1984 was an incredible year for cinema. It was the year that gave us cult classics like “This is Spinal Tap” and horror films such as “Nightmare on Elm Street.” This year, these iconic movies are turning 40 years old. Let’s take a trip back down memory lane and appreciate the year that gave us some of the best and most iconic movies to grace the big (and little) screens. (Do you love the 80s? Take a look at our list of the most iconic fashion moments from the 1980s.)
To compile a list of iconic movies turning 40 this year, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment sites, including IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Let’s take a look at the iconic movies that 1984 gave us.
“The Terminator”
- Release Day: Oct. 26
- Distributor: Orion Pictures
Although it’s almost been 40 years, those who have seen this film can still hear “I’ll be back” in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic voice. James Cameron’s “The Terminator” launched Schwarzenegger into a megastar and brought us a lasting, memorable franchise. The franchise has launched successful spinoffs, a television show, and the possibility of a new anime series coming in 2024.
“The Terminator” was a successful film that depicted a post-apocalyptic world, a topic that has its own cult following.
“The Karate Kid”
- Release Day: June 22
- Distributor: Columbia Pictures
John G. Avildsen’s “The Karate Kid” is a simple story about a kid from the big city named Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio. He finds himself through martial arts.
This franchise gave us the catchphrase “Wax on, Wax off” which was an approach to help LaRusso learn defensive blocks through mundane tasks. Additionally, “The Karate Kid” has been successful with a spinoff, cartoon, two sequels, and a remake. Netflix even launched a very successful sequel television show, “Cobra Kai.” 40 years later, “The Karate Kid” is still imprinted on society as an unforgettable film.
“Ghostbusters”
- Release Day: June 8
- Distributor: Columbia Pictures
The supernatural comedy about a group of men who fight ghosts for a living was one of the best-selling films of 1984. Ivan Reitman’s “Ghostbusters” crushed the box office and quickly became a cult classic. From its catchy theme song to Bill Murray’s hilarious moments on film, there’s a legacy that will continue for years to come.
“Police Academy”
- Release Day: March 23
- Distributor: Warner Bros.
What do you get when you open the police academy to anyone and everyone? You get “Police Academy,” which is an entertaining and comical film. When a troublemaker has no choice but to apply and join the other misfits at the Police Academy, what comes next is this cop parody film that has amused audiences for 40 years.
“Revenge of the Nerds”
- Release Day: July 20
- Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Being a nerd was not cool in 1984, but when “Revenge of the Nerds” came out, it is possible that this term got a makeover. The comedic film follows a group of bullied freshmen at Adams College. They deserve respect and know it, so they decide to form their own fraternity and fight back.
“Revenge of the Nerds” is witty while also sharing an anti-bullying message.
“Children of the Corn”
- Release Day: March 9
- Distributor: New World Pictures
“Children of the Corn” is based on the novel by Stephen King. This horror film is about an antagonist who “walks behind the rows” and draws the town children in. Their instruction? Kill the adults in the town in a ritualistic way.
“Children of the Corn” has a way of making adults jump out of their seats and probably avoid any small towns that have corn stalks. The undertone of not being able to trust what you see is one of the reasons this film has maintained its staying power in society: that and those who love horror flicks and Steven King in general.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street”
- Release Day: November 9
- Distributor: New Line Cinema
Another horror film that came out in 1984 was Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” A film about a serial killer who stalks teenagers in their dreams. How does he do that? Well, it’s simple, of course; he’s dead.
Freddy Krueger has developed a cult following in 40 years. There have been six sequels, a television series, and even a remake. The results this movie has had on pop culture have been enormous. It also gave us the creepy nursery rhyme “One, two, Freddy’s coming for you” that sticks with you long after you switch the TV off.
“Romancing the Stone”
- Release Day: March 30
- Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Romantic comedies are popular among many; roll it up with action, chemistry, and adventure, and you have the ingredients for a great movie. “Romancing the Stone” is about a novelist, Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner), who is forced out of her comfort zone and on an adventure. Why? She must save her sister.
As the audience joins the heroine on this dangerous adventure, they see her fall in love and become more comfortable with herself. The result is an endearing and sweet movie.
“Footloose”
- Release Day: February 17
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
With “Footloose,” Director Herbert Ross gave us a successful and fun franchise with persisting energy. Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) is from the big city. He loves to dance and have a good time. Of course, he has now moved to a small town that has banned dancing by none other than the local minister.
“Footloose” became an instant success for many reasons. It launched Bacon into a megastar, had fantastic dance sequences, and had a catchy soundtrack. Many of the songs on the soundtrack became the biggest hits in 1984. When the song “Footloose” comes on the radio, it’s hard not to want to kick off your “Sunday shoes” and mimic Bacon’s iconic dance moves.
“Sixteen Candles”
- Release Day: May 4
- Distributor: Universal Pictures
Molly Ringwald starred as Samatha Baker in “Sixteen Candles.” This teen coming-of-age comedy is about a girl turning 16. “Sixteen Candles” wasn’t afraid to showcase all the teen angst that many feel around that age. It was relatable while also throwing in some humor and sweetness. The film also had a fantastic soundtrack that contributed to its success.
“The Last Starfighter”
- Release Day: July 13
- Distributor: Universal Pictures
Nick Castle directed the sci-fi hit “The Last Starfighter.” The plot was about Alex Rogan (Lance Guest), who was proficient in video games; he was recruited to fight in an intergalactic war in space. The storyline was fun, and although it didn’t join the ranks of “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” it did ensure a cult following.
“The Last Starfighter” was one of the first significant sci-fi movie to use CGI or computer-generated imagery. Before then, sci-fi movies that wanted to display space relied on models. However, this film set the stage for CGI and many unforgettable movies today.
“Star Trek III: The Search for Spock”
- Release Day: June 1
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
“The Search for Spock” was less popular than its prequel or sequel. However, it was a box-office success. Everyone wanted to know whether or not Mr. Spock would return from the dead. It was also the first film that Leonard Nimoy directed.
This movie paved the road for another film and then more. The “Star Trek” franchise is one of the most well-known, and the cult following has continued even 40 years later.
“Splash”
- Release Day: March 9
- Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution, Touchstone Pictures
“Splash” was a sweet romantic movie. The plot begins with a young boy being saved by a beautiful mermaid. She returns 20 years later to find him, and he falls in love. Everything is going smoothly until a deceitful scientist gets involved. This movie is one of Tom Hanks’ more lighthearted films, but it has remained popular for years.
“Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter”
- Release Day: April 13
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Slasher films had been popular for years before “The Final Chapter” came out. Jason Voorhees was a murderous stalker who preyed on the town’s youth. Although the films could make you jump out of your seats, teens and adults continued to show up for them.
The goal was to make “The Final Chapter” one for the books. It was such a great film that although the ultimate goal was to give a satisfying ending, the franchise continued for eight more movies. Jason Voorhees and his mask are recognizable everywhere. It’s safe to assume that Jason Voorhees and his stalking and murdering antics will never truly disappear, especially since he has become a slasher icon right up there with Freddy Krueger.
“The NeverEnding Story”
- Release Day: July 20
- Distributor: Warner Bros.
The message of “The NeverEnding Story” still holds up today. It’s a message of finding oneself, loving who you are, overcoming your fears, and that children are also competent.
Bastian Bux (Barret Oliver) is a child who is incessantly bullied. To find relief from his bullies, he escapes into a bookstore where he finds “The NeverEnding Story.” He goes into the story to save the land from the darkness, “The Nothing.” The story’s moral is that relationships with others are significant and that they can improve no matter what you are going through.
“Purple Rain”
- Release Day: July 27
- Distributor: Warner Bros.
Prince was launched into the megastar he became partly because of his semi-autobiographical movie “Purple Rain.” Before the film came out, the soundtrack was released. This allowed the world to listen to iconic songs such as “When Doves Cry” and was a very strategic action. After hearing the music, the pull to see Prince’s film was intense. Those who love music were, and still are, delighted with the performances and montages that made “Purple Rain” the iconic film it is today.
“Beverly Hills Cop”
- Release Day: December 5
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Eddie Murphey plays a cop from Detroit who is now trying to figure it all out in Los Angeles. “Beverly Hills Cop” was a hilarious action film that launched Eddie Murphy into mega-stardom. Additionally, the catchy theme music can start the head bobbing whenever it comes across the radio.
“Gremlins”
- Release Day: June 8
- Distributor: Warner Bros.
With “Gremlins,” we were given both cute and horror. The appeal of this movie was almost too much as we watched Mogwai Gizmo and his children on screen. What ensued from this franchise included cute Gizmo toys and Gremlin merchandise that are still sold today. Furthermore, the moral of the story sticks with you, which is “you should always follow instructions.”
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”
- Release Day: May 23
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
While “The Temple of Doom” was not quite as popular as its predecessor, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” it was still a success at the box office. Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford contributed to this franchise’s massive success.
This specific film gave the audience horror and violence rolled into humor and grittiness. From this movie on, “Indiana Jones” was cemented as a successful franchise.
“Amadeus”
- Release Day: September 19
- Distributor: Orion Pictures
“Amadeus” is a fictional movie about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) As a young composer, he meets his rival, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Since Mozart is so successful, Salieri becomes extremely jealous of him and longs to contribute to Mozart’s downfall.
“Amadeus” works as a movie because it is visually engaging and directed well. The story’s moral sticks with the audience long after: don’t let someone else’s success and talent be what trips you up.
“The Muppets Take Manhattan”
- Release Day: July 13
- Distributor: TriStar Pictures
After the Muppets take on Hollywood, they decide to go to New York City and take on Broadway. However, their obstacles are hilariously written and amusing. Although the first Muppet Movie is often considered superior, “The Muppets Take Manhattan” was still witty and stimulating, everything you would expect from Kermit the Frog and company.
“This is Spinal Tap”
- Release Day: March 2
- Distributor: Embassy Pictures
Mocumentaries are fun to watch and are a well-loved genre today. In 1984, Rob Reiner decided to create a dramatic documentary about a fictional rock band named Spinal Tap.
While this movie wasn’t very successful at the box office, it has become a cult classic over the past 40 years. “This is Spinal Tap” put Reiner on the path to becoming a successful director, gave us the “up to eleven” term, and introduced the mockumentary format we all love today. (Take a look at our list of box office hits that are turning 50 this year.)