The Best-Rated Movies of 1985

The year 1985 was an incredible time for movies, giving us some of the most iconic and beloved films ever made. It was a year filled with adventure, laughter, heart-wrenching drama, and mind-bending science fiction. From blockbuster hits that defined a generation to critically acclaimed masterpieces that continue to be studied and admired, 1985 delivered a diverse slate of cinematic treasures. Many of these films have left a lasting impact on pop culture, influencing countless movies and television shows that followed.

This list celebrates the best that 1985 had to offer, a collection of films that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences today. Whether you were there to see them on the big screen or discovered them years later, these movies represent the pinnacle of filmmaking from that era. They showcase the incredible talent of the actors, directors, and writers who brought these unforgettable stories to life. Get ready to take a trip back in time as we explore thirty of the most highly-rated movies from a truly remarkable year in cinema.

‘Come and See’ (1985)

This Soviet anti-war film was directed by Elem Klimov. The story follows a young Belarusian boy named Flyora, who joins the Soviet partisan movement during World War II. The film is known for its harrowing and surreal depiction of the horrors of war, offering a visceral and unflinching look at the atrocities committed by the Nazis in Belarus. The lead role was played by Aleksei Kravchenko in his debut performance.

The production of the film was fraught with challenges, taking eight years to get off the ground due to Soviet censorship. Klimov co-wrote the screenplay with Ales Adamovich, who based the story on his own experiences as a teenage partisan. The film was shot in chronological order to capture the authentic physical and emotional toll on the young lead actor. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most impactful war films ever made.

‘Brazil’ (1985)

Terry Gilliam directed this dystopian black comedy. The story is set in a totalitarian society where bureaucracy runs rampant and technology is absurdly inefficient. It follows a low-level government clerk named Sam Lowry, played by Jonathan Pryce, who dreams of a fantasy woman and tries to correct an administrative error that leads to the wrongful arrest and death of an innocent man.

The film’s cast also includes Robert De Niro as a renegade heating engineer and Kim Greist as the woman of Sam’s dreams. ‘Brazil’ is celebrated for its imaginative and surreal visual style, which Gilliam brought to life with elaborate set designs and bizarre special effects. The movie satirizes bureaucracy, consumerism, and the surveillance state, and it faced a famous battle with the studio over its final cut, particularly its dark ending.

‘Ran’ (1985)

‘Ran’ is an epic period drama directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa. The film is a reimagining of William Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’, set in medieval Japan. It tells the story of an aging warlord, Hidetora Ichimonji, who decides to abdicate and divide his kingdom among his three sons. This decision leads to betrayal, madness, and ultimately, the tragic downfall of his entire clan. Tatsuya Nakadai stars as the powerful but flawed warlord.

The production was a massive undertaking and the most expensive Japanese film ever made at the time. Kurosawa, who was in his seventies, spent a decade storyboarding every shot as a painting. The movie is renowned for its stunning visuals, including vibrant color palettes, epic battle sequences with thousands of extras, and elaborate costumes. It is often cited as Kurosawa’s last great masterpiece and a monumental achievement in filmmaking.

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Robert Zemeckis directed this beloved science fiction adventure. The story centers on teenager Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean car. The car was invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd. While in the past, Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents’ first meeting, threatening his own existence.

The film follows Marty’s frantic efforts to make his parents fall in love while also trying to find a way back to his own time with the help of a younger Doc Brown. ‘Back to the Future’ was a massive commercial success and became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its humor, heart, and inventive storyline. The screenplay was written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, and the film’s success spawned two sequels, an animated series, and a stage musical.

‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner, ‘The Goonies’ is a classic adventure-comedy. The film follows a group of kids from the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, who are about to lose their homes to a greedy land developer. While rummaging through an attic, they discover an old treasure map that could lead to the lost fortune of a legendary pirate named One-Eyed Willy. The kids embark on a thrilling and dangerous quest to find the treasure and save their homes.

The young cast includes Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Jeff Cohen. The story was conceived by Steven Spielberg, who also served as an executive producer, and the screenplay was written by Chris Columbus. The film is celebrated for its sense of adventure, memorable characters, and the genuine camaraderie among the young actors. It has since become a cherished cult classic, beloved by generations of fans.

‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)

Woody Allen wrote and directed this fantasy romantic comedy. The film is set during the Great Depression and stars Mia Farrow as Cecilia, a lonely and unhappily married waitress who escapes her bleak reality by frequently going to the movies. During a screening of a film called ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’, her life takes a surreal turn when the movie’s dashing explorer character, Tom Baxter, walks off the screen and into her life.

Jeff Daniels plays both the fictional Tom Baxter and the real-life actor who portrays him, Gil Shepherd. The film explores themes of fantasy versus reality as Cecilia must choose between her charming fictional suitor and the flawed actor who created him. The movie was praised by critics for its clever premise, witty script, and heartfelt performances. It’s considered one of Allen’s most imaginative and charming films.

‘Shoah’ (1985)

‘Shoah’ is a monumental documentary directed by Claude Lanzmann. The film is over nine hours long and chronicles the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators. Lanzmann chose not to use any historical archival footage, instead relying on the power of personal testimony and present-day footage of the locations where the events took place. This approach creates a deeply personal and haunting examination of the genocide.

The interviews were conducted over several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Lanzmann spoke with a wide range of individuals, including Jewish survivors of the concentration camps, Polish farmers who lived near the camps, and former Nazi officials. The film is a profound and unflinching historical document that preserves the memories of those who experienced the Holocaust. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest documentaries ever made.

‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

John Hughes wrote and directed this quintessential teen film. The movie brings together five high school students from different social cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. The group consists of a popular princess, a jock, a brain, a rebel, and a recluse. Over the course of the day, they are instructed to write an essay about who they think they are.

The film stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy. As the day progresses, the students begin to break down the social barriers that separate them, sharing their personal struggles and discovering they have more in common than they ever imagined. ‘The Breakfast Club’ is celebrated for its honest and empathetic portrayal of teenage life and has had a lasting influence on the teen movie genre.

‘Prizzi’s Honor’ (1985)

John Huston directed this dark comedy about a family of mobsters. Jack Nicholson stars as Charley Partanna, a loyal hitman for the Prizzi crime family. His life becomes complicated when he falls for a beautiful woman named Irene Walker, played by Kathleen Turner, who he later discovers is also a professional assassin. Their romance and professional lives collide in unexpected and dangerous ways.

The film also features a standout performance by Anjelica Huston as Charley’s vengeful former lover, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The movie cleverly blends elements of crime, romance, and comedy, and it was praised for its sharp script and excellent performances. It was one of the last great films from the legendary director John Huston, who directed his daughter Anjelica in her award-winning role.

‘Out of Africa’ (1985)

Directed by Sydney Pollack, this epic romantic drama is based on the autobiographical book by Isak Dinesen. Meryl Streep stars as Karen Blixen, a Danish baroness who moves to colonial Kenya to run a coffee plantation with her unfaithful husband. There, she falls in love with a charismatic big-game hunter named Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford.

The film beautifully captures the stunning landscapes of Africa and tells a sweeping story of love, loss, and personal growth. It was a major critical and commercial success, praised for its breathtaking cinematography, lush musical score, and powerful performances by Streep and Redford. The film went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

‘Witness’ (1985)

Peter Weir directed this crime thriller. Harrison Ford stars as John Book, a tough Philadelphia police detective who goes into hiding in a peaceful Amish community to protect a young boy. The boy, Samuel Lapp, was the sole witness to a brutal murder and can identify the killer. Book must adapt to the Amish way of life while trying to uncover a conspiracy within his own police department.

Kelly McGillis plays Rachel Lapp, Samuel’s widowed mother, who develops a complicated relationship with Book. The film is a compelling mix of a tense thriller and a gentle cultural drama, exploring the clash between the modern world and the traditional, non-violent Amish community. Ford received an Academy Award nomination for his performance, and the film was praised for its compelling story and strong direction.

‘A Room with a View’ (1985)

This British period drama was directed by James Ivory. Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, the film is a romantic and witty story set in the Edwardian era. It follows a young Englishwoman named Lucy Honeychurch, played by Helena Bonham Carter in one of her first major roles, who is on a trip to Italy with her chaperon, played by Maggie Smith. While there, she meets and falls for the free-spirited George Emerson.

Upon her return to England, Lucy becomes engaged to a wealthy but stuffy man named Cecil Vyse, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. She finds herself torn between the conventions of her restrictive society and the passionate, unconventional love offered by George. The film was widely acclaimed for its beautiful cinematography, intelligent screenplay, and superb performances from its all-star cast. It won three Academy Awards.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

Steven Spielberg directed this powerful drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. The film tells the story of Celie, a young African-American woman living in the early 20th century South. Over the course of several decades, Celie endures immense hardship, including abuse at the hands of her father and later her husband, Mister. Whoopi Goldberg made her film debut as Celie, delivering a remarkable performance.

The film also features standout performances from Oprah Winfrey as Sofia and Danny Glover as Mister. ‘The Color Purple’ is a story of resilience, friendship, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It follows Celie’s journey as she finds her voice and stands up for herself with the help of the strong women in her life. The film was a commercial and critical success, receiving 11 Academy Award nominations.

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ (1985)

Héctor Babenco directed this compelling drama. The film is set in a South American prison and focuses on the unlikely friendship between two cellmates. William Hurt plays Luis Molina, a gay window dresser imprisoned for his sexuality, who escapes the grim reality of his confinement by recounting the plots of his favorite romantic movies. Raul Julia plays Valentin Arregui, a stern political prisoner who is initially disdainful of Molina.

As the two men share their stories and secrets, they form a deep and complex bond that transcends their differences. Hurt’s performance was widely praised, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film explores themes of love, fantasy, and political oppression, and it is celebrated for its powerful acting and thought-provoking narrative.

‘Fright Night’ (1985)

Tom Holland wrote and directed this horror-comedy. The story follows a teenager named Charley Brewster who discovers that his charming new next-door neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, is actually a vampire. When no one, including the police, believes him, Charley seeks the help of a washed-up actor named Peter Vincent, who hosted a late-night horror movie show called ‘Fright Night’.

Chris Sarandon plays the seductive and menacing vampire Jerry, while Roddy McDowall portrays the fearful but ultimately heroic Peter Vincent. The film is a loving homage to classic vampire movies, blending genuine scares with humor and a strong sense of fun. It was a box office success and has since become a beloved cult classic, praised for its clever script, practical effects, and memorable characters.

‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ (1985)

George Miller co-directed the third installment in the ‘Mad Max’ franchise. Mel Gibson returns as Max Rockatansky, the hardened survivor wandering a post-apocalyptic wasteland. After being exiled into the desert, Max is rescued by a tribe of feral children who believe he is a messianic figure. Meanwhile, the ruthless Aunty Entity, played by Tina Turner, rules the chaotic settlement of Bartertown.

The film is known for its iconic action sequences, particularly the climactic chase scene involving a train and a fleet of ramshackle vehicles. It also introduced the Thunderdome, a gladiatorial arena where conflicts are settled with the rule “two men enter, one man leaves”. Tina Turner also contributed to the film’s popular soundtrack, including the hit song ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)’.

‘Legend’ (1985)

Ridley Scott directed this dark fantasy adventure. The film stars Tom Cruise as Jack, a young hero who lives in a mystical forest and must fight to save the world from the Lord of Darkness. The demonic villain, played by Tim Curry, plots to plunge the world into eternal night by killing the last of the unicorns. Jack and his friends must embark on a perilous quest to rescue a princess and defeat the forces of evil.

The film is celebrated for its stunning visual style, including enchanting forest sets and Rob Bottin’s incredible practical makeup effects, which transformed Tim Curry into the iconic Lord of Darkness. The movie had different versions released in Europe and North America, with the American version featuring a new musical score by the electronic group Tangerine Dream.

‘Re-Animator’ (1985)

Stuart Gordon directed this cult classic horror-comedy. Based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, the film follows Herbert West, a brilliant but obsessive medical student who has developed a reagent that can bring the dead back to life. He enlists the help of his classmate Dan Cain to continue his grotesque experiments, leading to chaotic and gory consequences. Jeffrey Combs gives a memorable performance as the unhinged Herbert West.

The film is known for its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and clever blend of horror and comedy. It was a modest success upon its release but has since gained a large following and is considered a landmark of the horror-comedy genre. The movie’s creative and shocking special effects, combined with its witty script, have made it a favorite among horror fans.

‘After Hours’ (1985)

Martin Scorsese directed this black comedy thriller. The film follows Paul Hackett, a mild-mannered word processor played by Griffin Dunne, who experiences a surreal and nightmarish series of misadventures in New York City’s SoHo district in a single night. What starts as a promising date with a mysterious woman quickly spirals into a chaotic and dangerous journey through the city’s strange and unpredictable nightlife.

The film features a supporting cast of eccentric characters played by Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr, and Catherine O’Hara, among others. ‘After Hours’ is a departure from Scorsese’s more famous gangster films, showcasing his versatility as a director. It’s a fast-paced and paranoid comedy of errors that captures the anxiety and absurdity of urban life. Scorsese won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for the film.

‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)

Tim Burton made his feature film directorial debut with this quirky comedy. Paul Reubens stars as his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, a fun-loving man-child whose most prized possession is his custom-made, bright red bicycle. When the bike is stolen, Pee-wee embarks on an epic cross-country adventure to find it, encountering a host of bizarre and hilarious characters along the way.

The film’s whimsical and surreal visual style established many of the themes and aesthetics that would become hallmarks of Tim Burton’s work. The screenplay was co-written by Reubens, Phil Hartman, and Michael Varhol, and the memorable musical score was composed by Danny Elfman, marking his first collaboration with Burton. The movie was a commercial success and has since become a beloved cult favorite.

‘Rocky IV’ (1985)

Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in the fourth installment of the ‘Rocky’ series. In this film, Rocky Balboa finds himself in a patriotic showdown against a formidable new opponent from the Soviet Union, Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren. After Drago kills his friend Apollo Creed in an exhibition match, Rocky travels to the USSR to fight Drago on his home turf on Christmas Day.

The film is a quintessential 1980s blockbuster, known for its iconic training montages, pumped-up soundtrack, and Cold War-era storyline. It was a massive box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the ‘Rocky’ franchise. The movie also features Brigitte Nielsen as Drago’s wife and manager, and the return of series regulars Talia Shire, Burt Young, and Carl Weathers.

‘Commando’ (1985)

Mark L. Lester directed this quintessential 1980s action film. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as John Matrix, a retired elite special forces colonel whose daughter is kidnapped by a ruthless former subordinate. To get her back, Matrix must carry out a political assassination, but he instead embarks on a one-man war against the kidnappers, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

The film is famous for its over-the-top action sequences, high body count, and Schwarzenegger’s delivery of memorable one-liners. Rae Dawn Chong co-stars as a flight attendant who gets roped into helping Matrix on his mission. ‘Commando’ is a pure, unapologetic action movie that became one of Schwarzenegger’s signature films and a classic of the genre.

‘Tampopo’ (1985)

Juzo Itami wrote and directed this Japanese comedy, which he dubbed a “ramen western.” The film follows a truck driver named Goro and his sidekick Gun who decide to help a young widow named Tampopo, who runs a struggling ramen shop. Together, they embark on a quest to create the perfect bowl of ramen, encountering a variety of eccentric characters and exploring the relationship between food and love along the way.

The main story is interwoven with a series of satirical vignettes about food, featuring everything from a gangster who mixes romance and cuisine to a class of women learning how to eat spaghetti properly. ‘Tampopo’ is a sensual and humorous celebration of food and community. It was a critical and commercial success in Japan and gained an international cult following.

‘Silverado’ (1985)

Lawrence Kasdan directed and co-wrote this Western. The film features a large ensemble cast and follows a group of four unlikely heroes who come together in the town of Silverado. The group includes a pair of brothers, a former outlaw, and a man seeking revenge. They join forces to fight against a corrupt sheriff and a ruthless cattle baron who control the town.

The star-studded cast includes Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, and Danny Glover as the four protagonists, with Brian Dennehy playing the villainous sheriff. ‘Silverado’ was seen as a revival of the classic Western genre, praised for its exciting action sequences, sharp dialogue, and the strong chemistry among its leads. It received two Academy Award nominations.

‘Weird Science’ (1985)

John Hughes wrote and directed this teen science fiction comedy. The film follows two nerdy and unpopular high school students, Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly, who are tired of being rejected by girls. Using Wyatt’s computer, they attempt to create their ideal woman. A freak power surge brings their creation to life in the form of Lisa, a beautiful and intelligent woman with magical powers.

Kelly LeBrock stars as Lisa, who takes it upon herself to build Gary and Wyatt’s confidence and help them stand up to their bullies, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Rusler. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith play the two teenage protagonists. The film is a fun and outlandish fantasy, filled with humor and memorable moments.

‘Clue’ (1985)

Jonathan Lynn directed this mystery comedy based on the popular board game. The film brings together the game’s famous characters for a dinner party at a secluded mansion, where their host is mysteriously murdered. The guests, including Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Colonel Mustard, must work together with the butler, Wadsworth, to figure out who the killer is before more bodies pile up.

The film features a brilliant ensemble cast, including Tim Curry as the frantic butler, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, and Eileen Brennan. One of the film’s most notable features was its multiple endings. When it was released in theaters, different cinemas received one of three possible endings, and the home video release included all three. The movie has since become a beloved cult classic.

‘Ladyhawke’ (1985)

Richard Donner directed this fantasy romance film. The story is set in medieval Europe and follows a young thief named Philippe Gaston, who escapes from a dungeon. He becomes entangled in the tragic fate of two lovers, Navarre and Isabeau. The pair has been cursed by an evil bishop. By day, Isabeau transforms into a hawk, and by night, Navarre becomes a wolf, so they are always together but forever apart.

Matthew Broderick stars as the thief, Rutger Hauer plays the cursed knight Navarre, and Michelle Pfeiffer portrays the beautiful Isabeau. The film is a classic tale of love, adventure, and magic, praised for its beautiful cinematography and the chemistry between its leads. The modern rock-infused score by Andrew Powell was a distinctive feature of the film.

‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ (1985)

William Friedkin directed this stylish and gritty neo-noir thriller. William Petersen stars as Richard Chance, a reckless Secret Service agent who is determined to take down a master counterfeiter named Rick Masters, played by Willem Dafoe. After his partner is killed, Chance becomes obsessed with revenge and is willing to bend any rule to bring Masters to justice, even if it means putting himself and his new partner in grave danger.

The film is known for its realistic depiction of counterfeiting, its cynical tone, and a spectacular car chase sequence that is often compared to Friedkin’s work in ‘The French Connection’. The movie’s sleek visual style and energetic soundtrack by the new wave band Wang Chung captured the essence of 1980s Los Angeles. It has been praised for its realism and morally ambiguous characters.

‘A View to a Kill’ (1985)

John Glen directed this fourteenth film in the James Bond series. It was the seventh and final film to star Roger Moore as the iconic British secret agent. In this adventure, Bond investigates a corrupt industrialist named Max Zorin, played by Christopher Walken, who is plotting to destroy California’s Silicon Valley in order to gain a monopoly on the microchip market.

The film also stars Tanya Roberts as Bond girl Stacey Sutton and Grace Jones as Zorin’s formidable henchwoman, May Day. ‘A View to a Kill’ is known for its spectacular action sequences, including a memorable chase up the Eiffel Tower and a climactic fight on top of the Golden Gate Bridge. The theme song, performed by Duran Duran, was a major international hit.

‘The Black Cauldron’ (1985)

This animated dark fantasy adventure was produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on a series of books, the film tells the story of Taran, a young pig-keeper who dreams of becoming a great warrior. He is tasked with protecting a magical pig named Hen Wen, who has oracular powers. When the evil Horned King kidnaps Hen Wen to locate the mystical Black Cauldron, Taran must embark on a quest to stop him.

The film was one of the most expensive animated films of its time and was notable for its darker tone compared to previous Disney movies. It was the first Disney animated feature to receive a PG rating and to use computer-generated imagery. Although it was not a box office success upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following among fans of animation and fantasy.

What are your favorite movies from 1985? Let us know in the comments below.