Every year, there are great films, overlooked films, and smash hits. However, if you look at the films of 1988, it feels like a completely different industry than the one we have in 2021. Throughout this particular year in history, film fans were treated to a wide variety of comedies, dramas, action blockbusters, and experimental auteur-driven projects. It was simply an embarrassment of riches.
Today, there is a vast difference between the films that are celebrated at the Academy Awards and the highest-grossing films of the year. However, the Best Picture winner at the 1989 Academy Awards,Rain Man, was also the year’s top earner. That being said, there was no film that was more influential thanDie Hard.Die Hardcreated the modern action movie, and is responsible for the surge in action films in the 1990s.
If you’re doing a marathon of the best films of 1988, you have a great number of selections in front of you. Here are the 20 greatest films of 1988.
RELATED:8 Best Comedies From the ’80s Everyone Should Watch At Least Once
A Fish Called Wanda
A Fish Called Wandahas all the hallmarks of a greatMonty Pythonproduction. Similar to how the Python troupe lampooned epic films withMonty Python and the Holy GrailandMonty Python’s Life of Brian,A Fish Called Wandasatirized the archetypes of caper and noir films. Although comedies are generally absent from the Academy Awards,Kevin Klinewon the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his hilarious turn as the eccentric robber Otto West.
Beetlejuice
Although the quality ofTim Burton’s work has definitely declined in recent years,Beetlejuiceis Burton at the height of his powers. Between the genuinely heartfelt story, award-winning makeup effects, andMichael Keaton’s scene-stealing performance as the titular character,Beetlejuiceis equally funny and scary. Official word on the status ofBeetlejuice 2has stalled for years, but the Broadway adaptation starringAlex Brightmandebuted to positive reviews in 2018.
BigwasTom Hanks’ maturation as an actor. Hanks would eventually veer into more dramatic territory a few years later withPhiladelphiaandForrest Gump, but inBig,he proved that he could sustain a compelling character for an entire film. He wasn’t just relying on his inherent charm. Hanks could not have been more perfectly cast; who else would you get to play a literal child who is trapped within a fully grown man’s body?
Coming to America
Eddie Murphyhas never been more creative than he was inComing to America. Murphy and his co-starArsenio Hallplayed multiple roles in this hilarious story of an African prince who travels to America in search of love. AlthoughComing to Americais just as crude as you would come to expect from Murphy, the romance is played very sincerely.Coming to Americawas also a breakthrough film in terms of representation with its ensemble cast of black actors.
Dangerous Liaisons
Even if you don’t generally enjoy period pieces,Dangerous Liaisonsis unflinchingly sordid in its depiction of sexual politics. Equally heartbreaking and uproarious,Stephen Frears’ adaptation of his 1985 play shows that deep down, the upper class is just as deprived as everyone else. AlthoughJohn Malkovichchews the scenery with his demented depiction ofVicomte Sébastien de Valmont, itsGlenn Close’s performance as Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil that dominates the film. It is just one of Close’s many heartbreaking Oscar losses.
Die Hardis often cited as the greatest action film of all-time, and it’s for a good reason. The influence ofDie Hardis undeniable, but the film holds up remarkably well because of all the practical work thatJohn McTiernandid to make it realistic. McTiernan understood the importance of fully-realized characters; although the action is relentless, McTiernan spends time allowing the audience to empathize with John McClane (Bruce Willis) before the bullets start flying. It’s also amazing to consider thatDie HardwasAlan Rickman’s cinematic debut.
Harrison Fordwas easily the most popular actor of the 1980s, but it wasn’t all aboutStar WarsandIndiana Jonesfor him. In between his massive blockbuster roles, Ford worked with many brilliant auteur filmmakers to create unique genre films.Frantichas all the trappings of a classic noir, but it’s even more ruthless. The filmcaptures the terror of the language barrier. Ford stars as Dr. Richard Walker, an American doctor who searches for his wife Sondra (Betty Buckley) when she goes missing during their vacation in Paris.
Midnight Run
Midnight Runis the perfect buddy film. The key to a great double act is finding two actors who can believably play polar opposites, yet are still compelling as friends.Robert De Nirodidn’t phone it in just becauseMidnight Runwas a comedy; he took the time to explore how Jack Walsh’s bounty hunting career impacted his familial life.Charles Grodinis somehow able to irritate Walsh to no end, yet not become annoying to the audience.Midnight Runis also one of the rare action-comedies that doesn’t skimp on the action.
Mississippi Burning
Some classic films haven’t aged well, but unfortunately,Mississippi Burningis more relevant than ever. The film bravely tackles the themes of police brutality, systematic racism, and the limits of the law.Gene HackmanandWillem Dafoestar as two FBI agents that investigate the murder of three Civil Rights activist in the small town of Jessup County, Mississippi. The cops of the secluded community are obviously involved in the coverup, but it’s still shocking how far the film was willing to go with its searing incitement of local justice.Brad Dourif’s Deputy Sheriff Clinton Pell is among the most detestable film characters of all-time.
Mystic Pizza
Roger Ebertfamouslystated in his original reviewthat he had a “feeling thatMystic Pizzamay someday become known for the movie stars it showcased back before they became stars.” He was absolutely right.Julia Roberts’ dominance of the romantic comedy genre began with this earnest story of young Portuguese-American women who learn about the trials and tribulations of growing up as they work at the titular pizza joint. Outside the romance itself,Mystic Pizzais simply a great coming-of-age story about friends who remain tightly-knit amidst economic frailty. You can also catch a very youngMatt Damonin one of his earliest roles!
