Movies from 1985 That Are Now Considered Classics
The year 1985 was a standout for the film industry, producing a wide range of movies that have since become deeply ingrained in popular culture. It was a time of creative and diverse filmmaking, with everything from science-fiction adventures and teen comedies to epic dramas and action-packed blockbusters hitting the big screen. Many of these films not only achieved success at the box office but also earned critical acclaim, influencing filmmakers and entertaining audiences for decades to come.
What made 1985 so special was its variety. The year offered iconic films that defined genres and launched the careers of many actors who are now household names. The stories from that year have stayed with viewers, with memorable characters and famous lines that are still quoted today. These films have stood the test of time, proving that a great movie is timeless, no matter when it was made.
Back to the Future (1985)
This science-fiction comedy is about a teenager named Marty McFly who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955. He meets his future parents in high school and must make sure they fall in love, or he will cease to exist. The film was the highest-grossing movie of 1985 and became a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
The movie is celebrated for its humor, creativity, and exciting story. It led to two sequels, an animated series, and a theme park ride. The script is often praised by film experts as being nearly perfect in its structure.
The Goonies (1985)
A group of kids who call themselves “The Goonies” discover an old treasure map. They hope to find the treasure to save their homes from being sold. Their adventure leads them through a series of underground tunnels and traps set by a legendary pirate.
This film, based on a story by Steven Spielberg, is a classic adventure that has been loved by audiences for generations. Its mix of action, comedy, and friendship has made it a timeless favorite. The movie has gained a large cult following and is a staple of 1980s pop culture.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
This movie follows five high school students from different social groups who have to spend a Saturday in detention. Despite their differences, they begin to talk and find that they have more in common than they thought. The film explores themes of teenage angst, stereotypes, and the pressure to fit in.
Written and directed by John Hughes, The Breakfast Club is considered one of the most important teen movies ever made. It is known for its honest portrayal of teenage life and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film is praised for its memorable characters and heartfelt moments.
Rocky IV (1985)
In the fourth installment of the Rocky series, Rocky Balboa faces a new, powerful opponent from the Soviet Union named Ivan Drago. After Drago kills his friend Apollo Creed in an exhibition match, Rocky travels to the USSR for a revenge match on Christmas Day.
The film was a huge box office success and became the highest-grossing sports movie of all time for 24 years. Its training montages and final fight are iconic. The movie also reflects the political tensions of the Cold War era, with its strong pro-America themes.
Brazil (1985)
This dystopian black comedy is set in a future world filled with excessive bureaucracy and technology. The story follows a low-level government clerk who tries to correct an administrative error and finds himself entangled in a web of mistaken identity and rebellion.
Directed by Terry Gilliam, the film is known for its unique visual style and satirical humor. It offers a critique of government overreach and the loss of individuality in a machine-run society. Brazil has become a cult classic, admired for its ambitious and imaginative storytelling.
The Color Purple (1985)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this film tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman living in the early 20th century. It follows her life over several decades, showing her struggles with abuse and her journey toward empowerment and independence.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie was praised for its powerful performances, especially from Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in their film debuts. It received 11 Academy Award nominations and is recognized for its emotional depth and important story.
Out of Africa (1985)
This epic romantic drama tells the true story of Karen Blixen, a Danish baroness who establishes a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya. The film explores her life, her marriage of convenience, and her love affair with a big-game hunter.
The movie was a major critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sydney Pollack. It is known for its beautiful cinematography of the African landscape and its sweeping musical score.
Witness (1985)
A young Amish boy is the sole witness to a murder, and a police detective must protect him and his mother. To do so, the detective goes undercover and lives with the Amish community, leading to a clash of cultures and a growing romance.
The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews for its blend of thriller and romance. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two, including Best Original Screenplay. Harrison Ford’s performance was also widely praised.
Ran (1985)
This epic historical drama by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear. An aging warlord in medieval Japan decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons, which leads to betrayal, war, and his own descent into madness.
Ran is considered one of Kurosawa’s greatest achievements and a masterpiece of world cinema. It is praised for its stunning visuals, massive battle scenes, and powerful storytelling. The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
Re-Animator (1985)
This cult classic horror-comedy is about a medical student who invents a serum that can bring the dead back to life. His experiments lead to gruesome and chaotic results. The film is known for its over-the-top gore and dark humor.
Based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, Re-Animator has become a favorite among horror fans. Its blend of sci-fi horror and comedy creates a unique and memorable viewing experience. The film’s practical effects are also a highlight.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
The third film in the Mad Max series finds the hero, Max, exiled to the desert. He is rescued by a group of children living in an oasis who believe he is a savior from a prophecy. The film is known for its imaginative world-building and action sequences.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome continued to develop the post-apocalyptic world of the series. It introduced the iconic Thunderdome, an arena where conflicts are settled by a fight to the death. The movie also featured Tina Turner in a memorable role as the ruler of Bartertown.
Commando (1985)
In this action film, a retired Special Forces colonel, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, must rescue his daughter from a group of criminals. He uses his military skills to take on an entire army in a one-man war. The film is packed with explosive action and memorable one-liners.
Commando is a classic example of the over-the-top action movies of the 1980s. It solidified Schwarzenegger’s status as a leading action star. The film’s non-stop action and high body count have made it a cult favorite.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
This quirky comedy follows the eccentric character Pee-wee Herman on a cross-country journey to find his stolen bicycle. Along the way, he meets a variety of strange and interesting characters. The film was the feature-length debut of director Tim Burton.
The movie is loved for its whimsical style and offbeat humor. It introduced Pee-wee’s character to a wider audience and became a cult classic. The film’s imaginative visuals and silly charm have made it a favorite for all ages.
Fletch (1985)
Chevy Chase stars as an undercover newspaper reporter who uses various disguises to investigate a story. When a wealthy man asks him to commit murder, Fletch finds himself in the middle of a dangerous and comedic mystery.
The film is known for Chase’s improvisational humor and witty dialogue. It was a box office success and led to a sequel. Fletch is considered one of Chase’s best films and a classic 1980s comedy.
After Hours (1985)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this black comedy follows a word processor who has a series of bizarre and unfortunate adventures in one night in New York City. After meeting a mysterious woman, his attempts to return home are repeatedly foiled.
The film is a departure from Scorsese’s more famous crime dramas but is praised for its dark humor and suspenseful plot. It has gained a cult following over the years for its unique and surreal portrayal of urban life.
Cocoon (1985)
A group of senior citizens discovers a swimming pool that has been energized by aliens, giving them youthful vitality. They must decide whether to embrace their newfound youth or accept the natural course of life.
Directed by Ron Howard, Cocoon was a surprise hit that blended science fiction with a heartwarming story about aging. The film won two Academy Awards, including one for Don Ameche for Best Supporting Actor.
Clue (1985)
Based on the popular board game, this comedy-mystery brings the classic characters to life. Six guests are invited to a remote mansion for a dinner party, but when their host is murdered, they must figure out who the killer is.
The film is famous for having three different endings, and in its original theatrical run, different theaters would receive different endings. Clue has become a major cult classic, beloved for its witty script and ensemble cast.
A View to a Kill (1985)
This James Bond film stars Roger Moore in his final appearance as the famous spy. Bond investigates a microchip manufacturer who plans to destroy Silicon Valley to gain a monopoly on the market.
The movie features iconic action sequences, including a chase scene up the Eiffel Tower and a climax on the Golden Gate Bridge. The theme song by Duran Duran was a major commercial hit, reaching number one on the U.S. charts.
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
John Rambo is released from prison to go on a top-secret mission in Vietnam. His task is to find and document American prisoners of war, but he disobeys orders and tries to rescue them, leading to explosive action.
The film was a massive box office success, building on the character from the first movie but with a much larger focus on action. It became a symbol of 1980s action cinema, known for its over-the-top violence and patriotic themes.
Return to Oz (1985)
This darker, unofficial sequel to The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy as she returns to a ruined and desolate Oz. She must save her old friends from a new set of villains, including the Nome King and the terrifying Wheelers.
The film is noted for its bleak tone and frightening imagery, which was a departure from the cheerful 1939 original. While it was not a commercial success at the time, it has since gained a significant cult following for its unique and imaginative vision.
Teen Wolf (1985)
Michael J. Fox stars as a high school student who discovers he is a werewolf. He uses his newfound powers to become popular and a star basketball player, but he soon learns that being himself is more important.
Released in the same year as Back to the Future, this film also became a commercial success. It’s a classic 1980s teen comedy that combines supernatural elements with a story about finding your own identity.
Weird Science (1985)
Two unpopular high school nerds use their computer to create their perfect woman. The woman they bring to life helps them gain confidence and stand up to the bullies who torment them.
Written and directed by John Hughes, this film is another one of his classic teen comedies from the era. It’s known for its wild, over-the-top humor and has become a beloved cult film for its quirky premise and fun-loving spirit.
Ladyhawke (1985)
This fantasy film tells the story of a young thief who gets involved with a cursed knight and his lady. By day, the lady is a hawk, and by night, the knight is a wolf, so they can never be together as humans.
The movie is praised for its beautiful cinematography and romantic story. It combines adventure, magic, and romance to create a memorable fantasy world. The unique curse at the heart of the story has made it a standout film in the genre.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
This coming-of-age film follows a group of recent college graduates as they navigate life and love. The movie explores the challenges of adulthood and the complexities of friendship.
The film is a key movie of the “Brat Pack” era, featuring a cast of popular young actors from the time. Its theme song, by John Parr, was a number one hit. The movie captures the angst and uncertainty of post-college life.
Silverado (1985)
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This Western brings together four unlikely heroes who team up to fight injustice in a small town. The film is an homage to classic Westerns, featuring shootouts, cattle drives, and a showdown with a corrupt sheriff.
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, the film features a large ensemble cast of well-known actors. It was praised for revitalizing the Western genre in the 1980s with its energetic pace and classic storytelling.
