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When you think of the 1980s, what comes to mind? Van Dame, Full Metal Jacket, Die Hard, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and a million other Hollywood Movies have come to mind. But do these films deserve a special place in your heart? If so, here are the top 10 Hollywood movies of the decade. Which one would you add to your list? Here’s a quick overview.
1. Van Dame
Timecop is the highest grossing of Van Damme’s Hollywood films and was based on a Dark Horse comics character. The film sees Van Damme playing the time traveller Max Walker, who must travel to different years of history to prevent the corruption of a corrupt politician. It features futuristic sets, superb martial arts choreography, and a surprisingly effective time-travel plot.
The 1980s were a tough time for the actor. He struggled to find a place to live and he lived on the street between auditions. The stardom and his fame made him difficult to work with, and at one point he even intentionally gouged an extra’s eye while holding two swords. In spite of this, Van Damme’s career did not suffer. He was able to maintain his appearance by eating whenever he could.
2. Full Metal Jacket
From its gruesome war scenes to the dark satire of postmodern society, Full Metal Jacket is a movie that evokes the era’s best films. This 1987 war thriller follows two U.S. Marines in boot camp as they struggle to learn the ropes of a brutal war. The film’s title comes from a bullet called the “full metal jacket,” and the story focuses on their experiences as they struggle to become better soldiers.
This decade also brought us some of today’s biggest franchises. Films from the ’80s also influenced genres, iconic performances, and even classic movie quotes. Whether you’re an 80s movie fan or just want to celebrate the decade’s defining era of pop culture, ’80s movies are an absolute must-see. If you’ve never seen them, you owe it to yourself to catch a few.
3. Die Hard
If you love action movies, Die Hard is one of your top choices. The opening scene establishes the weakness of the hero, New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis), who has a fear of flying. He discovers that his neighbor at the next seat is giving him an odd stress relief remedy. However, when he is attacked by Russians, he is left barefoot and vulnerable.
The movie also introduces the average guy hero. The action villain in this movie has changed. Previously, many films had over the top, or bland, antagonists. Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber is a cunning thief and highly intellectual. The movie also has a few callbacks to the original Die Hard, but it is the original that deserves a special mention.
4. Raiders of the Lost Ark
The 1981 movie Raiders of the Lost Ark resurrected the pulp magazines and Saturday morning serials from the 1940s. Steven Spielberg, who had already directed three films that were financially unsuccessful, teamed up with George Lucas and brought to life an action adventure hero who would become one of the most beloved cultural icons of all time. But the 80s weren’t all about Spielberg. Despite a lackluster box office and a disappointing sequel, the film still stands up to the test of time.
The movie’s iconic moment is the giant boulder chase. Originally planned to be 65 feet wide and weigh 500 pounds, the giant boulder was shortened to 22 feet wide. The climax of the previous adventure was filmed before the boulder arrived at its destination. Spielberg extended the ramp 50 feet and had Ben Burtt use the tires of his Honda Civic to create the crushing rumble of the boulder.
5. The Goonies
The Goonies is a classic film produced by Warner Bros. and Amblin Entertainment in 1985. It was one of the top 10 grossing films of the decade and still remains one of the most enduring movies ever made. While it gets less airplay than the Rocky Horror Picture Show or The Big Lebowski, this film has been utterly ensconced in American pop culture. The Goonies have become iconic, even becoming famous phrases like “Truffle Shuffle.”
In 1985, Spielberg starred as Mikey Walsh, an optimist who dreams big. The film also starred Brandon, a talkative older brother, inventive Data, and the klutz Chunk. The film was released in theaters across the United States on June 7, 1985. The sequel hasn’t been confirmed yet, but a sequel is possible. While Donner has voiced doubts about a sequel, Sean Astin stated in 2007 that a sequel is “definite.”
6. Coal Miner’s Daughter
From “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” to “Heart Beat,” there’s something for everyone to love about the eighties. From the sexy music of the ’80s to the powerful drama of “Missing,” these films are filled with memorable characters and unforgettable performances. And if you’re looking for a new movie to enjoy, consider watching “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” is an outstanding production that is based on the autobiography of country singer Loretta Lynn. Sissy Spacek gives an excellent performance, and the movie’s soundtrack went gold. It also features Tommy Lee Jones and Levon Helm. And, of course, there are many memorable songs from the movie, including “Lullaby of the Mountain” by the Beach Boys.
