The ’70s are arguably the greatest decade for movies, but the ’80s have always deserved more credit than they’re given for providing us with plenty of classics that get better with age. While I love highbrow cinema as much as anyone, I also love films whose sole purpose is to entertain the masses, so the following 10 films I’ve selected from 1988 are a mix of critical and personal favorites that you should definitely seek out if you haven’t already.
Talk Radio – Directed by Oliver Stone
It’s not one of Stone’s most hyped films, but the story of a late-night talk show host slowly turning on his audience makes for one of his best.
Running on Empty – Directed by Sidney Lumet
One of Lumet’s most underrated films features a star-making performance from River Phoenix.
Coming To America – Directed by John Landis
Few actors could touch Murphy on a comedic level in the ’80s and his pairing with Arsenio Hall remains a highpoint.
Above the Law – Directed by Andrew Davis
I might lose some people with this choice, but it’s as ambitious as a Seagal film gets and Pam Grier steals every scene she’s in.
Mississippi Burning – Directed by Alan Parker
Gene Hackman has disappeared from public life, so, if you ever need a reminder of his importance to American cinema, start here.
Beetlejuice – Directed by Tim Burton
Everything about this film is wonderful, but it’s also a reminder of the time before Alec Baldwin’s ego became insufferable.
Big – Directed by Penny Marshall
Tom Hanks won back-to-back Oscars for “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump,” but what he does here is something that no other actor at the time could pull off.
Bull Durham – Directed by Ron Shelton
Shelton captured the monotony of the minor leagues as well as “Field of Dreams” captured America’s conception of baseball as a romantic pastime the following year.
Dead Ringers – Directed by David Cronenberg
Nobody does body horror quite like Cronenberg and the performance of Jeremy Irons sticks with you long after the credits roll.
The Last Temptation of Christ – Directed by Martin Scorsese
16 years before Mel Gibson caused a stir, one of America’s greatest filmmakers challenged audiences with his harrowing depiction of Jesus Christ.
Honorable Mentions – “Rain Man,” “Bloodsport,” “Die Hard,” “School Daze,” and “The Accused”
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