Best movies of 1989
that I have seen ranked
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- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDanny AielloOssie DavisRuby DeeOn the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.One of the most important films of all time.
Grade: A+ - DirectorMichael LehmannStarsWinona RyderChristian SlaterShannen DohertyAt Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.A dark ahead of it's time social commentary awesome performances great teen movie.
Grade: A - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.My same critera for Batman and Back to the future apply to last crusade. Better than Temple of doom. Great leads, this film is such a blast.
Grade: A - DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.Batman could have been as low as 10 on this list. It's not a better movie than 10-6. But, boy is it rewatchable, and it's a classic supehero movie, with great performances from Jack and Keaton. And I love it.
Grade: A - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonAfter visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.Like Batman, Back to the Future part 2 is not one of the best films on this list. In fact I would say slots 6-10 are better films. But, for me in a movie in the end of the day I look for rewatchability. And this film is so rewatchable and fun.
Grade: A- - DirectorRon HowardStarsSteve MartinMary SteenburgenDianne WiestFour Buckman siblings attempt to raise their children - each in their own different style - and deal with the joys and sorrows that the process brings.Steve Martin, Keeuna Revves, young joquain Phoneix. What an assemble, i could go on and on about this film. Such a great cast and a fun family.
Grade: A- - DirectorGus Van SantStarsMatt DillonKelly LynchJames Le GrosA pharmacy-robbing dope fiend and his crew pop pills and evade the law.This film is not as rewatchable as other films ahead of it. I could have put it as high as 6 or even maybe two. But, Matt Dillion is amazing here. This film is low budget, haunting, honest, and great.
Grade: A- - DirectorRob ReinerStarsBilly CrystalMeg RyanCarrie FisherHarry and Sally have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they fear sex would ruin the friendship.One of the best romance movies of all time. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are great here.
Grade: A- - DirectorCameron CroweStarsJohn CusackIone SkyeJohn MahoneyA noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.One of the best teen romance movies of all time. A john Cusack Classic.
Grade: A- - DirectorOliver StoneStarsTom CruiseBryan LarkinRaymond J. BarryThe biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country for which he fought.Tom Cruise gives maybe his best performance, one of Oliver Stone's best films. An honest potryal of war. 10-8 was very close for me in rankings.
Grade: A- - DirectorTakeshi KitanoStarsTakeshi KitanoMaiko KawakamiMakoto AshikawaA violence prone police officer discovers that his colleague is trafficking drugs.Kitano coming out party one of the best noirs of the 1980s and an important film that paved way for this type of filmaking in 90s.
Grade: A- - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMichael J. FoxSean PennDon HarveyDuring the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager.One of the most underrated war movies of all time.
Grade: A- - DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsJodi BensonSamuel E. WrightRene AuberjonoisA mermaid princess makes a Faustian bargain in an attempt to become human and win a prince's love.One of Disney's best films a classic.
Grade: A- - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciRiggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats who are using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.One of the best action sequels of all time. That toilet scene is hilarious.
Grade: A- - DirectorStephen HerekStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterGeorge CarlinTwo rock-'n-rolling teens, on the verge of failing their class, set out on a quest to make the ultimate school history report after being presented with a time machine.A very funny time travel movie. This film is a classic. The lead's have great chemistry.
Grade: A- - DirectorMichael MooreStarsMichael MooreRoger B. SmithRhonda BrittonAfter General Motors closes its factory in Flint, Michigan, eliminating 35,000 jobs, filmmaker Michael Moore undertakes a quixotic quest to interview General Motors' chairman, Roger B. Smith.One of the best documentaries of all time. Not as rewatchable as some of the other films on this list. But, a testement to what one man can do.
Grade: A- - DirectorJohn GlenStarsTimothy DaltonRobert DaviCarey LowellA vengeful James Bond goes rogue to infiltrate and take down the organization of a drug lord who has murdered his friend's new wife and left him near death.Timothy Dalton is an underrated bond and this one of the best bond movies. A precursor to Craig a dark, gritty, and personal bond movie with a good villain and solid Bond girls.
Grade: A- - DirectorBill ForsythStarsBurt ReynoldsCasey SiemaszkoSheila KelleyProfessional thief Ernie takes Mike on as an apprentice, but while Mike clearly has "larceny in his heart", it will take him a long time to get as good as Ernie.Billed as a career comeback for Reynolds at the time, as it was his first positively reviewed film in years. However, sadly did not help his career much as the film would bomb at the box office and be very underrated. It's not even on any streaming service. What might on the surface appear as a simple crime comedy is bolstered by the great Bill Forsyth, very underrated director, and a strong script from John sayles. Burt Reynolds and Casey Siemaszko both give great performances. This film deserves a digital remaster.
Grade: A- - DirectorJim McBrideStarsDennis QuaidWinona RyderJohn DoeThe life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.Dennis Quaid should have been nominated for the Oscar. Jerry Lee Lewis provided his own voice to the movie, amazing production design, and one of the best musical biopics.
Grade: A- - DirectorPeter WeirStarsRobin WilliamsRobert Sean LeonardEthan HawkeMaverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.One of Robin William's best films, he give's a great performance. Ethan Hawke and the other young actors are also great. Powerful ending.
Grade: A- - DirectorCarl SchenkelStarsDenzel WashingtonRobert TownsendJames FoxWhen police officer Xavier Quinn's childhood friend, Maubee, becomes associated with murder and a briefcase full of ten thousand dollar bills, The Mighty Quinn must clear his name. Or try to catch him, which could be even trickier.The film that made Denzal a star although not a box office succes and overshadowed by the controversy of denzal kissing a white woman. Based off the bob Dylan song. One of the most underrated crime films of the 1980s a fun blend of action, comdey, and a great setting. The underrated Robert Townsend is also good here
Grade: B+ - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Easily, the best Vacation sequel. Chevy Chase and the whole supporting cast is great. This film is considered a comedy classic for good reason.
Grade: B+ - DirectorDanny DeVitoStarsMichael DouglasKathleen TurnerDanny DeVitoA married couple tries everything to drive each other out of the house in a vicious divorce battle.Amazing lead performances from Douglas and Turner. Danny DeVito also good and strong direction. IN one of the best dark comedies of the 1980s. Douglas had a great year in 89 with this and black rain. Both 100 million+ films that are not talked about very much today. Chilling reminiscent of real people and relationships.
Grade: B+ - DirectorUli EdelStarsJennifer Jason LeighStephen LangBurt YoungSet in Brooklyn during the 1950s against a backdrop of union corruption and violence. A prostitute falls in love with one of her customers. Also a disturbed man discovers that he is homosexual.Lang and Leigh, as well as Burt Young are all great huge budget 17 million but flopped hard beloved in Europe
Grade: B+ - DirectorHarold BeckerStarsAl PacinoEllen BarkinJohn GoodmanA detective investigating a series of murders becomes involved with a woman who may be the culprit.Al Pacino's comeback film made 100 million (52 overseas), however it is underrated today. Great supporting cast with John Goodman, Ellen Barkin, and Richard Harris. Even some fun appearances from a young sam l Jackson and Michal Rooker. A strong thriller similar to others the populated the genre back then. However, more sexual or violent- so also a precursor to some 90s thrillers. An interesting blend and an underated/ talked about film in Pacino's filmography
Grade: B+ - DirectorPhil Alden RobinsonStarsKevin CostnerJames Earl JonesRay LiottaIowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.One of the best baseball movies ever
Grade: B+ - DirectorWalter HillStarsMickey RourkeEllen BarkinElizabeth McGovernAfter being double crossed and thrown in jail, a deformed gangster gets a new face and rehabilitation, but his desire for revenge looms.One of the most underrated crime films of the 80s and sadly bombed at the box office as well be linked to Rorque post this. film from the 70s or 40s. Mickey rourke had an awesome run In the 1980s and he is tragic here. Morgan freeman is great maybe the best cop role ive seen him play. forest Whitaker is tender and Ellen Barkin and Scott Wilson make great films. strong direction and writing from Walter hill. this film deserves more love.
Grade: B+ - DirectorJohn DahlStarsVal KilmerJoanne WhalleyPat MulliganA young detective becomes involved with a beautiful woman on the run from the mob and her psychopath boyfriend.John Dahl is one of the most underrated directors ever. And made two of the best Noir films of the 90s In Red Rock west and last seduction. Before those two films he made an even cheaper lesser seen noir. Kill Me Again stars a young Val Kilmer and Michael Madsen. Before Resvoir dogs and the year 990 which helped revive the crime films of the 90s there was this underrated film. It looks cheap, but the vibe is great, and every actor is clearly having fun.
Grade: B+ - DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael DouglasAndy GarciaKen TakakuraTwo NYC cops arrest a Yakuza member and must escort him when he's extradited to Japan.This film deserves it's cult following. Great performances, sturdy direction from Scott, Slick style. Although the story is predictable this is a fun violent cool cop film.
Grade: B+ - DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRick MoranisMatt FrewerMarcia StrassmanThe scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.I miss Rick Moranis, he's great here, this film has a fun premise, it's funny and sweet. A really good kids film.
Grade: B+ - DirectorEmile ArdolinoStarsCybill ShepherdRobert Downey Jr.Ryan O'NealA reincarnated man unknowingly falls in love with his own daughter from his previous life. Once he realizes this, he tries to end their relationship before angels erase his memory.RDJ had many good films Pre iron man and many that went underated or bombed at box office. Great supporting cast with Cybil Shepard and ryan oneal. They dont make movies like this in 2023 anymore. Great premise.
Grade: B - DirectorZelda BarronStarsPhoebe CatesBridget FondaScott CoffeySummer of 1963. Carson is getting married to her boyfriend so her friends Melaina, Pudge and Luanne take her to Myrtle Beach for one last irresponsible weekend.(1989 release)
one of the most underrated and best teen movies of the 1980s Phobe Cates, Bridget Fonda, Annabeth Gish, and Page Hannah are all great and they really feel like best friends.
Grade: B - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThe discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.An underrated comedy sequel. With some creepy and funny moments. It's great to see the whole cast back. The first one is a classic, but this one is also really good.
Grade: B - DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaRobyn LivelyOstracised villain John Kreese attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the help of a Vietnam War comrade, the wealthy owner of a toxic waste disposal business.Yes, this film is awful. But it's so bad it's good. It's so much fun. And I actually really enjoy the villains and there is a-lot of stuff from this film I would love to see in Cobra Kai. And the part where Daniel joins Cobra Kai and get's his knuckles all bloody is sick. Cobra Cai improved this movie and it's rewatchability even more.
Grade: B- - DirectorJohn HughesStarsJohn CandyMacaulay CulkinJean Louisa KellyLaid back commitment-phobe Buck babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute younger brother and sister.One of John Hughes, lesser films. I do not love this movie, as much as most. However, John Candy, Hughes smart writing, and the cast of kids make this film really enjoyable.
Grade: B- - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsMasako NozawaToshio FurukawaHiromi TsuruGohan is kidnapped by Garlic Jr.'s men so he can have Gohan's Dragon Ball to grant him immortality. Goku and his friends try to stop Garlic Jr. and save the world.I love Dragon Ball, but this is one of the lesser Z films. Still, as a fan of the show, there are plenty of fun action moments, and big fights to keep you entertained.
Grade: B- - DirectorJoan Micklin SilverStarsPatrick DempseyKate JacksonRobert GintyRandy is still unfocused after 2 years in college. When his dad refuses to keep paying his tuition, he gets a job delivering pizzas. Several alluring cougars pay him $200 for pizza delivery and "services rendered." As for their husbands.This film has it's problems, but I think is a guilty pleasure fun dumb 80s comedy. Patric Dempsey plays a male hooker kind of, who sleeps with older woman. There are some silly raunchy moments.
Grade: C+ - DirectorBrian CosgroveStarsDavid JasonAmanda RootAngela ThorneA young orphan girl, Sophie, gets taken away to a faraway land populated by Giants and Dreams.I love the book, this film is not as good as it, but does it's best to recapture the moment. And has some creepy shots, and I like the animation.
Grade: C+ - DirectorAlan BunceStarsGordon PinsentGavin MagrathElizabeth HannaIn his spectacular film debut, young Babar, King of the Elephants, must save his homeland from certain destruction by Rataxes and his band of invading rhinos.I loved this toy as a kid- it's accurate to the books and is a solid kid movie.
Grade: C - DirectorDon BluthGary GoldmanDan KuensterStarsDom DeLuiseBurt ReynoldsLoni AndersonA canine angel, Charlie, sneaks back to earth from heaven but ends up befriending an orphan girl who can speak to animals. In the process, Charlie learns that friendship is the most heavenly gift of all.One of Disney's least succesful and by some hated films. It's not nearly as good as what the studio pumps out. But it has it's moments.
Grade: C - DirectorAmy HeckerlingStarsJohn TravoltaKirstie AlleyOlympia DukakisAfter a single, career-minded woman is left on her own to give birth to the child of a married man, she finds a new romantic chance in a cab driver. Meanwhile, the point-of-view of the newborn baby is narrated through voice-over.A-lot of people think this is the film, but it's really the sequels that killed Travolta's career for awhile. This movie has some okay scenes. And the acting can be bad at times. But, it's way better than it's sequels and actually has some dark moments, for such a silly premise.
Grade: c- - DirectorJames TobackStarsEmma AstnerMissy BoydMax BrockmanFilmmaker James Toback poses basic questions in philosophy, such as why we're here and where we're going, to various celebrities and ordinary people.Interesting doc best part with tony sirco way before sopranos.
Grade: C- - DirectorRichard GreenbergStarsFred SavageHowie MandelDaniel SternA boy discovers an incredible and gruesome world of monsters under his bed.Grade: 50
- DirectorMichael HerzLloyd KaufmanStarsRon FazioJohn AltamuraPhoebe LegereThe Toxic Avenger is tricked into traveling to Tokyo to search for his estranged father, leaving Tromaville open to complete domination by an evil corporation.I really like the first one. This one is unwatchable.
Grade: F - DirectorJeff BurrStarsTerry O'QuinnMeg FosterCaroline WilliamsAfter escaping the insane asylum in which he was incarcerated, Jerry Blake (Terry O'Quinn) impersonates a marriage counselor and manages to win over a patient (Meg Foster) and her young son (Jonathan Brandis).stepfather was good this sequal was silly
Grade: F