The Year was 1984. British and Irish musicians gathered together as Band Aid to perform “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” The very first Apple Macintosh personal computer went on sale for the low, low price of $2,500. The Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, CA, and were widely considered some of the best games ever played. This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of some of the best art, culture and, yes, films, we have ever gotten. After viewing over 50 of the best, worst and most infamous films of 1984, I have ranked the Top 10 (and The Worst) films of the year. So, grab your proton packs, flash your Detroit Metro Badge and let’s escape the T-800. This is (one of the BEST years in film, 1984
Author’s Note: These are just my opinions. Friendly and respectable discourse is always welcome. Also, minor spoilers, of course.
Full List on Letterboxd.
Song to Blast: “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
10. Police Academy
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, G.W. Bailey, Bubba Smith, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Winslow, George Gaines, David Graf.
Directed by: Hugh Wilson
Where to Watch: Most Rental Platforms
AND
Beverly Hills Cop
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Steven Berkoff, Paul Reiser, Ronny Cox, James Russo, Bronson Pinchot, Jonathan Banks, and Damon Wayans.
Directed by: Martin Brest
Where to Watch: Netflix (Sub), Paramount+ (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
That’s right everyone, for the first time ever, we have a tie! What better way to do it then two hilarious movies about being a police officer?
I couldn’t choose between the two, so let us start with Police Academy, a hilarious flick about the dumbest of the dumb, weakest of the weak and most basic people joining the police force. Hijinks naturally ensue with the ensemble cast, as they get themselves into the most ridiculous scenarios, with varying degrees of comedy. Most would say Michael Winslow (aka The Man of 10,000 Sound Effects) would be the highlight, but Steven Guttenburg, Kim Cattrall and Leslie Easterbrook have a ton to do as well. Some will say the film’s comedic moments age poorly (what doesn’t) but I implore you to take yourself back to the time frame (as I do with every film) and enjoy what the film has to offer. Police Academy has bred a TON of sequels, some good, some awful, but the original stands the test of time.
Much like a film released a few months later in Beverly Hills Cop. A young Eddie Murphy at the height of his acting prowess, utilizing every tool he possessed to craft an engaging action-comedy that is easily digestible, keeps you laughing and on the edge of your toes of what will happen next.
Though both Police Academy and Beverly Hills Cop are vastly different in plot and action, they both bring the heat of generational comedy and what it meant to people of that time period. Do yourself a favor, check them both out, especially before the fourth Beverly Hills Cop flick comes out later this year.
9. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
Starring: Peter Weller, John Lithgow, Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd, Carl Lumbly, Clancy Brown, Robert Ito, Jonathan Banks, and Dan Hedaya.
Directed by: W.D. Richter
Where to Watch: Roku, Tubi, Most Rental Platforms
“Adventurer/surgeon/rock musician Buckaroo Banzai and his band of men, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, take on evil alien invaders from the 8th dimension.”
This is the official Letterboxd synopsis of this zany and completely out of pocket film that you’ve never heard of. Buckaroo Banzai is the absolute best example of creativity, ridiculousness and science fiction comedy that the 1980s had to offer. Unfortunately, I feel this film was about 30 years ahead of its time, even if it has gone on to great success as a cult classic. This era of filmmaking was just built differently: with sets, costumes and a sense of urgency that can craft something so unique, so original, that you’ll never see anything like it again. If you watch it, you’ll find yourself quoting it. You’ll want to dress like Buckaroo Banzai himself, the coolest guy in the galaxy this side of Han Solo. I said this for the last entry, but I implore you to seek this out as soon as possible.
8. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Starring: Sumi Shimamoto, Ichiro Nagai, Goro Naya.
2005 Vocal Cast: Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman, Alison Lohman, Shia LeBouf, Chris Sarandon, Edward James Olmos, Mark Hamill and Jody Benson.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Where to Watch: Max (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
Legendary director Hayao Miyazaki is well known for crafting the best and culturally relevant anime films of all time. Films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke have stood the test of time as the elite of animation. An often forgotten film by Miyazaki is our 8th entry, the wonderfully saccharine Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Even as a child, I recognized Miyazaki’s ideals. He is a man who wants to show you, through the power of film, a lesson in some sort of global issue. His storytelling always has layers, and here, it’s about taking care of this Earth (wow, a wild concept, am i right)? What really takes Nausicaä to a different level of imagination is the hand drawn animation, an absolute wonder of art that imprints itself onto film. This film is GORGEOUS (I’d argue the best of its time). Each frame show you something new, something more beautiful, something more terrifying. For a modern audience, something like the Spiderverse films borrow heavily from Miyazaki and I’m willing to bet the filmmakers of those watched some Studio Ghibli to prepare and pay homage. Do I dare say it again? I implore you to watch this.
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street
Starring: Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Johnny Depp, Amanda Wyss, Robert Englund.
Directed by: Wes Craven
Where to Watch: Most Rental Platforms
I’ve got some good news for you all: I don’t have to implore you to watch Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, because the chances are, you already have. The definitive slasher boogeyman, Craven introduced the world to Freddy Krueger (known here as Fred) to an entire generation of unsuspecting audiences who have feared this dream demon for decades. Through a vast amount of sequels to being a king of horror pop culture status, its safe to say Elm Street has stood the test of time, possibly more than any other film on this list (but I’ll leave that up to you).
What has become the most well known and funniest talker in horror, however, started very humbly and very, very frightening to most. In his first foray into cinemas, Krueger was not a wisecracking, James Bond-esque villain, but a horrifying menace to one’s dreams and psyche. Director Wes Craven crafted a spellbinding and mentally intrusive demon to us and his characters, including a Top 3 final girl in Nancy Thompson (Langenkamp) and her dopey jock boyfriend (Depp, in his first screen role). An array of visually disturbing kills such as Tina being dragged and mutilated on the ceiling and a geyser of blood pouring out of a bed are pop culture staples, ones that can never and will never be replicated. Say what you will about the sequels to Elm Street and what Krueger has become, but his first film truly is a sight to be seen.
6. Starman
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Jaeckel.
Directed by: John Carpenter
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
Often the forgotten film of John Carpenter’s spectacular directorial run of the 1970s and ’80s, Starman is a brilliant and beautiful science fiction romance that should be more appreciated. The wonderful Jeff Bridges plays an alien who comes to Earth in the form of a young widow’s husband, played by the very underrated Karen Allen. What follows is a bond between two, uh, people, as they traverse the heartland of America to avoid the government and return Starman to his home planet. Allen is brilliant in her trepidation, wondering how her “husband” has returned, soon to discover what he truly is. The fear turns to care, and every emotion in between is shown on Allen’s face. Carpenter is on a high here, from the first moment The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)” blasts on screen to the last mesmerizing shot (and heartbreaking dialogue), it’s just as good and wonderful as anything he’s put out before. While this may not be as well known as Halloween or The Thing, Starman can be listed right up there as one of Carpenter’s best.
5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Purl.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Where to Watch: Disney+ (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
Starting in 1981 and finishing in 1989, the Indiana Jones trilogy was a spectacle for generations to come. Spanning a decade (and never any sequels after, I promise), the wonder of adventure and excitement captivated Gen-X and the upcoming millennial generations. Though the second installment, The Temple of Doom received mixed reviews upon release, it has gained a huge following amongst Indy fans. It’s fair to say that picking a favorite movie in this series is nearly impossible, as this trilogy (I SWEAR, THERE’S ONLY 3) carry a special place in the hearts of many.
What sets Temple apart, however, is its horrifying nature. So upset were parents at the time of release, this film, along with another we will be discussing in a bit, created an entirely new rating for the MPAA to distribute to films. Many may have been upset with the eating of monkey brains (awesome) and a man having his heart ripped from his chest (AWESOME), but is any more horrifying than the face melting from the previous installment? But I digress. Temple of Doom brings Indy back to the spotlight, as Ford is just as charismatic and fun as ever. Ke Huy Quan’s Short Round is a fun and exciting sidekick and Kate Capshaw’s Willie Scott is…something. Well, at least Spielberg got a wife out of casting her.
4. The Terminator
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Winfield, Rick Rossovich, Bill Paxton, Brian Thompson.
Directed by: James Cameron
Where to Watch: AMC+ (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
I stand by this statement: The Terminator is a slasher movie. A big hulking killer stalks his prey, taking out anyone between him and her. Violence ensues, cops are dead and the final girl prevails in the end. Yes, this franchise (and even this film) are loaded with action as well, but to not consider it in the horror genre as well, is silly. I’m not here to argue genre however, but to explain why James Cameron’s The Terminator is so special. Putting aside it’s horror-inspired nature, awesome visual effects, badass score, costume design, direction, editing and bonkers plot, The Terminator is well known for kickstarting Arnold Schwarzenegger into blockbuster stardom.
While he had been known before this, it was this film that made him the draw he could become, a witty action star who commanded your attention when he was on screen. Though he would play the good guy from here on out (let’s not count Batman and Robin), Arnold’s T-800 is a menacing robot from the future, hellbent on ending the legacy of his adversary, John Connor, before he can even be conceived. Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor is not quite the badass she’d become but still holds her own on screen, showing hints of one of the coolest mothers in film history. Michael Biehn’s Kyle Reese is a worthy protector, going toe to toe with Arnold until he meets his demise in the end. If you try not to think too much about the weird scientific practicalities of time travel (I still don’t get it), The Terminator is a wild ride that keeps you on your toes from beginning to end, only to get much, much better seven years later.
3. Gremlins
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain, Corey Feldman, Judge Reinhold, Dick Miller, Polly Holliday
Directed by: Joe Dante
Where to Watch: Most Rental Platforms
Thus, we have reached our second film to be the reason for the PG-13, Joe Dante’s seminal masterpiece, Gremlins. What was first looked at as a fun kids film quickly turned into shouts from angry parents for being too violent and too scary. And you know what…good! Gremlins is accessible horror, something you can watch at a young age, but that doesn’t stop it from scaring the living crap out of children of a certain age (this writer included). Gremlins was blasted into the cultural zeitgeist almost immediately. We all know the rules: avoid bright lights, don’t get them wet and don’t feed them after midnight.
Once these rules are mentioned, we know they will be broken, and cannot wait for the chaos that ensues. The cute Mogwai (aside from the cute as hell Gizmo) begin to turn into the titular Gremlins (led by Stripe), wreaking havoc on the small midwestern town of Kingston Falls during Christmas time. While many may find what they do hilarious, they do kill a good amount of people while also yucking it up for the camera. It is possible to be mortified and humored, and Gremlins does this as well as any other horror-comedy. The film is paced well, the acting is very good (especially Phoebe Cates’ monologue on Christmas) and the effects are as topnotch as they get, with animatronics galore. CGI wishes it looked this good, and there’s a reason we talk about Gremlins 40 years later and not Aliens in the Attack.
2. This is Spinal Tap
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Fran Drescher, Bruno Kirby, Ed Begley Jr., Dana Carvey, Billy Crystal, Howard Hessman, Paul Shaffer, Anjelica Huston, Fred Willard.
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Where to Watch: AMC+ (Sub), Most Rental Platforms
Personally, I think This is Spinal Tap is the most quotable and funniest comedy of all time. There is not a dull moment in this flick, from the moment we are introduced to the titular band in mockumentary form, to the release of their ridiculously titled “Smell the Glove” album, to their middling concert performances, there are a slew of genius comedy moments sprinkled in each scene. People will quote “These go to 11” without a second though. “Hello Cleveland” is something I yell anytime I’m slightly turned around (especially at Disneyland, as loud as I can). I too have fears of little people possibly crushing Stonehenge.
There are so many one liners, it’s impossible to list them all, but what really makes Tap legendary is the comradery amongst guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Guest), lead singer David St. Hubbins (McKean) and bassist Derek Smalls (Shearer). Though we know we’re watching a mockumentary, it can be believed that these guys represent a real band, with the peaks and valleys that every band goes through throughout their years, yet Tap does it in one tour. With subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) jabs to bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and KISS, This is Spinal Tap is a harmless take down of rock and roll and rock and rollers. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you know what they say. “There’s a fine line between clever and stupid.”
1. Ghostbusters
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton.
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Where to Watch: Most Rental Platforms
Could it have been anything else? For most, Ghostbusters was a gateway drug, an accessible and fun dive into horror, comedy and science fiction. For others, it was a cultural touchstone, ushering in merchandise, video games, t-shirts, theme park shows, tattoos, Halloween costumes and the coolest song released that year (YEAH, I SAID IT). It’s very rare you get an ensemble cast where all of the main components are different. Whether it be Murray’s carefree ladies man to Harold Ramis’ bookworm genius, every member of the audience can find themselves in someone portrayed on screen (and face it, we’re all pretty much Rick Moranis).
Ivan Reitman’s direction and Ramis’ script blend a wonderful story of ghosts and the faith of believability into a hilarious and spooky special effects ridden spectacular. Seriously, how can modern movies somehow not look this good? Again, I digress. You’ve seen Ghostbusters. I don’t have to tell you why it is special. You can quote it, you can sing the theme song, Hell, you probably have dressed up as them once or twice in your life. But when you’re troubled by strange noises in the night, experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic, what ya gonna watch? Ghostbusters!
Sidebar, can you believe Ghostbusters and Gremlins were released on the EXACT SAME DAY?! The original Barbenheimer, am I right?
Honorable Mentions
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Breakin 2’: Electric Boogaloo, Amadeus, Sixteen Candles, Stranger Than Paradise, Sole Survivor
Not Listed
The Toxic Avenger (released wide in 1986)
Blood Simple (released wide in 1985)
Worst Film of Year
The Ewok Adventure (aka The Caravan of Courage)
Starring: Warwick Davis, Eric Walker, Finnoula Flannagan, Guy Boyd, Burl Ives.
Directed by: John Korty
Where to Watch: Disney+ (Sub)
I’ll keep this short. No one hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans but if we can all just agree that, no matter how you feel about the sequels or the prequels, The Ewok Adventure is the worst Star Wars film, bar none.
Honorable Mentions
Revenge of the Nerds, Don’t Open ‘Till Christmas, Children of the Corn, Savage Streets
