The 1980s

The 1980s birthed the modern blockbuster: E.T. grossed $793 million worldwide (a record at the time), while Empire Strikes Back redefined sequels with its darker tone and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. Spielberg and Lucas commanded budgets of $30 million+ per film, yet this decade outperforms #7 (the 2000s) in indie innovation—Blue Velvet, Blood Simple, and Stranger Than Paradise launched a new American auteur wave for under $4 million total. Hong Kong action cinema hit its stride with 150+ films annually, and Raging Bull’s $18 million budget won De Niro his Best Actor Oscar. However, the 1980s lacks the 2010s’ global reach; only 12% of its top 100 grossing films were non-English, compared to 30% for the 2010s. Still, 17 of AFI’s top 100 movies hail from this decade—a density unmatched by any other.