Thursday List – BORN INTO FILM: TOP 10 FROM MY YEAR OF BIRTH – MIKE (1984)
This is the start of another little mini series here at FRC. The writers are compiling lists of the top films from the year that they were born, that they still would watch today, first up Mike
1984 was a great year for many reasons. Not only is it based on a classic sci-fi film (to be mentioned later), but it’s also the year I was brought onto this Godforsaken planet. So what better way to celebrate such a momentous year, and indeed decade, than to go back 27 years and explore what the cinema scene was like that year; what wonders were released that I/we still watch today; and what classic movies graced us with their presence.
Without further ado, here are my top 10 films released in 1984:
#10 BEVERLY HILLS COP
Eddie Murphy in his prime and most importantly, entertaining and funny *gasps*. Lest we forget anything he’s done recently, and instead throw some shapes in the corner of the room as you hum the theme tune.
#9 FOOTLOOSE
Kevin Bacon punch-dancing. Brilliant. It’s one of the best things I’ve seen and is something I could watch again and again in an attempt to replicate those funky ass, anger-induced moves.
#8 GREMLINS
Who woulda thunk that the cutest, furriest little critters could turn into such evil mischievous bastards after a quick wash? Well, as long as you don’t allow them to indulge in a midnight snack either and you’ll be fine, eh? A silly concept, but 80’s classic.
#7 A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
Wes Craven began the epic (and painfully lengthy) franchise that established one of the most terrifying horror nasties in cinema: the stripy jumper-wearing, spiky-fingered Freddy Krueger.
#6 1984
A post-Atomic War Big Brother existence starring John Hurt. Penned by a master. Perfect, right? Scarily relevant today, that’s for sure. It’s like Orwell knew..
#5 THIS IS SPINAL TAP
Somewhat of a cult classic and still hilarious today see’s this mockumentary secure 5th spot. Following a British rock band as they attempt a comeback tour proves just as popular today as it was nearly 30 years ago. Don’t act like you’re not attempting your impersonation as you read this.
#4 THE TERMINATOR
Arnie’s big break fresh from his Conan outings, James Cameron’s sci-fi scorcher affirmed Schwarzenegger as a global action star, using his wooden, uncharismatic and robotic nature to great effect. Seeing this as a boy was a treat, and the police station annihilation scene still scares the bejeus out of me.
#3 THE KARATE KID
One of the most enjoyable films of my childhood; The Karate Kid was THE film I would watch every time it was on TV, and then some. Yes, it’s cheesy, but when you’ve got a mentor like Mr Miyagi, who the hell cares? I would wax on, wax off as many times as Pat Morita demanded.
#2 ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA
The longest film duration-wise on the list. This De Niro starring epic spans several decades as well as hours (just shy of 4, actually), and is arguably Sergio Leone’s finest hour. Shame the recent cinema re-release was appallingly cut and lazily thrown together.
#1 GHOSTBUSTERS
The ultimate and one of my favourite movies from the decade. Bill Murray. Slimer. Proton packs. Need I say more?
Year of the Hottie?
Not only were these awesome movies presented to the world, but so were these beauties and they all happen to be (currently) successful stars in the Hollywood machine. It was only fair for me to rank them, so apologies for this slightly misogynistic conclusion.
#3 Olivia Wilde (Born 10th March)
#2 Scarlett Johansson (Born 22nd November)
#1 Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Born 28th November)
About The Author – Mike Williams
Mike is a freelance film critic & script writer, earning a Masters in Fiction Film Production in 2010. An HD snob by nature, he enjoys Anime , science fiction & comedies. Notably Spirited Away, Inception & The BigLebowski. Mike can be found on twitter lurking under the handle @littlestpicshow or at his own movie blog the goes by the name The Littlest Picture Show.
What films would you choose? Like this list? Comment below… Wanna be involved comment up or send us a tweet / email
Mike Williams
Could 1984 be one of the best years for classic 80s films? I like to think so! I’m a fellow 84′er and fully approve of this great list
Thanks! Yeah, there were quite a few others that missed the cut, so it was quite difficult to chose!
Damn that was an exceptional year for film. I saw Beverly Hills Cop at 10 and thought jeez how could it get much better than that. But you convinced me! Though I have to say Terminator would be my number one!
Good call!
Was tough picking the top few, but GHOSTBUSTERS holds a special place in my heart =D
Some you missed that belong here: Amadeus (astonishingly good), Splash (made stars of Hanks, Hannah, and Candy), The Killing Fields, Blood Simple (the first Coen brothers film, and one of their best), A Passage to India, Broadway Danny Rose (one of Woody’s best).
I’ve no seen AMADEUS (for shame) or else I would have included it because it’s only a list of films I’ve seen and rate personally
Some other good shouts there though, ’84 was a great year for movies!
Awww, GREMLINS….
And I must add that Mike looks like a true charmer
Thanks!
Love me some GREMLINS, too!
It also happens to be the year of that iconic Apple commercial directed by Ridley Scott!
Nice list Mike, I wish I could participate on this blog-a-thon also but I had one planned one my own at the same time.
Cheers! Ah yes, I love a bit of Ridley
I haven’t seen a lot of these 1984 films. Hopefully my year doesn’t get taken before I get my chance. I think I’ve seen three of them as a matter of fact.
Think Scott is up for multiple years and will just spilt them up so they are posted far apart
Just three? You need to get watching some classics from ’84!
Those are all good films, my list would probably look similar. Although I think I would put Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom in place of Beverly Hill Cop, yeah I know many people thought Temple of Doom was bad, until Kingdom of Crystal Skulls came out. I like Beverly Hills Cop but it didn’t age well, I saw it recently on TV and I kind of got bored with it.
Indiana Jones was one of the contenders, but seeing as I’m not a big Indy fan, it didn’t quite make the cut!
I also was born in 1984. Didn’t know that Terminator and Karate Kid was released on my birth year! That’s nice to know! I don’t watch many of movies on my birth year, but I recently have seen Amadeus (1984), now that’s a movie I’m proud of. So ScarJo was born in 1984 too…(not sure what to think). Great picks!
I’ve not even seen Amadeus! I wish I had though because it would have probably made the cut with the good things I hear about it!
Agreed, some great titles released in ’84!
First of all, I think it’s awesome (and hilarious) that you refer to it as a “Godforsaken planet” right out of the box.
Second, you’re right in my wheelhouse for the stuff I grew up with. I turned 8 in 1984. Gremlins and Ghostbusters are both HUGE parts of my movie fan development. Karate Kid should be there too… but for some reason, I saw it much later.
It’s odd, but very very cool, to see it from your perspective, from someone who grew up 8 years behind me.
Cheers, John! I wouldn’t wanna give the planet too much credit now, would I?
It would seem the mid 80s had a good selection of decade classics that defined the era.
I find it odd to speak to film fans that were born in the 90s who failed to ever experience the 80s and the films of the time.. which also makes me feel a bit old too!
The fun thing about that is that you can turn them on to the stuff you grew up with. My niece was born in ’94 and I’ve had a blast the last few years making recommendations to her. And she’s growing up to be a little film nerd like her uncle.
Very true, I love recommending stuff that some haven’t seen.. glad she’s following in your footsteps!
Nice work, Mike! I forgot how many great movies were released in 1984. The Terminator would probably be my top choice, but you can’t go wrong with Ghostbusters either. Also liked the eye candy at the end.
Haha, glad the hottie section went down well! Aa good bit of harmless fun
Great list Mike, what a year to be born into! Some of Hollywood’s most Iconic movies all packed into one year. Stand outs for me are Terminator and Ghostbusters, two different sides of the same sci-fi coin. Cheers.
Cheers! Yes, there are some great films that year, which was a reason I decided to go ahead with the idea for the post in the first place! There were so many options, too!
Great mixture of films on this one. I see a lot of blockbuster/crowd-pleasers mixed in with a couple of smaller more quiet films. Beyond everything, I think this is a FUN list that certainly makes me look forward to exploring my year of birth and contributing with this blog.
P.S. Out of the ones on your list, Ghostbusters and The Terminator are my favorites.
And… whatever happened to Mr. Miyagi?
- Niels
You’re right, it is a very ‘fun’ list! Some classic (80s) cinema in there!
P.S. Mr. Miyagi went on to live a long and fulfilling life after guiding Daniel-san through adolescent life =P