List of American Films of 1987

List of American Films of 1987 – 1987 was a remarkable year for American cinema. The film industry witnessed a blend of innovative blockbusters and unforgettable indie gems. This year stood at a crossroads of evolving narratives, striking performances, and groundbreaking techniques. The cultural shifts and audience preferences shaped a cinematic tapestry that continues to influence filmmakers today.

List of American Films of 1987

January–March

Assassination
The Kindred
J. Edgar Hoover
The Bedroom Window
The Color Purple (re-release)
Critical Condition
Wanted: Dead or Alive
Jocks
The Stepfather
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
Outrageous Fortune
Radio Days
Black Widow
Dead of Winter
From the Hip
Light of Day
84 Charing Cross Road
Hannah and Her Sisters (re-release)
Mannequin
Over the Top
Death Before Dishonor
Square Dance
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
Number One with a Bullet
Some Kind of Wonderful
The Quick and the Dead
Angel Heart
Lethal Weapon
Evil Dead II
Tin Men
Raising Arizona
Burglar
Hollywood Shuffle
Street Smart
Blind Date
Withnail and I

April–June (List of American Films of 1987)

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol
The Aristocats (re-release)
Making Mr. Right
The Secret of My Success
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2
Three for the Road
Project X
Rumpelstiltskin
Wild Thing
The Last Innocent Man
G.I. Joe: The Movie
Extreme Prejudice
My Demon Lover
The Allnighter
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation
Creepshow 2
Malone
Gardens of Stone
Hot Pursuit
River’s Edge
Sweet Lorraine
The Gate
Ishtar
Personal Services
Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8
Beverly Hills Cop II
Amazing Grace and Chuck
The Chipmunk Adventure
Ernest Goes to Camp
Long Gone
Cyclone
Harry and the Hendersons
The Untouchables
The Believers
Million Dollar Mystery
Predator
The Witches of Eastwick
Benji the Hunted
Make Mine Music (re-release)
Roxanne
Dragnet
Spaceballs
Straight to Hell
The Lion of Africa

July–September (List of American Films of 1987)

Adventures in Babysitting
Innerspace
The Brave Little Toaster
Full Metal Jacket
Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise
White Water Summer
Jaws: The Revenge
Nowhere to Hide
Rita, Sue and Bob Too
RoboCop
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (re-release)
La Bamba
Melody Time (re-release)
Summer School
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Wish You Were Here
The Living Daylights
The Lost Boys
Maid to Order
A Man in Love
The Spirit
Stakeout
Back to the Beach
The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland
Masters of the Universe
Nadine
Who’s That Girl
Can’t Buy Me Love
Disorderlies
Lionheart
The Monster Squad
No Way Out
North Shore
Born in East L.A.
Dirty Dancing
The Garbage Pail Kids Movie
The Fourth Protocol
Apocalypse Now (re-release)
Hamburger Hill
House II: The Second Story
Matewan
The Rosary Murders
The Curse
A Return to Salem’s Lot
In the Mood
Amazon Women on the Moon
Fatal Attraction
Hellraiser
Maurice
Orphans
The Pick-up Artist
The Principal
Mandela
Best Seller
The Big Town
Real Men

October–December (List of American Films of 1987)

Anna
Big Shots
Like Father Like Son
Near Dark
Slam Dance
Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Princess Bride
Someone to Watch Over Me
Surrender
Three O’Clock High
House of Games
Barfly
Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II
Hope and Glory
Slumber Party Massacre II
Weeds
The Whales of August
Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers
The Glass Menagerie
No Man’s Land
Prince of Darkness
The Sicilian
Suspect
Baby Boom
Fatal Beauty
The Hidden
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains
Cry Freedom
Dark Eyes
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
Hello Again
Hiding Out
Less than Zero
Made in Heaven
Russkies
Steel Dawn
Siesta
Cross My Heart
The Running Man
The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones
Laguna Heat
Cinderella (re-release)
Date with an Angel
Flowers in the Attic
The Last Emperor
Nuts
Sign o’ the Times
Teen Wolf Too
Housekeeping
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (re-release)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Three Men and a Baby
The Trouble with Spies
Walker
Cold Steel
Throw Momma from the Train
Wall Street
*batteries not included
The Dead
Eddie Murphy Raw
Ironweed
Leonard Part 6
Moonstruck
Overboard
September
The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne
Broadcast News
Empire of the Sun
Good Morning, Vietnam
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night
Into the Homeland

The Cultural Landscape of 1987: Setting the Scene

As the 80s progressed, American society found itself in a state of transformation. The late Reagan era saw changes in politics, fashion, and cultural attitudes. Amidst this backdrop, films both reflected and challenged societal norms. Action-packed thrillers, romantic comedies, and horror flicks shaped moviegoer’s experiences, offering both escapism and social critique.

Box Office Titans and Critical Darlings: A Preview of 1987’s Cinematic Landscape

The box office witnessed massive hits, with top films raking in millions. Some notable successes include:

Three Men and a Baby – $167 million
Beverly Hills Cop II – $153 million
Good Morning, Vietnam – $123 million

Yet, alongside these blockbusters, independent films began emerging, gaining critical acclaim and a loyal audience. This year marked a change where indie stories began gaining the spotlight, setting the stage for future filmmakers.

Why 1987 Still Matters: Enduring Impact and Legacy

The films of 1987 aren’t just nostalgic memories; they impacted genres, storytelling techniques, and societal discussions. They introduced iconic characters and unforgettable quotes, leaving a lasting imprint. The trends that emerged in this year laid the groundwork for how stories are told in cinema today.

Action and Adventure: Explosions, Escapades, and Epic Storytelling

Action films dominated the box office in 1987, captivating audiences with thrilling stunts and compelling narratives.

High-Octane Hits: Analyzing the Success of Top Action Films

The action genre thrived, with several films achieving remarkable box office success. Some highlights include:

Lethal Weapon – $120 million
Robocop – $53 million
Predator – $98 million

These films combined intense action with character-driven stories, providing a fresh take on the genre. The blend of humor and intensity, especially in “Lethal Weapon,” set new standards for future action films.

Beyond the Blockbusters: Examining Lesser-Known Action Films of the Year

Not all action films were blockbusters. Titles like The Running Man and Hamburger Hill offered different perspectives, focusing on survival and war narratives. These films catered to niche audiences, showcasing the diverse storytelling within the genre.

The Evolution of Action Cinema: Comparing 1987’s Action to Prior Trends

Compared to earlier years, 1987’s action films ramped up intensity. The addition of humor and character depth shifted the tone, moving away from pure adrenaline to stories that resonated emotionally.

Comedy in 1987 brought laughter while cleverly tackling social themes.

Romantic Comedies That Defined a Decade: Highlighting Iconic Rom-Coms

Films like Moonstruck and Can’t Hardly Wait became staples of the romantic comedy genre. These films embraced love stories that felt relatable and genuine, showcasing extraordinary performances that made audiences fall in love.

Movies such as The Big Easy and Raising Arizona pushed boundaries with their sharp wit and satire. They cleverly critiqued social norms while still keeping audiences laughing, demonstrating the power of humor in storytelling.

Box Office Success of Comedies in 1987: Data Analysis of Comedy Genre Performance

The comedy genre performed incredibly well in 1987, with several films grossing over $50 million. This success solidified comedies as significant players in Hollywood, proving that laughter could drive ticket sales.

Horror and Thriller: Suspense, Fear, and Psychological Thrills

The horror genre in 1987 explored deeper fears while pushing boundaries.

Slasher Films and Their Cultural Impact: Analyzing Trends in Slasher Films

1987 was a peak year for slasher films. Franchise giants like A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors attracted audiences with inventive scares, reinforcing the genre’s popularity. The interplay of horror with your subconscious fears captivated viewers.

Psychological Thrillers: Highlighting Films that Explored the Darker Side of Human Psyche

Films like Fatal Attraction and The Untouchables examined complex human emotions wrapped in suspenseful narratives. These stories demonstrated how psychological elements could augment traditional horror themes.

The Evolution of Horror: Comparing 1987 Horror to Previous Years

In contrast to earlier horror films, 1987 introduced more nuanced characters and sophisticated plots. This shift allowed filmmakers to explore human emotions alongside fear, crafting richer narratives that engaged audiences.

Science Fiction and Fantasy: Exploring Other Worlds

Science fiction and fantasy transports audiences to extraordinary realms, bursting with imagination.

Space Operas and Sci-Fi Adventures: Analyzing Successful Science Fiction Films

The Running Man and Starship Troopers captivated viewers with thrilling narratives set in futuristic landscapes. Their innovative visuals and plots pushed boundaries, making them standouts in the genre.

Fantasy Films and Their Narrative Structures: Examining Fantasy Releases

Fantasy films like The Princess Bride enchanted audiences through romantic narratives combined with adventure. Their unique storytelling crafted relatable characters within fantastical settings, leaving a lasting impression.

Special Effects and Innovation: How Special Effects Impacted Storytelling

1987 saw remarkable advances in special effects technology. Films like Robocop integrated these techniques masterfully, enhancing storytelling and visually engaging the audience.

Dramatic films challenged audiences to confront social issues and intricate character studies.

Critically Acclaimed Dramas: Highlighting Award-Winning and Impactful Films

Movies such as The Color Purple and Wall Street tackled pressing social themes. Their powerful storytelling earned recognition and accolades, sparking conversations on cultural issues.

Independent Cinema’s Rise: Examining the Influence of Independent Film Production

The rise of independent films began to reshape the industry landscape. Movies like Sex, Lies, and Videotape showcased unique storytelling, capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike.

Dramas poignantly illustrated the social and political climate of the time. By addressing issues like racism and economic disparity, these films resonated deeply with audiences.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of 1987 Cinema

Key Takeaways: Summarizing the Major Trends and Influences of 1987 Films

The films of 1987 encapsulated a wide range of genres, themes, and storytelling methods. From action-packed adventures to poignant dramas, this year laid down a template for future filmmakers to follow.

Impact on Subsequent Filmmaking: Assessing the Lasting Impact of 1987’s Cinematic Output

The lasting effect of films from 1987 continues to shape modern cinema. Filmmakers draw inspiration from the characters, narratives, and technical achievements, creating an ongoing legacy that resonates today.

Further Exploration: Suggesting Resources for Continued Learning about 1987 Films

For those interested in diving deeper, consider exploring film history books or documentaries focused on the 1980s. Online platforms offer insights and analyses, helping fans appreciate the films that defined a generation.

1987 was a year that changed cinema forever. From innovative blockbusters to thought-provoking indies, the films released during this time continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Thanks for Reading “List of American Films of 1987”.