With the success of recent nostalgic series like Stranger Things, fans are undoubtedly looking for more shows and films that capture the vibe and culture of the ‘80s. Viewers on Reddit have shared their favorite modern movies that are set during that time period, with their favorites spanning several genres.
From sci-fi thrillers like Donnie Darko to underrated crime dramas like A Most Violent Year, these must-see movies thrust characters into the 1980s, with the films’ settings ranging from funky and dreamy to bleak and gritty. Whether they accurately capture the ‘80s feel is completely subjective, but they’re all successful and critically-acclaimed movies that are worth checking out.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Donnie Darko is thedubiousstylus' first pick for a post they make about “the best movie set in the 80s that wasn't made in the 80s.” They consider the sci-fi thriller film one of their “favorites” and think they’ll “see more of these in the coming years” as the nostalgic cinema trend continues.
Set in October 1988, the movie tells the story of the titular character whose encounters with a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume lead to some bizarre situations. It’s known as one of the most confusing sci-fi movies because of its strange premise, which becomes even more complicated when time travel is thrown into the mix.
Adventureland (2009)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A Redditor mentions Adventureland in their post about the “best movie set in the 80s,” calling it one of their “favorites.” Most of the comedy-drama film takes place in the titular amusement park, which is where the recent grad James Brennan spends his summer instead of in Europe. This is thanks to the unexpected financial problem that his parents have.
Set in the summer of 1987, the feel-good movie transports viewers back to the golden age of amusement parks. The protagonist soon forms friendships and even has a potential love interest that changes his view of his initially bad situation.
American Psycho (2000)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
In a post about the best movies “set in the 80s that” weren’t “made in the 80s,” official_bagel includes “American Psycho” in their list of suggestions. The cult classic revolves around the iconic Patrick Bateman, an arrogant Wall Street executive by day and an unhinged serial killer by night, but things aren’t exactly the way they seem.
Set in New York in the 1980s, the film perfectly captures and satirizes yuppie culture, while also critiquing narcissism, consumerism, and misogyny. As Patrick kills one person after another, audiences will begin to question what’s actually happening when some pieces don’t seem to add up.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Available to stream on Prime Video.
A Redditor rightly includes “Call Me By Your Name” in their list of the “best movies” that are “set in the 80s.” Often cited alongside the most popular romance movies of the decade, the coming-of-age drama is centered on the relationship that forms between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and 24-year-old Oliver.
Set in 1983 in northern Italy, Oliver meets Elio during his stay in their house for the summer, as he is Elio’s father’s student assistant. The film provides a unique perspective of the time period, as it happens in another country and is an intimate portrait of young love and heartbreak.
Super 8 (2011)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
The user SuperNntendoChlmers chimes in on a post about the best movies “set in the 80s” with Super 8, noting that while it “maybe not the most memorable but” it “really utilized the 80s setting.” The sci-fi thriller movie depicts the events in a small town in Ohio, which becomes the target of enigmatic creatures that escape after a train crash.
Set in 1979, this is all told from the perspective of a group of young teenagers who just happened to be shooting a film with their super 8 when the crash happened. After a string of mysterious disappearances and other unexplained events, they work to uncover the shocking truth.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A post about the “best movie set in the 80s that wasn't made in the 80s” prompts ForsakenUse8937 to respond with “No Country for Old Men.” The critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller tells the story of three different men, with Llewelyn Moss setting off the chain reaction that results in the hitman Anton Chigurh’s pursuit of him and his stolen money, as well as Sheriff Ed Tom Bell’s investigation of the events.
Set in West Texas in the 1980s, the film makes excellent use of the desert landscape to build an intense atmosphere. The cat-and-mouse chase through seedy motel rooms and gas station stores reflect unique aspects of that time period.
Joker (2019)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
The user lostwanderer02 doesn’t have to say much beyond “Joker” in a comment in response to a question about the best movies “set in the 80s.” The film serves as an origin story for the iconic villain, as it portrays his experiences as Arthur Fleck, who’s a poorly-paid party clown and a failing stand-up comedian.
Set in Gotham City in 1981, it uses both a nostalgic and disturbing lens to view the gritty setting, which is increasingly becoming a dangerous place full of crime and corruption. It’s the ideal stage for Arthur’s seemingly unintentional counter-cultural revolution against the elite.
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
Available to stream on Netflix.
A thread about the best movies “set in the 80s that” weren’t “made in the 80s” gets a unique response from MisterMinutes, who writes “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The drama film follows the story of salesman-turned-stock broker Chris Gardner, who does whatever he can to provide for and support his 5-year-old son, Christopher Jr.
Set in San Francisco in 1981, the movie depicts the protagonist’s struggle after he becomes homeless and is forced to juggle an unpaid internship with being a single dad without a place to live in. The inspirational story uses the unforgiving work culture during that time to underscore how much Chris goes through to succeed.
Mandy (2018)
Available to stream on AMC+.
Part of RPDRNick's long list of suggestions for “modern movies set in the 80s” is “Mandy,” an action horror film that is centered on the way Red Miller and Mandy Bloom’s peaceful lives are interrupted by a violent cult. An unexpected kidnapping inspires a revenge plot against the cult and the demonic biker gang the group works with.
Set near the Shadow Mountains in 1983, the film showcases music and art styles from that time, especially in the couple’s cozy home. The confusing parts of the horror movie are also clearly inspired by the numerous cults and gangs from the 80s.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A Most Violent Year is Vanilla_Euphoric’s pick for must-see “modern movies set in the 80s,” with the user pointing out that the crime drama film “is set in 1981 NY.” The underrated movie revolves around the experiences of Abel Morales, a small heating-oil company owner who is being pressured to arm his workers to stop his competitors from continuously sabotaging them.
Abel is facing pressure from all sides, with his truckers doubting his resolve, his wife pushing him to be tough, and authorities going after him for illegal activities. This is all set against a bleak and harsh atmosphere, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the oil trade in the 80s.