Comedy / Parody / Disaster / Slapstick / Romantic Comedy
1980
Airplane!
A pilot who can’t fly, a plane full of nonsense — and the odd inflatable hero called Otto.
Read our take →
Explore the genre
Comedy movies from the 80s
1980s comedy came in almost every form imaginable, from teen movies and broad slapstick to buddy comedies, romantic comedy, parody and wonderfully strange cult favourites.
The decade produced distinctive comic stars and characters while proving that a comedy could sit comfortably beside action, horror, science fiction or romance.
244 movies so far
Comedy movies
Action / Buddy / Comedy / Boxing
1980
Any Which Way You Can
Any Which Way You Can: courage and heroism, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1980
Caddyshack
Slobs, snobs and one remarkably relaxed golfer.
Read our take →
Musical / Comedy
1980
Can't Stop the Music
Can't Stop the Music: love and friendship, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Science Fiction / Adventure / Fantasy / Comedy
1980
Flash Gordon
Brash heroics, operatic spectacle and a Queen soundtrack — Flash Gordon wears its pulp heart on its sleeve.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Teen / Coming-of-age
1980
Little Darlings
Little Darlings: family and love, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Drama / Comedy
1980
Melvin and Howard
Melvin and Howard: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy
1980
Motel Hell
Motel Hell: heroism and freedom, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Teen
1980
My Bodyguard
My Bodyguard: courage and friendship, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Musical / Pirate / Live Action
1980
Popeye
Popeye: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy / Military Comedy
1980
Private Benjamin
Private Benjamin: family and love, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1980
Seems Like Old Times
Seems Like Old Times: the safety of home and family, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Musical / Comedy
1980
The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers: authority and freedom, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror
1980
The Ninth Configuration
The Ninth Configuration: humanity and authority, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Thriller / Comedy Drama / Action / Comedy
1980
The Stunt Man
The Stunt Man: authority and freedom, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action Comedy / Martial Arts
1980
The Young Master
The Young Master: heroism and courage, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Musical / Fantasy
1980
Xanadu
Xanadu: love and family, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Werewolf / Comedy Horror / Black Comedy / Comedy / Ghost
1981
An American Werewolf in London
A ghost, a bite and a man trying not to become a monster — and somehow all three stay interesting.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1981
Continental Divide
Continental Divide: love, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Screwball Comedy
1981
Modern Problems
Modern Problems: the safety of home and friendship, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1981
Neighbors
Neighbors: family and the safety of home, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Drama / Horror
1981
Roar
Roar: family and the safety of home, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Action Comedy / War
1981
Stripes
A ragged platoon, one endlessly inventive idiot, and the sort of male friendship that still makes you grin.
Read our take →
Action Comedy / Road Movie / Sport
1981
The Cannonball Run
The Cannonball Run: authority and fear, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy Drama / Coming-of-age / Family / Drama
1981
The Fox and the Hound
A childhood friendship that learns the hard way what loyalty and duty actually cost.
Read our take →
Musical / Heist / Mystery / Comedy
1981
The Great Muppet Caper
The Great Muppet Caper: authority and the safety of home, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy
1981
The Incredible Shrinking Woman
The Incredible Shrinking Woman: freedom, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Fantasy / Adventure / Comedy / Time-travel / Steampunk
1981
Time Bandits
A child's map, six small thieves and a very big imagination.
Read our take →
Action / Buddy / Thriller / Comedy / Crime
1982
48 Hrs.
Two days, one cop who cuts corners, and the partner he absolutely didn't ask for.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Musical / Children's
1982
Annie
Annie: family and freedom, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Horror / Monster / Zombie / Science Fiction / Comedy Horror / Ghost / Anthology / Science Fiction Horror / Fantasy / Thriller / Black Comedy
1982
Creepshow
Five nasty little tales, a comic-book wrapper and one perfectly awkward professor.
Read our take →
Mystery / Comedy Thriller / LGBTQ-related / Crime
1982
Deathtrap
Deathtrap: the safety of home and fear, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Coming-of-age / Comedy / Drama
1982
Diner
A wedding on the horizon, a diner as confessional — and one man's doubt that makes the rest of them stop pretending.
Read our take →
Teen / Coming-of-age / Comedy / Drama
1982
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Teenage hormones, mall jobs and one surfer who won't be quiet about it.
Read our take →
Comedy
1982
My Favorite Year
My Favorite Year: family and courage, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1982
Night Shift
Night Shift: authority and love, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Superhero / Horror / Science Fiction Horror / Comedy Horror / Comedy / Adventure / Action / Monster / Drama / Science Fiction Action / Black Comedy / Thriller
1982
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing: freedom and fear, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Musical / Comedy
1982
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: love and our relationship with technology, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Coming-of-age / Romantic Comedy / Sex Comedy
1982
The Last American Virgin
The Last American Virgin: the safety of home and friendship, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1982
The Toy
The Toy: family and friendship, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / LGBTQ-related / Satirical
1982
Tootsie
An actor in drag discovers how the world really treats women.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Musical / LGBTQ-related / Comedy
1982
Victor/Victoria
A clever musical about disguise, showbiz and the friendships that make it bearable.
Read our take →
Science Fiction Comedy / Parody
1982
Zapped!
Zapped!: family and the safety of home, and why this 1982 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Christmas
1983
A Christmas Story
Nine years old, a single-minded wish, and a narrator who never lets you forget it.
Read our take →
Horror / Science Fiction / Black Comedy
1983
De Lift
De Lift: corporate power and our relationship with technology, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1983
Easy Money
Easy Money: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy / Drama
1983
Educating Rita
A working‑class hairdresser, an exasperated tutor and a lesson that changes both of them.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy
1983
Local Hero
Local Hero: corporate power and greed, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Musical / Comedy
1983
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
A very British banquet of bodily comedy, institutional savaging and one famously explosive dinner.
Read our take →
Drama / Comedy
1983
Mr. Mom
Mr. Mom: family and consumerism, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1983
National Lampoon's Vacation
A disastrously planned holiday that somehow still makes you laugh — and wince.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Teen / Coming-of-age / Romantic Comedy / Comedy / Erotic
1983
Risky Business
A suburban teenager, a one‑night business and the day ambition learned to look dangerous.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Comedy / Action
1983
Superman III
Superman III: our relationship with technology and courage, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Drama / Comedy Drama
1983
Terms of Endearment
A sharp, sentimental and sometimes infuriating love story — mostly between a mother and her impossible daughter.
Read our take →
Parody / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy
1983
The Man with Two Brains
The Man with Two Brains: love and authority, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1983
The Survivors
The Survivors: authority, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / War
1983
To Be or Not to Be
To Be or Not to Be: family and the safety of home, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Christmas
1983
Trading Places
A rigged bet, a culture-swap and Louis Winthorpe III — still very funny, still very sharp.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Teen
1983
Valley Girl
Valley Girl: the safety of home and friendship, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1984
All of Me
All of Me: authority and friendship, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1984
Bachelor Party
Bachelor Party: friendship and love, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Buddy / Buddy Cop / Comedy
1984
Beverly Hills Cop
A fast-talking cop, a culture clash and a synth hook.
Read our take →
Musical / Coming-of-age / Comedy Drama / Drama
1984
Breakin'
Breakin': friendship, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Drama
1984
Electric Dreams
Electric Dreams: love and our relationship with technology, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Comedy Horror / Monster / Action / Adventure / Comedy / Science Fiction / Buddy / Ghost
1984
Ghostbusters
A ragged band of scientists, a sardonic frontman and a city that refuses to behave — Ghostbusters still sells the joke.
Read our take →
Monster / Comedy Horror / Christmas
1984
Gremlins
A cuddly Christmas present, three simple rules — and a small town that learns what consequences look like.
Read our take →
Crime / Parody / Comedy
1984
Johnny Dangerously
Johnny Dangerously: loss and mortality, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Flashback / Drama
1984
Moscow on the Hudson
Moscow on the Hudson: family and love, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Action / Comedy Horror / Zombie / Post-apocalyptic / Horror / Comedy
1984
Night of the Comet
Sisters, malls and a comet — Night of the Comet is a B-movie that learned how to be fun and oddly wise about survival.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1984
Police Academy
Misfits, pratfalls and one bloke who’d rather dodge jail than grow up.
Read our take →
Comedy
1984
Protocol
Protocol: authority and the safety of home, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Teen / Comedy
1984
Revenge of the Nerds
Revenge of the Nerds: the safety of home and our relationship with technology, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Treasure Hunt / Action Comedy / Romance / Romantic Comedy
1984
Romancing the Stone
A romance novelist, a smuggler, an emerald and a jungle: the adventure that taught Joan Wilder to stop waiting and start kicking.
Read our take →
Teen / Coming-of-age / Romantic Comedy
1984
Sixteen Candles
Teenage longing, family oblivion and one very awkward bet — with Samantha Sam Baker keeping the whole thing human.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Fantasy
1984
Splash
A mermaid arrives in New York, a sensible man gets sensible about love — and the rest is splashy business.
Read our take →
Superhero / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Comedy
1984
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension: freedom and courage, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Action / Adventure / Coming-of-age
1984
The Last Starfighter
A trailer-park teenager, an arcade cabinet and a very old-school call to adventure.
Read our take →
Musical / Children's / Comedy
1984
The Muppets Take Manhattan
The Muppets Take Manhattan: family and friendship, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Heist / Crime / Drama / Comedy Drama / Action
1984
The Pope of Greenwich Village
The Pope of Greenwich Village: greed and consumerism, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1984
The Woman in Red
The Woman in Red: friendship and freedom, and why this 1984 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Musical / Comedy Drama / Drama / LGBTQ-related
1985
A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line: love and memory, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1985
After Hours
After Hours: our relationship with technology, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Adventure / Comedy / Teen / Time-travel
1985
Back to the Future
A time machine, a restless teenager and a very particular set of family problems.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Teen / Black Comedy / Surrealist
1985
Better Off Dead
Better Off Dead: family, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Neo-noir / Science Fiction / Fantasy / Science Fiction Comedy / Comedy / Christmas / Dystopian / Retrofuturism / Arthouse Science Fiction
1985
Brazil
A man who daydreams his way out of paperwork—and into trouble.
Read our take →
Comedy
1985
Brewster’s Millions
Richard Pryor has thirty days to spend $30 million without keeping anything to show for it — and somehow spending a fortune turns out to be much harder than it sounds.
Read our take →
Horror / Thriller / Adventure / Mystery / Comedy
1985
Cat's Eye
Cat's Eye: family and fear, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Fantasy / Drama / Comedy
1985
Cocoon
Old men, alien cocoons and a very convincing dip in the pool — friendship and second chances, with Ron Howard steering the canoe.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Mystery / Drama
1985
Desperately Seeking Susan
Desperately Seeking Susan: authority and loss, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy
1985
Explorers
Explorers: our relationship with technology and family, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime / Mystery
1985
Fletch
Fletch: greed and authority, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Teen / Comedy Horror / Vampire / Thriller / Fantasy
1985
Fright Night
A suburban boy, a suave neighbour and a late‑night horror show — Fright Night makes vampire panic feel uncomfortably domestic.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Musical / Teen
1985
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Girls Just Want to Have Fun: family and friendship, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Spy / Comedy / Romantic Comedy
1985
Gotcha!
Gotcha!: freedom, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Teen / Coming-of-age / LGBTQ-related / Romantic Comedy
1985
Just One of the Guys
Just One of the Guys: growing up, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Fantasy / Treasure Hunt / Comedy
1985
King Solomon's Mines
King Solomon's Mines: freedom and courage, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Drama / LGBTQ-related
1985
My Beautiful Laundrette
My Beautiful Laundrette: family and friendship, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1985
National Lampoon's European Vacation
National Lampoon's European Vacation: family and loss, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Horror / Vampire
1985
Once Bitten
Before Jim Carrey became one of the biggest comedy stars on the planet, he was being chased around Los Angeles by a centuries-old vampire looking for a very particular kind of blood.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1985
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment: freedom and courage, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action Comedy / Martial Arts / Crime / Police
1985
Police Story
Police Story: freedom and authority, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Comedy Horror / Zombie / Splatter / Body Horror
1985
Re-Animator
A medical-school madman, a glowing green reagent and enough stage blood to cause moral indigestion.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Teen
1985
Real Genius
Real Genius: the safety of home and family, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Spy / Buddy
1985
Spies Like Us
Spies Like Us: fear and freedom, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1985
Summer Rental
Summer Rental: family and the safety of home, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Fantasy / Teen / Romantic Comedy
1985
Teen Wolf
A teenage werewolf, a basketball court and a lesson about who you really want cheering for you.
Read our take →
Teen / Comedy Drama / Coming-of-age / Drama
1985
The Breakfast Club
Five teenagers. One Saturday. A surprisingly savage, oddly tender interrogation of who we're told to be.
Read our take →
Adventure / Comedy / Children's / Treasure Hunt / Action / Pirate / Family
1985
The Goonies
A scrappy band of kids, a busted attic map and Mikey’s stubborn heart — that’s The Goonies in a nutshell.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Treasure Hunt / Action
1985
The Jewel of the Nile
The Jewel of the Nile: parents protecting their children and heroism, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Spy / Comedy Thriller / Comedy
1985
The Man with One Red Shoe
Revisiting The Man with One Red Shoe and the reasons it still deserves to be watched.
Read our take →
Action / Thriller / Martial Arts / Buddy Cop / Comedy / Drama / Detective
1985
The Protector
The Protector: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Zombie / Comedy Horror / Science Fiction
1985
The Return of the Living Dead
Brains, bad decisions and Burt — a punky, gory little time-bomb.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / B Movie / Horror / Parody / Science Fiction
1985
The Stuff
The Stuff: corporate power and mortality, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Christmas
1985
The Sure Thing
The Sure Thing: friendship, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Science Fiction / Fantasy / Science Fiction Comedy / Buddy / Teen / Action
1985
Weird Science
Fast talk, bad luck and a very literal wish come true — with consequences.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Melodrama / Comedy
1986
About Last Night...
About Last Night...: family and friendship, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Heist / Comedy / Buddy Cop
1986
Armed and Dangerous
Armed and Dangerous: parents protecting their children and loss, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1986
Back to School
Back to School: family and corporate power, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Fantasy / Martial Arts / Comedy
1986
Big Trouble in Little China
A swaggering trucker, ancient sorcery and a Chinatown that hides a very odd basement — this is John Carpenter being playful and dangerous at the same time.
Read our take →
Comedy
1986
Club Paradise
Club Paradise: corporate power, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Adventure / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy / Action
1986
Critters
Critters: freedom and family, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Adventure / Romantic Comedy
1986
Crocodile Dundee
A bushman's grin in Manhattan — watch Crocodile Dundee and you remember why that mismatch still makes you laugh.
Read our take →
Comedy
1986
Down and Out in Beverly Hills
A tramp in a pool, a wealthy family with holes in their living room — and satire that still has teeth.
Read our take →
Teen / Coming-of-age / Comedy
1986
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Ferris Bueller's Day Off: family and the safety of home, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Drama
1986
Hannah and Her Sisters
Hannah and Her Sisters: love and greed, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Superhero / Science Fiction Comedy / Action / Comedy
1986
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck: courage and heroism, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Spy / Comedy Thriller / Romantic Comedy
1986
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Jumpin' Jack Flash: our relationship with technology and freedom, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Crime / Comedy Thriller
1986
Legal Eagles
Legal Eagles: loss and family, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Musical / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy
1986
Little Shop of Horrors
A doo‑wop musical about bad decisions, worse plants and one man’s awkward climb out of obscurity.
Read our take →
Teen / Coming-of-age / Comedy Drama / Drama / Romantic Comedy / Romance / American Football
1986
Lucas
Lucas: friendship and family, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Horror / Science Fiction / Comedy
1986
Maximum Overdrive
Maximum Overdrive: humanity and freedom, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Zombie Comedy / Science Fiction / Comedy Horror / Comedy
1986
Night of the Creeps
Night of the Creeps: the safety of home and mortality, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy / Science Fiction / Drama / Time-travel / Comedy / Melodrama
1986
Peggy Sue Got Married
Peggy Sue Got Married: family and growing up, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Crime Comedy / Action / Slapstick
1986
Police Academy 3: Back in Training
Police Academy 3: Back in Training: authority, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Teen / Coming-of-age
1986
Pretty in Pink
A working‑class girl, a prom dress and a triangle that still stirs up arguments.
Read our take →
Crime / Comedy / Action / Buddy / Buddy Cop
1986
Running Scared
Running Scared: heroism and freedom, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1986
Ruthless People
Ruthless People: authority and family, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Drama
1986
She's Gotta Have It
Nola Darling: not needy, just complicated — and still brilliant company.
Read our take →
Sci-Fi / Comedy / Family
1986
Short Circuit
A lightning-struck robot, a handful of humans who care, and an argument about what counts as being alive.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Crime
1986
Something Wild
Something Wild: authority and love, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Adventure / Time-travel
1986
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Humpback whales, a stranded starship crew and Admiral Kirk’s habit of ignoring the rulebook — in other words, proper Star Trek business.
Read our take →
Action / Fantasy / Comedy / Adventure
1986
The Golden Child
The Golden Child: parents protecting their children and mortality, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1986
The Money Pit
The Money Pit: the safety of home and love, and why this 1986 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Slasher / Comedy Horror / Splatter / Crime Thriller / Crime Drama / Psychological Drama / Psychological Horror / Suspense / Comedy / Psychological Thriller / Body Horror / Drama / Thriller / Crime / Satirical / Black Comedy / Horror
1986
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
A chainsaw, a grieving ex‑ranger and a very loud 1986 satire — bloody ridiculous and oddly stubborn.
Read our take →
Comedy / Western
1986
Three Amigos
A vaudeville-sized comedy about showmen who must learn to be something more than a good performance.
Read our take →
Teen / Comedy / Action
1987
Adventures in Babysitting
A one-night odyssey that turns babysitting into a crash course in grown-up choices.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Children's / Fantasy / Comedy
1987
Batteries Not Included
Batteries Not Included: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Buddy Cop / Comedy
1987
Beverly Hills Cop II
Beverly Hills Cop II: authority and family, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama / Drama
1987
Broadcast News
A newsroom rom‑com that prefers arguments to punchlines — and Tom Grunick makes those arguments pay.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Teen / Coming-of-age / Sex Comedy / Drama
1987
Can't Buy Me Love
Can't Buy Me Love: friendship and peer pressure, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Monster / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy / Fantasy / Anthology / Thriller / Black Comedy / Mystery / Slasher / Science Fiction Horror
1987
Creepshow 2
Creepshow 2: freedom and family, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Crime / Comedy / Buddy Cop
1987
Dragnet
Dragnet: authority and exploitation, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Zombie / Splatter / Parody
1987
Evil Dead II
A one-man brawl with the Book of the Dead: nasty, daft and brilliantly alive.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / War / Comedy
1987
Good Morning, Vietnam
A loud, furious hello from a man who thinks radio can fight censorship and loneliness at once.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Buddy / Monster / Science Fiction / Comedy
1987
Harry and the Hendersons
Harry and the Hendersons: love, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Drama / Comedy Drama
1987
Hope and Glory
Hope and Glory: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Zombie / Horror
1987
House II: The Second Story
House II: The Second Story: family and the safety of home, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Comedy
1987
Innerspace
Innerspace: our relationship with technology and freedom, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy
1987
Mannequin
Mannequin: love and corporate power, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1987
Moonstruck
Moonstruck: family and love, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Horror comedy / Teen comedy / Romance
1987
My Best Friend Is a Vampire
The Lost Boys made them cool. Fright Night made them frightening again. Once Bitten turned vampirism into a dating problem. And then there was My Best Friend Is A Vampire.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1987
Overboard
Overboard: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy
1987
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
A road trip comedy that keeps its feet — and its heart — firmly on the tarmac.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1987
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol: authority and the safety of home, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Romantic Comedy
1987
Radio Days
Radio Days: family and the safety of home, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Action / Crime / Black Comedy / Comedy Drama / Thriller / Crime Comedy / Crime Drama / Crime Thriller
1987
Raising Arizona
A robber who wants a nursery more than a life of crime — and it’s the contradiction that keeps the laughs coming.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1987
Roxanne
Roxanne: family and love, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction Comedy / Adventure / Parody / Science Fiction / Comedy
1987
Spaceballs
A madcap space spoof where a reluctant hero, a man-dog and a merchandising gag steal the show.
Read our take →
Action / Buddy / Buddy Cop / Comedy / Romantic Comedy / Detective
1987
Stakeout
Stakeout: the safety of home and love, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Teen / Horror / Comedy
1987
Summer School
Summer School: family and authority, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Vampire / Fantasy
1987
The Lost Boys
A seaside teen vampire movie about belonging, bad choices and the family that refuses to let you go.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Children's / Comedy Horror / Crossover Fiction / Vampire / Werewolf
1987
The Monster Squad
A band of kids, Van Helsing’s diary and a rooftop full of monsters — Sean Crenshaw leads the charge.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy / Pirate / Swashbuckler / Sword And Sorcery / Cinematic Fairy Tale
1987
The Princess Bride
A swashbuckling love story told like a bedtime tale — and still disarmingly good company.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Teen / Action / Hood / Drama
1987
The Principal
The Principal: authority and courage, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1987
The Secret of My Success
The Secret of My Success: corporate power and family, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Female Buddy / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy
1987
The Witches of Eastwick
Seduction, sisterhood and a very inconvenient devil — and yes, it's still worth the trouble.
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy
1987
Three Men and a Baby
Three Men and a Baby: family and the safety of home, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime / Black Comedy
1987
Throw Momma from the Train
Throw Momma from the Train: family and friendship, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy Drama / Black Comedy
1987
Withnail and I
Withnail and I: the safety of home and friendship, and why this 1987 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Heist / Crime Comedy / Black Comedy
1988
A Fish Called Wanda
Manners, mendacity and a key hidden in fish food — a very English heist with teeth.
Read our take →
Action / Blaxploitation / Comedy
1988
Action Jackson
Action Jackson: heroism and courage, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Fantasy / Ghost / Gothic / Dark Fantasy
1988
Beetlejuice
A haunted house, a rules-bound afterlife and one gloriously unhelpful bio‑exorcist.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Coming-of-age / Fantasy / Drama
1988
Big
Big: our relationship with technology and friendship, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Sport / Drama
1988
Bull Durham
Mentorship, rites of passage and a catcher called Crash — Bull Durham still teaches a lesson.
Read our take →
Romance / Buddy / Drama / Romantic Comedy
1988
Cocktail
Cocktail: family and greed, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1988
Coming to America
A prince in disguise, a fast-food job and a fairy-tale that prefers laughs to pomp.
Read our take →
Horror / Science Fiction / Adventure / Comedy Horror
1988
Critters 2: The Main Course
Critters 2: The Main Course: fear and mortality, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Action / Adventure
1988
Crocodile Dundee II
Crocodile Dundee II: friendship and parents protecting their children, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Buddy / Crime
1988
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: greed and consumerism, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Vampire / Horror / Thriller / Comedy
1988
Fright Night Part 2
Fright Night Part 2: friendship and fear, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1988
Funny Farm
Funny Farm: family and the safety of home, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Musical / Teen / Drama
1988
Hairspray
Hairspray: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Teen / Coming-of-age / Mystery
1988
Heathers
Heathers: peer pressure and the safety of home, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Alien Invasion / Comedy Horror / Horror / Comedy
1988
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Teenagers spot a circus in the woods, everyone else shrugs — then the popcorn guns start firing.
Read our take →
Buddy / Romantic Comedy
1988
License to Drive
License to Drive: family and the safety of home, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Crime Comedy / Buddy / Road Movie / Action Comedy
1988
Midnight Run
A cross-country manhunt that’s really about two very different men learning how to care — and how to argue for money.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Female Buddy / Comedy Drama / Coming-of-age / Drama
1988
Mystic Pizza
Mystic Pizza: family and love, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Horror
1988
Night of the Demons
Night of the Demons: the safety of home and freedom, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Musical / Children's / Comedy Drama / Family / Adventure
1988
Oliver & Company
Oliver & Company: family and greed, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1988
Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach
Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach: authority and mortality and lifespan, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Drama / Comedy Drama / Buddy
1988
Rain Man
A road trip about brothers, cash and an extraordinary memory.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Comedy Horror / Zombie Comedy / Comedy
1988
Return of the Living Dead Part II
Return of the Living Dead Part II: freedom and family, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy / Christmas / Ghost / Comedy
1988
Scrooged
Scrooged: fear and belief in the supernatural, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Comedy / Adventure
1988
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: loss and mortality, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1988
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors: family and greed, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Horror / Comedy / Folk horror
1988
The Lair of the White Worm
Is it a vampire movie? Folk horror? Monster movie? Black comedy? A wildly sexual Gothic nightmare involving an ancient snake g
Read our take →
Comedy
1988
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
A straight-faced detective, a ridiculous assassination plot and enough sight gags to make you snort tea through your nose.
Read our take →
Action / Science Fiction / Action Thriller / Dystopian / Thriller / Science Fiction Action / Horror / Science Fiction Horror / Black Comedy / Adventure / Suspense
1988
They Live
Sunglasses, slogans and a man who will not let you look away.
Read our take →
Buddy / Science Fiction / Comedy
1988
Twins
A mismatched pair, a lab experiment and a very 1980s idea of family.
Read our take →
Zombie Comedy / Comedy Horror / Crossover Fiction / Vampire / Horror
1988
Waxwork
Waxwork: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Neo-noir / Buddy / Crossover Fiction / Fantasy / Live-action/animated / Comedy
1988
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
A private eye, a jittery rabbit and a very British fondness for messing about with genre.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Comedy Drama
1988
Working Girl
One woman's Staten Island ferry commute to the boardroom.
Read our take →
Comedy / Western / Action / Buddy / Drama
1988
Young Guns
Young men, a murdered mentor and a young Billy the Kid riding herd on revenge and loyalty.
Read our take →
Science Fiction / Teen / Comedy / Time-travel / Dystopian
1989
Back to the Future Part II
Hoverboards, alternate 1985s and one man trying to stop his whole family from unravelling—again.
Read our take →
Comedy / Science Fiction / Science Fiction Comedy / Buddy / Teen / Time-travel
1989
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
A daft time‑travel comedy where being mates saves the world — and yes, Ted matters more than you remember.
Read our take →
Comedy / Drama / Crime
1989
Crimes and Misdemeanors
A genteel New York morality play where privilege meets decision — and conscience is the loudest character.
Read our take →
Hood / Comedy / Independent / Drama
1989
Do the Right Thing
A day on one Brooklyn block that still asks the same uncomfortable question: what does 'doing the right thing' actually look like?
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy / Drama
1989
Driving Miss Daisy
Driving Miss Daisy: mortality and lifespan and the safety of home, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Drama / Crime / Black Comedy
1989
Drugstore Cowboy
A heist movie where the loot is medicine and the real score is survival.
Read our take →
Crime / Mystery / Comedy
1989
Fletch Lives
Fletch Lives: family and the safety of home, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Fantasy / Science Fiction Comedy / Comedy Horror / Monster / Science Fiction / Comedy / Ghost
1989
Ghostbusters II
A sequel that doubles down on goo, grumpiness and grown-up responsibilities — and still depends on Venkman to keep it human.
Read our take →
Heist / Comedy Drama / Comedy / Hood / Romance
1989
Harlem Nights
Harlem Nights: friendship and greed, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Science Fiction Comedy / Science Fiction / Comedy
1989
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
A shrinking accident, a towering backyard and one very distracted inventor.
Read our take →
Action Comedy / Adventure / Treasure Hunt
1989
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: freedom and parents protecting their children, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Action / Comedy / Buddy Cop
1989
K-9
K-9: fear and authority, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy
1989
Look Who's Talking
Look Who's Talking: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy
1989
Major League
Major League: power and freedom, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Drama / Crime
1989
Mystery Train
Mystery Train: friendship and authority, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Buddy / Comedy / Christmas
1989
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
One man's quest for the perfect Christmas turns suburban order into glorious, very tangled chaos.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy
1989
Parenthood
Parenthood: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Crime
1989
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege: authority, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Teen / Coming-of-age / Drama
1989
Say Anything...
Lloyd Dobler: underachieving, hopelessly sincere and still the film's heartbeat.
Read our take →
Crime / Buddy / Comedy
1989
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
See No Evil, Hear No Evil: authority and friendship, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror / Black Comedy / Horror
1989
Shocker
Shocker: our relationship with technology and family, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Horror / Adventure / Mystery
1989
The 'Burbs
Suburban suspicion, small-time vigilantes — and one man who would rather spy than sunbathe.
Read our take →
Comedy
1989
The Dream Team
The Dream Team: parents protecting their children and family, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Horror
1989
The Toxic Avenger Part II
The Toxic Avenger Part II: family and the safety of home, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy / Drama
1989
The War of the Roses
The War of the Roses: family and the safety of home, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Action
1989
Three Fugitives
Three Fugitives: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Adventure
1989
Troop Beverly Hills
Troop Beverly Hills: family and mortality and lifespan, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy / Buddy Cop / Action
1989
Turner & Hooch
Turner & Hooch: authority and friendship, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
Read our take →
Comedy Drama / Comedy / Drama
1989
Uncle Buck
A slob of an uncle, a grumpy teen and a very messy lesson in family responsibility.
Read our take →
Buddy / Black Comedy
1989
Weekend at Bernie's
A corpse, two clueless juniors and a weekend full of pretending — and Larry Wilson is the motor that makes the joke run.
Read our take →
Romantic Comedy / Christmas / Comedy
1989
When Harry Met Sally
Cynicism, chemistry and a very public argument about friendship — still funny, still persuasive.
Read our take →