The Ultimate Movie Rewind: Were the '80s, '90s, and '00s a Golden Age?
Hey everyone,
I've been feeling a significant lack of interest in movies lately. It seems like so many modern films have been a letdown, which has me looking back at the past. I've been thinking about the '80s, '90s, and '00s and it's got me wondering: Were those decades truly a golden age for cinema, or is it just nostalgia?
It feels like we're constantly getting a remake, a sequel, or another superhero flick. Don't get me wrong, there are still some rare gems that break through, like John Wick, Godzilla x Kong, or The Conjuring, but it seems like in the last 10-15 years, the focus has shifted heavily away from originality and even good remakes (Pixar seems to be one of the few who still does them best). It's a move toward a cinematic world focused on quick money and a big blockbuster style, often with a lack of real vision. I know some studios are trying, but they seem to focus on a niche that only resonates with some, rather than creating films that have universal appeal.
A perfect example for me is the RoboCop reboot. The original was a biting satire with a strong story and a clear vision. The remake had a great base story set in the future, and all the tools to succeed, but it felt like they missed the point. All they had to do was update the original and make minor changes, and it would have had the same results—but it lacked the polish and vision that made the original so great. It feels like this is happening with more and more remakes and reboots today.
For me, some of the movies that stand out from that era are RoboCop, Blade, Terminator, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, Police Story, Fist of Legend, Lethal Weapon, and Harry Potter. I could go on for ages, but I'll leave some for the rest of you.
I'm on a mission to rediscover the kind of films that were truly original, impactful, and maybe a little rough around the edges, and most importantly memorable and rewatchable—the ones that defined a generation. So, let's build the ultimate list of the movies we think everyone should see!
To keep it organized and easy to read, how about we use a simple format?
[Movie Title][Decade][Genre][Optional: Why you love it (1-2 sentences)]
Example:
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Decade: '90s
Movie: Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Why I love it: A masterpiece of action filmmaking with groundbreaking special effects that still hold up. It's a perfect sequel that redefines the hero while delivering non-stop excitement.
Genre: Action
Decade: '90s
Movie: Con Air
The Rock
Romeo Must Die
Genre: Animation
Decade: '90s
Movie: Toy Story,
Lion King
Aladdin
Genre: Action
Decade: '80s
Movie:
Lethal Weapon
Die Hard
Bonus Question: What is an obscure film from this era that you think deserves more love?
A Note on the Master List: "This thread is about finding great movies for everyone, so I will start compiling a master list of all the recommendations. If this thread takes off, I will be adding them to a reserved post at the beginning of the thread. So post your suggestions!"
A Note on Future Threads: "If this thread takes off, I'm thinking of creating separate posts for specific genres, like 'Best Martial Arts Films' or 'Best Kids Movies.' Let me know if that's something you'd be interested in!"
Closing: "Can't wait to see your recommendations and finally find some new-to-me classics. Let's get this list started!
Hey everyone,
I've been feeling a significant lack of interest in movies lately. It seems like so many modern films have been a letdown, which has me looking back at the past. I've been thinking about the '80s, '90s, and '00s and it's got me wondering: Were those decades truly a golden age for cinema, or is it just nostalgia?
It feels like we're constantly getting a remake, a sequel, or another superhero flick. Don't get me wrong, there are still some rare gems that break through, like John Wick, Godzilla x Kong, or The Conjuring, but it seems like in the last 10-15 years, the focus has shifted heavily away from originality and even good remakes (Pixar seems to be one of the few who still does them best). It's a move toward a cinematic world focused on quick money and a big blockbuster style, often with a lack of real vision. I know some studios are trying, but they seem to focus on a niche that only resonates with some, rather than creating films that have universal appeal.
A perfect example for me is the RoboCop reboot. The original was a biting satire with a strong story and a clear vision. The remake had a great base story set in the future, and all the tools to succeed, but it felt like they missed the point. All they had to do was update the original and make minor changes, and it would have had the same results—but it lacked the polish and vision that made the original so great. It feels like this is happening with more and more remakes and reboots today.
For me, some of the movies that stand out from that era are RoboCop, Blade, Terminator, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, Police Story, Fist of Legend, Lethal Weapon, and Harry Potter. I could go on for ages, but I'll leave some for the rest of you.
I'm on a mission to rediscover the kind of films that were truly original, impactful, and maybe a little rough around the edges, and most importantly memorable and rewatchable—the ones that defined a generation. So, let's build the ultimate list of the movies we think everyone should see!
How to Participate:
I'd love to hear what you consider to be the "Great Movies" and the "Must See" films from these three incredible decades. Don't be shy—share your all-time favorites, whether they're blockbuster hits or cult classics. The more variety, the better!To keep it organized and easy to read, how about we use a simple format?
[Movie Title][Decade][Genre][Optional: Why you love it (1-2 sentences)]
Example:
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Decade: '90s
Movie: Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Why I love it: A masterpiece of action filmmaking with groundbreaking special effects that still hold up. It's a perfect sequel that redefines the hero while delivering non-stop excitement.
Genre: Action
Decade: '90s
Movie: Con Air
The Rock
Romeo Must Die
Genre: Animation
Decade: '90s
Movie: Toy Story,
Lion King
Aladdin
Genre: Action
Decade: '80s
Movie:
Lethal Weapon
Die Hard
Bonus Question: What is an obscure film from this era that you think deserves more love?
A Note on the Master List: "This thread is about finding great movies for everyone, so I will start compiling a master list of all the recommendations. If this thread takes off, I will be adding them to a reserved post at the beginning of the thread. So post your suggestions!"
A Note on Future Threads: "If this thread takes off, I'm thinking of creating separate posts for specific genres, like 'Best Martial Arts Films' or 'Best Kids Movies.' Let me know if that's something you'd be interested in!"
Closing: "Can't wait to see your recommendations and finally find some new-to-me classics. Let's get this list started!
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