Reasons Why the 80s and 90s Were the Most Enjoyable Period for Cinema

      Reflecting on the 80s and 90s, it’s clear why this period was the most fulfilling for moviegoers. Gather around, young ones, as I take a fond look back at my formative years, which likely represent the peak of cinematic enjoyment. While cinema enthusiasts had always been captivated by films before the 80s and 90s, and viewers today still enjoy the art of film, I’ll explain why the era of the 80s and 90s was truly special for movie watching.

      The Shift in Cinema Focus

      Before blockbusters like Jaws and Star Wars, the primary audience for films was adults. It made sense to cater to those who were more likely to spend money. The late 60s to 77 saw an extraordinary creative period in Hollywood, with emerging filmmakers from film schools producing works in the post-Hays Code era, challenging the norms of film ratings.

      We experienced gritty, impactful, and thought-provoking cinema characterized by raw violence and a generally pessimistic tone, reflecting the social and political challenges of the time. Films exploring themes of paranoia and crime dominated. However, the success of Jaws and the massive cultural impact of Star Wars indicated that cinema was transitioning into a family-centric experience. Although event films like war epics and westerns had enjoyed popularity, they weren't always seen as suitable for children. Star Wars ignited the imaginations of kids who had previously only seen lower-budget films or occasional classics like The Wizard of Oz, which didn’t catalyze a cultural shift in the same way George Lucas's work did.

      By the 80s and into the 90s, studios began focusing primarily on box office hits designed for family audiences. The drive to attract younger viewers became so pronounced that even films with adult themes, such as RoboCop and A Nightmare On Elm Street, resonated with kids, resulting in cartoons, games, and merchandise aimed at them. There’s even a famously sanitized television version of RoboCop that eliminated profanity and graphic violence, which I estimate must have cut about 11 minutes from the original.

      My first major cinematic experience was seeing Masters of the Universe, a big deal for me despite its poor critical reception and lackluster box office results. In 1993, however, my first truly all-encompassing event film was Jurassic Park. While I had seen numerous films before, Jurassic Park felt like a shared cultural experience where everyone had seen it and owned related merchandise. It had an unprecedented popularity that we rarely witness today, even with the franchise’s current presence.

      The 80s launched blockbuster season with significant momentum, solidifying its place in 90s culture. Each year seemed to produce at least half a dozen classic films that audiences of all ages could obsess over and that became part of the cultural landscape. Watching the films, discussing them, rewatching, and enjoying related games was a delightful experience, especially since rather than mirroring harsh reality, audiences were provided with grand, entertaining escapism.

      The Home Video Revolution

      Another factor contributing to the peak of movie enjoyment in the 80s and 90s was the emergence of home video. Suddenly, the average person could watch films in the comfort of their home. What began as a novelty for the middle class transformed into every household possessing a VHS player with a video rental store in each town.

      This shift meant families no longer had to deal with the hassle of taking the kids to the theater; they could simply rent a tape from a local store or, if they dared, a Blockbuster Video, assuming the desired film was in stock.

      The experience was not solely about watching a movie but also involved visiting video rental stores—an adventure in itself. Sifting through a plethora of VHS covers was part of the fun, where many were picked out based on the eye-catching artwork instead of known titles. As one matured and became independent, these stores became social hubs for friends to gather and discuss films with one another and often with the store staff. The DVD era maintained some of this spirit, but it never quite matched the warmth and necessity of the VHS years.

      The Artwork

      This year has seen the loss of many cinema icons, both in front of and behind the camera, including renowned artists Drew Struzan and Renato Casaro. If their names don’t ring a bell, you’ll undoubtedly recognize their artwork. The 80s and 90s marked the golden age of film poster art, particularly with stunning hand-painted designs.

      Drew Struzan provided unforgettable images for films like First Blood, Back to the Future, Masters of the Universe, the Star Wars saga, and Indiana Jones, among others. Renato Casaro was the creative mind behind the art for Conan the Barbarian, the Rambo sequels, The Neverending Story, Flash Gordon, and more. I also cherished the artwork for films such as Labyrinth (by Ted Coconis) and virtually every VHS cover associated with Conan or Mad