The Best Movies Of 1981

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Updated October 1, 2023 15.1K votes 1.0K voters 23.0K views
Over 1.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1981
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1981.

This list has all of the best movies of 1981, from action films like Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark to comedies like The Great Muppet Caper. The '80s were a decade where Hollywood thrived. In were new stars and big blockbusters and 1981 was no exception. Some the best movies of this year are some of the best teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies, and dramas in history. The films on here are very memorable and had audiences on the edges of their seats, and still pack a punch so many years after they were first released. You shouldn't be too surprised by the movies listed on this list of top 1981 films.

But which one of these films from '81 should be at the top of our list? You get to help decide by voting up your favorite movies from 1981. You can also vote down any 1981 movies that you tink other fans should skip.

Most divisive: Neighbors
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  • Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
    1

    Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
    704 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
    In the adventurous roller-coaster ride, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, we follow Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a renowned archaeologist and obtainer of rare antiquities. Set in 1936, Jones is thrust into a perilous mission to outwit his Nazi competitors who are bent on harnessing the power of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. Alongside former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones navigates treacherous terrains and relentless enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie bagged four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic action-adventure film that combines history, mysticism, and heart-stopping sequences with aplomb.

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  • Escape from New York
    2

    Escape from New York

    Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau
    486 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: John Carpenter
    In the dystopian flick Escape from New York, we're thrust into a future where Manhattan is a maximum-security prison. The protagonist, Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a renowned ex-soldier turned convict, is given 24 hours to rescue the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) after Air Force One crashes in this urban wasteland. A thrilling blend of science fiction and action, this film boasts director John Carpenter's signature style - gritty, suspenseful, and unflinchingly raw. It's a high-stakes mission against time and danger, with Snake navigating through treacherous gangs and deadly traps in his quest for survival and redemption.

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  • Mad Max 2
    3

    Mad Max 2

    Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Emil Minty
    475 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: George Miller
    In Mad Max 2, the world has been ravaged by a catastrophic energy crisis, leaving society in shambles. Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a former highway patrol officer turned survivalist, roams the desolate Australian wasteland. He reluctantly agrees to help a small, gasoline-rich community escape from a horde of bandits led by the merciless Lord Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). The film, brimming with high-octane action and post-apocalyptic imagery, won the Saturn Award for Best International Film in 1982. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride that explores themes of survival and sacrifice amidst chaos.
  • An American Werewolf in London
    4

    An American Werewolf in London

    David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne
    458 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: John Landis
    In the genre-bending horror-comedy, An American Werewolf in London, college students David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) encounter a werewolf during their backpacking trip through Britain. After this harrowing incident, David wakes up in a London hospital only to learn of Jack's unfortunate demise. Nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter) becomes his caretaker and confidante, as he navigates through disturbing nightmares and horrifying transformations. Directed by John Landis, this film is renowned for its groundbreaking makeup effects by Rick Baker, which earned it an Academy Award in 1982. It successfully melds horror with humor while delivering a unique take on the classic werewolf lore.

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  • The Fox and the Hound
    5

    The Fox and the Hound

    Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey
    368 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, Art Stevens
    In the heart of Disney's animated feature, The Fox and the Hound, we follow Tod (Mickey Rooney), a red fox kit, and Copper (Kurt Russell), a hound dog puppy. The two forge an unlikely friendship that defies their natural instincts. As they grow, societal expectations force them onto diverging paths, testing their bond. This family-friendly drama, with its narrative rooted in loyalty and friendship, won acclaim for its storytelling. It is a compelling exploration of nature versus nurture, where characters are pitched against the world's harsh realities.

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  • For Your Eyes Only
    6

    For Your Eyes Only

    Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet, Topol
    337 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: John Glen
    When a British ship is sunk in foreign waters, the world's superpowers begin a feverish race to find its cargo: a nuclear submarine control system. And 007 (Roger Moore) is thrust into one of his most riveting adventures as he rushes to join the search ... and prevent global devastation!