5 ’80s Movies That Can Officially Be Called Classics

by

The 1980s produced some of the most popular and memorable blockbuster movies ever made, and many of them are still enjoyed today, decades later. While the ’80s saw a lot of great films, only a select few have truly become timeless classics.

These five films from the 1980s are considered the most defining classics of the decade, regardless of how well-received they were originally or how they hold up to today’s critical standards. Despite spanning different genres, budgets, and intended viewers, they’ve proven to be timeless masterpieces.

The Empire Strikes Back Is The Greatest Movie Sequel Of All Time

George Lucas’s 1977 film, Star Wars, is widely considered a landmark achievement in movie history. Surprisingly, its 1980 sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, surpassed even that success. Often hailed as the best film in the entire Star Wars saga, The Empire Strikes Back is bolder, darker, and more sophisticated than its predecessor, and it has defined what a great sequel should be for decades. Director Irvin Kershner expertly guides the story, and the script is even more focused and meaningful than the original Star Wars film.

The Empire Strikes Back is filled with some of cinema’s most memorable scenes, like the shocking revelation that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father, Han Solo being frozen in carbonite, and the epic battle between the Rebels and the Empire on the icy planet Hoth. It’s considered the ideal second chapter in the original Star Wars trilogy and paved the way for many other film series to embrace a darker tone in their middle installments.

Despite recent disagreements and negativity among Star Wars fans, the second film in the original trilogy undeniably cemented the franchise’s lasting power. It greatly influenced science fiction as a genre and set a high standard for sequels, remaining a beloved classic from the 1980s.

Blow Out Is An Unforgettable Cult Classic

Director Brian De Palma, famous for gangster films like Scarface, The Untouchables, and Carlito’s Way, is considered to have reached a peak with his 1981 film, Blow Out. Interestingly, Blow Out is based on the 1966 Italian film Blow-Up, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni – it’s essentially a remake with De Palma’s own spin.

Though perhaps not as widely known as a blockbuster like The Empire Strikes Back, Blow Out is a true classic thanks to its compelling story, groundbreaking scenes, and memorable characters. John Travolta delivers a career-best performance as a sound technician who unexpectedly becomes involved in a frightening plot involving murder and political scandal, and the entire cast is superb.

Brian De Palma’s Blow Out is a thrilling, captivating, and ultimately moving film that remains a landmark achievement of 1980s cinema. Though it may not be widely known today, its impact on the thriller genre is undeniable, and it truly deserves recognition as a classic.

Raging Bull Is The Finest Sports Film Ever Made

It’s amazing how consistently creative and high-quality Martin Scorsese’s work has been for over fifty years. While films like Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and The Wolf of Wall Street are among his most well-known, many consider his 1980 film Raging Bull to be his masterpiece.

I’ve always been captivated by Raging Bull. Knowing it’s based on the real life of boxer Jake LaMotta makes it even more powerful. It’s a really intense and raw look at a troubled man, and the way Scorsese shot it in black and white, with those incredible editing choices, just stays with you. He’s made some fantastic films since then – I love The Departed, Shutter Island, and The Wolf of Wall Street – but I honestly think Raging Bull digs deeper emotionally than anything else he’s done. It’s truly unforgettable.

This 1980 film is a challenging but powerful experience. It honestly depicts intense human suffering, which can be disturbing, but it’s also considered one of the greatest and most thought-provoking sports dramas ever made. Martin Scorsese was at the peak of his abilities during the 1980s, and his unique style in this film remains unmatched.

Blade Runner Is A Genre-Defining Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, Blade Runner, is arguably the most influential science-fiction movie of the last fifty years. While it didn’t initially receive rave reviews, it’s now widely considered a landmark achievement in the genre.

Blade Runner is a stunning film, remarkably detailed in its creation of a futuristic world and filled with suspenseful storytelling. It delves into complex themes with richly developed characters, even as it explores the idea of artificial humans. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Rick Deckard is excellent, and the supporting cast, particularly Rutger Hauer as the villain, delivers unforgettable performances – Hauer’s is considered one of the best villainous roles in film history.

Ridley Scott is known for many fantastic films, but his 1982 movie Blade Runner is often considered his masterpiece. It’s a hugely influential film that essentially launched the cyberpunk genre and dramatically changed science fiction cinema. It truly lives up to its reputation as a classic and continues to be celebrated for good reason.

The Shining Is The Greatest Horror Movie Ever Released

Calling Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining the greatest horror movie ever made might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s a strong contender. This 1980 masterpiece is a captivating adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, featuring incredible acting, consistently memorable scenes and scares, and a truly iconic setting.

In The Shining, Jack Nicholson stars as a man who takes a job caring for a large, isolated hotel during the winter. The film is effective because it feels incredibly real and genuinely frightening. While it uses ghosts and dreamlike imagery, at its heart, The Shining explores deep human fears, particularly those surrounding family breakdown, abuse, and the potential for society to fall apart. These themes are what truly make the movie so powerful.

Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall deliver truly unforgettable performances in The Shining, creating some of the most emotionally powerful and disturbing horror scenes ever filmed. Widely considered one of the scariest movies made in the last fifty years, it absolutely lives up to its reputation. Even after many viewings, the film continues to immerse audiences in a uniquely terrifying and isolating world, solidifying its status as an iconic classic of the 1980s.

Read More

2026-01-28 07:20