How Many of These '80s Drama Movies Can You Name?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
How Many of These '80s Drama Movies Can You Name?
Image: IndieProd Company Productions

About This Quiz

We all love movies, don't we?

No matter what the decade, Hollywood has the ability to turn out classic movies time and time again. And speaking of decades, the 1980s certainly had some of the greatest movies ever produced, across the full spectrum of genres. 

But it was in the drama genre that Hollywood truly outdid itself in the 1980s. Time and time again, it produced movies that not only made us sit on the edge of our seats but also reach for our box of tissues! 

Think of "My Left Foot," an acting tour de force from Daniel Day-Lewis, along with a brilliant story. What about "Sophie's Choice"? Another incredible movie backup with stellar acting from Meryl Streep. Or "Taps" from 1981, another incredible drama that kept us enthralled.

And there are so many more Hollywood drama's that 40 years on, we still remember and talk about.

So that's why you are here. We want you to see how much you remember about 40 Hollywood dramas from the 1980s. Can you identify them from just an image? 

Don't worry if you aren't sure. Our clues will put you on the right track!

So what are you waiting for? Lights! Camera! Action!

Dirty Dancing
Lionsgate
In 1987, audiences 'had the time of their lives' watching Patrick Swayze flaunt his raunchy moves. In what movie did he star?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dirty Dancing
Driving Miss Daisy
Aliens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Audiences certainly 'had the time of their lives' when "Dirty Dancing" was released in 1987. With Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles in this movie of forbidden love and dancing, lots of raunchy dancing was an instant hit! The soundtrack was great, too!

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Driving Miss Daisy
The Zanuck Company
This movie introduced Morgan Freeman to the world in a big way! Can you name it?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dirty Dancing
Driving Miss Daisy
Aliens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A beautiful story of the relationship between an older lady and her chauffeur, "Driving Miss Daisy" was directed by Bruce Beresford and released in 1989. It starred Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy in the lead roles and went on to win four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

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Footloose
Paramount Pictures
Can you identify the teen drama from this image?
Footloose
Dirty Dancing
Aliens
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kevin Bacon dancing. Lots of Kevin Bacon dancing. Throw in some teenage rebellion, a fire and brimstone preacher (who hates dancing and rock music) and you have one of the favorite teen dramas of the 1980s. "Footloose" stars a dancing Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow, and Lori Singer. It also had an incredible soundtrack.

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Top Gun
Paramount Pictures/Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
The film depicted here included characters named Maverick, Ice Man and Goose. Any ideas as to what it is?
Aliens
Top Gun
Footloose
ET
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'I feel the need, the need for speed!' Yes, "Top Gun" was an instant classic when released in 1986. A story about pilots from the elite Top Gun school of the U.S. Navy, it features dogfights, real fights and, of course, a love affair! Audiences love it all!

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The Breakfast Club
Universal Pictures
Name this classic John Hughes teen flick, please.
Risky Business
16 Candles
The Breakfast Club
Raging Bull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Who doesn't remember "The Breakfast Club"? It's probably John Hughes' best teen flick of the 1980s. The stellar cast included '80s teen princess Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson.

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Gorillas in the Mist
Universal Pictures (presents)/Warner Bros. (presents) (as Warner Bros.)/The Guber-Peters Company (as Guber/Peters)
The sad tale of conservationist Dian Fossey is told in this movie. Any ideas as to what it is called?
Top Gun
Footloose
Aliens
Gorillas in the Mist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Gorillas in the Mist" tells the real-life story of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who studied the mountain gorillas of Africa, Rwanda in particular. Fossey was brutally murdered in 1985, many believe as a result of her conservation efforts and anti-poaching stance. Sigourney Weaver played the role of Fossey in the movie which was nominated for ​five Academy Awards.

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An Officer and a Gentleman
Lorimar Film Entertainment/Paramount Pictures
Tell us the name of this movie starring Richard Gere.
Top Gun
Aliens
The Shining
An Officer and a Gentleman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Women all over the world swooned at the sight of Richard Gere in a U.S. Navy uniform at the release of "An Officer and A Gentleman" in 1982. The movie also starred Debra Winger and Louis Gossert Jr.

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Blue Lagoon
Columbia Pictures Corporation
This movie was certainly risque in 1980. It starred Brooke Shields. Are you able to tell us what it is?
An Officer and a Gentleman
The Blue Lagoon
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Driving Miss Daisy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fairly risky for 1982, "The Blue Lagoon" tells the story of two teenagers who are stranded on a deserted island. Based on a novel by Henry De Vere Stacpoole, "The Blue Lagoon" was directed by Randal Kleiser and features Brooke Shields.

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9 1/2 Weeks
Producers Sales Organization (PSO) (presents)/Jonesfilm/Galactic Films (in association with)/Triple Ajaxxx (in association with)
This movie was much talked about upon its release in 1986 and showed as much bare skin as the '80s would allow! Name it, please!
Footloose
Aliens
Glory
9½ Weeks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"9½ Weeks" was based on a book by Elizabeth McNeill and starred Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. Rourke was ordered to lose 30 pounds before filming to make sure he looked in tip-top conditions.

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Risky Business
The Geffen Film Co
Do you know the name of this movie which helped introduce Tom Cruise to the world?
9½ Weeks
Risky Business
La Bamba
The Blue Lagoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

1983's "Risky Business" starred Tom Cruise and Rebecca de Mornay in the lead roles. Interestingly, the sunglasses worn by Cruise in the movie saw a 2000 percent spike in sales after its release. Just shows you what a bit of product placement can do, right?

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Aliens
Twentieth Century Fox
This was one scary movie but one in which Sigourney Weaver comes through in the end. Can you remember what it was called?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dirty Dancing
Driving Miss Daisy
Aliens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In space, no one can hear you scream. In the cinema, however, they certainly could! A sequel to "Alien" from the 1970s, "Aliens" saw Sigourney Weaver reprise her role as Ripley. And again, she kicked Alien butt!

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The Karate Kid
tmdb
A movie that taught us to 'wax on' and 'wax off,' can you name this classic from 1986?
The Breakfast Club
Dirty Dancing
Driving Miss Daisy
The Karate Kid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What a brilliant bit of fun 1984's "The Karate Kid" is. Pat Morita is a delight as Mr. Miyagi and his training of Ralph Macchio's Daniel is legendary.

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Raging Bull
United Artists
Identify this movie which tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta.
Gorillas in the Mist
Raging Bull
Top Gun
Dirty Dancing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, "Raging Bull" tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta, both inside and outside the ring. "Raging Bull" won two Oscars, including Best Actor for De Niro.

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Witness
Paramount Pictures (presents)/Edward S. Feldman Production
This image shows a movie from 1985, starring Harrison Ford. What is it?
Witness
Poltergeist
9½ Weeks
Glory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A winner of two Oscars, 1985's "Witness" stars Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis and a young Lukas Haas. It centers on a young Amish boy (Haas), the witness to a murder and Ford's police character who has to protect him until the trial.

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WarGames
United Artists
'Do you want to play a game?' this movie asked. Identify it, please.
Top Gun
Footloose
Witness
WarGames
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With the Cold War still in full swing, 1983's "WarGames" struck a chord with many. In it, David (Matthew Broderick) thinks he is playing a computer game when actually, he could be starting World War III. "WarGames" also starred Ally Sheedy and was directed by John Badham.

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Youngblood
Blueline Productions
Name the mid-1980s' hockey movie depicted here.
WarGames
Youngblood
Poltergeist
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As part of the Brat Pack, Rob Lowe's star was shining brightly in the mid 1980s. In 1986, he starred in "Youngblood," a hockey movie directed by Peter Markle. It also starred Patrick Swayze and Cynthia Gibb.

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Amadeus
The Movie DB
What critically acclaimed 1980s' movie told the life story of Mozart?
Youngblood
Driving Miss Daisey
Amadeus
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce and Elizabeth Berridge, "Amadeus" tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of Antonio Salieri, a composer so jealous of him that he claimed to have murdered him. It won eight Oscars,​ including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

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Scarface
Universal Pictures
With Al Pacino at his finest, can you name this movie?
Amadeus
Scarface
The Shining
Aliens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by Brian de Palma, written by Oliver Stone and with Al Pacino in the lead role, "Scarface" is 1983's tour de force! At the time, the 203 'F' words in the movie were the most for any film.

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Chariots of Fire
Warner Bros.
Name this Oscar-winning film from 1981, please.
The Karate Kid
Youngblood
Scarface
Chariots of Fire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The true story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, two British athletics, one a Jew and the other a Christian, and their preparation for the 1924 Olympics and the Games themselves. "Chariots of Fire" won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

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The Shining
Warner Bros. (presents)/Hawk Films (made by)/Peregrine/Producers Circle (in association with)
Jack Nicholson gave an incredible performance in the movie depicted here. What was it called?
The Shining
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Raging Bull
Gorillas in the Mist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on a Stephen King novel of the same name, "The Shining" was directed by Stanley Kubrick and stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval. It tells the story of man driven mad by an evil spirit while with his family in an isolated hotel during winter.

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Born on the Fourth of July
The Movie DB
Tom Cruise like you had never seen him before, but do you know which 1989 movie he is acting in here?
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Chariots of Fire
Born on the Fourth of July
Poltergeist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Cruise portrays Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic who returns to the United States from his tour of duty paralyzed. Kovic turns into an anti-war protester after he believes his country abandoned him. "Born on the Fourth of July" was written and directed by Oliver Stone.

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Glory
tmdb
Identify this movie, set in the American Civil War.
Glory
La Bamba
An Officer and a Gentleman
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Glory"tells the story an all-black volunteer unit fighting for the Union during the American Civil War. It stars Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick. Washington won an Oscar for his portrayal of Private Trip.

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The Right Stuff
The Ladd Company
What movie is this? It was released in 1983.
La Bamba
The Right Stuff
Born on the Fourth of July
The Blue Lagoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Right Stuff" tells the story of the astronauts chosen for the Mercury space program. It stars Sam Shepard and Ed Harris amongst others and was directed by Philip Kaufmann.

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Dead Poets Society
Touchstone Pictures (presents)/Silver Screen Partners IV (in association with)/A Steven Haft Production (a production)/Witt/Thomas Productions (in association with)
Admit it, you needed a tissue or two at the end of this 1989 classic starring Robin Williams.
The Right Stuff
Dead Poets Society
9½ Weeks
Risky Business
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A true '80's classic, "Dead Poets Society" sees Robin Williams play the role of John Keating, an English teacher who inspires his students to 'seize the day.' Sadly, tragedy brings everything crashing down. This movie was nominated for four Oscars, winning one.

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Great Balls of Fire!
Orion Pictures
A look at the life of rock 'n roll star Jerry Lee Lewis, which movie is shown in this image?
Dead Poets Society
The Shining
An Officer and A Gentleman
Great Balls of Fire!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starring Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder, "Great Balls of Fire" tells of the rise and fall of rock 'n roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.

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Platoon
Hemdale
A stellar cast, including Charlie Sheen, star in this Vietnam war drama. Tell us which of these below it is, please.
The Right Stuff
Platoon
The Blue Lagoon
The Breakfast Club
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by Oliver Stone, 1987's "Platoon" has a stellar cast, including Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. It tells of the horrors of the Vietnam War.

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E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Universal Pictures
One of the most endearing movies, it had young and old alike looking at the stars. What movie is it?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dirty Dancing
Driving Miss Daisy
Aliens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by Steven Spielberg, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" was released in 1982 and became an instant classic. And rightly so! A cute alien, a friendship made in the stars and attempts to keep E.T. from authorities kept audiences enthralled.

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La Bamba
Columbia Pictures Corporation (presents) (as Columbia Pictures)/New Visions
Can you name this movie which charts the rise and untimely death of singer Richie Valens?
The Blue Lagoon
La Bamba
Footloose
Top Gun
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Richie Valens was an up and coming rock 'n roll star when he died in a plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and the Big Boppa. Valens was only 17 years old. "La Bamba" tells his story with Lou Diamond Phillips in the lead role.

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Stand and Deliver
Warner Bros./American Playhouse/Olmos Productions
The amazing story of a teacher who refused to give up on his students, can you name this movie, please?
Platoon
Witness
WarGames
Stand and Deliver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

1988's "Stand and Deliver" tells the story of Jaime Escalante, a math teacher who refuses to give up on his students, despite the troubles they go through. He teaches them math in an unconventional way, preparing them for an exam no one expects them to overcome.

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Raiders of the Lost Ark
Paramount Pictures (presents)/Lucasfilm
The first movie featuring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, this was an instant classic. Name it, please.
Footloose
Driving Miss Daisy
Raging Bull
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Released in 1980, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" had everything... a swashbuckling storyline, a brilliant lead character, action galore and plenty of humor! Directed by Steven Spielberg, it led to two further movies in the 1980s, "The Temple of Doom" and "The Last Crusade."

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Poltergeist
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) (presents)/Amblin Entertainment (uncredited)/SLM Production Group
The kind of movie you watch with someone else in the room and from behind a blanket! What was it called?
The Karate Kid
Poltergeist
An Officer and a Gentleman
The Shining
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Did you know that Steven Spielberg was one of the screenplay writers on "Poltergeist"? This horror film from 1982, directed by Tobe Hooper and starring JoBeth Williams, had audiences jumping in the aisles.

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The Color of Money
Touchstone Pictures
Paul Newman reprises his role from "The Hustler," this time with Tom Cruise along for the ride. What movie was it?
Stand and Deliver
The Color of Money
An Officer and a Gentleman
Footloose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "The Color of Money," Fast Eddie Felson (Newman) takes on a new protege (Cruise) to teach the tricks of pool hustling. Paul Newman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Fast Eddie.

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Blue Velvet
De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG)
The '80s drama shown in this image is _______.
Blue Velvet
The Color of Money
Witness
WarGames
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Directed by David Lynch, "Blue Velvet," released in 1986, features Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan and Dennis Hopper. Lynch was nominated for an Oscar but didn't win.

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All The Right Moves
20th Century Fox
A young Tom Cruise stars in this 1983 drama. What was it called?
Gorillas in the Mist
Aliens
All the Right Moves
Glory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another '80s movie, another with a Tom Cruise appearance. "All The Right Moves" was one of the actor's earliest movies and sees Cruise as a small town high school football player. It also stars Lea Thompson and Craig T. Nelson.

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Paramount Pictures (presents)/Lucasfilm
The second in a trilogy of action dramas from the 1980s, can you identify this movie?
Glory
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The Shining
9½ Weeks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After the success of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" followed in 1984. Harrison Ford was back in the role of Indy with Steven Spielberg behind the camera. In true fashion, the movie is a delightful action drama filled with dry humor, tons of action and more. A worthy follow-up​ indeed.

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Staying Alive
Paramount Pictures/Cinema Group Ventures
Dancing, lots of dancing in this movie, most of it by John Travolta. Do you know what it is called?
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Raging Bull
Scarface
Staying Alive
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A follow-up from "Saturday Night Fever," "Staying Alive" sees John Travolta back in the role of Tony Manero. Tony is now trying to make it big... on the biggest stage in New York, Broadway. Interestingly, Sylvester Stallone is credited as a writer for the movie.

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Out of Africa
Mirage Enterprises (A Mirage Enterprises Production) (A Sydney Pollack Film)/Universal Pictures (copyright holder) (as Universal Pictures Limited)
Set in Africa, can you name this epic romantic drama from 1985?
Out of Africa
Staying Alive
Stand and Deliver
Platoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sydney Pollack's "Out of Africa" was one of the massive films of the decade. It starred Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, eventually winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

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Name the 1980s drama depicted here, please.
TMDB
Name the 1980s drama depicted here, please.
Amadeus
Out of Africa
Great Balls of Fire!
Wall Street
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another great Oliver Stone film, "Wall Street" follows a young stockbroker determined to make it to the top... fast. It stars Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas who took the Oscar home for Best Actor for his performance.

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Road House
Silver Pictures/Star Partners II Ltd.
This movie features Patrick Swayze as a bad ass bouncer. What is it?
Wall Street
Road House
Cocktail
Top Gun
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

By 1989, Patrick Swayze was a household name, thanks to "Dirty Dancing." In "Roadhouse," he plays a bouncer fighting for the locals in a corrupt town. "Road House" also stars Kelly Lynch and Sam Elliot.

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Cocktail
Touchstone Pictures (presents)/Silver Screen Partners III (in association with)/Interscope Communications
Tom Cruise appears in this 1988 movie directed by Roger Donaldson. Can you name it?
The Color of Money
Road House
Cocktail
Platoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another Tom Cruise movie from the 1980s! In this one he is a bartender who takes a job in Jamaica and falls in love. Standard stuff, really...

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You Got:
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IndieProd Company Productions