The Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked

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Updated September 21, 2023 17.3K votes 1.1K voters 33.9K views
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1989.

More than 1,100 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best movies of 1989. This list features some of the biggest blockbusters and acclaimed indie gems from that year, all transformed by time into modern classics.

Whether you grew up in the '80s or are just a fan of classic cinema, you'll find something to love on this ranking. From iconic action-adventure tales like Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and Tim Burton's Batman to Academy Award-winning dramas like Dead Poets Society and Driving Miss Daisy, there's something here for everyone. And let's not forget about standout comedies like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and When Harry Met Sally... which continue to make us laugh decades later.

These films captured our hearts with their timeless stories, witty dialogue, captivating visuals, and stellar performances –– all those elements combined made these movies truly unforgettable experiences that we can still appreciate today. So why not take a look at this ranked list of the best movies of 1989? Vote up your favorites so they get closer to the top spot!

Most divisive: My Left Foot
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  • Batman
    1

    Batman

    Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger
    773 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Tim Burton
    In the heart of Gotham City, a shadowy vigilante known as Batman (Michael Keaton) emerges from the darkness to battle crime. Our caped crusader, tormented by his past, is drawn into a complex web spun by The Joker (Jack Nicholson), a deranged villain with a macabre sense of humor. As the city descends into chaos, Batman must navigate through a labyrinth of deceit and danger to save it. This action-packed superhero film, steeped in noir aesthetics, unravels an intricate tale of justice, fear, and redemption. Winning an Academy Award for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Batman redefined the genre with its darkly stylized vision and compelling characters.

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  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
    2

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

    Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott
    799 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
    In the action-adventure flick Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford dons the iconic fedora once more as archaeologist Indiana Jones. This time, he embarks on a daring quest to rescue his father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery), who's been kidnapped due to his research on the Holy Grail. Teaming up with museum curator Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and feisty love interest Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), Indiana faces off against Nazi forces in a globetrotting race against time. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, underscoring its pulse-pounding thrill sequences.

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  • Uncle Buck
    3

    Uncle Buck

    John Candy, Amy Madigan, Jean Louisa Kelly
    546 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: John Hughes
    In the heart of Chicago's suburbs, Uncle Buck (John Candy) is an unconventional, fun-loving bachelor. Suddenly tasked with overseeing his brother's three children, he finds himself in the midst of family chaos. The eldest niece, Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), proves particularly challenging with her teenage angst. Directed by John Hughes, this comedy-drama explores family dynamics and responsibilities through a humorous lens. The movie earned praise for its unique blend of comedy and drama, buoyed by Candy's memorable performance as the titular character. It remains a quintessential '80s family film full of heart and humor.
  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
    4

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid
    642 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
    In the comedic holiday film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) dreams of hosting a perfect, old-fashioned family Christmas. His wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and kids Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) are along for the ride. The arrival of both sets of in-laws and eccentric Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) ensures the festive season is anything but smooth. Amidst the chaos of power outages, tree mishaps and an unexpected holiday bonus debacle, hilarity ensues. An iconic comedy classic, it has been a seasonal staple since its release in 1989.

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  • Major League
    5

    Major League

    Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen
    522 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: David S. Ward
    Major League, a sports-comedy film, pivots around the Cleveland Indians, a downtrodden baseball team. Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), the new team owner, assembles a group of misfits in hopes they'll lose and she can relocate the team. The roster includes Wild Thing Ricky Vaughn (Charlie Sheen), catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger), and voodoo-practicing Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert). Despite their differences, the team finds unexpected success. Their journey is full of humor, rivalry, and unlikely victories, resulting in an entertaining watch for sports lovers and comedy fans alike.

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  • Back to the Future Part II
    6

    Back to the Future Part II

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
    690 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
    In Back to the Future Part II, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) embark on a thrilling journey through time in their iconic DeLorean. Following events from the original film, they leap forward to 2015, only to discover a future warped by their past actions. Their quest takes a dramatic turn as they scramble to fix the timeline, venturing into an alternate 1985 and back to 1955. This sci-fi adventure-comedy won an Academy Award for Visual Effects, showcasing groundbreaking techniques that highlighted its inventive narrative. The film seamlessly blends humor, high-stakes drama, and innovative storytelling with beloved characters at its core.

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