Best-Rated Movies from 1983

Some years just click with audiences and critics, and 1983 was one of those sweet spots. The big crowd pleasers landed with confidence, the indies had personality to spare, and a wave of international gems found fans far beyond their home countries. It was a year that blended spectacle and substance in a way that still feels fresh.

What follows is a friendly tour through standout favorites from that moment. You will see bold studio adventures sitting next to thoughtful dramas, cult thrillers, and razor sharp comedies. Whether you want comfort viewing or something that nudges you to think, these picks make a convincing case that 1983 had a little bit of everything.

‘The Right Stuff’ (1983)

This sweeping look at early test pilots and the birth of the space program turns real history into a warm and human story. The cast brings charm and grit to every scene and the film finds the wonder in ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

It is as rousing as it is reflective. The flying sequences still feel thrilling and the quieter moments carry real weight, which gives the whole journey an easy rewatch value.

‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983)

This is a grand payoff that closes a beloved saga with heart and high adventure. The character arcs land, the set pieces sing, and the sense of camaraderie pulls everything together.

It balances playful humor with genuine stakes and never loses sight of simple fun. The final stretch delivers emotional closure that still hits home.

‘Scarface’ (1983)

This crime epic is loud, stylish, and impossible to ignore. The central performance is a force of nature and the movie digs into ambition and excess with fearless energy.

It has a swagger that turns every scene into an event. Over time it has grown from controversy magnet to stone cold staple for fans of hard hitting drama.

‘Terms of Endearment’ (1983)

Family ties can be messy and this film embraces that truth with tenderness and bite. The writing captures the rhythm of real conversation and the performances feel lived in.

It earns its emotion through small details and warm humor. By the end you feel like you have known these people for years.

‘Zelig’ (1983)

This imaginative comedy plays like a vintage oddity that somehow feels modern. The mock documentary style is sharp and the central chameleon figure becomes a clever mirror for society.

It is brisk and playful yet slyly insightful. The jokes land with lightness while the ideas linger after the credits.

‘Videodrome’ (1983)

A surreal thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. It blends media obsession with body bending imagery in a way that is both shocking and strangely thoughtful.

It moves like a fever dream but keeps a clear through line about control and identity. It is the kind of cult favorite that rewards repeat visits.

‘Local Hero’ (1983)

This gentle comedy has a fond eye for people and place. A big city visitor finds unexpected community in a seaside village and the result is warm and quietly wise.

Every scene seems to glow. It leaves you with a peaceful mood and a smile that sneaks up on you.

‘The Ballad of Narayama’ (1983)

A powerful folk tale unfolds with striking images and patient rhythms. Tradition and survival weigh on every choice and the film treats its characters with deep respect.

It is both beautiful and bracing. The storytelling is simple on the surface and profound underneath.

‘Nostalghia’ (1983)

A poet wanders through memory and longing as if moving through fog. The imagery is precise and the mood is meditative, inviting you to sink into its quiet spell.

It is a film to feel as much as to follow. Every frame seems carefully placed, creating a soft pull that is hard to shake.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

Few films capture childhood with this much warmth and mischief. The voice of memory makes small stakes feel big and every family quirk rings true.

It is a holiday favorite because it understands how nostalgia works. The laughs are gentle and the charm never fades.

‘The Big Chill’ (1983)

Old friends reunite and rediscover who they have become. The group dynamic feels honest and the conversations flow with real ease.

It is cozy, witty, and quietly bittersweet. The vibe makes it perfect for relaxed evenings when you want familiar company.

‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence’ (1983)

This wartime drama finds unexpected empathy between people on opposite sides. The performances are nuanced and the music floats through the story with haunting grace.

It avoids easy answers and leans into human complexity. The result is moving without pushing too hard.

‘WarGames’ (1983)

A curious teenager stumbles into big trouble thanks to early home computing and a cool headed thriller takes off. The pacing is tight and the tension builds with clean clarity.

It is smart without getting tangled in jargon. The blend of youthful curiosity and real world stakes still feels fresh.

‘The Dead Zone’ (1983)

A teacher wakes from a coma with a troubling gift and the story becomes a moral puzzle. The atmosphere is chilly and the central dilemma is gripping.

It is a thoughtful thriller that favors slow burn unease over jump scares. The final choice lingers long after it ends.

‘Rumble Fish’ (1983)

A stylish tale of brothers and restless youth told with dreamlike confidence. Black and white images pop and the mood is moody yet tender.

It feels like memory captured on film. The poetry of the visuals supports a story about identity and direction.

‘Silkwood’ (1983)

A worker raises safety concerns and learns how costly truth can be. The performances are grounded and the workplace details feel authentic.

It is riveting because it stays close to real people. Courage and doubt sit side by side and that balance gives the film its power.

‘Tender Mercies’ (1983)

A weary musician finds a second chance in a quiet corner of Texas. The storytelling is simple and unforced and the emotions feel earned.

It is a small film with a full heart. You leave feeling hopeful in a way that never feels forced.

‘El Norte’ (1983)

A sibling journey toward a new life becomes a vivid portrait of hope and hardship. The film sees its characters as whole people and treats every step with care.

It blends intimate moments with a clear sense of place. The result is personal and universal at once.

‘Sans Soleil’ (1983)

This lyrical travel essay invites you to drift through places and memories. The narration muses on culture and time while the images create a gentle trance.

It is the rare film that feels like reading a wonderful notebook. You can revisit it and find new thoughts each time.

‘Danton’ (1983)

Revolution turns into a clash of ideals between two fierce personalities. The courtroom and chamber scenes crackle with tension and purpose.

It plays like a historical duel with real human stakes. The dialogue feels sharp and the momentum never sags.

‘The Dresser’ (1983)

Backstage life becomes a tender study of loyalty and pride. The bond between a fading star and his devoted assistant gives the story a steady pulse.

It is intimate and theatrical in the best way. The talk sings and the emotions sneak up on you.

‘Educating Rita’ (1983)

A hairdresser seeks an education and finds a fresh sense of self. The teacher student dynamic has spark and humor and both characters grow in believable ways.

It is lively and sincere without cynicism. By the end it feels like a celebration of curiosity.

‘Never Cry Wolf’ (1983)

A researcher heads into the wild and discovers respect for the animals he studies. The landscapes are striking and the story invites quiet reflection.

It trusts silence and observation. That patience makes the final effect surprisingly uplifting.

‘Project A’ (1983)

Precision stunts and cheerful spirit make this action adventure a joy. The set pieces are inventive and the physical comedy is a constant delight.

It moves with breezy confidence from start to finish. The craft on display is as charming as it is impressive.

‘Risky Business’ (1983)

A suburban teen makes a bold choice and learns about consequence and desire. The tone slides between comedy and tension with smooth control.

It captures a specific moment of freedom and fear. The cool style supports a story that still feels relatable.

‘L’Argent’ (1983)

A simple exchange of money spirals into serious fallout. The direction is precise and calm which makes the moral questions land even harder.

It is spare and quietly devastating. Small actions echo through lives and the film never wastes a beat.

‘De vierde man’ (1983)

A writer is drawn into a web of seduction and danger that plays like a stylish nightmare. The mood is lush and the twists arrive with eerie wit.

It is suspenseful without shouting. The confidence of the storytelling makes every reveal satisfying.

‘Star 80’ (1983)

Fame, control, and obsession collide in a story that pulls no punches. The performances carry a raw honesty that can be tough to watch but hard to look away from.

It treats its subject with clear eyed seriousness. The tone is steady and the impact is strong.

‘Christine’ (1983)

A shy teen and a classic car make for a lean and eerie tale. The tension builds steadily as possession turns into obsession.

It is crisp and effective. The mood sticks and the payoff delivers clean chills.

‘Cujo’ (1983)

A family in sudden peril faces a simple and terrifying threat. The tight setting turns everyday spaces into sources of real fear.

It works because it stays focused on people under pressure. The suspense rises step by step and never lets go.

Share your favorites from this list in the comments and tell us which 1983 pick you love most.