Best movies of 1980: 25 films to start the 80s
For viewers starting a decade-long retrospective, these 25 titles focus on 1980. Documentary, animation, and international cinema are included alongside studio releases.
On this list
The Empire Strikes Back
Airplane!
The Blues Brothers
9 to 5
Coal Miner's Daughter
Fame
Ordinary People
The Elephant Man
Melvin and Howard
Being There
Originally released in 1979, with wider international releases in 1980.
The Gods Must Be Crazy
The Last Metro
Kagemusha
The King and the Mockingbird
Popeye
Xanadu
The Competition
Somewhere in Time
My Bodyguard
Little Darlings
Bronco Billy
Stardust Memories
The Falls
From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China
Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers
Who This List Is For
Starting a decade-long retrospective with 1980 leaves several routes open. This 25-entry queue suits viewers who want The Empire Strikes Back and Airplane! alongside animation, international cinema, and documentaries rather than an opening chapter made entirely of studio favorites.
How to Use This List
Mark previous watches and verify dates before building a short opening schedule. Follow The Blues Brothers with The Last Metro, or set The King and the Mockingbird after 9 to 5. Check the running time of The Falls before assigning it the same slot as a shorter feature.
Common Mistakes
Being There first appeared in 1979, so flag it if your decade project follows original release years. Do not leave documentaries off the calendar simply because the studio films are easier to recognize. Audience checks also need to be individual: Popeye and Ordinary People are different screening choices.
What Is on This List
Coal Miner's Daughter, Fame, The Elephant Man, Melvin and Howard, Kagemusha, and Somewhere in Time are included. My Bodyguard, Bronco Billy, From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China, and Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers widen the queue. Cross off films you already own from the acquisition search, keeping viewing progress separate.
When You Are Done
Check off each completed film and preserve the Being There date note before advancing through the decade. If your first screenings were familiar comedies, move Kagemusha or one of the documentaries forward. Carry unfinished entries into a clearly marked remaining queue rather than treating them as watched.
FAQ
Who is "Best movies of 1980: 25 films to start the 80s" for?
Starting a decade-long retrospective with 1980 leaves several routes open. This 25-entry queue suits viewers who want The Empire Strikes Back and Airplane! alongside animation, international cinema, and documentaries rather than an opening chapter made entirely of studio favorites.
How should I use "Best movies of 1980: 25 films to start the 80s"?
Mark previous watches and verify dates before building a short opening schedule. Follow The Blues Brothers with The Last Metro, or set The King and the Mockingbird after 9 to 5. Check the running time of The Falls before assigning it the same slot as a shorter feature.
What should I skip or avoid with "Best movies of 1980: 25 films to start the 80s"?
Being There first appeared in 1979, so flag it if your decade project follows original release years. Do not leave documentaries off the calendar simply because the studio films are easier to recognize. Audience checks also need to be individual: Popeye and Ordinary People are different screening choices.
What is on the "Best movies of 1980: 25 films to start the 80s" list?
Coal Miner's Daughter, Fame, The Elephant Man, Melvin and Howard, Kagemusha, and Somewhere in Time are included. My Bodyguard, Bronco Billy, From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China, and Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers widen the queue. Cross off films you already own from the acquisition search, keeping viewing progress separate.
What should I do when I am done?
Check off each completed film and preserve the Being There date note before advancing through the decade. If your first screenings were familiar comedies, move Kagemusha or one of the documentaries forward. Carry unfinished entries into a clearly marked remaining queue rather than treating them as watched.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.