Best of '80s: 10-Film Collection: Volume 1

The Shining (1980)

From writer Stephen King and director Stanley Kubrick comes a classic tale of madness and terror that has climbed the list of greatest horror films since its initial release. Struggling writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and their psychic son Danny (Danny Lloyd) spend the winter overseeing the deserted and isolated Overlook hotel, where the ghosts of the site’s shocking and bloody past plague Jack’s sanity. With Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson. 142 min. C/Rtg: R

Caddyshack (1980)

Classic comedy chronicles the hilarious goings-on at the elite Bushwood Country Club. As a loud and loutish nouveau riche land developer (Rodney Dangerfield) and an egotistical club pro (Chevy Chase) engage in a not-so-friendly game of golf with a stuffy judge (Ted Knight), a crazed groundskeeper (Bill Murray) wages war against a pesky gopher. Michael O’Keefe co-stars as the young caddy caught in the middle of all the wackiness. With Sarah Holcomb, Cindy Morgan; co-written and directed by Harold Ramis. 99 min. C/Rtg: R

Risky Business (1983)

Chicago teen Joel Goodson’s (Tom Cruise) parents leave the house and the car in his care while they go on vacation, leading him to do what any red-blooded American boy might be tempted to do: take the Porsche for a spin, throw a wild party, and hook up with a warm-hearted prostitute (Rebecca De Mornay) who gives him a crash course in capitalism. Sharp, erotic comedy/drama co-stars Curtis Armstrong, Bronson Pinchot, and Joe Pantoliano as "Guido, the killer pimp." 99 min. C/Rtg: R

Purple Rain (1984)

Rocker Prince stars as talented, withdrawn singer "the Kid" in this sizzling musical/drama that features dazzling on-stage performances by Prince and the Revolution, The Time, and Apollonia 6. The film follows the Kid as he struggles with his abusive homelife, faces trouble from a rival group, deals with disgruntled members of his own band, and romances a gorgeous aspiring singer (Apollonia Kotero). With Morris Day. Songs include "When Doves Cry," "Let’s Go Crazy," "Jungle Love." 111 min. C/Rtg: R

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Ginsu-gloved dream demon Freddy Krueger makes his debut in Wes Craven’s classic slasher. The line between nightmare and reality is shattered when child murderer Krueger terrorizes the sleeping teens of Springfield, seeking revenge against the kids of those who killed him years earlier. With Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Johnny Depp (his first film), and Robert Englund as Freddy. 92 min. C/Rtg: R

Vision Quest (1985)

Based on the novel by Terry Davis, this coming-of-age drama stars Matthew Modine as Louden Swain, an underweight high school wrestler determined to use his grappling skills to become state champion. As Louden vigorously trains to defeat his rival, his personal vision quest is complicated when he falls for his family’s new boarder, a sexy drifter named Carla (Linda Fiorentino). With Ronny Cox, Charles Hallahan, and Madonna (who sings "Crazy for You" and "Gambler" in a performance sequence). 107 min. C/Rtg: R

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Seminal "buddy" actioner that spawned several sequels stars Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, a veteran L.A. detective who is less than pleased with new partner Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a gung-ho wildman whose memories of Vietnam and his wife’s death are edging him ever closer to psychosis. Can the mismatched pair bring down a heroin ring? With Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan, Darlene Love; Richard Donner directs. Director’s cut; 111 min. C/Rtg: R

The Lost Boys (1987)

A new family moves into a small California town, and the teenage son is immediately taken with a local girl, only to discover that she (and most of the town youth) are vampires! It’s up to his younger brother to save the day in this stylish and offbeat horror film. Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Jami Gertz, Kiefer Sutherland, and Dianne Wiest star. 97 min. C/Rtg: R

Lean On Me (1989)

High school principal Joe Clark’s one-man crusade to rid his school of drug pushers and gang members while instilling a sense of pride in the students is a story so improbable it had to be real. Morgan Freeman is brilliant as the dedicated, megalomaniacal Clark, supported by Robert Guillaume, Alan North. John Avildsen ("Rocky") directs. 109 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007)

Based on Philip K. Dick’s "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?," director Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi noir favorite stars Harrison Ford as retired police detective Rick Deckard. Called back to duty to track down artificial humans called "replicants" in 2019 Los Angeles, Deckard is thrust into an adventure that takes him through the city’s dystopian landscape and raises questions about his own existence. With Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, and Daryl Hannah. Includes updated special effects and newly shot and altered footage. 117 min. C/Rtg: R