The Best Movies Of 1980

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Updated August 15, 2023 14.7K votes 1.1K voters 24.3K views
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1980
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1980.

1980 was a rock solid year for movies... these are the best movies made in 1980. From Airplane! to The Empire Strikes  Back, 1980 had it all. Even Raging Bull came out in 1980. From classic Hollywood 1980 movies to cult classics that came out in 1980. You'll find your favorite movies from 1980 on this list. Help decide which of these 1980 movies should be at the top of the list by voting up the best movies from 1980. Vote down any movies you've seen and think other fans should skip.

You'll seriously be amazed by how many legendary films, how many absolute classic films came out in 1980. From franchise sequels to originals that took audiences by storm, these 1980 movies are still great to watch even to this day.

Vote for what you think was the best movie that came out in 1980 now and see if other Rankers agree with you!

Most divisive: Seems Like Old Times
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  • Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
    1

    Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    712 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Irvin Kershner
    In Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, the saga continues as Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) embarks on Jedi training with master Yoda, while his friends Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are pursued by Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones). This 1980 space opera, directed by Irvin Kershner, is a sequel in the epic Star Wars franchise. Known for its iconic plot twist and special effects, the film won an Oscar for Best Sound. It's a thrilling mix of adventure, treachery, and revelation, set against the backdrop of an interstellar war.
  • The Shining
    2

    The Shining

    Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
    573 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
    In the chilling film The Shining, Jack Torrance (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) takes on a winter caretaker role at Colorado's secluded Overlook Hotel. His aim is to overcome his writer's block, and he brings along his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). A unique aspect of this narrative is Danny's psychic abilities, which lead him to experience unnerving premonitions. The movie unfolds as Jack grapples with a stagnant writing process and Danny's visions grow increasingly alarming. The crux of the plot lies in Jack uncovering the hotel's sinister past, an event that triggers a terrifying transformation within him towards violence against his own family.
  • Caddyshack
    3

    Caddyshack

    Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
    578 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Harold Ramis
    In the comedy classic, Caddyshack, we are immersed in the chaotic world of Bushwood Country Club. The plot orbits around Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to earn a college scholarship. In his pursuit, he finds himself tangled with a host of eccentric characters. The movie features a wealthy club patron Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the brash real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) and an unhinged greenskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray). Amid their antics and mishaps, Caddyshack delivers a comedic examination of social class and golfing culture. The film has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of America's funniest movies.

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  • The Blues Brothers
    4

    The Blues Brothers

    John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown
    525 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: John Landis
    In the eclectic comedy The Blues Brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) are on a mission from God. Paroled from prison, they set out to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from closure due to unpaid taxes. With a plan to reunite their old band and stage a big gig, they dodge police, neo-Nazis, and country singers in a madcap race against time. Director John Landis melds music, humor, and high-speed car chases in this cult classic that celebrates blues, soul, and R&B music.

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  • Airplane!
    5

    Airplane!

    Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Peter Graves
    551 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
    In the 1980 comedy Airplane!, ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) finds himself thrust into an unexpected role. When food poisoning incapacitates the flight crew, including his ex-girlfriend Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty), Striker must overcome his crippling fear of flying to land the plane safely. The film, directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, is renowned for its rapid-fire humor and satirical take on disaster films. Leslie Nielsen plays Dr. Rumack, a character whose deadpan delivery became iconic. Despite its comedic nature, Airplane! won a BAFTA award for Best Screenplay.

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  • Superman II
    6

    Superman II

    Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman
    455 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Richard Lester
    In the thrilling sequel Superman II, the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) grapples with dual challenges. The plot thickens as three villainous Kryptonians, led by General Zod (Terence Stamp), escape from the Phantom Zone and set their sights on earth. Simultaneously, Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, reveals his true identity to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). A gripping tale of heroism ensues as he battles to save humanity while navigating personal sacrifices. Directed by Richard Lester, this film blends science fiction and action elements, creating a captivating cinematic experience without sacrificing its comic book roots.

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