Best movies of the 80s: my favorites from every year of the decade are streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and more

From cursed hotels to magical sunglasses, these are my favorite movies from every year of the 1980s

26 Oct 2024, 10:00 · TechRadar

Features By Amelia Schwanke published 26 October 2024

(Image credit: Prime Video)

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There’s a constant flow of new movies being released every year but I love nothing more than rewatching a classic, so I’ve delved back into the standout films from each decade, starting with the iconic 80s – a decade packed with unforgettable films.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find every movie on the best streaming services or the best free streaming services, which means my hand’s been forced in places but I’ve made sure to sift through the long list of titles year by year to bring you the best you can stream right now. So, dust off your flares and join me for a nostalgic journey down memory lane.

1980: The Shining

The trademark Kubrick stare was best portrayed by Nicholson in The Shining. (Image credit: Prime Video)

Notable mentions:

– Raging Bull

– Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

That stare! The Shining forever changed Jack Nicholson for me (it was only in The Departed that he was able to shake off that Jack Torrance character in any meaningful way). This is Stanley Kubrick’s most eeriest film and the best Stephen King adaptation (even if the horror writer doesn’t think so). Its most unsettling scenes have become ingrained in pop culture and are still often resurfaced in the best horror movies of all time. Mountain hotels, mazes and elevators have never been the same.

1981: American Werewolf in London

American Werewolf in London is widely available to stream this spooky season. (Image credit: Arrow Video)

Notable mentions:

– Raiders of the lost Ark

– The Evil Dead

When you picture films from the 80s, what is it that stands out? The cheesy one liners, the synth scores or how about the now stylised in its own right blend of practical and visual effects? If you have a love for the latter, then you've got to watch one of the best horror movies American Werewolf in London – the transformation scene alone still lives with me to this day. Don't happen have a subscription to any of the services below? You're in luck, because the movie is also available on the best free streaming services like Tubi, Amazon Freevee or The Roku Channel in the US.

1982: Blade Runner

The cult classic has become a fully fledged franchise with a live action series on the way. (Image credit: Prime Video)

Notable mentions:

– First Blood

– E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

What 80s list wouldn't be complete without an entry (OK, there are three in this list) from one of the standout stars from the decade? Harrison Ford has come a long way since being a carpenter for author Joan Didion and he does not disappoint in Ridley Scott's adaptation of Philip K Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. This movie arguably set the style for all the neon-washed skyscraper cyberpunk cities that would follow, and is one of the best sci-fi movies of all time for its distinct atmospheric setting.

1983: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

The original Star Wars trilogy is part of our picks for the best Disney Plus movies. (Image credit: Disney)

Notable mentions:

– Scarface

– WarGames

Did you know that the Ewoks introduced in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi weren’t originally going to be in the movie? George Lucas has since revealed that he intended for Wookiees to be the native species on the moon of Endor, and I’m so glad he changed his mind because those fierce teddy bears are the standouts for me (R2D2 serving drinks aboard Jabba's luxury sail barge 'The Khetanna' is a close second) and rightly deserve their spinoff movie: Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure. Don't remember where this fits into the timeline? Here's how to watch the Star Wars movies in order.

1984: Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is one of the best Netflix movies in the UK. (Image credit: Columbia)

Notable mentions:

– Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

– The Karate Kid

I still love the premise of this movie: what do you do when you’re a successful but eccentric scientist who loses their job? Start a ghost catching business, of course. I’m also still not sure if I had the choice of one, would I opt for the Ghostbusters car or proton pack with a Neutrona wand to add to my imaginary private collection. It’s a tough call, but I’d probably lean toward The Ecto-1, let's be honest.

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