Category Archives: Movies 1980s

‘Back to the Future’ opens in U.S. theaters 30 years ago today (July 3 1985)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'Back to the Future' trailer

(Wednesday, July 3, 1985) — Back to the Future, a comic science fiction film about a young man who travels into the past and almost keeps his parents from getting married, opened today at Loew’s State in New York City and other theaters in the U.S.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover.

‘Into the Groove’ by Madonna tops USA dance club chart 30 years ago today (June 29 1985)

1980s, Movies 1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, June 29, 1985) — “Into The Groove”” by Madonna peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for one week.

While a very popular track at the time with heavy rotation on MTV, “Into the Groove” was only available as the B-side of the 12-inch single of “Angel,” and therefore not eligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 according to the rules at the time.

‘Cocoon’ opens in U.S. theaters 30 years ago today (June 21 1985)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'Cocoon' trailer

(Friday, June 21, 1985) — Cocoon, a science fiction film about a group of elderly people are rejuvenated by aliens after swimming in a pool, was released today in U.S. theaters.

Directed by Ron Howard, the film starred Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Brian Dennehy, Jack Gilford, Steve Guttenberg, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Herta Ware and Tahnee Welch.

‘The Goonies’ released in North America 30 years ago today (June 7 1985)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'The Goonies' trailer

(Friday, June 7, 1985) — The Goonies, an adventure comedy film about a band of young boys who find a treasure map and embark on a magical adventure, was released today in North America.

Directed by Richard Donner, the film starred Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton and Ke Huy Quan.

‘Ran’ released in Japan 30 years ago today (May 31 1985)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'Ran' trailer

(Friday, May 31, 1985) — Ran, a Japanese-French jidaigeki epic film about how an aging lord’s decision to retire brings out the worst in his sons, was released today at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Directed by Akira Kurosawa, the film starred Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu and Daisuke Ryu.

James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’ premieres in San Francisco 30 years ago today (May 22 1985)

1980s, James Bond, Movies 1980s


Video: 'A View To a Kill - Premiere Footage 85'

(Wednesday, May 22, 1985) — James Bond is pitted against Max Zorin, who plans to destroy California’s Silicon Valley, in A View to a Kill, which premiered today in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts. Continue reading James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’ premieres in San Francisco 30 years ago today (May 22 1985) →

‘Braveheart’ opens at Seattle International Film Festival 20 years ago today (May 18 1995)

1980s, 1990s, Movies 1980s, movies 1990s


Video: 'Braveheart' trailer

(Thursday, May 18, 1995) — Braveheart, an epic historical medieval war drama film about William Wallace, who rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers, opened today at the Seattle International Film Festival.

Directed by Mel Gibson, the film starred Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan and Catherine McCormack.