12 Essential Movies from 1984 — A Year of Groundbreaking Blockbusters

      These 12 essential films from 1984 will transport you back to the blockbuster era from four decades ago.

      1984 was a significant year, not only for solidifying blockbuster and franchise culture but also for introducing a new movie rating: PG-13.

      The year was notable for films, with these 1984 releases standing out:

      **Ghostbusters**

      Columbia – Credit: C/O

      Ghostbusters was the highest-grossing film of 1984, but its inclusion on our must-see list goes beyond mere popularity. This supernatural comedy has become iconic across genres and decades. While Bill Murray shines, he's just part of an excellent ensemble that includes Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis. In truth, the entire cast deserves accolades, including Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and the others.

      Although the special effects may not stand the test of time, it's unrealistic to expect more from a film from 1984. Numerous sequels and reboots have emerged, but the original Ghostbusters remains the best.

      **Beverly Hills Cop**

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      Many are revisiting this film recently, thanks to the new release Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, featuring the seemingly ageless Eddie Murphy reprising his role as Detroit detective Axel Foley four decades later.

      1984 marked Eddie Murphy's final year as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, coinciding with his starring role in Beverly Hills Cop, his first major hit without pairing him alongside a more established star, unlike Trading Places and 48 Hrs. Remarkably, Murphy was just 23 when the film premiered.

      Directed skillfully by Martin Brest, this action-comedy showcases Murphy’s charm in his debut as Axel Foley. It’s a quintessential fish-out-of-water narrative that delivers plenty of action.

      **The Terminator**

      Orion – Credit: Orion Pictures

      If your only experience with The Terminator series is Judgment Day, the blockbuster sequel directed by James Cameron, you should explore the original. This film takes a different approach, blending horror elements with a gritty aesthetic. The Terminator symbolizes the intersection between grindhouse cinema and mainstream theaters.

      Furthermore, it's one of the films that elevated Arnold Schwarzenegger to stardom. In this role, his imposing physique and stoic acting work perfectly, with him serving as a murderous slasher reimagined as a cyborg.

      **Amadeus**

      Orion – Credit: C/O

      The Oscar race of 1984 was not particularly stellar, making it somewhat of a weak year for American cinema. Nonetheless, from the perspective of must-see films, the Academy Award winner deserves recognition. Thus, we’ve included Amadeus, which stands as a solid entry in the Best Picture category.

      Fortunately, Milos Forman's film is a strong contender, presenting a unique biopic about composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rival, Antonio Salieri. We consider it a dual biography since F. Murray Abraham won Best Actor for his portrayal of Salieri rather than Mozart.

      **This is Spinal Tap**

      Embassy Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Although This is Spinal Tap didn't invent the mockumentary genre, it is often hailed as its best example. It stars Christopher Guest, who later became the master of mockumentaries with films like Best In Show (though he didn't direct this one; that credit goes to Rob Reiner).

      This film follows the fictional rock band Spinal Tap, showcasing their decline in a wonderfully inventive manner—an essential characteristic for a film that helped define this style. Many musicians appreciate the film's accurate portrayal of the challenges faced in the industry.

      It's worth noting—this movie, we must insist, goes to 11.

      **Romancing the Stone**

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      Director Robert Zemeckis faced a challenge in 1984. Though a promising talent in film and a Spielberg protégé, his first two films flopped, despite having gained acclaim over time. Spielberg advised him to secure a hit, which led Zemeckis to take on the adventure-romantic comedy Romancing the Stone.

      Michael Douglas stars as a rogue who teams up with Kathleen Turner, a romance novelist seeking adventure. The film was a success, providing Zemeckis the opportunity to pursue his passion project: Back to the Future.

      **A Nightmare on Elm Street**

      New Line Cinema – Credit: C/O

      Key films in the American slasher genre include Halloween and Friday the 13th, both of which originated in the 1970s. The third pivotal film is A Nightmare on Elm Street, which launched its own franchise in 1984.

      Freddy Krueger joins the ranks of iconic horror villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. He features a different persona, using clever quips while being a nightmare-dwelling slasher. This unique approach allowed A Nightmare on Elm Street to take on a tripp