The 1980s were a decade of celebrated movies that continue to resonate with audiences today. With the introduction of iconic characters that have stood the test of time, the films of the ‘80s have given rise to some of the most recognizable figures in film history. In this guide, we'll show you where to watch 200 of the best movies released between 1980 and 1989. This includes streaming offers for all popular streaming services in the United States.
What are the best movies of the 1980s?
No discussion of '80s cinema would be complete without mentioning Back to the Future from 1985, a classic adventure-comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring the beloved Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly. With its memorable characters, inventive plot and catchy soundtrack, Back to the Future has become an enduring favorite for audiences of all ages.
The decade also saw the rise of the sci-fi genre with the release of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and John Carpenter’s The Thing – both films released in the same year! While they initially seem to have major differences in the kind of science fiction they’re depicting, both ultimately explore the theme of what it means to be human. The Thing questions the nature of identity while Blade Runner examines the boundaries of humanity in a dystopian future. Action films were also all the rage during the time as seen with The Terminator from 1984 and Die Hard in ‘88. Both feature key iconic figures who use their unique insights and physicality to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds – although you know you shouldn’t root for The Terminator to destroy Sarah Connor, you can’t help but commend his dedication to getting the job done!
Where to watch the best 1980s movies online
Below you will find a list of 200 incredible movies from the 1980s and streaming details for where to watch them all online today. This includes whether they are available on services such as Netflix, Prime Video, MAX and many more.
