Best Films of 1987

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1. Fatal Attraction

Plot: Directed by Adrian Lyne, this psychological thriller follows Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas), whose extramarital affair with Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) turns into a dangerous obsession. A landmark in the erotic thriller genre. Data :

  • Genre: Thriller, Drama
  • Budget: US$ 14 million
  • Box office: US$ 320 million (highest box office of 1987)
  • Awards: Nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Film and Best Actress (Close).
  • Impact: Redefined the psychological thriller and popularized debates about fidelity.

2. Lethal Weapon (Lethal Weapon)

Synopsis: Directed by Richard Donner, the film features police officers Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) in an explosive partnership against criminals. A classic of the buddy cop genre. Data :

  • Genre: Action, Police
  • Budget: US$ 15 million
  • Box office: US$ 120 million
  • Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound.
  • Impact: Started an iconic franchise and defining the 80s action genre.

3. The Last Emperor

Description: Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this biographical epic chronicles the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China, from his childhood to his communist re-education. Visually stunning, it was filmed in the Forbidden City. Data :

  • Genre: Drama, Historical
  • Budget: US$ 23 million
  • Box office: US$44 million (biggest critical success)
  • Awards: Won 9 Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director.
  • Impact: One of the most awarded epics of the decade.

4. The Untouchables (The Untouchables)

Synopsis: Directed by Brian De Palma, the film follows Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team in the fight against Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in Chicago in the 1930s. It mixes action and historical drama. Data :

  • Genre: Police, Drama
  • Budget: US$ 25 million
  • Box office: US$ 76 million
  • Awards: Won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (Sean Connery).
  • Impact: Praised for performances and for Ennio Morricone's score.

5. Dirty Dancing: Hot Rhythm

Synopsis: Directed by Emile Ardolino, this musical romance follows Baby (Jennifer Grey) and dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze) at a resort in the 1960s. Famous for its soundtrack and dance scenes. Data:

  • Genre: Romance, Musical
  • Budget: US$6 million
  • Box office: US$ 214 million
  • Awards: Won the Oscar for Best Original Song ("(I've Had) The Time of My Life").
  • Impact: Cultural icon, with lasting impact on dance and music.

6. Predator (Predator)

Description: Directed by John McTiernan, this sci-fi action film sees a military commando (led by Arnold Schwarzenegger) face off against a hunter in the jungle. Data :

  • Genre: Action, Science Fiction
  • Budget: US$ 15 million
  • Box office: US$ 98 million
  • Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
  • Impact: Started a franchise and became an action classic.

7. Moon Spell

Plot: Directed by Norman Jewison, this romantic comedy follows Loretta (Cher), a widow who falls in love with her fiancé's brother (Nicolas Cage). Mixes humor and family drama. Data:

  • Genre: Comedy, Romance
  • Budget: US$ 15 million
  • Box office: US$ 80 million
  • Awards: Won 3 Oscars, including Best Actress (Cher).
  • Impact: Praised for performances and Italian-American charm.

8. Three Bachelors and a Baby

Synopsis: Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this comedy shows three singles (Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, Ted Danson) caring for a baby left on their doorstep. Remake of a French film. Data :

  • Genre: Comedy
  • Budget: US$ 11 million
  • Box office: US$ 167 million
  • Awards: No big prizes, but huge commercial success.
  • Impact: One of the most popular comedies of the decade.

9. Wall Street: Power and Greed (Wall Street)

Plot: Directed by Oliver Stone, the film explores the ambition of a young broker (Charlie Sheen) guided by tycoon Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) in the financial world. Data :

  • Genre: Drama
  • Budget: US$ 15 million
  • Box office: US$44 million
  • Awards: Won or Oscar for Best Actor (Douglas).
  • Impact: Phrase “Greed is good” became iconic.

10. Good Morning, Vietnam (Good Morning, Vietnam)

Description: Directed by Barry Levinson, this drama/comedy features Robin Williams as a radio DJ in Vietnam, bringing humor to the midst of war. Based on real facts. Data :

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Budget: US$ 13 million
  • Box office: US$ 123 million
  • Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor (Williams).
  • Impact: Established Williams as a dramatic and comedic actor.

Of the most popular and successful films of 1987, which one is off this list? Comment: