List of American Films of 1981

List of American Films of 1981 – American Cinema’s Blockbuster Year: A Look Back at the Films of 1981

In 1981, American cinema witnessed a box office boom, raking in over $3 billion in ticket sales. This year marked the release of some of the most iconic films, forever changing the landscape of Hollywood. The rise of blockbuster films was evident, with several noteworthy trends shaping the industry, from action-packed adventures to spine-chilling horror and groundbreaking sci-fi. This article will explore a selection of notable American films released in 1981, examining their impact on the film industry and popular culture.

List of American Flims of 1981

January–March

Scream
Scanners
Blood Beach
Zombi 2
Earthbound
The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Fort Apache, The Bronx
My Bloody Valentine
Sphinx
American Pop
Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen
Eyewitness
All Night Long
The Devil and Max Devlin
Maniac
On the Right Track
Back Roads
The Funhouse
Modern Romance
Amy
Cutter’s Way
Omen III: The Final Conflict
The Postman Always Rings Twice
Inseminoid (UK)
Eyes of a Stranger
Thief

April–June (List of American Flims of 1981)

Alice in Wonderland (re-release)
Atlantic City
Hardly Working
This Is Elvis
Nighthawks
Excalibur
Going Ape!
The Howling
Knightriders
Star Wars (re-release)
Caveman
Lion of the Desert
Cattle Annie and Little Britches
The Hand
Ms. 45
Night School
Take This Job and Shove It
Friday the 13th Part 2
Graduation Day
King of the Mountain
The Burning
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
The Fan
Happy Birthday to Me
Death Hunt
Bustin’ Loose
The Four Seasons
The Legend of the Lone Ranger
Outland
Dead & Buried
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Polyester
Cheech & Chong’s Nice Dreams
Final Exam
Tuck Everlasting
Clash of the Titans
Freaky Friday (re-release)
Herbie Goes Bananas (re-release)
Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (re-release)
History of the World, Part I
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Cannonball Run
Herbie Rides Again (re-release)
Superman II
Swiss Family Robinson (re-release)
Dragonslayer
For Your Eyes Only
The Great Muppet Caper
Roadgames
Stripes

July–September (List of American Flims of 1981)

S.O.B.
Escape from New York
The Fox and the Hound
Arthur
Endless Love
Zorro, The Gay Blade
Blow Out
Eye of the Needle
Wolfen
Escape to Victory
Under the Rainbow
Condorman
Gallipoli
Heavy Metal
Student Bodies
Tarzan, the Ape Man
Galaxy Express
Deadly Blessing
An Eye for an Eye
They All Laughed
An American Werewolf in London
First Monday in October
Honky Tonk Freeway
Prince of the City
Body Heat
Chu Chu and the Philly Flash
Hell Night
Private Lessons
Continental Divide
Das Boot
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
Mommie Dearest
Raggedy Man
Rich and Famous
The Boogens
Carbon Copy
Only When I Laugh
So Fine
Southern Comfort
True Confessions

October–December (List of American Flims of 1981)

Enter the Ninja
Paternity
Zoot Suit
Full Moon High
TattooThe Watcher in the Woods
My Dinner with Andre
Just Before Dawn
The Evil Dead
All the Marbles
Galaxy of Terror
Nightmare
The Pit (Canada)
Silence of the North
Halloween II
Looker
Shock Treatment
Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story
The Prowler
Fantasies
Time Bandits
Porky’s
The Pursuit of D. B. Cooper
The Looney Looney Looney Bugs Bunny Movie
Ragtime
Whose Life Is It Anyway?
On Golden Pond
Reds
Buddy Buddy
Dawn of the Mummy
Four Friends
Pennies from Heaven
Rollover
Absence of Malice
Cinderella (re-release)
Ghost Story
Neighbors
Sharky’s Machine
Chariots of Fire
Taps
Modern Problems

Blockbuster Hits That Defined 1981
The Reign of Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark, directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in 1981 and quickly became a cultural sensation. The film grossed over $248 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year. It redefined the action-adventure genre, combining thrilling sequences with a charismatic leading man, Harrison Ford. Raiders set the standard for future blockbuster films, blending humor, action, and suspense with a captivating storyline.

Other Box Office Champions

Several other films also made an impressive mark at the box office in 1981:

Superman II: This highly anticipated sequel grossed around $108 million, following the adventures of the iconic superhero as he battled General Zod.

Arthur: A romantic comedy starring Dudley Moore, Arthur enchanted audiences, earning about $95 million and capturing the charm of a rich, drunken playboy.

Stripes: This comedy about a group of misfit soldiers grossed over $85 million, showcasing Bill Murray’s comedic genius, and became a staple of early ’80s humor.

The Cultural Impact of Blockbusters

The success of these films reflected a broader societal shift. The golden age of blockbusters encouraged studios to invest heavily in high-stakes productions, ultimately influencing the way movies were marketed and consumed. This era created a sense of shared cultural experiences as audiences flocked to theaters, marking a shift toward franchise filmmaking that dominated the following decades.

Genre Defining Films of 1981
The Rise of the Sci-Fi Epic

Escape from New York hit theaters in 1981 and quickly became a cult classic. Directed by John Carpenter, this dystopian film starred Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, a character that typified the anti-hero archetype. With its gritty aesthetics and futuristic setting, the film helped set the tone for the sci-fi genre, influencing numerous films and shows in the years to come.

Horror’s Continued Reign

In horror, The Howling and An American Werewolf in London emerged as significant entries.

The Howling: This film, directed by Joe Dante, showcased a mix of horror and humor, earning acclaim for its special effects and atmosphere.

An American Werewolf in London: Blending horror with dark comedy, it grossed around $30 million and secured its place as a genre-defining film with its groundbreaking transformation scenes, influencing countless werewolf tales after.

Comedy’s Leading Lights

Cheech and Chong’s Nice Dreams emerged as a successful comedy that captured the essence of the counterculture movement. The film grossed about $30 million due to its irreverent humor and memorable characters, solidifying Cheech and Chong’s place in comic history.

Critical Darlings and Cult Classics of 1981
Underrated Gems

My Dinner with Andre, a film featuring a lengthy conversation between two friends, may not have topped box office charts but garnered critical acclaim for its intelligent dialogue and exploration of existential themes. It has since gained cult classic status, influencing indie filmmakers who value character-driven narratives.

Early Works of Notable Directors

1981 also saw early works from directors who would go on to shape cinema. For example, The Howling, directed by Joe Dante, showcased his unique style that would further develop in his later films.

Films That Predicted Future Trends

The Terminator, though it gained fame later, had its genesis in this period. Its themes of technology and dystopia foreshadowed developments in both filmmaking and societal anxieties.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Reception of 1981 Films
Production Challenges and Triumphs

Creating these films involved significant challenges. Raiders of the Lost Ark, for instance, experienced budget constraints and grueling shooting schedules. The film’s pioneering special effects required innovative techniques that set new standards.

Critical and Public Reception

Critical responses to 1981 films varied widely. While Raiders of the Lost Ark received near-universal acclaim, films like Excalibur elicited mixed reviews. Roger Ebert praised Raiders, stating it was “a beautiful, thrilling adventure.” In contrast, some critics found Excalibur excessively ambitious yet visually striking.

The Impact of Technology

Technological advancements in 1981 revolutionized filmmaking. The introduction of CGI and innovative sound design changed how stories were told, enhancing audience experience. This year laid the groundwork for the tech-driven films we enjoy today.

1981’s Lasting Legacy: The Films That Shaped Cinema
Influence on Subsequent Films

The impact of Raiders of the Lost Ark can be seen in modern franchises like Indiana Jones, proving its timeless appeal. Additionally, films like Escape from New York influenced the post-apocalyptic genre, paving the way for future narratives.

Cultural Significance

Films from 1981 continue to resonate today. Their stories and characters are revisited in remakes and adaptations, showing their lasting influence on popular culture.

Why 1981 Matters

The year 1981 is significant in cinematic history for its role in shaping modern filmmaking. By embracing new genres and storytelling techniques, it laid the foundation for what Hollywood would become.

In conclusion, the films of 1981 not only entertained audiences but also transformed the industry. The blockbuster successes, genre-defining movies, and underappreciated gems created a legacy that continues to thrive. As modern filmmakers explore themes and stories rooted in this iconic year, the relevance of 1981 persists, proving its place in the annals of American cinema.

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