The 1980s is arguably the best decade of cinema. It's a daunting task to make such a list, for I know I'll be castigated for leaving off some people's favorites. However, there are still many more for me to see, so this list will adapt over time. This list is a combination of what I think is well-made and what makes me happy. See if yours are here!
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
2. Glory (1989)
3. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
4. Platoon (1986)
5. The Karate Kid (1984)
6. The Shining (1980)
7. Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
8. Batman (1989)
9. Back to the Future (1985)
10. Lethal Weapon (1987)
11. A Christmas Story
12. Die Hard (1988)
13. The Terminator (1984)
14. Spaceballs (1987)
15. The Fly (1986)
16. The Untouchables (1987)
17. Poltergeist (1982)
18. The Little Mermaid (1989)
19. Ghostbusters (1984)
20. The Princess Bride (1987)
21. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
22. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
23. Aliens (1986)
24. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
25. The Abyss (1989)
26. Clue (1985)
27. Vacation (1983)
28. Dead Poets Society (1989)
29. The Breakfast Club (1985)
30. Evil Dead 2 (1987)
31. First Blood (1982)
32. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
33. Dirty Dancing (1987)
34. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
35. The Outsiders (1983)
36. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
37. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
38. Stand By Me (1986)
39. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
40. The Goonies (1985)
41. Beetlejuice (1988)
42. Airplane! (1980)
43. The Blues Brothers (1980)
44. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
45. Robocop (1987)
46. Footloose (1984)
47. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
48. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
49. Gremlins (1984)
50. Blade Runner (1982)
51. Tron (1982)
52. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
53. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
54. The Bounty (1984)
55. Big (1988)
56. The Right Stuff (1983)
57. Oliver and Company (1988)
58. Three Amigos (1986)
59. Red Dawn (1984)
60. The Lost Boys (1987)
