Can You Guess These 1980s Movies From an Image?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Guess These 1980s Movies From an Image?
Image: Paramount Pictures

About This Quiz

If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably believe the decade produced the greatest assortment of movies, beating out other decades by a long shot. It's hard to argue against that point, too. After all, the '80s gave us everything from witty teen dramas to terrifying horror films to action-packed thrillers. It was definitely a good time for moviegoers. 

The 1980s also launched the careers of some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Actors and actresses whose popularity rose significantly throughout the '80s include Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Molly Ringwald, Winona Ryder and many others. These performers helped to define cinema in the 1980s through their brilliant performances. 

Of course, directors also played a part in making '80s movies so great. Star directors like Steven Spielberg, Wes Craven, Amy Heckerling, John Hughes and Clint Eastwood all produced outstanding films throughout the decade, and most of their films still appeal to audiences today. 

How well do you know all of these movies from the '80s, though? If we give you an image, can you name the movies in this quiz? Here's your chance to find out. When you're ready, get started and go down memory lane with this '80s movies quiz! 

Stand By Me
Columbia Pictures
This '80s coming-of-age story follows four boys looking for a dead body. What movie is it?
Sixteen Candles
Return to Oz
Steel Magnolias
Stand by Me
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Stand by Me" was titled based on a song of the same name by Ben E. King. The song has been performed by various artists since its release and has hit the top of numerous lists over the years.

The Breakfast Club
Universal Pictures
Added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2016, which '80s movie is this?
Highlander
Spaceballs
The Breakfast Club
Revenge of the Nerds
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Breakfast Club" starred child actors Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy. They became known as the "Brat Pack," a name given to a group of child stars in a film.

Back to the Future
Universal Pictures
Starring Michael J. Fox, which movie is this from the 1980s?
Back to the Future
Willow
Real Genius
Mystic Pizza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the age of 29, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has since become an advocate for finding a cure for the disease.

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The Terminator
Hemdale
The famous line "I'll be back" comes from this '80s movie. What movie is it?
The Last Starfighter
The Terminator
Better Off Dead
The Untouchables
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't a star before, he certainly made a name for himself after the release of "The Terminator." He would go on to become an action movie icon in the late '80s and '90s.

The Goonies
Warner Bros.
In an '80s comedy about kids trying to find a lost pirate treasure, what movie is this?
The Goonies
Scanners
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
Baby Boom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The story for "The Goonies" was developed by Steven Spielberg. However, he handed over scriptwriting responsibilities to Chris Columbus, who would later direct such films as "Home Alone" and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Universal Pictures
Directed by Steven Spielberg, what 1980s science fiction movie is this?
Adventures in Babysitting
UHF
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Scanners
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" was released it quickly became the highest-grossing film of all-time. It would hold that position until "Jurassic Park" was released in 1993.

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The Empire Strikes Back
Lucasfilm
Part two of an iconic trilogy that eventually expanded into a franchise, which movie is this from the 1980s?
Highlander
Tron
Flight of the Navigator
The Empire Strikes Back
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first three Star Wars movies are usually regarded as the best trilogy in the entire series by the most loyal Star Wars fans. Not to mention, "The Empire Strikes Back" is ​famous for the reveal that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father.

Ghostbusters
Columbia Pictures
A comedy about the supernatural, what '80s movie is this?
Stripes
Ghostbusters
Labyrinth
Commando
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Ghostbusters" was originally supposed to star John Belushi. However, Belushi died from a drug overdose prior to the film's production.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Paramount Pictures
The lead character speaks directly to his audience in this '80s classic. What movie is it?
Field of Dreams
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The Karate Kid
Tootsie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Director John Hughes used "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" as a love letter to Chicago, which is where it was filmed. The movie includes famous Chicago buildings such as Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Scarface
Universal Pictures
Al Pacino plays a drug lord in this crime drama. What movie is it?
Time Bandits
My Life as a Dog
Scarface
WarGames
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Scarface" was written by the American filmmaker Oliver Stone. Stone is famous for notable films such as "Heaven & Earth" and "Wall Street," along with many others.

Pale Rider
The Malpaso Company
Clint Eastwood both starred in and directed this '80s western. What is it?
Pale Rider
Silverado
Young Guns
Tom Horn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clint Eastwood was once involved in a plane crash off the coast of California. The Hollywood icon survived by swimming a few miles to shore.

Top Gun
Paramount Pictures
A film that won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, which '80s movie is this?
WarGames
Moonstruck
A Fish Called Wanda
Top Gun
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Top Gun" took some time to catch on with fans, but it eventually had major commercial success. In 2013, the film was re-released in 3-D.

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Raiders of the Lost Ark
Paramount Pictures
Following an archaeologist who battles Nazis, what movie is this from the 1980s?
Das Boot
Lost in America
Ran
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" started the Indiana Jones' franchise. The 1980s would see the release of two more Indiana Jones' movies, both starring Harrison Ford.

The Shining
Warner Bros.
This '80s horror film stars Jack Nicholson. What film is it?
Hellraiser
The Evil Dead
The Shining
The Fly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Shining" is based on a 1977 novel by Steven King. A major success, it was only the third novel King had published.

Sixteen Candles
Universal Pictures
A comedy film released in 1984, what movie is this?
Sixteen Candles
Body Heat
Blue Velvet
After Hours
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by John Hughes, "Sixteen Candles" starred the famous young actress Molly Ringwald. Ringwald worked with Hughes on two other films, "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink."

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Pretty in Pink
Paramount Pictures
A story following the ins and outs of high school, what '80s movie is this?
Krush Groove
Pretty in Pink
Weird Science
Short Circuit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Pretty in Pink" became well-known for its soundtrack. The movie helped popularize songs like "If You Leave" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and "Shellshock" by New Order.

Beetlejuice
The Geffen Film Company
You can summon the ghost from this 1980s movie by saying his name three times. What movie is it?
Friday the 13th
Highlander
Beetlejuice
Spaceballs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Beetlejuice" helped launch the career of Winona Ryder who was a teenager at the time. She would go on to star in films like "Heathers" and "The Age of Innocence."

Die Hard
Twentieth Century Fox
In this '80s action movie, a policeman must save hostages from a group of terrorists on Chrismas Eve. What's the movie?
Willow
Die Hard
Real Genius
The Last Starfighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Die Hard" was one of the first serious roles for Bruce Willis. Before the performance, Willis was mainly known for comedy television.

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The Karate Kid
Columbia Pictures
This film emphasizes the importance of catching a fly. What movie is it?
Adventures in Babysitting
Baby Boom
Scanners
The Karate Kid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pat Marita, who played Mr. Miyagi, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film. The award instead went to Haing S. Ngor who played Dith Pran in "The Killing Fields."

Rain Man
United Artists
This 1988 film won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. What move is it?
The Untouchables
Rain Man
Lost in America
Ran
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, "Rain Man" received a slew of awards. At the Academy Awards, the film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Blade Runner
Warner Bros.
A science fiction film from 1982 starring Harrison Ford, which movie is this?
Blade Runner
Escape from New York
Body Heat
Repo Man
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Blade Runner" was praised for brilliantly merging science fiction with neo-noir. The film received a sequel 25 years later called "Blade Runner 2049."

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Beverly Hills Cop
Paramount Pictures
The first in a series of comedy films, what '80s movie is this?
Lethal Weapon
After Hours
National Lampoon's Vacation
Beverly Hills Cop
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the greatest comedies of the '80s, "Beverly Hills Cops" signaled the arrival of Eddie Murphy as a film star. However, Sylvester Stallone was originally chosen to star in the film, but he wanted to turn it into a pure action movie.

The Lost Boys
Warner Bros.
Two brothers fight a gang of vampires in which of these '80s movies?
Gremlins
Grave of the Fireflies
The Lost Boys
Blue Velvet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Lost Boys" starred Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. Both stars would later be part of a reality show known as "The Two Coreys." The show depicted both actors' struggle with life after being child stars.

My Left Foot
Ferndale Films
Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his performance in this movie. Which movie is it?
My Left Foot
Ran
Goodbye, Children
Risky Business
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Daniel Day-Lewis has become famous for staying in character even when the cameras stop filming. His method of acting as garnered recognition in films like "There Will Be Blood" and "Gangs of New York" just to name a few.

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The Thing
Universal Pictures
Based on a novel from 1938, which '80s horror movie is this?
Heathers
The Neverending Story
Predator
The Thing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Who Goes There?" was a 1938 science fiction novel written by John W. Campbell Jr. Since the novel's publication, three films have been made based on the storyline.

Dirty Dancing
Vestron Pictures
Dance brings two lovers together in this film. What is it?
Flashdance
Breakin'
Dirty Dancing
Fame
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patrick Swayze, the star of "Dirty Dancing," rose to fame in the 1980s where he typically played romantic lead males. In 1991, he was named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.

Aliens
Twentieth Century Fox
An '80s action horror film directed by James Cameron, what movie is this?
Predator
Aliens
Raging Bull
Tron
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Aliens" went from a single film to a movie franchise with productions in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. The original film was written and directed by James Cameron who is probably best known for "Titanic."

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Sophie's Choice
Incorporated Television Company
Meryl Streep made viewers cry on her way to an Oscar in this film. What is it?
The Color Purple
Wall Street
Working Girl
Sophie's Choice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Sophie's Choice" started as a 1979 novel written by William Styron. The film and book depict the harsh reality of Nazi Germany during WWII.

Coming to America
Paramount Pictures
Eddie Murphy plays an African prince in this '80s comedy. What is it?
Coming to America
Stripes
Field of Dreams
Time Bandits
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Coming to America" received recognition at the Academy Awards for behind the camera work. The film was nominated for Best Makeup and Best Costume Design.

A Christmas Story
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
A classic '80s comedy to watch during the holidays, what movie is this?
Scrooged
A Christmas Story
Santa Claus: The Movie
Prancer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"A Christmas Story" is one of the most famous Christmas films of all-time. Typically, TNT airs the film for 24 hours over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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Poltergeist
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
A television talks in which of these '80s films?
Dragonslayer
Ran
Poltergeist
A Fish Called Wanda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Two additional Poltergeist films were released in the 1980s. The three films have become cult classics and are highly regarded by critics of the horror genre.

Big
Twentieth Century Fox
A kid wakes up as an adult in this film. What is it?
When Harry Met Sally
Terms of Endearment
Big
Field of Dreams
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though it wasn't his first role, "Big" helped launch the career of Tom Hanks, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Hanks would later win the award in two separate films, "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump."

Ordinary People
Paramount Pictures
The first film directed by Robert Redford, what '80s movie is this?
Ran
Time Bandits
Paris, Texas
Ordinary People
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Redford had major success in his first trial as a director. "Ordinary People" won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

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Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Touchstone Pictures
A film that forges real with fantasy, what movie is this from the 1980s?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Moonstruck
WarGames
My Life as a Dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" was released in 1988, it was the highest budget film ever made. However, it was topped three years later by "Terminator 2: Judgement Day."

Caddyshack
Orion Pictures
Comedy legends Bill Murray and Chevy Chase played in which of these '80s films together?
Airplane!
Caddyshack
Revenge of the Nerds
Heathers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Caddyshack" included legendary comedians who were known for their improv skills. To utilize the comedians to their fullest, some of the scenes in the movie were improvised.

Footloose
Paramount Pictures
Rock music and dancing disturb a small town in which of these movies from the 1980s?
Fame
Footloose
White Nights
Tap
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Several other actors were supposed to play the main male character Ren before the role was given to Kevin Bacon. Some of the names who had to pass on the role were Tom Cruise and Christopher Atkins.

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The Princess Bride
Act III Communications
This '80s film features the legendary wrestler Andre the Giant. What movie is it?
Krush Groove
Short Circuit
Highlander
The Princess Bride
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Andre the Giant was known as a heavy drinker, and friends of the wrestler claimed he once drank over 100 beers in one night. Supposedly, he also showed up drunk to set on "The Princess Bride" quite a few times.

The Last Emperor
Recorded Picture Company
Bernardo Bertolucci won an Academy Award for Best Director on this '80s movie. What is it?
The Last Emperor
The Toxic Avenger
Willow
The Last Starfighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Last Emperor" is a biographical film about the last Emperor of China, Puyi. Even as emperor, Puyi was used largely as a puppet by other leaders across China and Japan.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Universal Pictures
Based on a book by the same title, what '80s comedy movie is this?
Weird Science
Spaceballs
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Porky's
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Amy Heckerling made her directorial debut on a feature film with "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." She was selected after directing a short film called "Getting it Over With."

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Paramount Pictures