Movies from 1987 That Are Now Considered Classics

Many of these movies are remembered for their iconic characters, memorable lines, and groundbreaking storytelling. They influenced future filmmakers and set new standards for what was possible in action, comedy, fantasy, and horror. Whether through thrilling special effects, captivating performances, or simply great scripts, the films of 1987 have proven to have a lasting power that continues to entertain and resonate with viewers decades later.

Predator (1987)

An elite military rescue team is sent to a Central American jungle to save hostages from a guerrilla group. Led by Major “Dutch” Schaefer, the team soon discovers they are not the most dangerous presence in the jungle. One by one, they are hunted by a technologically advanced alien creature that stalks them for sport, using camouflage and a variety of deadly weapons.

The film became an instant classic of the action and sci-fi genres. Its combination of intense action, suspense, and a formidable alien antagonist created a unique and thrilling experience. The movie’s success launched a franchise that includes sequels, spin-offs, and a wealth of merchandise, solidifying the Predator as one of cinema’s most iconic monsters.

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Homicide sergeant Roger Murtaugh, a cautious family man, is reluctantly partnered with Martin Riggs, a reckless and suicidal narcotics detective. Together, they investigate a mysterious death that uncovers a massive drug-smuggling operation. As they get closer to the truth, their opposing methods clash, but they must learn to work together to survive.

Lethal Weapon redefined the buddy cop genre with its perfect blend of action, humor, and drama. The chemistry between its two leads was a major factor in its success, and the film’s sharp dialogue and thrilling action sequences set a new standard for the genre. It spawned a successful film series and remains a benchmark for action comedies.

RoboCop (1987)

In a crime-ridden, dystopian Detroit, a police officer named Alex Murphy is brutally murdered by a gang. He is revived by the powerful corporation OCP as a cyborg law enforcement machine called RoboCop. While he is programmed to be the perfect cop, fragments of his past memories begin to surface, leading him to seek revenge on his killers.

RoboCop is celebrated for its sharp satire, graphic violence, and social commentary. It explored themes of corporate greed, media influence, and what it means to be human. The film’s unique blend of sci-fi action and dark humor earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated cult following, leading to sequels, television series, and a remake.

The Princess Bride (1987)

A grandfather reads a fairy tale to his sick grandson about a beautiful young woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley. After Westley is presumed dead, Buttercup is unwillingly engaged to the evil Prince Humperdinck. A series of adventures follows, featuring a giant, a skilled swordsman, and a clever Sicilian, as Westley returns to save his beloved.

Despite a modest box office performance, The Princess Bride became a beloved classic through home video and television broadcasts. Its clever humor, memorable characters, and quotable dialogue have made it a timeless favorite for all ages. The film is a charming and witty take on the fantasy-adventure genre.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

The film is divided into two parts, following a platoon of U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. The first half details their grueling boot camp training under the command of the abusive Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The second half follows one of the recruits, Private “Joker,” as he works as a war correspondent during the Tet Offensive and experiences the brutal realities of combat.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket is a powerful and unflinching look at the dehumanizing effects of war. The film is praised for its stark realism, intense performances, and dark humor. It is considered one of the greatest war films ever made and a classic in Kubrick’s filmography.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

In the summer of 1963, teenager Frances “Baby” Houseman is on vacation with her family at a resort in the Catskill Mountains. She becomes infatuated with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny, who comes from a different social class. Baby steps in as his new dance partner and the two fall in love while practicing for a big performance.

Dirty Dancing became a massive cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its romance, music, and iconic dance sequences. The film’s soundtrack was a huge commercial success, and its story of love and rebellion resonated with audiences worldwide. It remains a beloved classic, particularly for its memorable final dance scene.

The Untouchables (1987)

During the Prohibition era in Chicago, federal agent Eliot Ness assembles a small, incorruptible team to take down the notorious gangster Al Capone. With the help of an experienced Irish-American cop, a young police academy recruit, and an accountant, Ness’s team, dubbed “The Untouchables,” wages war on Capone’s criminal empire.

Brian De Palma’s stylish crime drama is a classic of the gangster genre. It features a powerful cast, a compelling story, and a memorable score. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its engaging narrative and tense action sequences, including a famous shootout on the steps of Union Station.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Ash Williams takes his girlfriend to a secluded cabin in the woods for a romantic getaway. There, they discover an audiotape of a professor reading from the “Book of the Dead,” which unleashes a demonic force. After his girlfriend becomes possessed, Ash must fight for his own survival against the evil entities haunting the cabin.

Evil Dead II is a cult classic that perfectly blends horror and slapstick comedy. Director Sam Raimi’s energetic and inventive filmmaking style, combined with a committed lead performance, created a unique and wildly entertaining movie. It is often regarded as a high point in the horror-comedy subgenre.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Neal Page, an easily annoyed advertising executive, is trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. After his flight is canceled due to a snowstorm, he finds himself stuck with Del Griffith, a kind-hearted but clumsy shower curtain ring salesman. The two embark on a chaotic, three-day journey across the country, encountering one disaster after another.

This film is a classic holiday comedy that is loved for its humor and heart. The chemistry between the two lead actors is central to the film’s appeal, creating a funny and touching story about an unlikely friendship. It has become a Thanksgiving staple for many families.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Two brothers move with their recently divorced mother to a small coastal town in California. The older brother, Michael, falls in with a group of teenage bikers who are revealed to be vampires. When Michael begins to show signs of turning into a vampire himself, his younger brother, Sam, teams up with two local comic-book nerds who claim to be vampire hunters.

The Lost Boys is a stylish and influential teen horror-comedy. Its mix of horror, humor, and a trendy 80s aesthetic made it a hit with young audiences. The film is credited with revamping the vampire genre for a new generation and has maintained a strong cult following.

Raising Arizona (1987)

An ex-convict and a former police officer get married and desperately want to start a family, but they are unable to have children. When a local furniture magnate has quintuplets, the couple decides to kidnap one of the babies, believing the family has more than they can handle. Their new life as parents is soon complicated by the husband’s old cellmates and a ruthless bounty hunter.

Directed by the Coen Brothers, Raising Arizona is a quirky and highly original screwball comedy. Its fast-paced, witty dialogue and eccentric characters have made it a cult classic. The film is praised for its unique visual style and clever humor.

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Adrian Cronauer, an irreverent and non-conformist DJ, is brought to Saigon to host an Armed Forces Radio program. His on-air antics and love for rock and roll make him a huge hit with the troops but infuriate his straight-laced superiors. As he witnesses the realities of the Vietnam War, he begins to use his platform for more than just comedy.

The film is a classic dramedy featuring a tour-de-force performance from its lead actor. It successfully balances humor with the serious subject matter of the war. The movie was a major box office hit and received critical acclaim for its screenplay and acting.

Fatal Attraction (1987)

A successful and happily married New York lawyer has a weekend affair with a new colleague while his wife and daughter are out of town. He considers it a casual fling, but she becomes obsessed with him and begins to stalk him and his family. Her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, threatening to destroy his life.

Fatal Attraction was a massive box office success and a cultural phenomenon. The intense psychological thriller sparked widespread discussion about infidelity and obsession. Its suspenseful plot and strong performances made it one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)

Detroit detective Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills after learning that his friend, Captain Bogomil, has been shot. He reunites with detectives Billy Rosewood and John Taggart to investigate the shooting, which they discover is part of a series of violent robberies known as the “Alphabet Crimes.” Their investigation leads them to a dangerous international arms smuggling ring.

This sequel was a huge commercial success, continuing the thrilling and comedic adventures of its popular main character. It recaptured the energy and humor of the first film while delivering bigger action sequences. The movie solidified the franchise’s place as a cornerstone of 80s action-comedy.

Moonstruck (1987)

A widowed, 37-year-old bookkeeper from Brooklyn agrees to marry a man she doesn’t love. While her fiancé is away visiting his dying mother in Sicily, she meets his estranged, hot-tempered younger brother and falls for him. Their passionate and complicated romance unfolds against the backdrop of her quirky Italian-American family.

Moonstruck is a celebrated romantic comedy known for its witty script and outstanding performances. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay. It is praised for its charm, humor, and heartfelt portrayal of love and family.

Wall Street (1987)

Bud Fox, an ambitious young stockbroker, is determined to work with his hero, the legendary and ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko. Gekko takes Fox under his wing, teaching him his “greed is good” philosophy. Fox soon finds himself drawn into a world of illegal insider trading and moral compromise that forces him to question his values.

The film serves as a powerful cautionary tale about excess and greed in the financial world. Gordon Gekko became an iconic cinematic villain, and his character came to symbolize the corporate culture of the 1980s. The movie remains a classic drama for its compelling story and strong performances.

Spaceballs (1987)

In a distant galaxy, the evil Dark Helmet and the leaders of Planet Spaceball plot to steal the fresh air from the peaceful Planet Druidia. They kidnap Princess Vespa and hold her for ransom. It’s up to the rogue hero Lone Starr and his half-man, half-dog companion, Barf, to rescue the princess and save the day.

This film is a classic parody that lovingly satirizes the Star Wars franchise and other popular science fiction works. Directed by Mel Brooks, it is filled with his signature brand of absurd humor, puns, and fourth-wall-breaking gags. Over the years, it has become a cult favorite and is considered one of the great comedies of the 1980s.

Hellraiser (1987)

A man with a taste for forbidden pleasures buys a mysterious puzzle box that summons demonic beings called Cenobites. After they tear him apart, he is resurrected as a skinless creature when his brother and sister-in-law move into his old house. To become whole again, he enlists his sister-in-law to lure victims for him to drain of their life force.

Hellraiser is a landmark of body horror that introduced the world to the iconic villain Pinhead. The film was praised for its originality, unsettling atmosphere, and graphic special effects. It has since become a cult classic and spawned a long-running horror franchise.

The Running Man (1987)

In a dystopian future, the most popular television show is “The Running Man,” a violent game show where convicted criminals are hunted down and killed by professional assassins for the entertainment of the masses. After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, a former police helicopter pilot is forced to compete on the show and fight for his life.

This film is a classic 80s action movie with a prescient satirical edge. It critiques media sensationalism and reality television decades before they became mainstream. The movie’s thrilling action sequences and social commentary have made it a fan favorite.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

The survivors of Freddy Krueger’s previous attacks are now patients at a psychiatric hospital. Freddy begins to haunt their dreams, and Nancy Thompson, the original film’s heroine, returns as a therapist to help them. She teaches the teens how to use their own dream powers to fight back against the supernatural killer.

Dream Warriors is widely regarded as one of the best sequels in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series. It successfully expanded the franchise’s mythology by introducing the concept of the “Dream Warriors” and featured more imaginative and spectacular dream sequences. The film’s creative premise and strong characters have made it a classic of the horror genre.

3 Men and a Baby (1987)

Three successful and carefree bachelors living in a luxurious New York City apartment have their lives turned upside down when a baby is left on their doorstep. They are forced to learn how to care for the infant while trying to figure out which one of them is the father. Their situation becomes more complicated when they stumble upon a dangerous drug deal.

This film was the highest-grossing movie of 1987 and a massive international hit. Its charming story and the comedic chemistry of its three lead actors made it a crowd-pleasing favorite. It remains a classic family comedy that highlights the humorous and heartwarming challenges of parenthood.

La Bamba (1987)

This biographical film tells the story of Ritchie Valens, a young Mexican-American rock and roll star who rose to fame in the late 1950s. The movie follows his rapid ascent to stardom, his struggles with his troubled half-brother, and his tragic death at the age of 17 in a plane crash alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.

La Bamba is a celebrated biopic that is praised for its heartfelt story and incredible music. The film’s soundtrack, featuring performances by the band Los Lobos, was a huge success and reignited interest in Valens’ music. It is considered a classic for its moving tribute to a talented young artist.

Broadcast News (1987)

The film follows the professional and personal lives of three people working in television news in Washington, D.C. A brilliant and driven news producer finds herself in a love triangle with a talented but socially awkward reporter and a handsome but intellectually shallow news anchor. Their relationships are tested as they navigate the ethical dilemmas of their profession.

Broadcast News is a highly acclaimed romantic comedy-drama that offers a smart and funny look at the world of television journalism. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is considered a classic for its sharp writing, intelligent humor, and insightful commentary on the conflict between substance and style in media.

The Great Movie Robbery (1987)

This Hong Kong action film follows a seasoned police inspector who is tasked with bringing down a notorious gang of criminals. The gang is known for its violent and well-planned heists. As the inspector closes in, he faces a series of intense confrontations that push him to his limits.

The movie is a prime example of the “heroic bloodshed” genre that was popular in Hong Kong cinema during the 1980s. Directed by Ringo Lam, it is known for its gritty realism, spectacular stunt work, and intense, character-driven story. The film’s influence can be seen in many later action films, both in Hong Kong and Hollywood.

Wings of Desire (1987)

Two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, wander through a divided Berlin, observing the lives and listening to the thoughts of the city’s inhabitants. Damiel finds himself falling in love with a lonely trapeze artist and longs to experience the world as a human. He must decide whether to give up his immortality for a life of finite, sensory experience.

This German film is a poetic and visually stunning masterpiece. Directed by Wim Wenders, it is celebrated for its beautiful black-and-white cinematography and its profound meditation on life, love, and the human condition. It is an internationally acclaimed classic that has captivated audiences and critics alike with its lyrical and philosophical storytelling.