Best Films of 1986

1. Top Gun: Indomitable Aces (Top Gun)

Description: Directed by Tony Scott, this action film follows Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise), a naval fighter pilot who faces professional and personal challenges at the elite Top Gun school. With exciting aerial scenes and an iconic soundtrack, it became a staple of the 80s. Data:

• Genre: Action, Drama
• Budget: US$15 million
• Box office: US$ 356 million (highest box office of 1986)
• Awards: Won the Oscar for Best Original Song ("Take My Breath Away").
• Impact: Established Tom Cruise as a star and influenced pop culture with his aesthetics and soundtrack.

2. Aliens, The Rescue (Aliens)

Description: Directed by James Cameron, this sequel to Alien (1979) follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) returning to the planet infested by xenomorphs, now with space marines. A landmark in action and science fiction cinema. Data:

• Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Horror
• Budget: US$ 18 million
• Box office: US$ 131 million
• Awards: Won 2 Oscars (Best Visual Effects and Sound Editing); nominated for 7, including Best Actress.
• Impact: Redefined action sequences and consolidated Ripley as a feminist icon.

3. Platoon

Description: Directed by Oliver Stone, this war drama follows a young soldier (Charlie Sheen) in Vietnam, facing the horrors of conflict and moral tensions between his superiors (Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe). Data:

• Genre: Drama, War
• Budget: US$6 million
• Box office: US$ 138 million
• Awards: Won 4 Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director.
• Impact: One of the most acclaimed war films, with strong anti-war criticism.

4. Crocodile Dundee (Crocodile Dundee)

Description: Directed by Peter Faiman, this adventure comedy features Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan), an Australian hunter who goes to New York with a journalist (Linda Kozlowski). An unexpected success due to the chemistry of the protagonists. Data:

• Genre: Comedy, Adventure
• Budget: US$8 million
• Box office: US$ 328 million
• Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
• Impact: Popularized Australian culture globally.

5. Karate Kid II: The Moment of Truth Continues (The Karate Kid Part II)

Description: Directed by John G. Avildsen, the sequel takes Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Miyagi (Pat Morita) to Japan, facing new martial and cultural challenges. Data:

• Genre: Drama, Sport
• Budget: US$ 13 million
• Box office: US$ 115 million
• Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song ("Glory of Love").
• Impact: Increased the popularity of the Karate Kid franchise.

6. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Description: Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the crew of the Enterprise travels back in time to 1980s San Francisco to save whales and the future of Earth. Mixes science fiction and humor. Data:

• Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
• Budget: US$ 21 million
• Box office: US$ 133 million
• Awards: Nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Cinematography.
• Impact: One of the most accessible films in the Star Trek franchise.

7. Enjoying Life Adoidado (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

Description: Directed by John Hughes, it follows Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), a teenager who skips school to live an epic day in Chicago with friends. Data:

• Genre: Comedy
• Budget: US$5 million
• Box office: US$70 million
• Awards: No big awards, but cult status.
• Impact: Icon of 80s teen cinema.

8. The Mission

Description: Directed by Roland Joffé, this historical drama follows a Jesuit (Jeremy Irons) and a former mercenary (Robert De Niro) defending a mission in South America in the 18th century. Data:

• Genre: Drama, Historical
• Budget: US$24 million
• Box office: US$ 17 million (greater critical success than box office success)
• Awards: Won the Oscar for Best Cinematography; nominated for 7, including Best Film.
• Impact: Praised for its soundtrack (Ennio Morricone) and historical themes.

9. Stand by Me

Description: Directed by Rob Reiner, based on a short story by Stephen King, it follows four teenage friends in search of a missing body, exploring friendship and maturity. Data:

• Genre: Drama, Adventure
• Budget: US$8 million
• Box office: US$52 million
• Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
• Impact: A nostalgic classic from the 80s.

Of the most popular and successful films of 1986, which one is off this list? Comment: