The Best-Rated Movies of 1987

The year 1987 was an incredible time for cinema, offering a diverse slate of films that have since become beloved classics. Moviegoers were treated to a fantastic mix of genres, from thrilling action and heartfelt comedies to gripping dramas and imaginative fantasies. These films not only captivated audiences at the time but have also left a lasting impact on pop culture, with many still being quoted and celebrated decades later. It was a year that truly showcased the magic of storytelling on the big screen.

Looking back, 1987 stands out as a period of creative energy and memorable performances. Iconic characters were born, and established actors delivered some of their career-defining roles. The movies from this year continue to entertain new generations of fans, proving that a great story is timeless. Whether you were there to see them in theaters or are discovering them for the first time, the films of 1987 represent a golden era of filmmaking that remains influential and highly regarded.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

This film is a fairy tale adventure that cleverly blends comedy, romance, and action. The story follows a young woman named Buttercup and her true love Westley, who must overcome numerous obstacles to be together. Their journey is filled with memorable encounters, including a friendly giant, a skilled swordsman seeking revenge, and a cunning Sicilian.

The movie was directed by Rob Reiner and features a charming ensemble cast. Cary Elwes stars as the heroic Westley, with Robin Wright playing the beautiful Princess Buttercup. The supporting cast includes Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, and André the Giant, who all contribute to the film’s enduring appeal.

‘Full Metal Jacket’ (1987)

This war drama offers a stark look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of a U.S. Marine. The film is divided into two distinct parts, with the first half detailing the brutal process of turning recruits into soldiers at a boot camp. The second half shifts to Vietnam, following a journalist as he covers the brutal realities of combat during the Tet Offensive.

Stanley Kubrick directed this intense and thought-provoking film. The cast includes Matthew Modine as Private Joker, the central character navigating the horrors of war. Vincent D’Onofrio gives a powerful performance as the troubled Private Pyle, while R. Lee Ermey is unforgettable as the relentless drill instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman.

‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987)

This movie is a classic buddy cop action film that pairs two very different police detectives. One is a cautious veteran nearing retirement, while the other is a reckless and volatile officer grieving the loss of his wife. Together, they uncover a massive drug-smuggling ring, leading to a series of explosive confrontations.

Richard Donner directed the film, which became a benchmark for the action genre. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover star as the mismatched partners Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, whose on-screen chemistry is a major highlight. The movie also features Gary Busey as a formidable antagonist, adding to the high-stakes action.

‘RoboCop’ (1987)

Set in a crime-ridden Detroit of the future, this science fiction action film tells the story of a police officer who is brutally murdered. He is then revived by a powerful corporation and transformed into a cyborg law enforcement machine known as RoboCop. As he cleans up the streets, he begins to reclaim his past memories and seeks revenge on his killers.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film is known for its graphic action and satirical commentary on corporate greed and media. Peter Weller delivers a memorable performance as the titular character, Alex Murphy. The cast also includes Nancy Allen as his loyal partner and Ronny Cox as a villainous corporate executive.

‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)

This heartwarming comedy follows a high-strung marketing executive who is desperate to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. His journey becomes a chaotic misadventure when he is forced to travel with a clumsy yet optimistic shower curtain ring salesman. The two endure a series of hilarious travel mishaps that test their patience and forge an unlikely friendship.

John Hughes wrote and directed this holiday classic, showcasing his talent for blending humor with genuine emotion. Steve Martin stars as the easily agitated Neal Page, playing opposite John Candy as the lovable but annoying Del Griffith. Their chemistry and comedic timing make the film a timeless and relatable story about companionship.

‘The Untouchables’ (1987)

This gripping crime drama is set during the Prohibition era and chronicles the efforts of a federal agent to bring down the infamous gangster Al Capone. He assembles a small, incorruptible team of lawmen to take on Capone’s criminal empire in Chicago. The film is a stylish and suspenseful account of the fight for justice in a city rife with corruption.

Brian De Palma directed this critically acclaimed film with a screenplay by David Mamet. Kevin Costner stars as the determined Treasury Agent Eliot Ness. The movie boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Sean Connery, who won an Academy Award for his role, Andy Garcia, and Robert De Niro in a commanding performance as Al Capone.

‘Predator’ (1987)

This thrilling science fiction action film follows an elite team of commandos on a rescue mission in a Central American jungle. Their operation takes a terrifying turn when they discover they are being hunted by a technologically advanced alien warrior. The soldiers must use their wits and combat skills to survive against this formidable extraterrestrial foe.

John McTiernan directed this iconic action movie that combines suspense and high-octane thrills. Arnold Schwarzenegger leads the cast as Major “Dutch” Schaefer, the leader of the commando unit. The film also features Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and Jesse Ventura as members of the team facing off against the nearly invisible hunter.

‘Raising Arizona’ (1987)

This quirky and fast-paced comedy centers on an unlikely couple who decide to kidnap a baby. An ex-convict and a former police officer, unable to have children of their own, steal one of a local furniture magnate’s quintuplets. Their misguided attempt at creating a family quickly spirals into chaos, involving eccentric bounty hunters and old prison buddies.

Joel and Ethan Coen wrote and directed this highly original and visually inventive film. Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter star as the offbeat couple, H.I. and Ed McDunnough, delivering hilarious and heartfelt performances. The movie is celebrated for its unique humor, memorable dialogue, and energetic style.

‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ (1987)

This comedy-drama is set in Saigon in 1965 and is loosely based on the experiences of a real-life radio DJ. An irreverent and non-conformist DJ is assigned to the U.S. Armed Forces Radio Service, where he shakes things up with his energetic broadcasts filled with humor and rock and roll. His unconventional style makes him a hit with the troops but puts him at odds with his superiors.

Barry Levinson directed the film, which features a tour-de-force performance from its lead actor. Robin Williams stars as Adrian Cronauer, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination and allowed him to showcase his incredible improvisational talents. Forest Whitaker and Tung Thanh Tran also deliver strong supporting performances.

‘Moonstruck’ (1987)

This romantic comedy follows a widowed Italian-American bookkeeper from Brooklyn who finds herself in a complicated love situation. While her fiancé is away, she falls for his estranged and passionate younger brother. The story explores themes of love, family, and passion in a charming and humorous way.

Norman Jewison directed this delightful film from a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley. Cher delivers an Academy Award-winning performance as the pragmatic Loretta Castalino. Nicolas Cage plays her fiery love interest, Ronny Cammareri, and their on-screen chemistry is captivating. The film also features a wonderful supporting cast, including Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia.

‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

This iconic romance film is set in the summer of 1963 at a resort in the Catskill Mountains. A young woman on vacation with her family becomes infatuated with the resort’s dance instructor. She steps in as his new partner and the two fall in love while preparing for a big performance, defying her disapproving father.

Emile Ardolino directed this beloved film, which is celebrated for its memorable dance sequences and hit soundtrack. Jennifer Grey stars as Frances “Baby” Houseman, the idealistic teenager who comes of age. Patrick Swayze became a superstar for his role as Johnny Castle, the charismatic dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks.

‘The Lost Boys’ (1987)

This stylish horror-comedy follows two brothers who move to a new town in California with their recently divorced mother. The older brother falls in with a dangerous crowd of vampires, while the younger brother teams up with a pair of self-proclaimed vampire hunters to save him. The film is a fun and thrilling take on the vampire genre.

Joel Schumacher directed this cult classic that perfectly captures the a.tmosphere of the 1980s. The movie features a talented young cast, including Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, and Corey Haim. Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander provide much of the film’s comic relief as the fearless vampire-hunting Frog brothers.

‘Evil Dead II’ (1987)

This film is a horror-comedy that serves as both a sequel and a remake of the original cult classic. The story once again follows Ash Williams as he vacations with his girlfriend in a secluded cabin in the woods. After they accidentally unleash an ancient evil, Ash must fight for his life against demonic forces, leading to a blend of slapstick humor and gore.

Sam Raimi returned to direct this installment, infusing it with a more comedic and frantic energy than its predecessor. Bruce Campbell reprises his iconic role as Ash, solidifying his status as a horror icon with a performance that is both heroic and hilarious. The film is celebrated for its creative practical effects and unique tone.

‘Wall Street’ (1987)

This drama provides a compelling look into the world of high finance and corporate greed in the 1980s. A young and ambitious stockbroker is taken under the wing of a ruthless and wealthy corporate raider. He soon finds himself drawn into a world of illegal schemes and moral compromises as he chases wealth and success.

Oliver Stone directed this timely film, capturing the “greed is good” ethos of the era. Charlie Sheen stars as the aspiring broker, Bud Fox. Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for his unforgettable portrayal of Gordon Gekko, the charismatic and villainous corporate raider. The film also features Martin Sheen and Daryl Hannah in key roles.

‘Broadcast News’ (1987)

This intelligent romantic comedy-drama offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television news. The story centers on a talented but high-strung news producer, her brilliant but socially awkward best friend, and a handsome but less-than-qualified anchorman. A complicated love triangle develops between the three as they navigate their professional and personal lives.

James L. Brooks wrote and directed this sharply witty and insightful film. Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, and William Hurt deliver outstanding performances as the central trio of Jane Craig, Aaron Altman, and Tom Grunick. The movie was highly praised for its smart script and incisive commentary on media ethics.

‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987)

This psychological thriller tells the story of a married man whose one-night stand turns into a terrifying ordeal. After a brief affair with a publishing company editor, he tries to end it, but she refuses to let go. Her obsession grows increasingly dangerous, threatening to destroy his family and his life.

Adrian Lyne directed this intense and suspenseful film that became a cultural phenomenon. Michael Douglas stars as Dan Gallagher, the man whose infidelity leads to dire consequences. Glenn Close delivers a chilling and unforgettable performance as the dangerously unstable Alex Forrest, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role.

‘Spaceballs’ (1987)

This science fiction comedy is a hilarious parody of popular sci-fi films, primarily taking aim at the ‘Star Wars’ saga. The story follows a roguish hero and his half-man, half-dog sidekick as they attempt to rescue a princess from the clutches of an evil empire. The film is filled with slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and clever send-ups of genre tropes.

Mel Brooks directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in this beloved spoof. The ensemble cast includes Bill Pullman as the hero Lone Starr, John Candy as his sidekick Barf, Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Rick Moranis as the villainous Dark Helmet. The film remains a fan favorite for its non-stop gags and quotable lines.

‘Adventures in Babysitting’ (1987)

This comedy adventure follows a high school senior who gets more than she bargained for when her babysitting gig goes awry. After a frantic call from her friend who is stranded in downtown Chicago, she is forced to pack up the kids and venture into the city to rescue her. Their night turns into a series of wild and chaotic escapades.

Chris Columbus made his directorial debut with this fun and entertaining film. Elisabeth Shue stars as the resourceful babysitter, Chris Parker. The movie also features Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, and Anthony Rapp as the children she is looking after, each with their own distinct and amusing personality.

‘Empire of the Sun’ (1987)

This epic war drama is based on a semi-autobiographical novel and tells the story of a young English boy living in Shanghai during World War II. After being separated from his parents during the Japanese invasion, he is forced to survive on his own before eventually being captured and sent to an internment camp. The film is a powerful coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of war.

Steven Spielberg directed this visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. A young Christian Bale delivers a remarkable debut performance as Jamie Graham, the resilient boy who endures incredible hardship. The movie also features strong supporting performances from John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson.

‘The Last Emperor’ (1987)

This epic biographical film chronicles the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. The story follows his journey from his opulent childhood in the Forbidden City to his time as a political pawn of the Japanese and his eventual rehabilitation by the Communist government. The film provides a sweeping and intimate portrait of a man’s life shaped by massive historical change.

Bernardo Bertolucci directed this visually magnificent film, which was the first Western feature to be granted permission to shoot in the Forbidden City. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. John Lone stars as the adult Puyi, with the cast also including Joan Chen and Peter O’Toole.

‘Au Revoir les Enfants’ (1987)

This acclaimed French drama is set in a Catholic boarding school in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy who befriends a new student at the school. He later discovers that his new friend is Jewish and is being hidden from the German authorities by the school’s headmaster.

Louis Malle wrote and directed this poignant and powerful film, which is based on his own childhood experiences. The movie explores themes of friendship, innocence, and betrayal with great sensitivity. It earned widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

‘Near Dark’ (1987)

This film is a unique blend of the Western and vampire genres, offering a gritty and atmospheric take on horror. A young man from a small town is unwittingly turned into a vampire after being bitten by a mysterious young woman. He is then forced to join her nomadic and violent vampire family as they travel across the American Southwest.

Kathryn Bigelow directed this stylish and influential cult classic. Adrian Pasdar and Jenny Wright star as the central couple, Caleb and Mae. The film is also notable for featuring several cast members from the movie ‘Aliens’, including Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, and Bill Paxton, who gives a scene-stealing performance as the unhinged vampire Severen.

‘Innerspace’ (1987)

This science fiction comedy adventure follows a down-on-his-luck Navy pilot who volunteers for a secret miniaturization experiment. He is shrunk down in a submersible pod and is supposed to be injected into a rabbit, but instead, he accidentally ends up inside the body of a hypochondriac grocery clerk. The two must work together to evade spies who are after the miniaturization technology.

Joe Dante directed this imaginative and entertaining film, which was produced by Steven Spielberg’s company. Dennis Quaid stars as the miniaturized pilot, Tuck Pendleton, while Martin Short delivers a hilarious performance as the frantic clerk, Jack Putter. Meg Ryan also stars as Tuck’s estranged girlfriend, who gets drawn into the chaotic adventure.

‘No Way Out’ (1987)

This political thriller is filled with suspense and unexpected twists. A Navy officer is assigned to the Pentagon and begins a passionate affair with a beautiful woman. When his lover is found dead, he is tasked with investigating the crime, only to discover that all the evidence points to him as the prime suspect, and a suspected KGB mole is involved.

Roger Donaldson directed this slick and clever thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Kevin Costner stars as the naval officer, Tom Farrell, in one of his early leading roles. Gene Hackman gives a powerful performance as the ruthless Secretary of Defense, and Sean Young plays the woman at the center of the mystery.

‘Wings of Desire’ (1987)

This German fantasy film is a poetic and visually stunning work of art. The story follows two angels who watch over the city of Berlin, listening to the thoughts of its inhabitants and offering invisible comfort. One of the angels falls in love with a lonely trapeze artist and longs to become human so that he can experience the world and find love with her.

Wim Wenders directed this beautiful and contemplative film, which he co-wrote with Peter Handke. Bruno Ganz and Solveig Dommartin deliver moving performances as the angel Damiel and the trapeze artist Marion. The movie also features a memorable appearance by Peter Falk, who plays a fictionalized version of himself.

‘Babette’s Feast’ (1987)

This Danish drama tells the story of two devout and elderly sisters who live in a remote village in the 19th century. Their quiet lives are changed when they take in a French woman as their servant, who is a refugee from political turmoil in Paris. Years later, she wins the lottery and decides to spend all her winnings to prepare a magnificent French feast for the sisters and their community.

Gabriel Axel directed this heartwarming film, which is based on a story by Isak Dinesen. The movie beautifully illustrates how a single act of generosity and artistry can transform a community. It became the first Danish film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

‘Beverly Hills Cop II’ (1987)

This action-comedy sequel sees the return of a street-smart Detroit detective to the affluent streets of Beverly Hills. He heads back to California to help his friends investigate a series of violent robberies known as the “Alphabet Crimes”. His unorthodox methods once again clash with the by-the-book local police force as he gets closer to solving the case.

Tony Scott took over as director for this high-energy follow-up. Eddie Murphy reprises his iconic role as the fast-talking and charismatic Axel Foley. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton also return as the lovable detectives Billy Rosewood and John Taggart, continuing their hilarious and effective partnership with Foley.

‘3 Men and a Baby’ (1987)

This comedy follows three carefree bachelors living together in a luxurious New York City apartment. Their lives are turned upside down when a baby is unexpectedly left on their doorstep. The three men, an architect, an actor, and a cartoonist, must learn to care for the infant while also dealing with a dangerous mix-up involving drug dealers.

Leonard Nimoy directed this massive box-office hit, which was a remake of a French film. Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson star as the three bachelors who suddenly find themselves thrust into fatherhood. Their comedic struggles with diapers, feeding, and bedtime create a charming and funny story.

‘Angel Heart’ (1987)

This neo-noir psychological horror film is set in the 1950s and follows a private investigator from New York. He is hired by a mysterious and wealthy client to track down a missing singer. His investigation takes him from the streets of Harlem to the atmospheric and superstitious world of New Orleans, where he uncovers a series of dark and disturbing secrets.

Alan Parker directed this stylish and unsettling film, which is known for its moody a.tmosphere and shocking plot twists. Mickey Rourke stars as the determined private eye, Harry Angel. Robert De Niro gives a chilling performance as the enigmatic Louis Cyphre, the man who hires him for the fateful case.

‘River’s Edge’ (1987)

This dark and unsettling teen drama is based on a real-life murder case. The film explores the moral vacuum of a group of disaffected teenagers in a small town. When one of their friends murders his girlfriend and leaves her body by the river, the group is left to grapple with their loyalty to their friend versus their sense of right and wrong.

Tim Hunter directed this challenging and thought-provoking film. The ensemble cast of young actors includes Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, and Ione Skye in early and compelling roles. Dennis Hopper also appears in a memorable supporting role as a paranoid and drug-addled recluse.

What are your favorite movies from 1987 that you think should have been on this list?