The Most Iconic Movies of the 1980s: A Totally Tubular Trip Through Cinema

The 1980s were a time of neon lights, big hair, and even bigger movies. The decade brought us a blend of heart-pounding action, outrageous comedy, and mind-blowing special effects that continue to capture the imagination of movie lovers everywhere. From time-traveling adventures to supernatural shenanigans, the ’80s had it all. So, grab your popcorn and let’s rewind to the movies that made the ’80s absolutely radical!

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $619 million
• Ticket Sales: Over 120 million tickets in its initial U.S. theatrical run
• Time at number one: 16 weeks

"E.T. phone home!" Okay, E.T. is basically the definition of “heartfelt.” Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie is about a little alien who just wants to go home — and a group of kids who want to help him. With iconic moments like E.T. riding in a bike basket and Elliott’s unforgettable bond with the little guy, this movie melted hearts across the world. Plus, who could forget the famous scene where E.T. says, “I’ll be right here”? Classic!

Fun Facts about E.T.:

• The face of E.T. was inspired by a pug dog.
• Steven Spielberg shot the film at the eye level of a child. 

Back to the Future (1985)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $385.05 million
• Budget: $19 million
• Highest-grossing film of 1985 worldwide

If you could alter the past and meet your parents younger selves, would you do it? In Back to the Future, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) gets the chance to do just that. When he accidentally travels to 1955, he nearly messes up his entire future! With a mad scientist (Christopher Lloyd), a  DeLorean, and the infamous Flux Capacitor, this time-traveling adventure is packed with laughs, thrills, and a killer soundtrack. 

Fun Facts about Back to the Future:

• The original time machine was supposed to be a refrigerator.
• Back to the Future was rejected by studios 44 times.
• Sid Sheinberg wanted the name of the movie to be changed to "Spaceman from Pluto". (See below)

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $51.5 million
• Budget: $1 million

John Hughes really nailed the teen experience with The Breakfast Club.  Five high school students from completely different cliques end up spending a Saturday in detention, and through some pretty awkward moments, they realize they’re not so different after all. This iconic film gave us the legendary Molly Ringwald, the bad boy Judd Nelson, and one unforgettable fist pump. The message? We’re all human, even if we’re from totally different social worlds. With only a $1 million dollar budget, it earned over $51 million dollars in the box office and has become one of the most iconic high school films.

Fun Facts about The Breakfast Club:

• The script was written in two days by John Hughes.
• The scene where the students sat together and shared their stores was improvised and not part of the script.
• Molly Ringwald was not originally casted for the part of Claire, but rather for the part of Allison. She convinced John Hughes to recast her. 

Ghostbusters (1984)

Box office:

• Worldwide Gross: $370 million
• Budget: $30 million

Who ya gonna call when there’s a ghost problem?  Ghostbusters, of course! Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis formed an all-star team of paranormal investigators in this hilariously fun film. Between the ghosts, the gadgets, and that catchy theme song, Ghostbusters became a worldwide hit. “I ain’t afraid of no ghost” became an anthem, and honestly, it’s still stuck in our heads today.

Fun Facts: 

• Most of Bill Murrays lines are ad lib.
• The film was inspired by Dan Aykroyd's family.
• Eddie Murphy was originally offered the role of Winston.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $384.14 million
• Budget: $20 million

Indy! The original adventure hero, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), made his debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and he’s been an action icon ever since. A whip-cracking, artifact-seeking archaeologist with a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble, Indy’s first adventure is a rollercoaster of thrills, chills, and unforgettable moments.

Fun Facts: 

• On a trip to Hawaii, Steven Spielberg had told George Lucas that he wanted to do a James Bond type of film. However, George Lucas shared his idea for a film character which became Indiana Jones.
• Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indy.

The Terminator (1984)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $78.3 million
• Budget: $6.5 million

With a killer catchphrase, an unstoppable cyborg, and the awesome Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator is one film that punches above its weight. Directed by James Cameron, this futuristic thriller features an assassin from the future who’s come to take down Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) before she can give birth to humanity’s savior. It’s gritty, it’s intense, and—let’s face it—it gave us the line, “I’ll be back.” And we’ve all tried to say it as cool as Arnold ever since.

Fun Facts: 

• James Cameron's idea for The Terminator came from a fever dream.
• Arnold Schwarzeneggar tried to change "I'll be back" to "I will be back" because he had difficulty pronouncing "I'll".

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $78.3 million
• Budget: $5 million

Ferris Bueller is the ultimate rebel, and if you haven’t taken a day off like him, what are you even doing? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an epic teen comedy where Ferris (Matthew Broderick) ditches school for a day of fun, adventure, and outrageous antics around Chicago. With his best friends, Sloane and Cameron, Ferris evades his school principal and makes skipping class look like an art form. The parade scene alone is enough to make us all want to dance in the streets.

Fun Facts:

• John Hughes wrote the script in a few days.
• Although playing teenagers, Matthew Broderick was actually 24 and Alan Ruck was 29 while filming.
• The school, Shermer High, was also in the movie The Breakfast Club (also written by Hughes)

The Princess Bride (1987)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $30.9 million
• Budget: $15 million

When it comes to fairy tales, The Princess Bride is in a class of its own. A perfect mix of adventure, romance, and comedy, this movie tells the tale of a young woman, Buttercup (Robin Wright), and her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), who has to rescue her from an evil prince. But this isn’t your typical fairy tale—The Princess Bride is filled with hilarious one-liners, epic sword fights, and a giant named Fezzik (André the Giant). It’s a movie that’s as quotable as it is lovable. “As you wish.”

Fun Facts:

• Due to a back injury, Andre the Giant couldn't do any lifting in the movie. All his lifting scenes needed assistance.
• During Billy Crystal's scene, director Rob Reiner would have to leave because he would laugh so much he'd feel nauseated.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $214.6 million
• Budget: $6 million

Dirty Dancing is the ultimate dance movie of the ‘80s (and let’s face it, of all time). Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey brought us one of the most iconic movie couples in history, with their fiery chemistry and the unforgettable dance scenes. The classic line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” still lives on. And who could forget the big lift? This film is bursting with positive vibes and rocks an epic soundtrack!

Fun Facts:

• "I've Had the Time of My Life" was chosen the night before filming the finale.
• Swayze was chosen for the role based on his eyes. 

  Bergstein was quoted in saying, "I want hooded eyes...so we went through picuture after picutre and I said 'Ah, Those are the eyes I want.'"

Die Hard (1988)

Box Office:

• Worldwide Gross: $143.6 million
• Budget: $28 million

Though technically a Christmas movie (yes, we’re going there), Die Hard is also one of the best action films ever made. Bruce Willis as John McClane—a New York cop who’s stuck in a building full of terrorists—is everything we didn’t know we needed. With a perfect balance of action, humor, and some unforgettable one-liners, Die Hard turned an ordinary Christmas Eve into an explosive event. And let’s be real: we all wish we were as cool as McClane when faced with danger.

Fun Facts:

• Bruce Willis was paid $5 million for the role, which at the time was the highest amount paid to an actor for a film.
• The original Die Hard movie poster did not have Bruce Willis on it, as they didn't think he was marketable enough. 

Which film is your 80's favorite and what would you add to the list?

The 1980s were a wild ride in cinema, filled with unforgettable characters, quirky storylines, and moments that still have us quoting and reminiscing today. Whether it was the heartwarming adventures of a boy and his alien friend or the high-flying antics of a high school skip day, the 1980s gave us films that will never be forgotten. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a movie night, just hit play on one of these classics, and get ready to be transported back to one of the best decades of cinema.