As any true film buff knows, the ’80s were more than just a decade; they were a cultural explosion that dramatically morphed cinema’s landscape. Movies from the 80s are synonymous with mullet hairstyles, neon spandex, and unforgettable one-liners.Â
The period saw the rise of high-concept blockbusters, teen comedies, and the dawn of action heroes. And Hulu’s library of content has some of the most rad titles from the era. Here are the best movies from the 80s to indulge your nostalgia, ranked according to IMDb ratings.
Aliens (1986) – 8.4/10
- Director: James Cameron
- Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
Official synopsis: Ellen Ripley returns 57 years after her first encounter with the alien creature. Allied with a team of highly trained colonial marines, Ripley faces off against these extraterrestrials that have taken over a space colony on moon LV-426 while fighting to protect the colony’s sole survivor.
Die Hard (1988) – 8.2/10
- Director: John McTiernan
- Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
Official synopsis: In this fast-paced thriller, NYPD cop John McClane’s Christmas vacation in Los Angeles unexpectedly transforms into a rescue mission. When robbers take control of the Nakatomi Corporation building during a festive party, the solo McClane steps up to oppose them and save the hostages.
Akira (1988) – 8/10
- Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo
- Starring: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama
Official synopsis: Akira follows the leader of a biker gang in the dystopian metropolis of Neo-Tokyo. He sees his world shaken when his friend Tetsuo develops telekinetic powers. As Tetsuo embarks on a destructive path, echoes of the force that once decimated Tokyo arise, threatening to repeat history.
Sophie’s Choice (1982) – 7.5/10
- Director: Alan J. Pakula
- Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol
Official synopsis: Sophie, a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, finds renewed purpose in life with Nathan, an American Jew fascinated by the Holocaust. But their shared happiness becomes entangled in the shadows of her haunting past and his deep-seated obsessions.
The Last Unicorn (1982) – 7.3/10
- Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
- Starring: Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury
Official synopsis: Step into the magical narrative of The Last Unicorn on Hulu, where a unicorn, spurred by a butterfly’s riddle, seeks to find her lost kind. Accompanied by a second-rate magician and a dreamer, their adventure leads them to the daunting castle of King Haggard.
Labyrinth (1986) – 7.3/10
- Director: Jim Henson
- Starring: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
Official synopsis: When a rash wish places her baby stepbrother in the hands of the Goblin King Jareth, Sarah is thrust into a challenging maze. Joined by quirky companions, she must outwit the labyrinth and reclaim Toby before time runs out.
Raising Arizona (1987) – 7.3/10
- Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Starring: Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson
Official synopsis: Raising Arizona delivers plenty of laughter as an ex-con and ex-cop, longing for a child, decide to nab a baby from a set of quints. This slapstick comedy spirals into chaos as unwanted guests get tangled in their eccentric plan.
Day of the Dead (1985) – 7.1/10
- Director: George A. Romero
- Starring: Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato
Official synopsis: In a world ruled by zombies, a group of scientists and military personnel bunker down in Florida where they conduct grim experiments on the undead. Tensions rise until the zombies make their way inside. It’s survival at its goriest.
Moscow on the Hudson (1984) – 6.5/10
- Director: Paul Mazursky
- Starring: Robin Williams, Maria Conchita Alonso, Cleavant Derricks
Official synopsis: Moscow on the Hudson centers on a Russian saxophonist who defects in the heart of New York. Befriended by a security guard and smitten by an Italian immigrant, he navigates the American dream while pursuing his musical ambition.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) – 6.4/10
- Director: Joel Schumacher
- Starring: Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy
Official synopsis: St. Elmo’s Fire on Hulu uncovers the nuances of friendship and growing up, post-graduation. The story delves into the lives of seven companions dealing with their changing aspirations, love interests, and the challenges of adulthood while their bond stands the test of time.
Bachelor Party (1984) – 6.3/10
- Director: Neal Israel
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Tawny Kitaen, Adrian Zmed
Official synopsis: With Rick Gassko set to marry, his friends plan an unforgettable bachelor party, complete with adult antics and unexpected surprises. As plans go hilariously awry, Rick has to deal with unexpected guests, surprising demos, and a whole lot of chaos.
All the Right Moves (1983) – 6/10
- Director: Michael Chapman
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Lea Thompson, Craig T. Nelson
Official synopsis: All the Right Moves is a compelling drama about a high school football star and his ambitious coach, both dreaming big in a small Pennsylvania town. When ambition meets ambition, the resulting clash could cost them everything.
Cocktail (1988) – 5.9/10
- Director: Roger Donaldson
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, Elisabeth Shue
Official synopsis: Cocktail is a fizzing mix of dreams, drinks, and drama. Ex-military man Brian hopes for a future in bartending with mentor Doug, but a passionate romance in Jamaica could alter his path.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986) – 5.9/10
- Director: Penny Marshall
- Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Collins, John Wood
Official synopsis: Terry’s ordinary life as a bank employee transforms radically when she decodes a secret message. With thrill and suspense at every turn, she has to navigate an intricate espionage ring while helping a mysterious contact.
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) – 5.5/10
- Director: John R. Cherry III
- Starring: Jim Varney, Victoria Racimo, John Vernon
Official synopsis: Ernest Goes to Camp is a heartwarming tale about a kind-hearted handyman with dreams of becoming a camp counselor. As he comes across a group of misfit kids, Ernest must rally them to save their summer camp from a ruthless mining company.
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