The 100 Project: Top 10 Movies of 1984

Yes, The 100 Project is going waaaaayyy slower than what I planned on, but we've arrived at what many consider to be one of the greatest years in cinematic history, 1984. To be honest, I don't think I can do it justice. There are just so many titles from this year that I haven't seen. That said, I am pretty happy with what I have watched. Let's get to it.

My Top 10 Movies of 1984

• According to my Letterboxd account, I watched 69 movies released during 1984.
• According to that same account, and my memories, I saw 13 movies in theaters. 7 of them made the list. 2 more are honorable mentions.
• 4 of the top 10 plus 1 honorable mention have African-American protagonists

10. The Karate Kid

I already know that this is the movie that other people likely have way higher than me. That's fine. I really do like it, hence the reason it makes my list at all. It's really relatable for teens and has a heart-warming story that perfectly rips off adapts the Rocky formula. And that performance by Pat Morita really carries the film.

9. Ghostbusters

Okay, so this is another one you might have way higher on your list. I understand why. This is peak Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, and most important of all, Harold Ramis. They, along with Sigourney Weaver, combine to make it a really fun movie with lots of iconic moments.

8. Gremlins

Seeing this as a youngster, I really liked this movie, but I didn't "get it" as much as I did the two movies below it on this list. In the years since, I've returned to this more than the others and it's because there's more to unpack. What I thought was a kiddie flick is really a dark comedy with a twisted sense of humor that you might miss if you're not paying close attention. Even all these years later, I can put this movie on and see something that I haven't before.

7. Beverly Hills Cop

This is where Eddie Murphy proved he could carry a movie. Studio execs weren't sure early on so they put him with a more established white actor, essentially relegating him to the sidekick road. However, after this movie's many twists and turns in development hell, it landed in Murphy's lap and he ran with it. I went and saw it with my best friend. On the way home from the theater, and for weeks after that, we were constantly quoting this movie and laughing every time.

6. Beat Street

If you've been around this blog, you may have figured out that I'm a lifelong hip-hop fan. And for me, this is the best movie based on the culture. It captures exactly what it was like to be around during hip-hop's formative years on all fronts, not just rapping. In fact, rap is the aspect of the culture it focuses least on. Every part of it captures a piece of the reality I called childhood. (Greatest Movies About Hip Hop Part 2)

5. Purple Rain

I'm also a big time Prince fan. I was there, in the theater, opening weekend even though I was nowhere near old enough to be watching it. I loved every minute of it and shortly had the lyrics to every song committed to memory. I've lost count long ago of how many times I've watched this movie. Sure, I'll understand if this movie isn't anywhere close to your list. I'll understand if you go down to the bottom of this list and tell me I have it backwards. Those movies just don't speak to me the same way this one does. (More Purple Rain related posts)

4. A Nightmare on Elm Street

As slashers go, this is easily one of the best. And why not? The killer that drives the action ssn't some mindless mad man chasing kids down in the woods, or even through the neighborhood. Sure, he focuses on the children of Elm Street, but he gets them in the one place every person must go - their own sleep. It's an amazing concept, amazingly executed. This is another of those great theater experiences that had a major impact on me and stuck with long after the credits rolled. (Proof of a Movie God: A Nightmare on Elm Street)

3. A Soldier's Story

This might be the most severely underrated movie I've ever seen. Some films I rate highly I can attest to just my personal taste or how well I relate to the people in them. This is different. It's genuinely great. It earned three Academy Award nominations - Charles Fuller's script for Best Adapted Screenplay, Adolph Caesar for Best Supporting Actor, and the big one, Best Picture. Every minute of  the mystery at its core is nothing short of riveting. The acting is outstanding across the board, including great work from Howard E. Rollins in the lead and a young Denzel Washington. It also has lots to say, not just about racism, but more about prejudice within the black community itself. Still, I talk to so many people, in person or online, black or white, who have never heard of this movie. If you're one of those people, or if you have heard of it but haven't seen it, do yourself a favor, find it, and watch it.

2. The Terminator

The idea that machines will take over the world is one humans have long held. This movie brings our deepest fears with regards to said machines into sharp focus. Ironically, it's the limitations of the actor in the titular role, a very green Arnold Schwarzenegger, that really makes the movie as menacing as it is. Nowadays, Arnie is an affable, charming fellow and has grown into a fairly capable actor. Then, he could do little more than be the hulking, stone-faced figure relentlessly, and coldly, stomping across the screen - a killing machine brought to life and bent on killing US. In my opinion, this unsettling piece of sci-fi-horror is better than its happier, flashier, more polished sequel. (Proof of a Movie God: The Terminator)

1. Once Upon a Time in America

Some movies discourage viewing simply by their sheer run-time. Clocking in at a menacing 229 minutes, the best version of this movie certainly qualifies. I came across it late at night, on HBO, in the summer of 1985, without realizing how long it was. It came on. I watched it, and loved it. I watched it several more times that summer and still loved it. Years later, I bought it, watched it, and loved it even more, as I got even more out of it than I had as a teen. DeNiro and James Woods are both amazing, and the direction by Sergio Leone is off the charts good. He really earns the near-four hours of your time this movie demands and delivers one of the very best gangster movies ever made. As proof, that same summer I watched the longer version, I also watched the 139 minute US version a few times, because HBO played that one too, and it's not even close to being as good. Therefore, if this post inspires you to watch this, dive all the way in. Use that time you would to binge four or five episodes of whatever series you're currently watching, and give yourself over to Mr. Leone.

Honorable Mentions (alphabetically): Bachelor Party, The Brother From Another Planet, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Last Starfighter, The Neverending Story, Police Academy, Revenge of the Nerds, Romancing the Stone, Sixteen Candles, Splash, The Woman in Red

Check out the rest of The 100 Project!