Man surpassed it in 2002. Despite earning more than $400 million worldwide, Warner Bros. asserted they still suffered financial losses due to “Hollywood accounting,” a questionable practice where industry accountants struggle to determine profit by factoring in taxes, royalties, and other costs. Frankly, this explanation seems rather implausible to us as well.

2024-07-31 04:02