1980s Best Movies

Police Academy (1984)

When the mayor of a crime-ridden city loosens the restrictions on entering the police academy in order to get more cops on the street, all manner of oddball characters enlist to join the force. Among the cadets are suave Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), hulking Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), beautiful Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrall) and sound effects-generating Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), who all have to show initiative and courage when they are faced with tough situations out on patrol.

Allan Quatermain and The Lost City of Gold (1986)

Richard Chamberlain stars as Allan Quatermain, and Sharon Stone portrays Jesse Huston. Together, they lead an expedition with James Earl Jones as Swarma and Henry Silva as Umslopogaas to find Quatermain’s missing brother. Along the journey, they encounter treacherous terrain, hostile tribes, and face betrayal by Robert Donner’s character, Dr. Otto. In the Lost City, they defend its secrets against Otto’s greed. Their thrilling adventures forge unbreakable bonds and leave a lasting impact on their lives.

King Solomon’s Mines (1985)

Richard Chamberlain stars as Allan Quatermain, leading an expedition with Sharon Stone as Jesse Huston, seeking her missing father. They face wildlife, hostile tribes, and the enigmatic warrior Umbopa (John Rhys-Davies). Amidst betrayals by Herbert Lom and Ken Gampu’s treasure hunters, they uncover the secret of King Solomon’s Mines. Battling peril and greed, they reach the treasure, protecting it from falling into wrong hands. This action-packed adventure portrays Quatermain and Huston’s bravery in a thrilling quest through Africa’s untamed wilderness.

Airplane! (1980)

This spoof comedy takes shots at the slew of disaster movies that were released in the 70s. When the passengers and crew of a jet are incapacitated due to food poisoning, a rogue pilot with a drinking problem must cooperate with his ex-girlfriend turned stewardess to bring the plane to a safe landing.

The Wraith (1986)

A high-school hero returns from the dead to take revenge against the psychotic drag racer who killed him. The murdered boy transforms himself into a hi-tech spirit in black leathers and sets out to do battle with a gang of desert-based car thieves led by the man who destroyed him.

Tango & Cash (1989)

Police officers Ray Tango (Sylvester Stallone) and Gabe Cash (Kurt Russell) are narcotics experts working to bring down drug lord Yves Perret (Jack Palance). In an attempt to stymie their efforts, Perret sets up Tango and Cash, making it look as if they’ve killed an FBI agent. Arrested and put in prison, the two cops formulate an escape plan and, once out, team up with Tango’s exotic dancer sister, Katherine (Teri Hatcher), in order to clear their records and takedown Perret once and for all.

Return to Oz (1985)

Dorothy discovers she is back in the land of Oz, and finds the yellow brick road is now a pile of rubble, and the Emerald City is in ruins. Discovering that the magical land is now under the control of an evil empire, she sets off to rescue the scarecrow, the tin man and the lion with the help of her new friends.

Splash (1984)

A young boy saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid falls in love with her 20 years later when she returns to seek him out. Before he can choose between life on dry land or a deep-sea paradise with his dream woman, the lovers are rudely interrupted by the intervention of a scheming scientist.