(6) Revenge of the Nerds vs. (11) The Princess Bride
(6) Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
This movie captures 1980s college comedy, fraternity culture, early computer enthusiasm, and the rise of the nerd as an unlikely hero. Some portions have aged poorly, but its characters, soundtrack, social stereotypes, and underdog premise remain strongly associated with the decade.
(11) The Princess Bride (1987)
Although most of the story unfolds in a fairy-tale world, its contemporary framing and extraordinary staying power earned it an exception to the setting rule. Few films from the decade remain as beloved, rewatchable, or endlessly quotable. Its dialogue has become so embedded in popular culture that excluding it would leave the tournament incomplete.