Movies from 1986 That Are Now Considered Classics

The year 1986 was a standout year for movies. It delivered a wide range of films that would entertain audiences and leave a lasting mark on popular culture. From high-flying action blockbusters to quirky comedies and intense dramas, the films of this year offered something for everyone. Many of these movies became instant hits at the box office and with critics, launching the careers of new stars and cementing the status of established filmmakers.

Decades later, the movies of 1986 continue to be celebrated. They are not just remembered with nostalgia but are recognized as classics of their genres. These films are praised for their storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative techniques. They have influenced countless other movies and remain a significant part of cinematic history, enjoyed by both original fans and new generations of viewers.

Aliens (1986)

James Cameron directed this sequel to the 1979 science-fiction horror film Alien. The movie follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the first film, as she returns to the moon where the alien creatures were discovered. This time, she is accompanied by a unit of colonial marines. The film combines suspense, action, and horror, creating a tense and exciting experience.

Aliens was a major success, both commercially and critically. It was praised for its intense action sequences, special effects, and the strong performance of Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning for Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. It is now considered one of the greatest science-fiction action films ever made.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

This comedy was written and directed by John Hughes, a filmmaker known for his popular teen movies. The story follows Ferris Bueller, a charming high school student who decides to skip school for a day and have an adventure in downtown Chicago. He brings along his girlfriend, Sloane, and his best friend, Cameron. The film is known for its humor and for Ferris’s habit of breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience.

The movie was a huge hit and has become a beloved classic. It captured the spirit of being young and wanting to be free from rules. The character of Ferris Bueller became an icon of 1980s pop culture. The film’s positive message and fun-loving tone have made it a favorite for many people over the years.

Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun is an action drama directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. The film stars Tom Cruise as Maverick, a talented but reckless pilot at an elite training school for Navy fighter pilots. The story focuses on his experiences in training, his rivalry with another pilot named Iceman, and a romance with his instructor, Charlie.

The movie was a massive commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1986. Its thrilling aerial combat scenes, energetic soundtrack, and charismatic lead performance made it a cultural phenomenon. The film’s style had a major influence on fashion and military recruitment. It remains an iconic piece of 1980s cinema, known for its high-octane action and memorable lines.

Platoon (1986)

Platoon is a war film written and directed by Oliver Stone. The movie is based on Stone’s own experiences as a U.S. infantryman in the Vietnam War. It tells the story of a young American soldier who confronts the moral horrors of the conflict. He finds himself caught between two sergeants who have very different views on the war and how to fight it.

The film was highly praised for its realistic and brutal depiction of the war. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Oliver Stone won for Best Director. Platoon was one of the first major Hollywood films about the Vietnam War to be made by a veteran of the war. It had a powerful impact on audiences and is considered one of the most important war films ever made.

Stand by Me (1986)

This coming-of-age drama was directed by Rob Reiner and is based on a novella by Stephen King called “The Body.” The film tells the story of four young boys in a small Oregon town who go on a hike to find the dead body of a missing boy. Along the way, they share adventures and learn important lessons about friendship and growing up.

Stand by Me was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its heartfelt story and the strong performances of its young cast, which included Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell. The film is celebrated for its honest portrayal of childhood friendship and the pains of growing up. It has become a timeless classic, loved for its nostalgia and emotional depth.

Blue Velvet (1986)

Directed by David Lynch, Blue Velvet is a mystery film that explores the dark side of a seemingly perfect small town. The story begins when a young man named Jeffrey Beaumont discovers a severed human ear in a field. His investigation leads him into a dangerous criminal underworld and a disturbing relationship with a nightclub singer.

The film was controversial upon its release due to its adult themes and unsettling imagery. However, it received critical acclaim for its unique style and powerful performances, particularly from Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper. David Lynch was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. Blue Velvet is now considered a masterpiece of surrealist filmmaking and a major cult classic.

The Fly (1986)

The Fly is a science-fiction horror film directed by David Cronenberg. It is a remake of a 1958 film of the same name. The movie stars Jeff Goldblum as a brilliant but eccentric scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with that of a housefly during a teleportation experiment. The film follows his slow and gruesome transformation into a hybrid creature.

The movie was a box office hit and received widespread critical acclaim, especially for its groundbreaking special effects and Goldblum’s compelling performance. It won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. The film is noted for its exploration of themes like disease, decay, and loss of identity, which are common in Cronenberg’s work. It is regarded as a classic of the body horror genre.

Hoosiers (1986)

Hoosiers is a sports drama inspired by the true story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that won the state championship in 1954. The film stars Gene Hackman as a new coach with a troubled past who leads the underdog team on its improbable journey. Dennis Hopper also stars as a basketball-loving town local who becomes the assistant coach.

The film was a critical success and is often cited as one of the best sports movies ever made. It was praised for its inspiring story and strong performances. Gene Hackman was lauded for his role as the coach, and Dennis Hopper received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hoosiers is celebrated for its classic underdog story and its celebration of teamwork and redemption.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

This comedy-drama was written and directed by Woody Allen. The film tells the interconnected stories of three sisters—Hannah, Holly, and Lee—and their relationships over the course of two years. The story begins and ends at Thanksgiving dinners, exploring themes of love, marriage, and personal crisis. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Wiest, and Michael Caine.

Hannah and Her Sisters was a major critical and commercial success. It was praised for its witty script and the excellent performances of its cast. The film won three Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay for Woody Allen, Best Supporting Actor for Michael Caine, and Best Supporting Actress for Dianne Wiest. It is considered one of Allen’s best and most heartfelt films.

Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth is a fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, and executive-produced by George Lucas. The movie follows Sarah, a teenage girl who wishes her baby brother away to the Goblin King. When her wish comes true, she must navigate a vast and dangerous maze to rescue him. The film stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah and David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King.

Upon its release, Labyrinth was a box office disappointment. However, it later gained a massive following and is now a beloved cult classic. The film is celebrated for its imaginative creature designs, created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and for David Bowie’s iconic performance and musical contributions. Its enchanting story and unique visuals have captivated audiences for generations.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

This musical comedy horror film was directed by Frank Oz. It is based on an off-Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was based on a 1960 black comedy film. The story follows a geeky flower shop assistant named Seymour who discovers a strange plant that feeds on human blood. The plant, which he names Audrey II, grows to an enormous size and promises Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for more food.

The film was a critical success, praised for its humor, catchy songs, and impressive puppetry for the Audrey II plant. It features a cast that includes Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. The film originally had a dark ending, true to the stage musical, but it was changed after test audiences reacted poorly. Both the theatrical version and the director’s cut with the original ending have become cult favorites.

An American Tail (1986)

An American Tail is an animated musical adventure film directed by Don Bluth. The story follows Fievel Mousekewitz, a young Russian-Jewish mouse who gets separated from his family while they are immigrating to the United States in 1885. The film chronicles his journey to find them in New York City, believing there are no cats in America.

The movie was a major box office success, outperforming Disney’s animated feature of the same year, The Great Mouse Detective. It was praised for its beautiful animation, emotional story, and memorable music, including the Oscar-nominated song “Somewhere Out There.” The film’s success helped to establish Don Bluth as a major competitor to Disney in animation during the 1980s.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

This action-comedy fantasy film was directed by John Carpenter and stars Kurt Russell. Russell plays Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets caught up in a mystical battle in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He must help his friend rescue his fiancée from an ancient sorcerer who needs to marry a green-eyed woman to break a curse.

The film was a commercial failure when it was first released, and its poor performance discouraged John Carpenter from working with a major studio again. However, it gained a significant following on home video and has since become a major cult classic. Fans love its unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and fantasy, as well as Kurt Russell’s charismatic and humorous performance as the overconfident hero.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, Pretty in Pink is a classic teen romance film. It stars Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh, a high school girl from a working-class background. The story explores her relationships with her best friend, Duckie, who is secretly in love with her, and a wealthy, popular boy named Blane who asks her to the prom.

The film is a quintessential 1980s teen movie, known for its fashion, soundtrack, and exploration of social cliques in high school. The original ending had Andie ending up with Duckie, but it was changed after test audiences reacted negatively. Despite the ending controversy, the film was a success and remains a beloved part of John Hughes’s legacy of teen films.

The Color of Money (1986)

The Color of Money is a drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a sequel to the 1961 film The Hustler. Paul Newman reprises his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson, a former pool hustler who is now a successful liquor salesman. He takes a talented but arrogant young pool player, played by Tom Cruise, under his wing and teaches him the art of the hustle.

The film was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for Scorsese’s direction and the strong performances of its leads. Paul Newman finally won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film, an award many felt he deserved much earlier in his career. The movie is a stylish and compelling look at the world of professional pool.

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

This action-comedy was a massive international hit that introduced the world to Australian actor Paul Hogan. Hogan, who also co-wrote the film, stars as Mick “Crocodile” Dundee, a rugged and charismatic crocodile poacher from the Australian Outback. The story follows him as he is brought to New York City by a feature writer and must navigate the strange and confusing urban environment.

Crocodile Dundee was a phenomenon, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of the year in the United States and a major hit worldwide. Its charm came from its fish-out-of-water humor and Hogan’s likable performance. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and turned Paul Hogan into a global star.

Highlander (1986)

Highlander is a fantasy action film about a race of immortal warriors. The story follows Connor MacLeod, a Scotsman born in the 16th century who discovers he cannot die. He learns about other immortals and a game where they must fight each other until only one remains to claim “The Prize.” The film jumps between different periods of his life, from his past in Scotland to his present in New York City.

While not a huge box office success initially, Highlander became a massive cult classic through home video. Its unique mythology, sword-fighting action sequences, and a powerful soundtrack by the rock band Queen captivated audiences. The film’s popularity led to several sequels and a successful television series, expanding on the world of the immortals.

Manhunter (1986)

Directed by Michael Mann, Manhunter is a psychological thriller based on the novel “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris. It was the first film to feature the character of Hannibal Lecktor (spelled Lektor in the film), the brilliant and cannibalistic serial killer. The story follows an FBI profiler who comes out of retirement to catch a new serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy,” and he seeks help from the imprisoned Lecktor.

Manhunter was not a financial success and received mixed reviews upon release. However, its reputation has grown significantly over the years. It is now highly regarded for its stylish visuals, intense atmosphere, and its more realistic and subtle portrayal of Hannibal Lecktor compared to later adaptations. The film has gained a strong cult following and is considered a key work in the thriller genre.

A Room with a View (1986)

A Room with a View is a British romance film based on the novel by E. M. Forster. It was directed by James Ivory and produced by Ismail Merchant. The story is set in the early 20th century and follows a young Englishwoman named Lucy Honeychurch as she struggles with her feelings for a free-spirited young man she meets on a trip to Italy, despite being engaged to a more conventional man back in England.

The film was a tremendous success with critics and audiences. It was praised for its beautiful cinematography, witty screenplay, and excellent performances. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three, including Best Adapted Screenplay. It is celebrated as a classic of British cinema and one of the finest literary adaptations ever made.

Short Circuit (1986)

This science-fiction comedy film tells the story of Number 5, an experimental military robot that is struck by lightning and gains self-awareness. Believing it is alive, Number 5 escapes from the military facility. It is discovered by an animal lover named Stephanie, who befriends the robot and tries to protect it from the military, which wants to capture and reprogram it.

Short Circuit was a commercial success, charming audiences with its lighthearted humor and the endearing personality of the robot, Number 5. The film capitalized on the 1980s interest in robotics and artificial intelligence. While not a major critical hit, its fun story and lovable main character have made it a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the era.

The Mission (1986)

The Mission is a historical drama directed by Roland Joffé. The film stars Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons as Jesuit missionaries in 18th-century South America. They try to protect a remote indigenous tribe from being enslaved by Portuguese colonizers. The story explores themes of faith, redemption, and colonial exploitation.

The film was praised for its stunning cinematography, which won an Academy Award, and its powerful musical score by Ennio Morricone. It also won the Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Although it deals with difficult historical events, the film is celebrated for its epic scale and its moving story of courage and sacrifice.

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Castle in the Sky was the first official feature film produced and released by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio. It was written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a young boy and girl who are searching for a legendary floating castle while being pursued by sky pirates and government agents.

The film is a classic example of Miyazaki’s work, featuring themes of adventure, flight, and the relationship between humanity and nature. It was praised for its breathtaking animation, imaginative world-building, and compelling characters. Castle in the Sky was a success in Japan and has since gained international acclaim, helping to establish Studio Ghibli’s reputation for creating high-quality animated films.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

This animated mystery adventure film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is based on a children’s book series that reimagines Sherlock Holmes as a mouse. The story follows Basil of Baker Street, a brilliant mouse detective, as he investigates the kidnapping of a toymaker. He is assisted by Dr. Dawson and faces his arch-nemesis, the villainous Professor Ratigan.

The Great Mouse Detective was a critical and financial success that helped to restore confidence in Disney’s animation department after a period of struggles. The film was noted for its clever story, engaging characters, and its early use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), particularly in a climactic scene inside Big Ben. It is considered a key film that paved the way for the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and 1990s.

The Hitcher (1986)

The Hitcher is a road-trip horror thriller film. It follows a young man who is driving a car across the country and gives a ride to a mysterious hitchhiker. After a terrifying encounter, the young man escapes, but the hitchhiker begins to stalk him, framing him for a series of brutal murders. The film becomes a tense cat-and-mouse game across the desert highways.

The film is known for its intense suspense and the menacing performance of Rutger Hauer as the villainous hitchhiker. While it was not a major box office hit, it became a cult classic on video. Its relentless tension and dark, philosophical tone have made it a standout film in the horror genre of the 1980s.

She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

She’s Gotta Have It was the debut feature film from director Spike Lee. Shot in black-and-white on a very low budget, the film is a comedy-drama about Nola Darling, a young, independent woman in Brooklyn who is romantically involved with three different men. The story explores her relationships and her desire for freedom against the expectations of her lovers.

The film was a landmark for independent and African-American cinema. It was a critical and commercial success, praised for its fresh style, witty dialogue, and its bold portrayal of a modern Black woman. The film helped to launch Spike Lee’s career as a major new voice in American filmmaking and has since been adapted into a television series.