6 Greatest ’80s Movies on Prime Video Right Now

The 1980s were a uniquely memorable time for movies. Films from that decade were known for their vibrant colors, ambitious plots, electronic music, and reliance on physical effects – and we’re seeing a big resurgence of interest in them now. More and more people are revisiting ’80s films, and we have the largest collection available.

Like any decade in film, the 1980s saw movies across all genres. However, it’s especially remembered for its horror films – many of which were funny and featured over-the-top special effects. The decade also produced smart science fiction and cyberpunk stories that surprisingly foreshadowed the future, alongside heartwarming romances and exciting adventure films. Here’s a selection of the best ’80s movies you can stream on Prime Video, ideal for a weekend marathon.

The Shining Is The Best Horror Film Ever Made

Stanley Kubrick collaborated with novelist Diane Johnson to create the film The Shining, which was adapted from Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name. Unlike many horror movies of the 1980s that rely on jump scares, The Shining builds tension through a slowly developing sense of psychological unease.

The film starts simply enough with Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a writer facing personal struggles, taking a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, located in the Colorado Rockies. He brings his family along, but gradually begins to lose his sanity as he encounters ghosts who push him towards violence against them. Their son, Danny, has psychic visions of children who were previously killed at the hotel, and discovers that he and the hotel staff share a special ability – a kind of telepathy that allows them to see into the past, known as ‘the shining’.

With its terrifying imagery of blood-filled rooms and Jack Torrance’s gradual descent into insanity, The Shining created some of the most memorable scenes in film history. The movie delved into the darkness within people, rather than focusing on external evil, and powerfully portrayed themes like domestic abuse and addiction through the story of a family’s tragic fate.

The Princess Bride Blended Adventure With Fantasy And Romance Perfectly

Released in 1987, Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride remains remarkably timeless. The film features memorable performances from Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, and Chris Sarandon.

Okay, so I just finished watching The Princess Bride again, and it’s still fantastic. It begins with this really charming setup – a grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson. The story itself is about Buttercup, a farm girl, and her true love, Westley. He goes off to seek his fortune, but everyone thinks he’s lost at sea when he runs into the infamous Dread Pirate Roberts. Things get complicated when the Prince decides Buttercup should be his wife, but she’s snatched away right before the wedding! Then, a mysterious man in black shows up to rescue her, and that’s when the real adventure begins – honestly, it’s one of the most fun and memorable stories ever put on film.

With exciting sword fights, clever banter between Westley and Vizzini, and a great cast, The Princess Bride is a joy to watch. The hilarious rescue scenes fit perfectly with the love story of Westley and Buttercup. Despite being made in the 1980s, the film’s humor and charm still feel modern and delightful, even today.

Scarface Saw Al Pacino At His Finest

Look, don’t let a Rotten Tomatoes score of 78% scare you away from Scarface. Honestly, the audience loves it – it has a 93% rating, and that’s what really matters! Seeing Al Pacino in this, especially so soon after The Godfather, was amazing. It brought him back to those gritty crime dramas, but this time he played Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant with a seriously intense story.

Montana arrives in Miami with his friends Manny, Angel, and Chi-Chi during the Mariel boatlift. He starts with low-paying jobs, but quickly becomes drawn to the promise of wealth and success in America. He falls in with a drug cartel led by Frank Lopez, but eventually breaks away to build his own drug operation and begins pursuing Frank’s wife, Elvira.

Scarface is a tough film to watch due to its violence and disturbing content, but director Brian De Palma powerfully explores the dangers of unchecked ambition, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the consequences of greed. Al Pacino gives a phenomenal, intense performance as Tony Montana, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend. Combined with a memorable Giorgio Moroder soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a captivating, tragic story about the 1980s drug trade and the immigrant experience, Scarface has become a beloved cult classic that fully justifies its lengthy runtime.

Blade Runner Is Dark, Must-Watch Cyberpunk

The movie Blade Runner is considered the cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre. Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, it portrays a futuristic Los Angeles in 2019, filled with rain and glowing neon lights. The film features replicants—artificial humans created by the Tyrell Corporation—who were originally designed for work on off-world colonies.

The Blade Runners were created as a special force to prevent rebellious Replicants from returning to Earth. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), one of their top agents, is reactivated when six Replicants sneak onto the planet. The world of Blade Runner is dominated by powerful, wealthy corporations, leaving ordinary people struggling at the bottom. Initially a simple mission for Deckard to eliminate Pris and Zhora, the film evolves into a thoughtful exploration of whether the Replicants deserve rights.

The film explores how artificial beings, proving to be far more aware and feeling than anyone expected, deserve greater rights and fairness. Blade Runner is still considered Ridley Scott’s masterpiece and offers important insights into artificial intelligence and its relationship with humanity.

When Harry Met Sally Is Quintessential Romance

Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally explores the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be just friends. The film follows Harry Burns and Sally Albright over several years, starting with a chance encounter during a road trip after college at the University of Chicago.

I absolutely love When Harry Met Sally! It’s about Harry and Sally, who initially clash but keep unexpectedly running into each other over the years. He’s getting serious with someone, she’s engaged… but they just can’t seem to avoid each other! They become really close friends, and you just know something romantic is going to happen. It’s got so many famous moments – that diner scene with Meg Ryan is unforgettable, and it’s fun to know Rob Reiner’s mom was in it too! It’s just a classic.

However, when Reiner met his future wife while filming, the movie’s ending was rewritten. Instead of remaining just friends, Harry and Sally finally confessed their feelings for each other. Later, the couple married and became part of the film itself, appearing as one of the many couples featured in its mockumentary interviews.

The Monster Squad Is The Best Example Of ’80s Horror Comedy

Fred Dekker’s The Monster Squad is a delightful, spooky, and thoroughly enjoyable movie that brought all the classic Universal Monsters together on screen. Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon all appear in the film. A clever group of kids discovers the diary of famed vampire hunter Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (written in German, and later translated), which reveals the existence of an amulet capable of banishing the monsters who have invaded their town.

The movie perfectly captured the familiar story of kids battling monsters, but with a genuinely sweet and nostalgic ’80s feel. What really stood out were the monsters themselves – brought to life with incredible practical effects, like detailed prosthetics and makeup, thanks to the work of special effects legend Stan Winston.

Despite initially being unpopular when it came out in 1987, The Monster Squad has become a beloved film due to its nostalgic charm and pure fun. It strikes a great balance between adventure that kids will enjoy and humor and scares that appeal to adults, making it a movie that families can enjoy together.

2026-02-09 02:38