What are the top-notch films from the 1980s that you can stream right now?
Many cinema enthusiasts would concur that the 80s was arguably the golden era for film, with a plethora of iconic films released within this decade.
From thrilling blockbusters to chilling horror flicks, the decade gave birth to franchises, nurtured acclaimed filmmakers and shattered box office records in every direction.
Let's take a look at 10 of the undeniable classics and a few underappreciated treasures, ranging from sci-fi sagas to breathtaking animation and guaranteed tearjerkers.
Even better, they're all available to stream right now in the UK, including a few you can watch absolutely free of charge, reports the Mirror.
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The Blues Brothers
This musical marvel featuring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd is without a doubt one of the most hilarious films produced during this decade.
Based on their legendary Saturday Night Live characters, Jake and Elwood Blues are in a race against time to reunite their R&B band for one final gig to save the orphanage where they grew up.
With guest appearances from cherished blues musicians such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this tribute to music and the city of Chicago is bound to get your feet tapping.
The Blues Brothers is available to stream on NOW.
ET
If there's one name that ruled the film scene in the 80s, it's undoubtedly Steven Spielberg.
From highly praised historical dramas like The Colour Purple and Empire of the Sun, to thrilling escapades with Indiana Jones, the renowned filmmaker unveiled what many regard as his finest works during this era.
One of his most audacious and personal endeavours of that period, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, was a daring venture due to its intimate drama and bold concept. Fortunately, the risk paid off, toppling Star Wars from its perch and remaining the highest-grossing film of all time, until Spielberg surpassed his own record a decade later with Jurassic Park.
ET is available for streaming on Netflix.
Die Hard
In our opinion, Die Hard is the best action film ever made, guaranteed to entertain whether you're watching at Christmas or in the midst of a heatwave.
Launching the cinematic career of Hollywood titan Bruce Willis, John McTiernan's exceptional thriller remains so influential today that 'Die Hard on a [insert location/vehicle here]' is still a viable pitch for an action film.
With numerous imitations out there, ensure you make time for the triumphant original soon.
Die Hard can be streamed on Disney+.
A Dry White Season
This overlooked historical drama illuminates the harrowing realities of apartheid in South Africa during the 1970s.
Featuring Donald Sutherland as a teacher at a school for white pupils, he's compelled to reassess his ethics when the son of his Black gardener is brutally murdered by the white police.
One of the first significant Hollywood films helmed by a Black woman, Euzhan Palcy, A Dry White Season also boasts an often overlooked Oscar-nominated performance from Marlon Brando. This gripping piece of cinema history is frequently missed but remains essential viewing.
A Dry White Season can be streamed on Prime Video.
The Thing
The 1980s saw body horror emerge as a defining sub-genre, thanks to advancements in special effects and a growing appetite among film fans for boundary-pushing frights.
John Carpenter's The Thing, widely regarded as the best example of this genre, offers masterful practical effects and tension-filled scenes. This creature feature, unlike anything seen before or since, stars Kurt Russell in a chilling thriller about an Antarctic research team infiltrated by a shape-shifting extra-terrestrial.
Despite being a box office disappointment upon release, it has since become a cherished horror classic.
The Thing can be streamed for free on ITVX.
The Fly
With a plethora of gory masterpieces to choose from, why limit yourself to just one?
Arguably even more terrifying than The Thing is David Cronenberg's masterpiece, The Fly. This morbid reimagining of a classic sci-fi horror from 1958 sees Jeff Goldblum play an ambitious scientist who begins to transform after perfecting teleportation, leading to grotesque consequences when his machine malfunctions.
The Fly can be streamed on Disney+.
Do the Right Thing
The 80s were a golden era for thought-provoking dramas, ranging from body horror to social satire.
Spike Lee, the influential director, was only 32 when he created Do the Right Thing. This film established him as one of the most significant Black artists in history by addressing race relations in America in an unprecedented way.
Do the Right Thing, which combines hilarious humour with high-stakes drama and career-best performances from its cast, including Lee himself, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, and Rosie Perez, is still considered one of the filmmaker's best works by many film enthusiasts.
You can stream Do the Right Thing on NOW.
My Neighbour Totoro
It would be a mistake not to include any animated films in a list of the best of any decade. While Disney had its fair share of hits, from The Fox and the Hound to The Little Mermaid, we believe this masterpiece from Studio Ghibli outshines them all.
My Neighbour Totoro is a timeless story of childhood as seen through the imaginative lens of Japanese animation genius Hayao Miyazaki, who infuses every heartfelt moment with fantasy and wonder. If you've already seen this animated gem, or fall in love with the furry forest spirit on your first watch, all of Studio Ghibli's incredible films are available on the same service.
My Neighbour Totoro is available to stream on Netflix.
Blade Runner
Yes, it's another science fiction classic, but perfection cannot be overlooked. Despite spawning a generation of moody film enthusiasts, it's clear why this atmospheric, neon-soaked cyberpunk thriller captured so many imaginations.
From the cinematic genius Ridley Scott, who previously revolutionised the genre with his iconic space horror Alien in 1979, comes an engrossing existential journey featuring Harrison Ford as a future detective tasked with tracking down synthetic humans known as replicants.
Combining classic noir with one of the most desolate visions of the future ever depicted on screen, Blade Runner is worth viewing for its visual magnificence alone, but it will also leave you pondering long after the credits have ended.
Blade Runner is available to stream on Prime Video.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
What more can be said about Raiders of the Lost Ark that hasn't been repeated countless times?
Somehow, Spielberg managed to produce two masterpieces consecutively, with the introduction of another iconic Harrison Ford character arriving in 1981, a year before the acclaimed director had millions of cinema-goers weeping uncontrollably with ET.
The most legendary movie star of all time in his prime, a captivating, globe-trotting adventure, plenty of booby traps and ancient puzzles, and Nazis receiving a punch in the face. What's not to adore?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is available to stream on Netflix and for free on Channel 4.
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