In the realm of cinematic history, the 1980s stands out as an important decade when filmmakers enthralled audiences with a plethora of timeless classics. Producers in those years made highly entertaining films, and they attempted to incorporate technical aspects into their projects. From science-fiction to fantasy films, the 80s gave birth to many iconic characters that still resonate with audiences today. These films not only enthralled the audience but also performed well at the box office. So let’s take a look at the 7 highest-grossing films of the 1980s worldwide.
The 7 highest-grossing films of the 1980s at the worldwide box office
1. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Promising plenty of humor and good action sequences, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is one of the classics produced by Steven Spielberg. Written by Melissa Mathison, the sci-fi film tells the story of a boy named Elliot. He meets an extraterrestrial being (ET) and they become friends. It tells how Elliot helps his new alien friend find his way home as he becomes stranded on Earth. The Extra-Terrestrial emerged as a major financial success for the producers as it grossed US$797 million at the worldwide box office. Undoubtedly, the Steven Spielberg directed film earned blockbuster earnings during its theatrical release.
2. Star Wars EP. V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
With Irwin Kershner as director, Star Wars Ep. V: The Empire Strikes Back scripted a resounding success by dominating the box office. Although it is arguably one of the best Star Wars films, the film’s positive publicity helped bring people to theaters during its release. Comparing The Empire Strikes Back’s worldwide earnings to its US$30 million production budget proves the magic of the producers’ unprecedented cinematic effort. It grossed US$549 million and is the second highest-grossing film of the 1980s. Star Wars EP. V: The Empire Strikes Back performed well at the domestic box office as well as in international markets.
3. Star Wars EP. VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The film is the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy but is considered the weakest entry. However it is the lowest-grossing film in the original trilogy, a Star Wars episode. VI: Return of the Jedi emerged as a success in terms of box office collections. With a worldwide gross of US$482 million, the film, directed by Richard Marquand, is one of the highest-grossing films of the 1980s. Actually, the previous two films have a good reputation among the audience, but Return of the Jedi did not receive the same critical response.
4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
The film’s incredible box office business, which made it a blockbuster, was not just due to the nostalgia factor among fans. People were extremely enthusiastic and their enthusiasm contributed significantly to the collection of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The popularity of the franchise grew rapidly after the release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade due to Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The 1989 film grossed US$474 million, proving to be a huge box office success for several reasons. Indy’s father, Sean Connery, played a significant role in the film’s box office performance.
5. Batman (1989)
Batman isn’t just about the character. When director Tim Burton presented the character on screen in a new and better way, people went crazy. It also featured Jack Nicholson as the Joker and the film became a cultural phenomenon. The iconic Bat-symbol featured on toys, clothing and other merchandise explains Batman’s success. The 1989 film grossed US$411 million globally and is one of the most profitable Batman films of all time. The film, starring Michael Keaton, won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
6. Back to the Future (1985)
The concept of time travel explored in Back to the Future compelled people to experience it by watching it in theaters. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the 1985 film was a critical and commercial success. It grossed US$388 million at the worldwide box office and ranked sixth among the highest-grossing films of the 1980s. However, the franchise’s sequels grossed less than the previous film, making Back to the Future the most financially successful film among its other installments.
7. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The world can thank Steven Spielberg as he introduced audiences to an iconic character that is still relevant today. Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first entry in the Indiana Jones franchise and is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It not only achieved impressive box office success, but also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film, starring Harrison Ford, collected US$367 million globally and ranked seventh on the list of the 7 highest-grossing films of the 1980s worldwide.
The following is the list of all-time highest-grossing films of the 1980s:
| Post | Movies | box office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ET extra-terrestrial | 797 million US dollars |
| 2 | Star Wars EP. V: The Empire Strikes Back | 549 million usd |
| 3 | Star Wars EP. VI: Return of the Jedi | US$482 million |
| 4 | Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade | US$474 million |
| 5 | batman | US$411 million |
| 6 | back to the future | US$388 million |
| 7 | Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark | US$367 million |
Well, you can also check out Pinkvilla’s list of highest-grossing films of the 1990s and highest-grossing anime films globally.
Disclaimer: Box office figures are compiled from various sources and our own research. Figures may be approximate, and Pinkvilla makes no claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequate indicators of the box-office performance of the respective films.
Also read: 7 highest-grossing Tom Hanks movies worldwide: Toy Story 4, Forrest Gump and more
