These are the top 10 most popular and highest-grossing films of the 1980’s.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Also known as E.T., this science fiction movie was released in 1982. The film centers around a boy that becomes friends with an extraterrestrial who is stuck on Earth. The movie was the highest-grossing film for 10 years until “Jurassic Park.” The film has grossed over $619 million worldwide.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Released in 1983, this epic space film is the third installment of the “Star Wars” series. This film featured a star-studded cast of Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. This movie was released to mostly positive reviews and has grossed over $475 million worldwide.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Another “Star Wars” movie to top the list is this 1980 installment where the Galactic Empire is being run by Darth Vader. While the film initially received mixed reviews, it later became the most critically acclaimed of the franchise. As the highest-grossing film of 1980, this movie raked in more than $538 million worldwide.
Batman
This 1989 superhero film is based on a comic of the same name. This was the first chapter of the highly popular series. Released to critical and commercial success, this movie has grossed over $411 million worldwide.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Released in 1981, this adventure-fantasy film is the first part of the Indiana Jones series. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones is pitted against a group of Nazis searching for the Ark of the Covenant. As the year’s highest-grossing film, the movie brought in over $384 million worldwide.
Ghostbusters
This 1984 comedy and supernatural film follows a group of ghost chasers. This movie was well received by critics and was even considered one of the best films of the year. This was the most successful comedy of the decade, bringing in over $509 million worldwide.
Beverly Hills Cop
This 1984 comedy action is responsible for making Eddie Murphy an international star. This cop buddy movie was nominated for a Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination. As the biggest hit of the year, the movie has made over $234 million worldwide.
Back to the Future
Released in 1985, this comedy, science fiction film stars Michael J. Fox. It is about a teenager who travels back in time from 1985 to 1955. The film was number one for 11 weeks and made over $383 million worldwide.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
This 1989 fantasy-adventure film is the third installment of the series. This film received mixed reviews but had one of the top 3 openings of the year. The movie has brought in over $474 million worldwide.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The second installment of the franchise was released in 1984. This is the prequel to “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and finds Indiana Jones trying to locate a mystical stone. This film received mixed reviews as well but went on to gross over $333 million worldwide.
