Welcome to memory lane. When I suggested to the editor to do a piece on top 10 grossing movies of the eighties, I thought I was going to get shot down in flames. But wow what a Star (excuse the pun) I have been given the big ok and will be reminiscing like crazy over those good old movies, most of which have already been re released in digital!!
So, I don’t want to be unfair and bore you with my own favourites, I shall remain impartial and go by the figures supplied to me which are Gross figures not taking into account inflation currency changes etc. Gross figures will not necessarily reflect true popularity but it’s the fairest I think I can be, so in true Top 10 style let’s count them down from number 10.
10 - Top Gun – How many times have I watched this movie? Having served in the Royal Air Force it almost certainly would be in my Top 5. This movie starring Tom Cruise plotted Cruise/Maverick’s times through Top Gun, the American elite fighter training school. His inevitable heart breaks as he lost his best friend “Goose” when their plane entered a flat spin and they were forced to eject. His inverted roll over a Mig at the start of the movie and his romance with the dog fight expert and teacher played by Kelly McGillis. This one will never grow old.
Released date – 1986 US Gross $345 Million
9 - Back to the Future – Starring Michael J Fox. I effectively grew up with Fox (in terms of age) and couldn’t help admire the guy. There was a time in the 1980’s when he seemed to be starring in a new movie release almost weekly. In back to the future Fox (Marty McFly) was the “cool” student with the nerdy father, who goes back in time with his friend and mad professor Dr Emmett Brown played by Christopher Lloyd and ends up having to help his parents get together after his mother inadvertently falls in love with him. At the time this film and the time machine (a converted Delorian sports car) became incredibly popular as did Fox, who seems to be the only teenager ever to get into trouble before he was born!
Release Date – 1985 US Gross $348 Million
8 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Bob Hoskins starred in this part human part animated film which was a bit revolutionary for its time. Yes, it was a family friendly and often funny movie but not really my cup of tea!
Release Date – 1988 US Gross $349 Million
7 - Raiders of the Lost Ark – Action packed adventure with Harrison Ford Indiana Jones, the teacher/archaeologist on the hunt for the arc of the covenant. Harrison Ford went on to make several sequels following this excellent fast paced, amusing and action packed movie.
Release Date – 1981 US Gross $384 Million
6 - Rain Man – Another Movie in the top 10 featuring Tom Cruise and his on screen long lost brother played by Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman who plays an autistic savant turns out to have an amazing memory for figures which Cruise exploits in Las Vegas’ casinos. The story takes them both on a trip of a lifetime in which the once selfish car hustling Cruise finds himself drawn to his brother and their relationship ends up as one of pure brotherly love and understanding. A risky reputation busting movie for any macho man as they will be brought to their knees!
Release Date – 1988 US Gross $413 Million
5 - Batman – I’m not a major fan of the Batman movies, but the millions can’t be wrong! Based upon the cartoon character Batman starred a full crew of Hollywood stars including Michael Keaton (Batman), Jack Nicholson (Joker) and Kim Bassinger as Vicki Vale.
Release Date – 1989 US Gross $413 Million
4 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Harrison Ford was joined in this sequel to raiders of the lost arc by the much acclaimed Sean Connery who played his father Professor Henry James. Together they embark on another action packed adventure in search of the Holy Grail. In terms of a sequel this certainly didn’t disappoint.
Release Date – 1989 US Gross $495 Million
3 - The Empire Strikes Back – Another in a decade of sequels and following on from the original film star wars. The series of films is rumoured to have shown the way in terms of imagination to the likes of NASA and has inspired many a modern day invention. Harrison Ford once again played a leading role as Hans Solo in this ground breaking
Sci fi movie adventure.
Release Date – 1980 US $513 Million
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2 - Return of the Jedi –The all star cast returned once more in what turned out to be my favourite star wars movie. Why did I favour it above the others? Purely down to those crazy little Ewoks. ?
Release Date – 1983 US $573 Million
1 - E.T. –So, this was it; The number one grossing movie of the 1980’s and featuring a very young and mischievous Drew Barrymore (nothing has changed over the years) with the Extra Terrestrial or E.T. who had by all accounts been left on earth by mistake. A real tear jerker of a movie, I’m unsure if anybody has not watched this one!
Release Date – 1982 US Gross $705 Million
There you have it, the best grossing movies of the 1980’s and whilst you may not agree with the ratings, I hope that it has taken you down memory lane.
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