Turner Classic Movies, a film-oriented TV network owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment, has a regular franchise titled The Essentials, which features the most essential films from each of the past several eras. The network also showcases the most influential films, those that embody the nostalgia that arises when you think of the era they were created in.
The 1970s piloted the emergence of the modern era, with action-packed movies like Jaws and Star Wars created by the major production houses. These films are among a select few that reshaped audience expectations and reframed the criteria for becoming a box-office knockout. As the ‘70s rolled into the ‘80s, the film industry developed a love for franchises that still rules up until this day. Yet this decade was about so much more than that. To give you a true understanding of what the ‘80s offered to the cinematic landscape, we present ten of the most essential films of the era for your historical viewing pleasure.
Boxing films and biopics became popular after Martin Scorsese helmed one of his masterpieces, the black-and-white biographic movie of Jake LaMotta. The famous boxer was portrayed by Hollywood icon Robert De Niro.
While there is now a plethora of films within the same genre, Raging Bull is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding.
Star Wars is one of many sagas to be delivered in a number of installments, and yet the newer elements of the franchise are (arguably) no match to the original. While each new Star Wars film has the benefit of newer technology and special effects, most fans still consider the originals to be the best. This comes as no surprise. After all, who could forget the line, “I am your father” that completely shifted Luke Skywalker’s understanding of the universe?
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg teamed up to produce this iconic film that placed one of cinema’s greatest heroes, Indiana Jones, in a wild blend of fictional and historical events. While Harrison Ford was, of course, the most memorable aspect of the film franchise, John William’s stirring score was a major part of its box office success.
This neo-noir sci-fi movie by Ridley Scott details the story of a former cop whose job involves being a Blade Runner. The task of a Blade Runner is to track down bioengineered beings called replicants. The film explores the early use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and attempts to answer the mind-boggling question of what it means to be human.
This classic Steven Spielberg creation tells the tale of a young boy from the suburbs who is still filled with wonder at the world, and who comes across a stranded alien and befriends it.
Amadeus was the rightful recipient of eight Oscar awards. The biopic was headlined by actor Tom Hulce, who portrayed the role of the classical music legend Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was supported by F. Murray Abraham who played the role of Antonio Salieri. While Salieri started out as Mozart’s teacher, rumor has it he may have been involved in the composer’s death.
James Cameron has a legacy of films that have earned him respect as one of the most renowned directors in the Hollywood scene. With his smash ‘80s hit, The Terminator, Cameron bolstered Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career by giving him the role of a cyborg sent back from the future. This paved the way, not just for a prosperous career for Arnie, but for a while franchise of Terminator films, each one delving further into the machine wars of the film’s dystopian future.
The most notable part of this movie was, of course, when Schwarzenegger swore, “I’ll be back.” This was one promise he certainly kept.
David Lynch's bizarre mix of soap opera and creepiness might have actually found its peak (Twin Peaks to be precise) on TV, but the director brought all of his quirky gifts together in this dark and unsettlingly funny film where the plot is set in motion by a severed ear. Featuring Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rosselini, and a crazy-even-by-his-standards performance by Dennis Hopper, Blue Velvet is an essential viewing for all those who wish to understand the cinematic world of the ‘80s.
This action-thriller was polished to perfection by director John McTiernan and was headlined by Bruce Willis. Not long after, dozens of copycat films appeared, each one rocking almost exactly the same concept.
Do The Right Thing was Spike Lee’s third film and is considered by many to be his masterpiece. It tackles police abuse and racial tension while exhibiting empathy toward each of the characters. Though it may have been representative of the political climate of the ‘80s, these issues remain relevant three decades after its release. The movie established a path for African-American filmmakers, prompting the late Roger Elbert to refer to it as “the most important American film of recent years.”