Best movies of 1989: 25 late-80s film picks
These 25 choices are for viewers revisiting the final year of the 1980s. They cover several countries and genres rather than reproducing a box-office chart.
On this list
When Harry Met Sally...
Dead Poets Society
Do the Right Thing
The Little Mermaid
Kiki's Delivery Service
Field of Dreams
Driving Miss Daisy
Steel Magnolias
Parenthood
Say Anything...
My Left Foot
Shirley Valentine
The Fabulous Baker Boys
Mystery Train
A Grand Day Out
Creature Comforts
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Back to the Future Part II
Troop Beverly Hills
UHF
The Big Picture
Local Hero
This is a 1983 release; use the 1989 film Breaking In for a year-specific queue.
Breaking In
For All Mankind
Who This List Is For
The final year of the 1980s offers more viewing routes than a box-office chart can show. This 1989 queue is for viewers revisiting familiar favorites while making room for international animation, short films, and documentary work across 25 entries.
How to Use This List
Separate the short works from feature-length choices before setting session lengths. A Grand Day Out or Creature Comforts can fit beside a feature if time allows. Alternate When Harry Met Sally... with Kiki's Delivery Service, or place For All Mankind after a run of scripted stories.
Common Mistakes
Local Hero was released in 1983, so move it out of a strict 1989 calendar. Do not treat all remaining entries as equally suitable for a shared audience: Do the Right Thing and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids need different screening decisions. Check ratings rather than relying on familiar titles.
What Is on This List
Dead Poets Society, Field of Dreams, Steel Magnolias, Parenthood, Say Anything..., and My Left Foot are included. The Fabulous Baker Boys, Mystery Train, UHF, and The Big Picture add more choices. Cross off films you already own from the rental or purchase search; keep unwatched copies on your screening list.
When You Are Done
Record completed features and shorts individually so a double bill does not obscure your progress. Keep the Local Hero date exception distinct from skipped or watched entries. If your first sessions lean toward familiar comedies, bring Mystery Train or For All Mankind into the next available slot.
FAQ
Who is "Best movies of 1989: 25 late-80s film picks" for?
The final year of the 1980s offers more viewing routes than a box-office chart can show. This 1989 queue is for viewers revisiting familiar favorites while making room for international animation, short films, and documentary work across 25 entries.
How should I use "Best movies of 1989: 25 late-80s film picks"?
Separate the short works from feature-length choices before setting session lengths. A Grand Day Out or Creature Comforts can fit beside a feature if time allows. Alternate When Harry Met Sally... with Kiki's Delivery Service, or place For All Mankind after a run of scripted stories.
What should I skip or avoid with "Best movies of 1989: 25 late-80s film picks"?
Local Hero was released in 1983, so move it out of a strict 1989 calendar. Do not treat all remaining entries as equally suitable for a shared audience: Do the Right Thing and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids need different screening decisions. Check ratings rather than relying on familiar titles.
What is on the "Best movies of 1989: 25 late-80s film picks" list?
Dead Poets Society, Field of Dreams, Steel Magnolias, Parenthood, Say Anything..., and My Left Foot are included. The Fabulous Baker Boys, Mystery Train, UHF, and The Big Picture add more choices. Cross off films you already own from the rental or purchase search; keep unwatched copies on your screening list.
What should I do when I am done?
Record completed features and shorts individually so a double bill does not obscure your progress. Keep the Local Hero date exception distinct from skipped or watched entries. If your first sessions lean toward familiar comedies, bring Mystery Train or For All Mankind into the next available slot.
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.