Harsh Vardhan
Step into the neon-soaked era of excess and nostalgia as we journey through the cinematic gems of the 1980s, now readily available on Netflix. In a time when mullets were cool and synthesizer music ruled the airwaves, the silver screen was graced with unforgettable classics that defined a generation. Our curated list transcends time, bringing you the best of the 1980s, from iconic blockbusters to hidden indie treasures. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding action, heartwarming coming-of-age tales, or supernatural adventures, Netflix has your retro cravings covered. Join us as we rekindle the magic of the ’80s, one movie at a time.
14. Ek Jaan Hain Hum (1983)
An Indian Hindi-language directed by Rajiv Mehra, this movie stars Rajiv Kapoor, Tanuja Samarth, Divya Rana, and Shammi Kapoor. In true Bollywood fashion, the film tells the story of a girl and boy who fall in love. However, while the boy’s parents agree to their marriage, the girl’s parents have other plans, including getting her married to a U.S. resident. Things worsen for the boy when he is accused of arson, with evidence pointing that he set fire to the girl’s father’s property. As per the boy’s father, the only way for the boy to avoid imprisonment is to prove that he is mentally ill. But for how long? To know what happens eventually, you can stream the movie here.
13. Duniya (1984)
An Indian Hindi-language (Bollywood) film directed by Ramesh Talwar, it stars one of India’s greatest actors of all time, Dilip Kumar, along with other hugely popular veteran actors Rishi Kapoor, Ashok Kumar, Amrita Singh, Pran and Amrish Puri. The film follows Mohan Kumar, who is framed for murder and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Once he is released, he decides to take revenge on the three people who framed him, namely Jugal Kishore, Bhandari, and Balwant. However, things are bound to get complicated as Kumar’s estranged son, Ravi, who doesn’t know that Kumar is his father, joins Jugal Kishore’s gang and is told to kill Kumar. Will Kumar end up killing his son in his thirst for vengeance? To find out, you can watch the film here.
12. Quiet Victory (1988)
‘Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story’ is a touching television film directed by Roy Campanella II. This inspirational true story revolves around Charlie Wedemeyer, a high school football coach and teacher who, at age 31, was diagnosed with ALS, a debilitating illness. Despite his physical challenges, Charlie continues to coach his football team while his wife, Lucy, supports him tirelessly. The film stars Michael Nouri as Charlie Wedemeyer and Pam Dawber as Lucy. Their unwavering determination and love form the heart of the story, making ‘Quiet Victory’ a testament to the power of the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Feel free to check out the movie here.
11. Adam: His Song Continues (1986)
This Robert Markowitz directorial is a sequel to ‘Adam’ (1983), which showcases the tragic true story of the kidnapping and murder of 6-year-old American kid Adam Walsh. He was kidnapped from a mall in Hollywood, Florida, on July 27, 1981, and only his severed head was recovered in a drain in rural Indian River County, Florida. It showed how publicity by Adam’s parents, John and Reve Walsh, threw light on the sheer absence of ways for the authorities to find missing children. ‘Adam: His Song Continues’ picks up from where the first part ended and shows John and Reve striving to raise national awareness about the issue of missing children. The cast includes Daniel J. Travanti as John Walsh and JoBeth Williams as Reve Walsh, respectively. You can watch the film here.
10. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Directed by John Milius, ‘Conan the Barbarian’ is based on Robert E. Howard’s famous pulp magazine character Conan, the sword and sorcery hero. In the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the titular role, a befitting casting decision, considering his physique that fits Conan’s to perfection. We follow a young Conan who is orphaned and enslaved after losing his family and village at the hands of the villainous necromancer Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). He grows up to be a powerful gladiator, strong and muscular, and along with his partners Valeria (Sandahl Bergman) and archer Subotai (Gerry Lopez), sets off on a vengeful journey to kill Doom. Entertaining in the classic 80s fashion, ‘Conan the Barbarian’ has 3 Saturn Awards and a Golden Globe to its name. You can watch it here.
9. Strange Voices (1987)
Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, ‘Strange Voices’ revolves around a young girl named Suzanne, portrayed brilliantly by Nancy McKeon, who is gripped by schizophrenia. Struggling to understand her reality, Suzanne experiences haunting auditory hallucinations, leading her into a world of confusion and fear. The film dives deep into the harrowing effects of mental illness, portraying Suzanne’s internal battles with sensitivity and empathy. Seidelman’s direction, coupled with McKeon’s compelling performance, paints a vivid and heartbreaking picture of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues, shedding light on the importance of compassion and understanding. You may watch ‘Strange Voices’ here.
8. Dostana (1980)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman, ‘Dostana’ is an Indian Hindi-language movie directed by Raj Khosla. The film tells the story of two childhood friends, Vijay Varma and Ravi Kapoor. While Vijay is a police officer, Ravi is a barrister. While they have given each other the word that they won’t interfere in each other professional lives, their personal lives get complicated when they fall in love with the same girl, Sheetal Sahni. This allows Vijay’s old nemesis, Mr. Dagga, to create a barrier between the two best friends. You can watch the movie here to find out how things turn out for the two.
7. The Ryan White Story (1989)
‘The Ryan White Story’ is a biographical drama based on the life of American teenager Ryan White, who was the poster child for AIDS all across America after being banned from his school in Russiaville, Indiana, for the same. Born in 1971, Ryan was a hemophiliac, and he contracted AIDS from the factor VIII blood treatment he received for his hemophilia. He was diagnosed with the disease in December 1984 and passed away on April 8, 1990, at the age of 19. The film shows what Ryan and his mother, Jeanne, had to go through, be it in terms of gossip, judgment, and mistreatment, all of which were due to the lack of knowledge and misconceptions about AIDS. The film stars Lukas Haas as Ryan White, Judith Light as Jeanne White, Sarah Jessica Parker, and George C. Scott. You can watch it here.
6. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
The Martin Brest directorial just had its latest sequel dropped on the platform. ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ is the first installment of the titular buddy cop comedy film franchise and stars Eddie Murphy as Detroit police detective Axel Foley. After his childhood friend, Mikey, who was working in Beverly Hills, is murdered, he arrives at the affluent city undercover to investigate the murder, which has something to do with the German bearer bonds Mikey had shown him. He soon gets involved with the mysterious art gallery owner, Victor Maitland. However, his unorthodox methods make him lock horns with Beverly Hills Police Department officers John Taggart (John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), much to the hilarity of the viewers. Winner of the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture and nominated for 2 Golden Globes, an Oscar, and a BAFTA, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ is one of the best comedies to have come out of the 1980s and a cult classic. You can watch it here.
5. Too Young The Hero (1988)
‘Too Young the Hero,’ directed by Buzz Kulik, is a poignant made-for-TV film that tells the remarkable true story of Calvin Graham, portrayed by Rick Schroder. Set during World War II, the movie follows Calvin, a 12-year-old boy who lies about his age to enlist in the U.S. Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite his youth, he valiantly serves aboard the USS South Dakota, demonstrating incredible bravery during combat. The film explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and determination, showcasing Calvin’s inspiring journey as he battles adversity on the front lines. Schroder’s compelling performance and Kulik’s sensitive direction make this movie a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary young hero. You can stream ‘Too Young The Hero’ here.
4. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Directed by Oliver Stone, ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ is a war/anti-war biographical drama based on the life of Vietnam War veteran/anti-war activist Ron Kovic. Kovic’s 1976 autobiography is the basis for Stone’s film, which stars Tom Cruise as Kovic. The film showcases events spanning 20 years, including Kovic’s childhood, his time as a Marine sergeant in Vietnam, his paralysis, depression, and alcohol addiction, and his time as an anti-war activist.
‘Born on the Fourth of July’ is a commentary on the horrors of war and the toll it takes on the survivors and their mental health. Stone masterfully captures Kovic’s spiraling emotions, underscored by Cruise’s compelling performance. Nominated for eight Oscars, out of which it won two, including Best Director, and many other accolades, the film is a must-watch. It is the second film in Stone’s Vietnam War trilogy, the first being ‘Platoon’ (1986)’ and the third being ‘Heaven & Earth’ (1993). You can watch ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ here.
3. Back to the Future (1985)
‘Back to the Future’ can be addressed as the (stressed) movie of the 1980s. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it is a cult classic featuring a young Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a youngster who goes back in time by mistake, courtesy of the now-iconic time-traveling DeLorean car of Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (the great Christopher Lloyd). McFly ends up in 1955, where he encounters the younger version of his parents, Lorraine and George. Also, Lorraine falls for him, something he needs to change and make her fall for George. If he doesn’t do that, he will be removed from existence. The Academy Award-winning film is an immortal cult classic that you can watch right here.
2. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
This landmark independent film launched Spike Lee’s career as a director. Written, directed, and produced by Lee, the film follows the “sexually charged” graphic artist Nola Darling as she tries to navigate her love life that is divided among three individuals, Jamie Overstreet, Greer Childs, and Mars Blackmon, each guy with a different mindset. A powerful take on African American women and their struggle in society during the time, ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ was no less than a phenomenon when it came out. The film stars Tracy Camilla Johns, John Canada Terrell, Tommy Redmond Hicks, and Spike Lee. You can watch it here.
1. Hard Lessons- The George McKenna Story (1988)
Starring Denzel Washington, Lynn Whitfield, and Akosua Busia, ‘The George McKenna Story’ is directed by Eric Laneuville. The movie is a biographical drama based on George McKenna, former principal of the Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles. McKenna successfully managed to bring an end to the gang and drug culture that was prevalent inside the school premises and which affected the students as well as the parents. How he did it and reformed the school is what we see in the movie. You can stream it here.
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