The Greatest Directors of the 1980s
List of the top directors of the 80s. From 1980 to 1989, film history was shaped by esteemed directors who defined the decade through their movies. After all, what would the eighties be without the Brat Pack movies directed by John Hughes? The 1980s is also the time when when heavyweights like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were honing their directorial skills on epic levels, from the Indiana Jones movies to E.T.
Woody Allen is also an auteur who made some of his absolute funniest and most dramatic Oscar-winning flicks during the 1980s. And between the Lethal Weapon movies and The Goonies, director Richard Donner made the eighties an unforgettable 10 years for major motion pictures.
With nostalgic '80s movies on the mind, who can forget the arguable directorial peak of Rob Reiner with smash hits like "Spinal Tap," "Stand by Me," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally," which transitioned us into the 1990s.
Vote up the best director of the 1980s and vote down and 1980s directors you don't like.
- 1
An iconic filmmaker of the 1980s, John Hughes is fondly remembered for his relatable coming-of-age tales. His films, such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, masterfully captured the teenage angst and challenges of growing up. Hughes' works left an indelible mark on Hollywood and continue to entertain new generations of filmgoers.
- 1Buck Russell74 Votes
- 2Ferris Bueller104 Votes
- 3Allison Reynolds81 Votes
- 2
With a career spanning decades, Steven Spielberg has become synonymous with blockbuster filmmaking. In the 1980s, Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Indiana Jones franchise elevated him to new heights of fame. Through his unforgettable storytelling and remarkable technical achievements, Spielberg has shaped modern cinema like few others.
- 1Jaws2,823 Votes
- 2Raiders of the Lost Ark2,988 Votes
- 3Jurassic Park3,005 Votes
- 3
Already an established director by the 1980s, Martin Scorsese continued to push cinematic boundaries. His films during this period, including Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, took audiences on unflinching explorations of human nature. Scorsese's bold storytelling and masterful direction have secured his place among the all-time greats of cinema.
- 1Goodfellas1,560 Votes
- 2Taxi Driver1,368 Votes
- 3The Departed1,441 Votes
- 4
Known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology, Robert Zemeckis dominated the 1980s with his innovative and imaginative films. He directed the hugely popular Back to the Future trilogy and wowed audiences with Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Zemeckis' unique blend of live-action and animation set a new standard for visual effects in cinema.
- 1Away We Go11 Votes
- 2Revolutionary Road9 Votes
- 3Dan in Real Life7 Votes
- 5
Starting his career as an actor, Rob Reiner transitioned into directing and quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. During the 1980s, Reiner directed various critically acclaimed films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally. His diverse range and witty storytelling prowess have cemented Reiner's status as a legendary director.
- 1The Princess Bride178 Votes
- 2Stand by Me156 Votes
- 3When Harry Met Sally...143 Votes
- 6
Introducing groundbreaking visual effects and epic storytelling, James Cameron found great success in the 1980s. His films The Terminator and Aliens became instant classics, showcasing Cameron's unique ability to blend action, suspense, and cutting-edge technology. These films established Cameron as a visionary director whose extraordinary accomplishments continue to this day.
