List of American Films of 1985 – American Cinema’s Blockbuster Year: A Look Back at the Best Films of 1985
In 1985, one film stood out and captured the hearts of audiences: Back to the Future. This time-traveling adventure not only became a box office hit but also defined a generation. The cinematic landscape of 1985 was bursting with creativity, introducing a plethora of memorable films across various genres. This article explores some of the most impactful and iconic American films of 1985, categorized by genre and influence.
List of American Films of 1985
January–March
- The Mutilator
- Rockin’ Road Trip
- The Plague Dogs
- Too Scared to Scream
- Walking the Edge
- Water
- Gulag
- Avenging Angel
- Tuff Turf
- Blood Simple
- The New Kids
- That’s Dancing!
- The Falcon and the Snowman
- Fandango
- Maria’s Lovers
- Fantasia (re-issue)
- Heaven Help Us
- Mischief
- Witness
- The Breakfast Club
- Fast Forward
- Into the Night
- The Mean Season
- Turk 182
- Vision Quest
- Finnegan Begin Again
- The Aviator
- Certain Fury
- Lust in the Dust
- A Private Function
- The Purple Rose of Cairo
- The Sure Thing
- Ghoulies
- Missing in Action 2: The Beginning
- The Hit
- Mask
- Lost in America
- Sylvester
- Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend
- Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
- The Last Dragon
- Porky’s Revenge!
- The Secret of the Sword
- The Care Bears Movie
- Desperately Seeking Susan
- King David
- Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
- The Slugger’s Wife
- Forbidden
April–June (List of American Films of 1985)
- Alamo Bay
- Cat’s Eye
- Fraternity Vacation
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- Ladyhawke
- The Company of Wolves
- Just One of the Guys
- Stick
- Code of Silence
- Gotcha!
- Gymkata
- Movers & Shakers
- Private Resort
- Creature
- Rustlers’ Rhapsody
- Goodbye, New York
- Ordeal by Innocence
- Brewster’s Millions
- Rambo: First Blood Part II
- A View to a Kill
- Here Come the Littles
- Fletch
- The Goonies
- Perfect
- Prizzi’s Honor
- Warriors of the Wind
- Secret Admirer
- The Stuff
- Cocoon
- A Flash of Green
- Return to Oz
- Pale Rider
- St. Elmo’s Fire
July–September
- Back to the Future
- The Emerald Forest
- Red Sonja
- The Lift
- Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
- Silverado
- Explorers
- The Coca-Cola Kid
- Day of the Dead
- Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (re-release)
- The Legend of Billie Jean
- The Man with One Red Shoe
- Wetherby
- The Black Cauldron
- The Heavenly Kid
- Kiss of the Spider Woman
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation
- Fright Night
- Sesame Street: Follow That Bird
- Weird Science
- Real Genius
- Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart
- My Science Project
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
- Pray for Death
- Summer Rental
- Key Exchange
- American Flyers
- The Bride
- The Return of the Living Dead
- Volunteers
- Year of the Dragon
- Better Off Dead
- Crossover Dreams
- Godzilla 1985
- Teen Wolf
- American Ninja
- Compromising Positions
- Flesh+Blood
- Gremlins (re-release)
- Plenty
- Smooth Talk
- After Hours
- Death of a Salesman
- Creator
- Marie
- Agnes of God
- nvasion U.S.A.
- The Journey of Natty Gann
- Maxie
October–December
- Commando
- Dreamchild
- Jagged Edge
- Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters
- Sweet Dreams
- A Zed & Two Noughts
- Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins
- Silver Bullet
- The Holcroft Covenant
- The Quiet Earth
- Re-Animator
- Wild Geese II
- I Dream of Jeannie… Fifteen Years Later
- Twice in a Lifetime
- Krush Groove
- Death Wish 3
- Eleni
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
- To Live and Die in L.A.
- North and South
- Bring On the Night
- The Official Story
- Target
- That Was Then… This Is Now
- Transylvania 6-5000
- Once Bitten
- Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer
- Bad Medicine
- Fever Pitch
- King Solomon’s Mines
- One Magic Christmas
- Starchaser: The Legend of Orin
- White Nights
- Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
- Rocky IV
- Santa Claus: The Movie
- Young Sherlock Holmes
- Fool for Love
- Runaway Train
- Spies Like Us
- The Jewel of the Nile
- Clue
- Legend
- Trouble in Mind
- Brazil
- The Color Purple
- Out of Africa
- A Chorus Line
- 101 Dalmatians (re-issue)
- Enemy Mine
- Ran
- Murphy’s Romance
- Revolution
- The Trip to Bountiful
- Joey
Genre-Defining Classics: Action and Adventure
The Rise of Action Heroes
The action genre witnessed a significant transformation in 1985 with the release of films like Rambo: First Blood Part II. This sequel not only achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over $150 million domestically, but also solidified Sylvester Stallone as a cinematic icon. The blend of explosive action and patriotic themes resonated with audiences, setting a benchmark for future action films.
Beyond the Action Hero
While action heroes often took center stage, 1985 also showcased films like Back to the Future, blending genres and expanding the narrative landscape. This mix of comedy, science fiction, and adventure appealed to diverse audiences, illustrating that action films could be more than just shootouts and car chases.
The Legacy
The impact of 1985’s action and adventure films continues to resonate in modern cinema. Iconic characters and groundbreaking special effects set the stage for a new wave of filmmaking that prioritizes thrilling visuals and engaging storytelling.
Comedy’s Reign: Laughter Through the Decades
The Comedic Landscape
In 1985, comedy flourished with iconic films like The Breakfast Club. Directed by John Hughes, this film captured the struggles of high school life through engaging characters. The success of these films showcased the unique style of humor that defined the decade.
Box Office Success
Comedies such as Fletch and Weird Science also performed well at the box office. The Breakfast Club grossed over $50 million, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone. The financial success of these films contributed significantly to the overall box office performance in 1985.
Enduring Appeal
Many comedies from 1985 have retained their popularity, often cited for their relatable themes and memorable quotes. The authenticity and humor of these films continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Exploring New Worlds
The Impact of Special Effects
Special effects technology advanced significantly in 1985, as seen in films like Cocoon. With innovative techniques, this film brought extraterrestrial life to the big screen, captivating viewers and setting a new standard for visual storytelling.
Narrative Innovation
The narratives of 1985’s sci-fi and fantasy films often broke new ground, with stories that challenged conventional storytelling. Films like The Goonies blended adventure with camaraderie, creating a new archetype for young adult films.
Cultural Impact
The cultural resonance of these sci-fi and fantasy films opened doors for future filmmakers. They inspired a generation to think creatively, resulting in a rich legacy of imaginative storytelling that persists in today’s cinema.
Drama and Beyond: Emotional Resonance on Screen
Exploring Diverse Narratives
Dramatic films in 1985 took on a variety of themes, such as family dynamics in Terms of Endearment and social issues in The Color Purple. The range highlighted the depth of storytelling possible within the genre, attracting critical acclaim and audience engagement.
Critical Reception and Awards
Films like The Color Purple received significant recognition, garnering multiple Academy Award nominations. Critics praised the emotional depth and powerful performances, such as Whoopi Goldberg’s riveting role. These films stood out as benchmarks for quality dramas that addressed real-world issues.
Social Commentary
Dramas from 1985 often reflected societal concerns, addressing topics like race, gender, and family. The willingness to tackle these issues head-on earned many films a lasting place in cinematic history.
The Box Office: Numbers and Trends
Top-Grossing Films
The top-grossing films of 1985 featured a mix of genres:
Back to the Future: $381 million
Rambo: First Blood Part II: $150 million
The Breakfast Club: $51 million These figures showcase a diverse range of successful films that resonated with audiences.
Industry Analysis
Overall, 1985 was a remarkable year for the box office, with many films achieving blockbuster status. The combined gross of over $3.2 billion marked a significant rise from previous years, reflecting the audience’s appetite for varied storytelling.
Impact on the Film Industry
The success of 1985’s films paved the way for new franchises and established the importance of summer blockbusters in Hollywood. The year marked the beginning of a trend that prioritized high-concept films, leading to an evolution within the film industry.
Conclusion
The films of 1985 brought forth major trends and themes that shaped American cinema. From action to comedy and drama, each genre contributed to a diverse and impactful year in film history. The legacy of these movies persists, influencing filmmakers and captivating audiences even today. Revisit these classics or discover new gems from this landmark year to experience the magic of 1985 cinema anew.
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