CFB51 College Football Fan Community

The Power Four => Big Ten => Topic started by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:03:41 PM

Title: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:03:41 PM
I have been thinking about doing this for awhile.  

Given that we are heavily Gen X (b. 1965-1980) on this board, I think this is the perfect venue for this.  

OFFICIAL 1980's MOVIE TOURNAMENT
I'm putting together a 64-movie NCAA-style tournament to determine:
This is not necessarily a tournament to determine the best movie.
It isn't about Oscars, critics, box-office totals, or which film was the greatest work of cinema.
The question is:
The movies were selected using things like:

Movies actually set in the 1980's received a major advantage. Movies set in another historical period generally did not make the field, even if they were released during the decade.
Franchises are generally limited to one representative so the bracket isn't overloaded with sequels.
The tournament will include:
Some of the movies in the field include:

The complete bracket and first-round matchups will be posted next.
Once voting begins, choose the movie that is more 80's—not simply the movie you think is better.

I will be posting up the full 64 field of teams in the next post.  Please refrain from making suggestions until I have the whole field up.  And if there is an unforgettable movie that I somehow missed, let me know and we'll see what we can do.  I just made this list from my own experiences, being born smack dab in the middle of Gen X (1975).  

When voting begins, don't vote for the movie you think is better.
Vote for the movie that is MORE 80's.
Game on.



Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:04:36 PM
OFFICIAL 1980's MOVIE TOURNAMENT

THE FOUR REGIONS

🕹️ ATARI REGION
📺 MTV REGION
🚘 DeLOREAN REGION
💇 BIG HAIR REGION

Each region will contain 16 movies, seeded from #1 through #16.
The winner of each region advances to the Final Four, where the tournament will determine:
WHAT IS THE MOST 80'S MOVIE EVER MADE?


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:07:10 PM
🕹️ Atari Region
(1) Ghostbusters vs. (16) The Great Outdoors
(1) Ghostbusters (1984)
Few movies combined comedy, music, special effects, merchandising, memorable characters, and quotable dialogue as successfully as Ghostbusters. Its logo, theme song, proton packs, Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and one-liners remain instantly recognizable across generations. It is not merely a successful movie from the 1980s—it became part of the decade’s identity.
(16) The Great Outdoors (1988)
John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, the Old 96er, the bald-headed bear, and a disastrous family vacation give The Great Outdoors lasting appeal. It earned a lower seed because its cultural reach is narrower than the tournament heavyweights, but its best scenes remain memorable, quotable, and beloved by audiences who grew up with it.
(8) Real Genius vs. (9) Commando
(8) Real Genius (1985)
Lasers, military technology, college nerd culture, Val Kilmer, and a house filled with popcorn make Real Genius unmistakably ’80s. It was never the decade’s biggest blockbuster, but its intelligent humor, quotable dialogue, and devoted cult following have allowed it to survive long after many larger movies were forgotten.
(9) Commando (1985)
Commando represents the wonderfully excessive side of 1980s action filmmaking. Arnold Schwarzenegger, impossible firepower, enormous muscles, outrageous kills, and ridiculous one-liners make it endlessly memorable. Few movies better demonstrate the decade’s belief that one heavily armed hero could defeat an entire private army before dinner.
(5) Trading Places vs. (12) Heathers
(5) Trading Places (1983)
Trading Places captures early-’80s wealth, Wall Street culture, class divisions, and the arrival of Eddie Murphy as a major star. It remains funny, sharp, quotable, and highly rewatchable decades later. Its combination of social satire and broad comedy gives it staying power beyond its original era.
(12) Heathers (1989)
Heathers took the familiar 1980s high-school movie and turned it into a dark, cynical satire. Its cliques, fashion, exaggerated slang, Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and later cult reputation earned it a place in the tournament. It received a lower seed because its appeal is less universal than the major John Hughes films, but its influence and quotability have endured.
(4) WarGames vs. (13) Field of Dreams
(4) WarGames (1983)
Home computers, arcades, hacking, nuclear war, and Cold War anxiety make WarGames one of the purest early-’80s time capsules. It introduced an entire generation to the possibilities—and dangers—of connected computers while asking whether technology could accidentally bring the world to the edge of destruction.
(13) Field of Dreams (1989)
Field of Dreams is not visually loud or stereotypically ’80s, but few films from the decade have demonstrated greater emotional staying power. Its baseball imagery, father-and-son themes, Iowa cornfield, and famous lines remain widely recognized. It earned its place by transcending the decade rather than visually defining it.
(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.
(3) Beverly Hills Cop vs. (14) They Live
(3) Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Eddie Murphy, the Axel F theme, Beverly Hills excess, action-comedy, and one of the decade’s most charismatic lead performances make this a heavyweight contender. It helped define Murphy’s career and established a style of fast-moving action comedy that would be copied throughout the decade.
(14) They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s satire of consumerism, advertising, wealth, conformity, and media manipulation is deeply rooted in the 1980s. Its sunglasses, hidden messages, famous fight scene, and highly quotable dialogue have given it tremendous cult staying power. It may be a lower seed, but it remains one of the decade’s sharpest cultural commentaries.
(7) Police Academy — Franchise Rule vs. (10) Rain Man
(7) Police Academy — Franchise Rule
The original Police Academy and its many sequels became a defining comedy franchise of the decade. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Hooks, Jones, Commandant Lassard, and the series’ unmistakable sound effects became widely recognizable. One entry represents the franchise rather than allowing its sequels to occupy multiple tournament positions.
(10) Rain Man (1988)
Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise turned Rain Man into one of the decade’s biggest and most remembered dramas. Its performances, road-trip structure, casino sequence, repeated dialogue, and emotional development remain part of popular culture. It is not the flashiest ’80s movie, but its staying power is undeniable.
(2) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial vs. (15) Cocktail
(2) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
BMX bicycles, suburban neighborhoods, Reese’s Pieces, Speak & Spell, John Williams, Steven Spielberg, and the bicycle crossing the moon make E.T. one of the defining cultural landmarks of the decade. It captures both the freedom and loneliness of 1980s childhood and remains emotionally powerful across generations.
(15) Cocktail (1988)
Tom Cruise, flair bartending, tropical escapism, ambition, romance, fashion, and a hugely successful soundtrack make Cocktail a distinctly late-’80s artifact. It may not be a critical favorite, but its style, music, and attitude make it nearly impossible to mistake for a movie from any other era.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:07:50 PM
📺 MTV Region
(1) Top Gun vs. (16) Scrooged
(1) Top Gun (1986)
Few movies concentrate more 1980s style, music, attitude, and confidence into every scene. Fighter jets, motorcycles, Ray-Bans, beach volleyball, Cold War swagger, Tom Cruise, Kenny Loggins, and Berlin make Top Gun one of the strongest contenders to win the entire tournament. It did not merely reflect the decade—it helped define what people thought the decade looked and sounded like.
(16) Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray’s dark, sarcastic take on A Christmas Carol is packed with late-’80s television culture, corporate excess, practical effects, celebrity cameos, and memorable comedy. Its Christmas-specific identity lowered its seed, but its humor, performances, and annual rewatchability earned it a place in the field.
(8) Big vs. (9) Mr. Mom
(8) Big (1988)
The giant piano scene, Zoltar, the toy company, Tom Hanks, and the wish to become an adult remain instantly recognizable. Big combines childhood wonder with a distinctly 1980s vision of toys, corporate work, New York, and adulthood. Its warmth, humor, and lasting popularity make it one of the most broadly appealing movies in the tournament.
(9) Mr. Mom (1983)
Recession-era layoffs, changing household roles, suburban parenting, daytime television, coupon culture, and Michael Keaton make Mr. Mom a genuine early-’80s social time capsule. The premise reflected a period when traditional family roles were changing, and the movie remains memorable because of both its comedy and its snapshot of everyday life.
(5) Footloose vs. (12) Predator
(5) Footloose (1984)
Kevin Bacon, teenage rebellion, dancing, small-town restrictions, fashion, and one of the decade’s biggest soundtracks make Footloose a natural tournament entry. Songs such as “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” have kept the movie alive across generations, while its dance sequences remain inseparable from the popular image of the 1980s.
(12) Predator (1987)
The jungle setting does not diminish its unmistakable 1980s identity. Muscles, military hardware, practical effects, Arnold Schwarzenegger, macho dialogue, and one of cinema’s greatest creatures give Predator enormous staying power. It also contains some of the most recognizable handshakes, one-liners, and action imagery of the decade.
(4) Purple Rain vs. (13) The Naked Gun
(4) Purple Rain (1984)
Prince, the motorcycle, the fashion, the Minneapolis sound, the performances, and one of the decade’s defining albums make Purple Rain inseparable from 1980s music and culture. Even people who have never watched the entire film recognize its songs, imagery, clothing, and star. Few entries represent the MTV side of the decade more completely.
(13) The Naked Gun (1988)
Rapid-fire jokes, visual gags, absurd dialogue, and Leslie Nielsen’s perfectly serious performance made The Naked Gun one of the decade’s most durable comedies. Its scenes and lines are still quoted, and its influence can be seen in countless parody movies that followed.
(6) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation vs. (11) Lethal Weapon
(6) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark’s lights, the Christmas bonus, Cousin Eddie, the squirrel, the sled, and dozens of quotable scenes gave Christmas Vacation a cultural life far beyond its original release. Its annual holiday rewatchability has made it one of the most enduring comedies produced during the decade. It received a middle seed because its identity is more specifically Christmas than broadly ’80s.
(11) Lethal Weapon (1987)
Buddy-cop chemistry, Los Angeles, practical stunts, action, humor, Mel Gibson, and Danny Glover helped establish one of the defining action franchises of the era. Riggs and Murtaugh became lasting characters, and the movie’s blend of danger, comedy, and partnership influenced action films for years afterward.
(3) Rocky III / Rocky IV — Franchise Rule vs. (14) Road House
(3) Rocky III / Rocky IV — Franchise Rule
Mr. T, Hulk Hogan, Survivor, training montages, enormous wealth, robots, James Brown, Cold War rivalry, patriotism, and pure excess make these films a concentrated formula for 1980s popular culture. Rather than allowing two similar sequels to occupy separate positions, they combine under the Franchise Rule to represent Rocky at his most unmistakably ’80s.
(14) Road House (1989)
Patrick Swayze, barroom fights, outrageous villains, martial arts, mullets, blues music, and endlessly quotable dialogue helped Road House grow from a modest release into a major cult favorite. Its exaggerated masculinity and late-’80s action style make it impossible to mistake for a movie from another decade.
(7) The Lost Boys vs. (10) St. Elmo’s Fire
(7) The Lost Boys (1987)
Vampires, motorcycles, leather jackets, big hair, the California boardwalk, synthesizers, the Coreys, and an unforgettable saxophone performance make The Lost Boys one of the most visually ’80s movies in the field. Its soundtrack, style, and mixture of horror and youth culture have given it lasting cult appeal.
(10) St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Its staying power may be weaker than that of The Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller, but its Brat Pack cast, fashion, music, relationships, ambition, and young-adult drama make it a valuable mid-’80s time capsule. It represents the uncertain transition from college life into adulthood and professional ambition.
(2) The Karate Kid vs. (15) Wall Street
(2) The Karate Kid (1984)
Mr. Miyagi, Cobra Kai, “wax on, wax off,” the crane kick, the headband, the tournament, and the underdog story have remained culturally alive for more than forty years. The later success of Cobra Kai proved that its characters, rivalries, lessons, and imagery could still connect with entirely new generations.
(15) Wall Street (1987)
Few movies capture 1980s ambition, financial culture, corporate fashion, materialism, and greed as directly as Wall Street. Gordon Gekko became an icon, and “greed is good” became shorthand for the decade’s most aggressive version of capitalism. Its seed is low, but its cultural relevance is undeniable.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:08:21 PM
🚘 DeLorean Region
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vs. (16) Twins
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris remains one of the decade’s most recognizable and quotable characters. The Ferrari, the parade, Cameron, Rooney, suburban teenage freedom, direct-to-camera commentary, and the fantasy of skipping school for one perfect day have all transcended the 1980s. Few movies remain as relatable, rewatchable, or instantly identifiable.
(16) Twins (1988)
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito are an unforgettable comic pairing. The high-concept premise, fish-out-of-water comedy, late-’80s style, and sheer star power earned Twins a place in the field. Its cultural reach is narrower than the higher seeds, but the central pairing remains widely recognized.
(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure vs. (9) The NeverEnding Story
(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted’s slang, clothes, music obsession, optimism, and lovable stupidity are completely tied to 1989. Even while traveling through history, the two leads remain unmistakably late-’80s teenagers. Their dialogue and attitude have endured well beyond the movie’s original audience.
(9) The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Falkor, the Childlike Empress, Atreyu, the theme song, practical effects, and the emotional weight of the story made this a defining childhood movie for many who grew up in the decade. Its fantasy setting required an exception, but its imagery and emotional staying power made it too important to omit.
(5) Risky Business vs. (12) Spaceballs
(5) Risky Business (1983)
Tom Cruise, suburban privilege, teenage ambition, the Porsche, synthesizer music, and the famous dance scene make Risky Business one of the clearest portraits of early-’80s aspiration and anxiety. It is stylish, memorable, and inseparable from Cruise’s rise to stardom.
(12) Spaceballs (1987)
Its parody of Star Wars, merchandising jokes, absurd characters, and endlessly repeated dialogue have given Spaceballs extraordinary staying power. It earns a cultural-impact exception because its humor became part of the decade’s pop-culture vocabulary even though the story takes place in a fictional universe.
(4) The Terminator vs. (13) Crocodile Dundee
(4) The Terminator (1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back,” neon Los Angeles, synthesizer music, technology anxiety, time travel, and practical effects make The Terminator one of the defining science-fiction films of the decade. Its visual style and dialogue remain instantly recognizable.
(13) Crocodile Dundee (1986)
The hat, the knife, the Australian wilderness, the New York culture clash, and Paul Hogan’s relaxed confidence became a worldwide phenomenon. Its most famous scenes and lines are still remembered, and the character became one of the decade’s most recognizable international icons.
(6) Die Hard vs. (11) Batman
(6) Die Hard (1988)
John McClane, Hans Gruber, Nakatomi Plaza, practical action, walkie-talkie dialogue, and the endless Christmas-movie debate give Die Hard exceptional staying power. It created a template that action movies copied for years and remains one of the most rewatched films of the decade.
(11) Batman (1989)
The movie is not set in ordinary 1980s America, but the cultural phenomenon surrounding it was enormous. The black-and-yellow logo, Prince soundtrack, merchandise, Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and full-scale “Batmania” made it a defining entertainment event of 1989.
(3) The Goonies vs. (14) Major League
(3) The Goonies (1985)
Bicycles, unsupervised kids, treasure maps, practical adventure, Data’s inventions, Chunk, Sloth, and “Goonies never say die” make this one of the decade’s great childhood movies. It remains highly rewatchable and continues to connect with audiences who were not alive when it was released.
(14) Major League (1989)
Wild Thing, Jobu, Harry Doyle, the Cleveland underdogs, and a deep collection of quotable scenes helped Major League become one of the most enduring sports comedies ever made. Its lower seed reflects its narrower sports audience, not a lack of staying power.
(7) Weird Science vs. (10) Say Anything…
(7) Weird Science (1985)
Teenage computer fantasies, Anthony Michael Hall, Kelly LeBrock, synthesizers, house parties, outrageous fashion, and wish-fulfillment comedy make this a pure John Hughes-era creation. Its premise and style could hardly belong to any other decade.
(10) Say Anything… (1989)
The boom-box scene became one of the defining romantic images of the era. John Cusack’s performance, the movie’s treatment of young adulthood, and its emotional honesty gave it long-term staying power beyond its late-’80s setting.
(2) Back to the Future vs. (15) Weekend at Bernie’s
(2) Back to the Future (1985)
Although much of the story occurs in 1955, Marty McFly is unmistakably a product of 1985. The DeLorean, skateboard, clothes, video camera, Huey Lewis, synthesizers, mall parking lot, and optimistic view of technology helped define the decade. It is one of the tournament’s most memorable and broadly loved entries.
(15) Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
The premise of two young employees dragging their dead boss through an entire weekend became a lasting pop-culture reference. Its beach setting, clothing, corporate greed, absurd physical comedy, and unmistakable late-’80s atmosphere earned it a lower-seed place in the field.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:08:45 PM
💇 Big Hair Region
(1) Fast Times at Ridgemont High vs. (16) The Money Pit / The ’Burbs — Tom Hanks Suburban Disaster Rule
(1) Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Few movies provide a more direct snapshot of ordinary teenage life in the early 1980s. The mall, school, minimum-wage jobs, dating, cars, clothes, music, and Jeff Spicoli make Fast Times feel almost like a documentary of the era. Its characters and scenes remain recognizable, quotable, and influential more than forty years later.
(16) The Money Pit / The ’Burbs — Tom Hanks Suburban Disaster Rule
These two movies combine under a shared theme: Tom Hanks discovering that suburban adulthood, neighbors, and homeownership can become complete nightmares. Together they represent late-’80s domestic anxiety, physical comedy, eccentric neighbors, renovation disasters, and the fear that achieving the American dream might destroy your sanity.
(8) Friday the 13th — Franchise Rule vs. (9) Short Circuit
(8) Friday the 13th — Franchise Rule
The Friday the 13th series helped define the 1980s slasher boom. Summer camps, teenage victims, ominous music, endless sequels, and Jason’s hockey mask became permanent parts of horror culture. One entry represents the franchise because its identity was built across several films rather than belonging to only the original.
(9) Short Circuit (1986)
Johnny 5, military technology, robots, computers, and the decade’s optimistic fascination with artificial intelligence make Short Circuit an unmistakably 1980s movie. Its combination of comedy, technology, innocence, and practical effects made Johnny 5 one of the decade’s most memorable nonhuman characters.
(5) A Nightmare on Elm Street vs. (12) Beetlejuice
(5) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger became one of the most recognizable characters created during the decade. His glove, striped sweater, burned face, dream attacks, dark humor, and expanding franchise presence carried him far beyond the original movie. Few horror villains became so thoroughly embedded in popular culture.
(12) Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s visual imagination, Michael Keaton’s wild performance, strange humor, practical effects, music, and unforgettable characters gave Beetlejuice enormous cult and mainstream staying power. Its bizarre style remains instantly recognizable, and the title character became one of the decade’s most enduring creations.
(4) Gremlins vs. (13) Planes, Trains and Automobiles
(4) Gremlins (1984)
Cute merchandising mixed with horror, suburban Christmas, practical creatures, dark comedy, and three rules nearly everyone remembers make Gremlins a movie that could only have come from the 1980s. Gizmo became lovable, the gremlins became iconic, and the movie perfectly captured the decade’s willingness to mix children’s entertainment with surprisingly dark material.
(13) Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy created one of the decade’s funniest and most emotionally durable comedies. Its travel disasters, memorable insults, burned-out rental car, motel scenes, and final emotional payoff have kept it popular. It earned its place through exceptional rewatchability and the chemistry between its two stars.
(6) Pretty in Pink / Sixteen Candles — John Hughes Ensemble Rule vs. (11) Coming to America
(6) Pretty in Pink / Sixteen Candles — John Hughes Ensemble Rule
These two films combine to represent John Hughes’ teen-romance world: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, high-school cliques, awkwardness, fashion, music, dances, family embarrassment, and the overwhelming emotional importance of teenage relationships. Combining them preserves both movies without allowing similar Hughes entries to consume multiple bracket positions.
(11) Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Queens, McDowell’s, royal excess, multiple characters, and highly quotable comedy have made Coming to America one of the decade’s most enduring crowd-pleasers. Its characters and jokes remain familiar across generations, and its mixture of fairy tale, romance, and urban comedy gives it a unique identity.
(3) National Lampoon’s Vacation vs. (14) Uncle Buck
(3) National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
The Griswold family, the Family Truckster, Walley World, Clark’s relentless optimism, Christie Brinkley, Cousin Eddie, and one disaster after another turned the American family road trip into a comedy landmark. It remains highly quotable and established a family whose misadventures became a major part of 1980s comedy.
(14) Uncle Buck (1989)
John Candy’s performance, the giant pancakes, the school confrontation, the babysitter interrogation, the drill scene, and Buck’s evolving relationship with the children make this one of the most remembered family comedies of the late 1980s. Its lower seed reflects its smaller cultural footprint, not a lack of affection or rewatchability.
(7) Rambo I–III — Franchise Rule vs. (10) When Harry Met Sally…
(7) Rambo I–III — Franchise Rule
The franchise evolved from a serious story about a damaged Vietnam veteran into a symbol of 1980s action, survivalism, military confidence, Cold War politics, muscles, explosions, and larger-than-life heroes. One combined entry allows the trilogy’s complete cultural transformation to be represented without giving three slots to the same character.
(10) When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Its dialogue, performances, friendships, New York setting, restaurant scene, and observations about relationships helped define the modern romantic comedy. It remains relatable, frequently quoted, and widely watched. Though less visually exaggerated than many entries, its cultural staying power is stronger than that of numerous louder films from the decade.
(2) The Breakfast Club vs. (15) Child’s Play
(2) The Breakfast Club (1985)
The clothes, music, social groups, school setting, generational conflict, dialogue, and final fist in the air make this one of the clearest time capsules of mid-1980s teenage culture. Its stereotypes remain understandable because the movie gives each character depth, allowing later generations to continue recognizing themselves in the story.
(15) Child’s Play (1988)
Chucky became a recognizable horror icon almost immediately. The Good Guys doll, television advertising, suburban apartment setting, practical effects, and dark premise gave the movie a lasting franchise identity. Its lower seed reflects the narrower reach of horror, but Chucky’s cultural recognition is undeniable.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:11:43 PM
Before you ask, I know w have some Notable Omissions.  

A few people are probably going to ask why some all-time classic movies aren't in the tournament.
The answer is simple:
This isn't a tournament to determine the greatest movies of the 1980's.
It's a tournament to determine the movie that is the MOST 80's.
A couple of examples...
Star Wars
Yes, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi were released during the 1980's.
However, Star Wars belongs to a galaxy far, far away. The movies aren't rooted in 1980's culture, fashion, music, technology, or everyday life. They're timeless science-fiction adventures that could exist outside of any decade.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Another incredible film, but it takes place primarily in the 1930's.
The same logic applies to movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. They're fantastic adventure movies, but they don't really capture what it was like to live in the 1980's.
The Rule
Whenever possible, movies that were actually set in the 1980's received a significant advantage.
High schools. Shopping malls. Arcades. Boom boxes. MTV. Walkmans. Big hair. Neon. Station wagons.
Those things are part of what this tournament is celebrating.
That doesn't necessarily make those movies better than Star Wars or Raiders.
It just makes them more 80's.


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:14:02 PM
Bubble Teams / Notable Omissions
These movies made it all the way to Selection Sunday but ultimately fell just short of receiving an invitation to the Big Dance.
Every one of these movies received consideration, and several were among the final cuts before the bracket was locked.
Notable Rule-Based Omissions
A few major movies were left out because they did not satisfy the tournament’s contemporary-setting or Franchise Rule criteria:
Think I got one wrong? Make your case.
Just remember: this is not a vote for the best movie.
It is a vote for the most ’80s movie.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 29, 2026, 05:39:27 PM
Quote from: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:03:41 PM



Movies actually set in the 1980's received a major advantage. Movies set in another historical period generally did not make the field, even if they were released during the decade.
Franchises are generally limited to one representative so the bracket isn't overloaded with sequels.
Some of the movies in the field include:
  • Ghostbusters
  • Back to the Future
  • The Karate Kid
  • Top Gun
  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
  • Die Hard
  • Batman
  • Beetlejuice
  • Predator
  • Lethal Weapon
  • The Lost Boys
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles
  • Christmas Vacation
  • Road House
  • Big
  • The Terminator
  • Beverly Hills Cop
  • Gremlins
  • Police Academy
  • WarGames
  • Trading Places
  • Mr. Mom
  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High
  • Revenge of the Nerds
  • Weird Science
  • Short Circuit
  • Coming to America
  • Spaceballs
  • The Princess Bride
  • Scrooged
  • Weekend at Bernie's
  • Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

The complete bracket and first-round matchups will be posted next.
Once voting begins, choose the movie that is more 80's—not simply the movie you think is better.

I will be posting up the full 64 field of teams in the next post.  Please refrain from making suggestions until I have the whole field up.  And if there is an unforgettable movie that I somehow missed, let me know and we'll see what we can do.  I just made this list from my own experiences, being born smack dab in the middle of Gen X (1975). 

When voting begins, don't vote for the movie you think is better.
Vote for the movie that is MORE 80's.
Game on.




Heavy on the comedies and the dude movies up there, but a few more for your consideration...

(bold for it would be a crime to leave it off):
ET
The Empire Strikes Back
When Harry Met Sally
Heathers
Rocky IV
Moonstruck
Say Anything
Friday the 13th
Nightmare on Elm Street
Poltergeist
Goonies
The Breakfast Club (or Pretty in Pink--probably can't have both)
Dirty Dancing
Do the Right Thing
Adventures in Babysitting
Steel Magnolias
St. Elmo's Fire
Terms of Endearment
Desperately Seeking Susan
Sudden Impact (Dirty Harry's entry for the decade)
Firefox
Raising Arizona
The Big Chill
Rain Man
Bull Durham
Field of Dreams
A View to a Kill (James Bond with Duran Duran in the Silicon Valley!?!)

Historical, but soooo 80s (I don't know how you can do a list of quintessentially 80s movies without these, like Batman, Spaceballs, and the Princess Bride):
Raiders of the Lost Arc
Dead Poet's Society
The Color Purple
Platoon
Stand By Me
Young Guns

Christmas Vacation over the original is a bold call.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:43:23 PM
Wait, there was a mistake in the seeding.  I had so many movie on my list, and so many "bubble teams" that I must've accidentially mixed some of them up.  

ET is definitely on the list, as is Harry Vs Sally.  Let me see if I can fix that.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 29, 2026, 05:46:15 PM
If you're including Spaceballs, how can you omit its source material, including Empire?
If you're including the Princess Bride, how can you exclude Raiders of the Lost Arc?
If you're including Batman, how can you exclude...well, that one is a little more alt history, but...ok, the rest of my historical ones can fall off.

I haven't perused your entire brackets to be sure, but my bolded choices are pretty big omissions. 


Also, I love this, and the work you put into it.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:46:30 PM
Please don't vote yet until I fix the seeding.  

And while I'm doing that, I'll take some more suggestions.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 29, 2026, 05:50:10 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on July 29, 2026, 05:46:15 PM
Also, I love this, and the work you put into it.

Seconded.  It will be tomorrow before I can really dig into this, but I love this idea and will try to vote.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 29, 2026, 05:53:25 PM
Ok, I'll narrow my suggestions down:
ET
The Empire Strikes Back
When Harry Met Sally
Heathers
Rocky IV
Moonstruck
Say Anything
The Breakfast Club
St. Elmo's Fire
The Big Chill
Rain Man
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 06:06:46 PM
I mean, Empire Strikes Back is absolutely one of the greatest movies of the 80s, but I don't really consider it to be an 80s movie.  Any more than I consider original Star Wars to be a 70s movie.  Just happens to be when it came out.

When Harry Met Sally, on the other hand, might be one of the most quintessential 80s movies there is.  The clothes, the hairstyles, the settings, the Sharper Image, the WAVE at a football game...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: ELA on July 29, 2026, 06:08:12 PM
Lost Boys musical is part of our NYC trip this weekend
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 29, 2026, 06:11:18 PM
@Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) best way to do this is to open individual voting threads. Gonna be crazy to try to tabulate the votes via copy and paste and then when we all start arguing over shit... 

Just suggesting it so you don't drive yourself nuts. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:29:20 PM
First of all, I'm so not trying to shit all over your thing. This is a major undertaking and blowback is inevitable.

That said, what in that actual fuck? Breakfast Club isn't the #1 seed overall seed? Sixteen Candles isn't even in the field??? St. Elmo's Fire??? Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is listed twice. What makes Christmas Vacation (which I love!) an 80's movie, much less a #1 seed? Mannequin not in the field? Doesn't John Hughes own 2-3 of the 4 #1 seeds by default?

Again, not trying to be mean, but dude...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:30:57 PM
Oh yeah, by the way thanks Gigem, good job, looking forward to participating.

Some people like iahawk are just so dang mean!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:32:00 PM
AGAIN, not trying to be mean!!!!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:34:41 PM
FYI, I just asked my 100% Gen-X SIL to name the top 4 *most 80's* movies off the top of her head:

#1 Breakfast Club
#2 Ferris Bueller's Day Off
#3 Pretty in Pink
#4 Sixteen Candles

I mentioned Top Gun, Back to the Future, and St. Elmo's Fire.


She said, "oh yeah, replace Sixteen Candles with St. Elmo's Fire."

So again, from a bona fide Gen-xer:

Breakfast Club
Ferris Bueller
Pretty in Pink
St. Elmo's Fire
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 29, 2026, 07:39:03 PM
I've never seen Pretty in Pink, nor St Elmo's Fire. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 29, 2026, 07:41:47 PM
Not an 80s movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQiDzkZX9iE
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:43:46 PM
Pretty in Pink is sort of a poor man's version of... well... everything.  I didn't love it but it's definitely 80s.

St. Elmo's Fire is like a darker movie version of the TV show Friends but ten years earlier.  Also not the greatest movie but iconic for the Brat Pack and a totally awesome 80s soundtrack.

I'd take Some Kind of Wonderful over both of them.


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:47:39 PM
Quote from: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:43:46 PM
Pretty in Pink is sort of a poor man's version of... well... everything.  I didn't love it but it's definitely 80s.

St. Elmo's Fire is like a darker movie version of the TV show Friends but ten years earlier.  Also not the greatest movie but iconic for the Brat Pack and a totally awesome 80s soundtrack.

I'd take Some Kind of Wonderful over both of them.



100%. I watched St. Elmo's Fire with my wife, maybe a year ago. I laughed at how bad it was. But is was quintessential Brat Pack. Sixteen Candles >>> Pretty in Pink.

But in a 64-team field, you almost have to put every Brat Pack movie in. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:50:31 PM
Oh shit. Lucas? Can't Buy Me Love? Stand by Me???
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:51:32 PM
Quote from: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:47:39 PM
100%. I watched St. Elmo's Fire with my wife, maybe a year ago. I laughed at how bad it was. But is was quintessential Brat Pack. Sixteen Candles >>> Pretty in Pink.

But in a 64-team field, you almost have to put every Brat Pack movie in.
Agree across the board.  

I think Breakfast Club is the best of all of them and as an 80s teen who was very close in age to the teens in the movie, it might end up being my pick to win it all.  It was just an incredible cultural touchstone.  And I watched it recently with my own teens and they really liked it and found it to be relevant even now 40 years later.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:53:28 PM
If we're going to include HBO/Cinemax relevance, then I'd have to toss in Krull and Beastmaster.  I don't think there was a Saturday evening between 1983 and 1987 that didn't feature one or both on HBO or Cinemax.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:55:28 PM
Quote from: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:51:32 PM
Agree across the board. 

I think Breakfast Club is the best of all of them and as an 80s teen who was very close in age to the teens in the movie, it might end up being my pick to win it all.  It was just an incredible cultural touchstone.  And I watched it recently with my own teens and they really liked it and found it to be relevant even now 40 years later.
I've seen bits and pieces over the years. I watched it in it's entirety within the last year (right along St. Elmo's Fire). It was 90% amazing, and I thought the purpose of the film was a) very important, and b) very well done. The ending pissed me off. They go through all that and then cap it off with some cliche shit.

Anyway, the most 80's movie by a mile. Ferris Bueller is *maybe* sniffing 2nd place.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 07:57:29 PM
Ferris Bueller was awesome and 80s and is actually my 18yo daughter's favorite movie.  She's constantly asking to watch it and I'm always happy to oblige.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 08:02:59 PM
Again, THANK YOU GIG'EM for putting this together.

Not easy!

I tried to do a 16-movie field for "Best 80's Movies" (Not the MOST 80's movies) within my neighborhood during COVID. I had to argue for over 45 mins to squeak Amadeus in as the 16 seed. It's hard.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 08:07:52 PM
Oh and yeah, agree on the cliche ending of Breakfast Club.  It's a bit disappointing but in a way, that cheeseball ending is part of what makes it all the more 80s.  We're the generation raised on the ABC After-School Special.  That cornball cheesiness was part of the total package.

I learned it from watching YOU, Dad!

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 08:09:52 PM
Quote from: utee94 on July 29, 2026, 08:07:52 PM

I learned it from watching YOU, Dad!


... and I'm ded. *chef's kiss*
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: ELA on July 29, 2026, 09:20:27 PM
Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on July 29, 2026, 07:39:03 PM
I've never seen Pretty in Pink, nor St Elmo's Fire.
St. Elmo's Fire is only memorable for the song
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on July 29, 2026, 09:54:02 PM
If people attempted to order an '80s Movie 4-pack',   every SKU in the marketplace would include the Breakfast Club.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on July 29, 2026, 09:55:55 PM
That Atari region is killer.     Love me some 'Better off Dead'.     I want my two-dollars!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 10:11:09 PM
Quote from: iahawk15 on July 29, 2026, 07:50:31 PM
Oh shit. Lucas? Can't Buy Me Love? Stand by Me???
Stand by me was set in the 60’s. So even though it came out in 1986 and features many big stars of the era, it’s not an “80’s” movie by rule.

I put Princess Bride in there because, as I recall, it is set in the 80’s, except it’s somebody telling a story from another era. I was never a huge fan of Princess Bride but it falls in the Beloved movies from the 80’s.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 10:17:08 PM
Guys, please hold off on criticizing the list any more, as I said, I basically had it all mapped out and simply messed up the final draft. 

I had like 120 movies under consideration so I had to make some tough choices. 

For example, I’ve never seen St Elmos fire, and to my knowledge it hardly ever gets airtime.  Staying power was one of the criteria that I considered. 

If I omitted Ferris Bueller ( it should definitely be in there as a #1 seed) that was just a goof on my part. Bueller is a perfect example of an 80’s movie with staying power. It’s still quotable and memorable and ever present in pop culture. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 30, 2026, 01:27:05 AM
Quote from: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 10:11:09 PM
 I was never a huge fan of Princess Bride 
@Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) what an ugly thing to say.  Why, does this mean we're not friends anymore?  You know, if I thought you weren't my friend...I just don't think I could bear it.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 30, 2026, 06:52:40 AM
I vote for Blues Brothers (1978). I'm on a mission from God.

Animal House (1978) too.

Uncle Buck.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on July 30, 2026, 08:46:33 AM
Blues Brothers & Animal House 

all-time classics
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 09:14:13 AM
The 70s movie tournament thread is over there --------->

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 09:14:48 AM
And Gigem, I hope you didn't take my comments as critique.  Just discussion.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 30, 2026, 09:38:57 AM
1978. Just round up dood.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 09:41:06 AM
Quote from: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 09:14:48 AM
And Gigem, I hope you didn't take my comments as critique.  Just discussion. 
It's all in good fun.  It's literally what this thread is about.  I'm about to repost my list, so stay tuned.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 09:43:52 AM
Quote from: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 09:41:06 AM
It's all in good fun.  It's literally what this thread is about.  I'm about to repost my list, so stay tuned. 
I sure hope you'll consider my suggestions of Krull and Beastmaster. :cool2:
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 10:49:00 AM
OK guys.  I fixed the brackets.  I had to leave out some amazing movies, and I fixed some of the #1 seeds.  

If there are any more mistakes, let me know.  

I know we can argue about which movies I left in, and which ones I left out.  

It's all in Good Fun, and remember, just because I didn't put one of your favorites into the top seeds, doesn't mean it can't win.  I intentionally left some of my top seeds out of the top billing just because I tried not to let my personal preferences dominate the field.  That being said, this list is hugely reflective of my childhood memories and experiences.  Feel free to openly debate, and remember to vote, and it's all in good fun.  

If you like, we can even have mini-tournaments like best 1980's Christmas movie, or horror movie, etc.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 10:51:20 AM
Sounds good.

And I'd probably follow brad's suggestion and break each bracket out into separate voting threads, just to keep your sanity.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 11:16:16 AM
Is there anyway to do that where it won’t be extremely messy. Like multiple polls per thread ?  Or a clever way to combine each round into one poll ? 

Otherwise we’d need a bunch of standalone threads just to vote. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 30, 2026, 11:24:25 AM
That's fine.  I don't think Drew is charging by the thread.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 11:29:58 AM
Quote from: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 11:16:16 AM
Is there anyway to do that where it won’t be extremely messy. Like multiple polls per thread ?  Or a clever way to combine each round into one poll ?

Otherwise we’d need a bunch of standalone threads just to vote.

I'd probably do one thread per region.  Then do the rounds for each region within those 4 threads.  Then you could do a new thread for the semis voting, and one last thread for the Finals voting. 

Just a thought.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on July 30, 2026, 11:33:02 AM
Quote from: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 10:49:00 AM

If you like, we can even have mini-tournaments like best 1980's Christmas movie, or horror movie, etc. 
ELA used to put together an off-season tournament every year and hit on some of these themes, IIRC. I don't remember if they were done on this domain or the old scout board, so not sure if the threads still exist.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 11:49:43 AM
Quote from: OrangeAfroMan on July 30, 2026, 01:27:05 AM
@Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) what an ugly thing to say.  Why, does this mean we're not friends anymore?  You know, if I thought you weren't my friend...I just don't think I could bear it.
It’s just a personal preference. Not sure how old you were when it came out ( my memory says 1987 or 89). But I was almost in HS. I was more into Sci Fi and Comedy. 

It almost didn’t make the cut because it’s really a period piece, taking place in medieval times. But as I recall, it’s set in the 1980’s as a grandfather telling his grandson a story. They cut in and out of modern times. 

It’s such a beloved movie that I just couldn’t exclude it. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 30, 2026, 01:07:48 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on July 30, 2026, 11:24:25 AM
That's fine.  I don't think Drew is charging by the thread. 
Nor am I.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 30, 2026, 01:16:40 PM
No recap where the game was a blowout
Atari Region:
1/16: Ghostbusters: easy first round, but this movie is looking over its shoulder as it gets deeper in the tourney.
8/9: Real Genius: this was tight until the last ten minutes, but in the end Commando can't hold up to better examples of 80s action flicks. Real Genius captures the promise and fear of technology and rebelling against stiff, staid authority that was an 80s trope, for a solid, but not blowout win.
5/12: Heathers pulls the classic 5/12 upset, but it was on the game's last play/movie's last frame? Heathers captures the darker turn the later 80s took, with Christian Slater, Winona Ryder, and Shannon Doherty kicking off the Gen-X emo movement, but this one wasn't without a solid fight. Trading Places is a great one, but Eddie Murphy saved his most iconic performance for another game/movie, and it cost them at the buzzer.
4/13: WarGames: Field of Dreams is a better movie, but it could have been any time. WarGames perfectly captures the 1980s fear of great powers nuclear annihilation and the wonder at quickly developing consumer computer technology.
6/11: Revenge of the Nerds: again, the Princess Bride is the better movie, but as a time capsule, Revenge of the Nerds captures the 1980s itself. The Princess Bride could have been set anytime with different posters hanging in Fred Savage's room.
3/14: Beverly Hills Cop: What Eddie Murphy held off in Trading Places, he nails as a Detroit cop visiting the excess of Beverly Hills and the cocaine trade's impact on the rest of society. As a three seed, this movie has the potential to make a deep run.
7/10: Police Academy: continuing the theme, Rain Man is the better movie, but Police Academy captures the time, including social change through affirmative action, racial tensions, and all around slapstick silliness.
2/15: ET. Period.

MTV:
1/16: Top Gun
8/9: Big
5/12: Predator: not an easy win, but a comfortable one. Maybe the quintessential 80s action flick with huge stars, special ops on secret missions to Central America, and a sci fi bad guy? Takes it over a solid 80s timepiece in Footloose.
4/13: Purple Rain: only in the 80s takes it over standard (if fantastic) slapstick humor.
6/11: Lethal Weapon: at the buzzer, with lead changes on every possession. ICONIC holiday movie that violates the franchise rule, but stands on its own for the holidays vs. one of the 80s great action movies, with racial tension, ageism, rebelling against authority, Vietnam hangover, and the drug trade. I literally changed my vote as I was typing this. The last gasp shot for the win because that last clause is the 1980s.
3/14: Rocky IV: drop the rest of the Rocky crap, this is 'Murica vs. those dirty Commies at its peak. Road house is a fun action movie, but Rocky IV is the Cold War for the masses.
7/10: St. Elmo's Fire: another squeeker at the buzzer. The Brat Pack writ large preserves a slim lead with boring free throws. Lost Boys is the better movie, but if we're talking pure 80s, the Brat Pack takes it over the Coreys, but only just barely.
2/15: upset city!!: Wall Street: takes a shocking win over Karate Kid. Pure 80s excess vs. classic underdog story. Is the Karate Kid more iconic? Of course it is. Is Wall Street a better encapsulation of the greed is good 80s? You betcha.

Delorean:
1/16: Save Ferris
8/9: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure: Surprisingly easy 8/9 game. Neverending Story was a cultural moment as a movie; Bill and Ted tells the story of 1989 pop culture.
5/12: Risky Business: 5 seed survives a scare. Pitting an 80s time capsule against witty media commentary. Space Balls is an excellent critique of the movie age Star Wars ushered in, but Risky Business is more 1980s specific from the tipoff to the buzzer.
4/13: Terminator.
3/14: Major League: in a tight one. The Goonies has Corey Feldman, blatant racism/tokenism, and a lot of nostalgia, but Major League has the dying rust belt and rich vs. working man overtones. Wild thing pushes the Tribe over the finish line.
6/11: Die Hard: Nakatomi Plaza over Gotham in a nail biter. European terrorists, women's lib and its affect on blue collar men, rap music, overreaching news media, and even a little inner city violence all feature in this true classic. Jack Nicholson was amazing and Gotham was an 80s-New York inspired mess, but Die Hard gets it done.
7/10: Say Anything: and it's not close. the only reason Weird Science made it is because this board is mostly populated with men. If you took an even close to representative sample of 80s teens, Say Anything's John Cusack crushes Weird Science. But points for putting Oingo Boingo on the map.
2/15: Back to the Future

Big Hair:
1/16: Fast Times at Ridgemont High: the Money Pit's dream matchup of Tom Hanks and Shelley Long scored a couple of early points before being blown off the court.
8/9: Short Circuit: another nailbiter. Short Circuit hits just enough of the 80s fascination with technology to bump off a great entry in the slasher genre. In the end, there isn't much about Friday the 13th that has to be in the 80s.
5/12: Beetlejuice: with another 12/5 upset. Tim Burton coaches Emo Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Jeffrey Jones to a strong team effort to knock off a down-the-middle (and solid) slasher that could be based at just about any time.
4/13: Gremlins: Planes, Trains and Automobiles doesn't go down without a fight, but just can't keep up with the full court press from Gremlins.
6/11: John Hughes: Coming to America is another solid Eddie Murphy flick, but it isn't as iconic 80s as Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald and their teen angst.
3/14: National Lampoon's Vacation: Harold Ramis coaches a perfectly matched team of Griswolds and a peak, smoking hot Christie Brinkley in a hot-in-its-own-right Ferrari, and they just outclass a journeyman Uncle Buck.
7/10: When Harry Met Sally: in a surprisingly easy win over the chalk. Does Rambo--especially Rambo III--capture the 80s? Sure. But When Harry Met Sally dominates on the boards, closes down the passing lanes like the Ewing-led Knicks, and adds some splash and pizzazz like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and the cocaine-fueled 1986s Mets. On paper it looked like a decent matchup; in practice the Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) front court, with Marie (Carrie Fisher) and Jess (Bruno Kirby) as key role players, are just too much for the one-man show that is Rambo.
2/15: The Breakfast Club
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 30, 2026, 01:22:43 PM
I bought a Porsche 928 S4 partly because of seeing it in Risky Business.

Big mistake, and not a cheap one.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 30, 2026, 01:23:50 PM
Can we get this done before football starts? 

What do you think @Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) ?
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 30, 2026, 02:16:08 PM
I guess I'm doing the ELA-type simulated version (simulated in my head):
The round of 32 has some doozies in it.
Atari Region
1/8 Ghostbusters: pure icon status easily gets past the niche hit Real Genius.
4/13 WarGames: chalk holds, but not without a fight from the emo Gen-X Heathers. The computer age and thermonuclear war trump a clever high school drama.
3/6: Beverly Hills Cop: strolls to victory over a dated, if funny underdog story. Yeah, the nerds will get their revenge and eliminate your blue collar jobs, but cocaine and flashy money are the boon and bane of 1980s society.
2/7: ET doesn't break a sweat over a slapstick comedy (Police Academy) that history largely forgets.

MTV Region: where the underdogs have come to play.
1/8: Top Gun: has to work to beat the movie that launched Tom Hanks (Big), but not that hard.
3/4: Predator: simply overpowers Purple Rain, which captured a specific pop moment in 1984, but not much else.
3/11: Lethal Weapon: could be a Cinderalla story, as racial tension, generational shift, rebelling against authority, the Vietnam hangover, and the drug trade are simply too much for a basic Cold War plot (Rocky IV). Don't sleep on this 11 seed.
10/15: Wall Street: greed is good in the go-go 1980s tops a forgettable collection of the Brat Pack.

DeLorean Region
1/8: Ferris Bueller's Day Off: Bill and Ted came to play, but ran out of gas, and chewing gum, trying to keep up with this 1980s Blue Blood.
4/5: The Terminator: Tom Cruise's if you had one night for a party just can't handle the apocalyptic fear of our computer overlords who will, indeed, be back...right around 2026 and the explosion of AI.
6/14: Die Hard: strolls to an easy win over a fun, underdog, sports movie in Major League.
2/10: Back to the Future: another cake walk as puffy jackets, skateboards, 50s nostalgia, nuclear power, and Middle Eastern terrorists easily top a solid 80s love story in Say Anything.

Big Hair Region
1/9: Fast Times at Ridgemont High: a blue blood destroys a mid-minor you forget about except for every 8 years when you see its name (Short Circuit) in the tourney (for one weekend).
4/12: Beetlejuice: in a back and forth battle, again decided at the buzzer, the Burton ensemble's critique of yuppies and government bureaucracy, topped off with a little glimpse of burgeoning emo culture survives a battle with the marketing of children's toys through horror movies (Gremlins), which feels like it only happened in the 1980s. A 12 seed moves on.
3/6: John Hughes: another buzzer beater. Vacation is a classic, and captures questionable American cars, the upper middle class in the city vs. people barely making it in rural America, and corporate greed, with a dose of Christy Brinkley to make everything just a little sweeter. But here in the Big Hair region, there is little more 80s pop culture than Molly Ringwold and the Brat Pack coming of age, with a little Long Duk Dong racism and parents completely ignoring their kids to add onto the 1980s veneer. 
2/10: this is the matchup you all stayed up late for: the Breakfast Club vs. When Harry Met Sally. Fireworks. Don't you forget about me vs. can men be friends with women? This one goes to double overtime, but changing gender roles and yuppies in New York eek out the victory on a last second performance of a fake orgasm. I will have what she's having. When Harry Met Sally is set up for another run at John Hughes in the Sweet Sixteen.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 02:24:14 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on July 30, 2026, 01:16:40 PM
No recap where the game was a blowout
Atari Region:
1/16: Ghostbusters: easy first round, but this movie is looking over its shoulder as it gets deeper in the tourney.
8/9: Real Genius: this was tight until the last ten minutes, but in the end Commando can't hold up to better examples of 80s action flicks. Real Genius captures the promise and fear of technology and rebelling against stiff, staid authority that was an 80s trope, for a solid, but not blowout win.
5/12: Heathers pulls the classic 5/12 upset, but it was on the game's last play/movie's last frame? Heathers captures the darker turn the later 80s took, with Christian Slater, Winona Ryder, and Shannon Doherty kicking off the Gen-X emo movement, but this one wasn't without a solid fight. Trading Places is a great one, but Eddie Murphy saved his most iconic performance for another game/movie, and it cost them at the buzzer.
4/13: WarGames: Field of Dreams is a better movie, but it could have been any time. WarGames perfectly captures the 1980s fear of great powers nuclear annihilation and the wonder at quickly developing consumer computer technology.
6/11: Revenge of the Nerds: again, the Princess Bride is the better movie, but as a time capsule, Revenge of the Nerds captures the 1980s itself. The Princess Bride could have been set anytime with different posters hanging in Fred Savage's room.
3/14: Beverly Hills Cop: What Eddie Murphy held off in Trading Places, he nails as a Detroit cop visiting the excess of Beverly Hills and the cocaine trade's impact on the rest of society. As a three seed, this movie has the potential to make a deep run.
7/10: Police Academy: continuing the theme, Rain Man is the better movie, but Police Academy captures the time, including social change through affirmative action, racial tensions, and all around slapstick silliness.
2/15: ET. Period.

MTV:
1/16: Top Gun
8/9: Big
5/12: Predator: not an easy win, but a comfortable one. Maybe the quintessential 80s action flick with huge stars, special ops on secret missions to Central America, and a sci fi bad guy? Takes it over a solid 80s timepiece in Footloose.
4/13: Purple Rain: only in the 80s takes it over standard (if fantastic) slapstick humor.
6/11: Lethal Weapon: at the buzzer, with lead changes on every possession. ICONIC holiday movie that violates the franchise rule, but stands on its own for the holidays vs. one of the 80s great action movies, with racial tension, ageism, rebelling against authority, Vietnam hangover, and the drug trade. I literally changed my vote as I was typing this. The last gasp shot for the win because that last clause is the 1980s.
3/14: Rocky IV: drop the rest of the Rocky crap, this is 'Murica vs. those dirty Commies at its peak. Road house is a fun action movie, but Rocky IV is the Cold War for the masses.
7/10: St. Elmo's Fire: another squeeker at the buzzer. The Brat Pack writ large preserves a slim lead with boring free throws. Lost Boys is the better movie, but if we're talking pure 80s, the Brat Pack takes it over the Coreys, but only just barely.
2/15: upset city!!: Wall Street: takes a shocking win over Karate Kid. Pure 80s excess vs. classic underdog story. Is the Karate Kid more iconic? Of course it is. Is Wall Street a better encapsulation of the greed is good 80s? You betcha.

Delorean:
1/16: Save Ferris
8/9: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure: Surprisingly easy 8/9 game. Neverending Story was a cultural moment as a movie; Bill and Ted tells the story of 1989 pop culture.
5/12: Risky Business: 5 seed survives a scare. Pitting an 80s time capsule against witty media commentary. Space Balls is an excellent critique of the movie age Star Wars ushered in, but Risky Business is more 1980s specific from the tipoff to the buzzer.
4/13: Terminator.
3/14: Major League: in a tight one. The Goonies has Corey Feldman, blatant racism/tokenism, and a lot of nostalgia, but Major League has the dying rust belt and rich vs. working man overtones. Wild thing pushes the Tribe over the finish line.
6/11: Die Hard: Nakatomi Plaza over Gotham in a nail biter. European terrorists, women's lib and its affect on blue collar men, rap music, overreaching news media, and even a little inner city violence all feature in this true classic. Jack Nicholson was amazing and Gotham was an 80s-New York inspired mess, but Die Hard gets it done.
7/10: Say Anything: and it's not close. the only reason Weird Science made it is because this board is mostly populated with men. If you took an even close to representative sample of 80s teens, Say Anything's John Cusack crushes Weird Science. But points for putting Oingo Boingo on the map.
2/15: Back to the Future

Big Hair:
1/16: Fast Times at Ridgemont High: the Money Pit's dream matchup of Tom Hanks and Shelley Long scored a couple of early points before being blown off the court.
8/9: Short Circuit: another nailbiter. Short Circuit hits just enough of the 80s fascination with technology to bump off a great entry in the slasher genre. In the end, there isn't much about Friday the 13th that has to be in the 80s.
5/12: Beetlejuice: with another 12/5 upset. Tim Burton coaches Emo Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Jeffrey Jones to a strong team effort to knock off a down-the-middle (and solid) slasher that could be based at just about any time.
4/13: Gremlins: Planes, Trains and Automobiles doesn't go down without a fight, but just can't keep up with the full court press from Gremlins.
6/11: John Hughes: Coming to America is another solid Eddie Murphy flick, but it isn't as iconic 80s as Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald and their teen angst.
3/14: National Lampoon's Vacation: Harold Ramis coaches a perfectly matched team of Griswolds and a peak, smoking hot Christie Brinkley in a hot-in-its-own-right Ferrari, and they just outclass a journeyman Uncle Buck.
7/10: When Harry Met Sally: in a surprisingly easy win over the chalk. Does Rambo--especially Rambo III--capture the 80s? Sure. But When Harry Met Sally dominates on the boards, closes down the passing lanes like the Ewing-led Knicks, and adds some splash and pizzazz like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and the cocaine-fueled 1986s Mets. On paper it looked like a decent matchup; in practice the Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) front court, with Marie (Carrie Fisher) and Jess (Bruno Kirby) as key role players, are just too much for the one-man show that is Rambo.
2/15: The Breakfast Club
Perfectly reasoned and answered. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 09:39:29 PM
Oh if anyone wants to help with the polling threads feel free. I think we’re on War Games. I just prefer to do it on PC vs my phone or tablet. Much easier to cut and paste. I’m just away from the computer much of the day, and , you know, sometimes actually working. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on July 30, 2026, 11:15:23 PM
Quote from: Gigem on July 30, 2026, 09:39:29 PM
Oh if anyone wants to help with the polling threads feel free. I think we’re on War Games. I just prefer to do it on PC vs my phone or tablet. Much easier to cut and paste. I’m just away from the computer much of the day, and , you know, sometimes actually working.
Not a bad thing to slow play it and not overwhelm the board, whilst also giving everyone a chance to vote.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 31, 2026, 11:22:03 AM
But someone should pin the polling while it's ongoing...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 31, 2026, 11:35:19 AM
Pinned what I could find.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 01, 2026, 07:00:11 PM
All the Atari Region Polls are up.  

VOTE NOW !  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 08:45:47 AM
I pinned the remaining ones.  Let's wait a couple more days and then start clearing them out to make room for the next region.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 08:52:26 AM
There are some that are already decided. Gotta clean it up. Too many pinned threads at the moment.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 08:56:34 AM
Quote from: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 08:52:26 AM
There are some that are already decided. Gotta clean it up. Too many pinned threads at the moment.
Feel free!  This ain't my board, I'm but a visitor. :)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 09:05:26 AM
We need @Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) to weigh in. It's his game and I don't want to unpin anything without him saying so.

I think polls should be time-limited (there is an option for that) so they don't clutter the board.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 09:51:40 AM
fall camp starts Wednesday in Lincoln!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 11:31:27 AM
NORTH DALLAS FORTY
Released August 1, 1979
Directed by Ted Kotcheff
Based on North Dallas Forty by Peter Gent

Nick Nolte as Phil Elliott
Mac Davis as Seth Maxwell
G. D. Spradlin as B. A. Strother
Dayle Haddon as Charlotte Caulder
Bo Svenson as Joe Bob Priddy
John Matuszak as O. W. Shaddock
Marshall Colt as Art Hartman
Steve Forrest as Conrad Hunter
Dabney Coleman as Emmett Hunter
Charles Durning as Coach Johnson
Savannah Smith Boucher as Joanne Rodney
MEMORABLE LINE
“Hell, Poot, we’re all whores, might as well be the best.”


(https://i.imgur.com/O7L9HPC.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 01:26:15 PM
That is a classic saw it twice in '79. At the old huge theater's.that was when movies would be out for 3-4 months. And before cable came to these parts or Block buster for that matter.

"Ladies, ever had a quarterback sandwich?" Mac Davis

Coach Johnson: "This is national TV. So don't pick your noses or scratch your nuts."

Maxwell: Drake, now, takes out a bunch of them fake dicks.
Phil Elliott: Ah, Max, that's gross!

Maxwell: It's not gross. Shit, gross is when you go and kiss your grandpa good night, and he sticks his tongue down your throat. That's gross. Anyway, he's got one, man, that is about 8 inches long, and it's pink, and it's got little crinkleties in it, and it's got a grinder that you turn like this, and it goes in and out...
Phil Elliott: Look, I don't wanna hear any of this. I don't wanna hear no more of this.

Maxwell: Wait, man. I'm just getting to the weird part.
Phil Elliott: The weird part? The *weird* part?
Maxwell: Yeah, it gets weird!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlwQsJOKoIo

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 01:33:17 PM
No Back to School.

Rodney gets no respect.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 01:59:00 PM
Some of the polls were limited to 3 days, but the last few I did  made them 5 days to ensure everyone had a chance to see them. 

I’ll check and see which polls are closed, if any, and if the results are runaway we can call it. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 02:29:45 PM
OK, let me know. I'd like it to be 4 pins maximum so all of the recent regular topics don't all fall off the page.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 04:32:51 PM
Quote from: 847badgerfan on August 02, 2026, 02:29:45 PM
OK, let me know. I'd like it to be 4 pins maximum so all of the recent regular topics don't all fall off the page.
Don't think 4 will cover the opening round of each regional.  After that it should be fine.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 04:56:13 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 08:45:47 AM
I pinned the remaining ones.  Let's wait a couple more days and then start clearing them out to make room for the next region football, and the Hotties and Beer Thread
FIFY
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 05:01:59 PM
Football is weeks away. Calm your tits buttercup.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 05:36:00 PM
take it to the big 12 board - they need the traffic
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 05:44:08 PM
Grumpy old farts thread is over there ---------->
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 06:29:24 PM
Quote from: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 11:31:27 AM
NORTH DALLAS FORTY
Released August 1, 1979
Directed by Ted Kotcheff
Based on North Dallas Forty by Peter Gent

Nick Nolte as Phil Elliott
Mac Davis as Seth Maxwell
G. D. Spradlin as B. A. Strother
Dayle Haddon as Charlotte Caulder
Bo Svenson as Joe Bob Priddy
John Matuszak as O. W. Shaddock
Marshall Colt as Art Hartman
Steve Forrest as Conrad Hunter
Dabney Coleman as Emmett Hunter
Charles Durning as Coach Johnson
Savannah Smith Boucher as Joanne Rodney
MEMORABLE LINE
“Hell, Poot, we’re all whores, might as well be the best.”


1979....is definitely not 1980's.  Hell, 1980 is barely 1980's.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 06:51:10 PM
best 70s movie ever!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 07:05:24 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 05:01:59 PM
Football is weeks away. Calm your tits buttercup.
if you quit waxing your nipples and singing to your cats I just might
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 07:07:13 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/CJtM7QS.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 02, 2026, 08:08:35 PM
Do you prefer Bill? Or Ted? 

(https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.HBm_ClyjSiWinJX6H9d8VgHaDt?r=0&rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 08:11:44 PM
Quote from: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 06:51:10 PM
best 70s movie ever!
I've literally never heard of it, and never seen it.  Never hear about it.  It has zero staying power.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 08:15:16 PM
BTW, it seems like our voting is maxed out about 15 votes per thread.  Not sure how many daily active posters we have, and to that end how many care to vote, but I'll give the Atari Region another day or two to see who straggles in Monday and we'll move on to the next round.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 08:18:04 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 08:11:44 PM
I've literally never heard of it, and never seen it.  Never hear about it.  It has zero staying power. 
what North Dallas Forty??? Well then your ill informed on picking the best movies. As bad as he is move over and let 94 finish the thread ;D 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 02, 2026, 09:05:48 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 08:15:16 PM
BTW, it seems like our voting is maxed out about 15 votes per thread.  Not sure how many daily active posters we have, and to that end how many care to vote, but I'll give the Atari Region another day or two to see who straggles in Monday and we'll move on to the next round. 
I'd vote if I'd seen both movies and had an opinion.
Probably happen in the later rounds
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 10:38:39 PM
Quote from: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 08:18:04 PM
what North Dallas Forty??? Well then your ill informed on picking the best movies. As bad as he is move over and let 94 finish the thread ;D
Feel free to start your own 70’s movie tournament thread. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 02, 2026, 11:27:46 PM
Into Football not non related hollywood hoopla
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 11:58:27 PM
North Dallas 40 is great.  The book by Peter Gent even better than the movie.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 03, 2026, 12:15:52 AM
I went ahead and unpinned the ones that were runaways.  Left the ones that were pretty close, or tied.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 03, 2026, 07:54:55 AM
Quote from: utee94 on August 02, 2026, 11:58:27 PM
North Dallas 40 is great.  The book by Peter Gent even better than the movie.
Ed Zachery - that was a very long time ago
back when I was reading books
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 03, 2026, 11:46:04 AM
Quote from: Gigem on August 02, 2026, 08:15:16 PM
BTW, it seems like our voting is maxed out about 15 votes per thread.  Not sure how many daily active posters we have, and to that end how many care to vote, but I'll give the Atari Region another day or two to see who straggles in Monday and we'll move on to the next round. 
OK so if, in the interest of preserving board space,  we were to limit it to only 4 matchups per voting round, and allow 2 business days per voting round, it would stretch into the second week of September, looking something like this:

8/3-8/4: Region 2 first 4 matchups
8/5-8/6: Region 2 second 4 matchups
8/7-8/10: Region 3 first 4 matchups
8/11-8/12: Region 3 second 4 mathups
8/13-8/14: Region 4 first 4 matchups
8/17-8/18: Region 4 second 4 matchups 
8/19-8/20: Region 1 Quarterfinals 4 matchups
8/21-8/24: Region 2 Quarterfinals 4 matchups
8/25-8/26: Region 3 Quarterfinals 4 mathups
8/27-8/28: Region 4 Quarterfinals 4 matchups
8/31-9/1: Region 1 and 2 Semifinals 4 matchups
9/2-9/3: Region 3 and 4 Semifinals 4 matchups
9/4-9/7: All regional finals 4 matchups
9/8-9/9: Final 4 Semifinals 2 matchups
9/10-9/11: Final matchup

Alternatively if we allow 8 active voting threads at a time it would wrap up a couple days before the first college football weekend and look like this:

8/3-8/4: Region 2 all matchups (8)
8/5-8/6: Region 3 all matchups (8)
8/7-8/10: Region 4 all matchups (8)
8/11-8/12: Region 1 and 2 Quarterfinals (8)
8/13-8/14: Region 3 and 4 Quarterfinals (8)
8/17-8/18: Region 1,2,3,4 Semifinals (8)
8/19-8/20: All region finals (4)
8/21-8/24: Final 4 Semifinals (2)
8/25-8/26: Final matchup (1)

So... this is going to take a while regardless.  Just depends on how grumpy all the old folks are about having 8 simulataneous active voting threads between now and 8/18.


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 03, 2026, 11:56:02 AM
Oh and I've now unpinned and locked all but the last one which is tied.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 03, 2026, 12:03:58 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 03, 2026, 11:46:04 AM
Alternatively if we allow 8 active voting threads at a time it would wrap up a couple days before the first college football weekend and look like this:
there ya go!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 03, 2026, 07:50:03 PM
In thinking through this (way more than I should), I was trying to come up with cultural touchstones of the 80s, i.e. the markers of the time. Here's a list I put together:


What am I missing or what do I have wrong?

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 03, 2026, 08:41:57 PM
ya didn't leave out the AIDS epidemic, so ....
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 03, 2026, 10:09:11 PM
You hit all of the staples, folks can quibble on impact or importance of each, but they are pretty much all covered.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 03, 2026, 10:40:25 PM
Add HBO and Cinemax to cable TV.  Maybe even Nickelodeon and USA Network for people of a certain age.  All were very influential in reinforcing the culture in their own ways.

And the clothes and hairstyles and cars.  You could argue whether they were independent or just an effect of the various other aspects you've highlighted, but regardless they were unique and important within the era.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 04, 2026, 09:57:55 AM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 03, 2026, 07:50:03 PM
In thinking through this (way more than I should), I was trying to come up with cultural touchstones of the 80s, i.e. the markers of the time. Here's a list I put together:

  • Materialism/consumerism and the Valley or Material Girl
  • Reaganism: strong endorsement of capitalism, and the government/bureaucracy as the enemy
  • The cold war and nuclear annihilation
  • The Vietnam hangover and far off wars and terrorism in the Middle East
  • Changing gender roles and the sexual revolution: women moving into corporate roles and traditionally blue collar men's jobs, and teen sex becoming an accepted norm
  • Divorce and absentee parenting
  • Affirmative action and changing race relations
  • Drugs and the "Drug War," particularly cocaine
  • Consumer electronics and the rise of the computer (and the mobile phone towards the end of the 80s)
  • Japanese business acumen and the dying "Rust Belt" / shrinking middle class
  • Synth pop, rap, hair bands, and peak Michael Jackson / Prince
  • Later in the 80s: the rise of emo and the disaffected Gen X
  • Cable TV: CNN and MTV
  • Appearing nowhere in these movies: the AIDS epidemic (Beverly Hills Cop gets close...ish in the country club lunch scene)
  • Rebellion against the old and boring (this probably fits for every generation: in the 80s it was rebelling against the staid Greatest Generation).

What am I missing or what do I have wrong?


This is the most important thing.  All the other stuff is lagniappe.  

Join us on the B12 music thread.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 04, 2026, 10:07:40 AM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 03, 2026, 07:50:03 PM
What am I missing or what do I have wrong?

On a serious note, I'll add this, which I think is similarly impactful to other elements you listed.  That being the rise of evangelicalism within the American church.  That was around before the 80's, but arguably the 80's is when it really became dominant enough to begin swapping places with traditional Protestantism ("mainline" denominations), and it coincides with the decline of the mainlines since, and also a temporary decline in Roman Catholocism.  There's a lot of ethos that spills over from that into the broader 80's zeitgeist, but I'll not say more.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 04, 2026, 12:31:24 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 04, 2026, 10:07:40 AM
On a serious note, I'll add this, which I think is similarly impactful to other elements you listed.  That being the rise of evangelicalism within the American church.  That was around before the 80's, but arguably the 80's is when it really became dominant enough to begin swapping places with traditional Protestantism ("mainline" denominations), and it coincides with the decline of the mainlines since, and also a temporary decline in Roman Catholocism.  There's a lot of ethos that spills over from that into the broader 80's zeitgeist, but I'll not say more. 
Yes, I 100% agree. Closely related to other social issues of the time, but distinct--a cultural moment of its own.

And yeah, gimme a little Jimmy Swaggart and the Church Lady (as far as the cultural zeitgeist), and I know you're in the 80s. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 04, 2026, 08:01:42 PM
Well...

...isn't that special?
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 04, 2026, 11:38:23 PM
You see, even though we’re from all over the country, with different backgrounds and cultures, we have this shared experience of what it was like growing up in the 80’s. 

If you say “isn’t that special to a Gen X, we almost immediately imagine Dana Carvey and the church lady scene. 

I tell my kids that and they give me confused dog look. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 05, 2026, 07:42:07 AM
hopefully, ya'll are old enuff to remember the better SNL from the 70s
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 05, 2026, 07:53:41 AM
SNL in the 70's was special.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 05, 2026, 09:29:42 AM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 04, 2026, 12:31:24 PM
gimme a little Jimmy Swaggart and the Church Lady 

Growing up in Baton Rouge, as I recall, Jimmy Swaggart also said "gimme a little church lady."  Or some ladies who didn't go to church.  I don't think he discriminated.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 05, 2026, 09:37:54 AM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 05, 2026, 09:29:42 AM
Growing up in Baton Rouge, as I recall, Jimmy Swaggart also said "gimme a little church lady."  Or some ladies who didn't go to church.  I don't think he discriminated. 
Well Jerry Lee Lewis is one of his cousins, so if Jimmy Swaggart was up to some philandering, he might have even been related to the girl...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 05, 2026, 07:45:29 PM
https://twitter.com/80s_channel/status/2085038455772311999?s=61
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 06, 2026, 06:32:06 AM
I've seen most of those. Wow. I didn't realize.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 06, 2026, 07:21:46 AM
I've seen 'em all.  Several of them more than once.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 06, 2026, 09:34:09 AM
Quote from: Gigem on August 05, 2026, 07:45:29 PM
https://twitter.com/80s_channel/status/2085038455772311999?s=61

EDIT:  (oops, I didn't see at first that the actual post had more movies than the preview in Gigem's post)

21

But I didn't see them all in the 80's. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 06, 2026, 09:47:26 AM
16
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 06, 2026, 09:49:53 AM
10
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 06, 2026, 09:55:47 AM
23
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 06, 2026, 09:59:23 AM
28.  All of them.  And I saw them all in the 80s.

I've also seen Beetlejuice as recently as 9 months ago because we watch it around every Halloween, and Die Hard 7 months ago because it's not only a Christmas movie, it's the greatest Christmas movie of all time.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 06, 2026, 10:00:55 AM
I certainly did NOT see all 10 in the 80s - probably zero at the theater 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 06, 2026, 10:20:56 AM
I saw some of them on HBO or Cinemax, especially the R-rated ones that came out before 1988.

But in the theater, I saw these:

Back To The Future
Beetlejuice
Breakfast Club
Dead Poets Society
Die Hard
Dirty Dancing
E.T.
Ferris Bueller's
Goonies
Karate Kid
Poltergeist
Pretty in Pink
Princess Bride
Stand By Me
Top Gun
When Harry Met Sally
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 06, 2026, 12:02:06 PM
28. No idea when I saw them all, but mostly in the 80s and early 90s. I think I saw nine or ten in the theater, the rest on VHS. Theater for sure:
Back to the Future
Beetlejuice
ET
The Goonies
The Karate Kid
The Lost Boys
The Princess Bride
Top Gun
When Harry Met Sally

I may have seen Ferris and Die Hard in the theater.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 06, 2026, 09:41:41 PM
i saw many of those in a theater.

speaking of 80s movies and theaters.    who remembers the two movies from the 80s which basically hastened the creation of the PG-13 rating by MPAA.

Parents were fuming for being 'tricked' by the trailer into taking their kids to one of these, and the other movie was like,  wait,  they did what to that guy.... in a PG movie?
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 07, 2026, 09:58:49 AM
No idea personally, but the Googlez thinks it knows the two movies you're talking about.  

If it's correct, I certainly remember the movies.  Though I think I probably watched them a little later than release.  I'm not nearly as old as most of you Gen X old farts.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 07, 2026, 10:25:44 AM
Haven't googled it. I think Goonies might have been one. Raiders of the Lost Arc?
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 07, 2026, 08:41:36 PM
23
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 07, 2026, 08:42:12 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 06, 2026, 09:59:23 AM
and Die Hard 7 months ago because it's not only a Christmas movie, it's the greatest Christmas movie of all time.
The Princess Bride is a Christmas movie.  So.......

(https://i.imgur.com/EqZQsq8.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 07, 2026, 10:49:42 PM
we're getting warmer....ROTLA  may very well have been contributory in a  fuel to the fire (nazi faces melting and all) but not the straw that broke here.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 08, 2026, 07:30:19 AM
Yeah I know I've heard about which movie prompted the PG-13, but without Googling I couldn't tell you what it was.  

But I feel like Raiders was too early, I dont recall PG-13 being a thing until the mid-80s.  So maybe it was Temple of Doom?  The scene where the dude rips out a beating human heart might have done it.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 08, 2026, 09:30:50 AM
Yes.  Thats one if them.   The other one generated visceral outrage.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:17:11 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/mzuJvMl.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:23:46 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/iaMIz2D.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:28:42 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/rbCbdMq.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:34:02 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/WL2hGkj.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:40:16 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/tMd6jgm.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:44:38 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/GqyGvDh.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:48:00 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/Spo0Ss2.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:50:48 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/aVPSNFZ.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 11:54:19 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/l6eSaIl.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 08, 2026, 01:17:10 PM
MTV region is up !  Vote now.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 10, 2026, 08:10:18 AM
I locked and unpinned the two that were blowouts.   There are more close ones in this region so only 2 are locked so far, but there are several that are probably done.  Also we have another tie...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 10, 2026, 12:37:08 PM
I have no faith that people understand the exercise after seeing Naked Gun take down Purple Rain.  

Yeah, I know Purple Rain is a weird movie nobody likes.  It also most likely should be in the finals if we're talking about "most 80's."  Some of these are opinion.  This was objective fact. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 10, 2026, 12:44:08 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 10, 2026, 12:37:08 PM
I have no faith that people understand the exercise after seeing Naked Gun take down Purple Rain. 

Yeah, I know Purple Rain is a weird movie nobody likes.  It also most likely should be in the finals if we're talking about "most 80's."  Some of these are opinion.  This was objective fact.
Yep.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 10, 2026, 12:50:30 PM
Agree that was a weird one.   It's tough to get more iconically 80s than Purple Rain.

Naked Gun was a fun movie and for those that like it but haven't watched the TV show it came from, Police Squad, well, you should check it out. 

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 01:02:45 PM
Rewatched Heathers this weekend with SFGopher. Wow--so 80s. Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, with bonus star Shannon Doherty. Big hair, pop music for the moment, a little churching for everyone (and it actually does mention AIDS)... For those who haven't seen it, or don't remember it, think Mean Girls meets the Talented Mr. Ripley, but with more gay slurs. "I love my gay son." What a moment. It's not a great high school movie, but it has some great moment. And for those of us who grew up during that time, it has lots of moments that will bring back memories.

We also watched A Fish Called Wanda, another great 80s movie, but not especially time-limited to the 80s. So good.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 10, 2026, 01:12:00 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 01:02:45 PM
Rewatched Heathers this weekend

Could also appropriately be named Feathers, 'cuz of all the feathered hair.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 10, 2026, 02:49:26 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 08, 2026, 07:30:19 AM
Yeah I know I've heard about which movie prompted the PG-13, but without Googling I couldn't tell you what it was. 

But I feel like Raiders was too early, I dont recall PG-13 being a thing until the mid-80s.  So maybe it was Temple of Doom?  The scene where the dude rips out a beating human heart might have done it.
To put this to bed.
'Gremlins' was the other movie which really hastened the creation of PG-13.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 10, 2026, 02:58:58 PM
Quote from: MarqHusker on August 10, 2026, 02:49:26 PM
To put this to bed.
'Gremlins' was the other movie which really hastened the creation of PG-13.

A rare victory for Google AI.  It told me Temple of Doom and Gremlins.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 05:50:52 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 01:02:45 PM
Rewatched Heathers this weekend with SFGopher. Wow--so 80s. Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, with bonus star Shannon Doherty. Big hair, pop music for the moment, a little churching for everyone (and it actually does mention AIDS)... For those who haven't seen it, or don't remember it, think Mean Girls meets the Talented Mr. Ripley, but with more gay slurs. "I love my gay son." What a moment. It's not a great high school movie, but it has some great moment. And for those of us who grew up during that time, it has lots of moments that will bring back memories.

We also watched A Fish Called Wanda, another great 80s movie, but not especially time-limited to the 80s. So good.
Not only have I never seen "Heathers", I don't even remember it.  I included it in my list after researching, and several people on here suggested it as well.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 05:56:34 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 10, 2026, 12:37:08 PM
I have no faith that people understand the exercise after seeing Naked Gun take down Purple Rain. 

Yeah, I know Purple Rain is a weird movie nobody likes.  It also most likely should be in the finals if we're talking about "most 80's."  Some of these are opinion.  This was objective fact.
The only reason I voted for Naked Gun is because I've never seen Purple Rain, and it doesn't meet any of my soft criteria to be one of the best '80's movies.  

Not memorable, not quotable, no staying power, doesn't seem to influence pop culture.  It may just be a cultural thing, maybe a lot of folks are out there quoting it.  

Naked Gun, on the other hand.  Nice Beaver !  Very memorable, very quotable, and a lot of '80's culture, even if not the absolute pinnacle.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 06:10:17 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/XBk3jsz.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 07:41:01 PM
I appreciate you including Heathers. Even after the first-round loss, it deserved its mention. :-)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:00:35 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/wy0LskE.jpeg)

It was in truth a tie. I just liked Predator more. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:03:35 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 07:41:01 PM
I appreciate you including Heathers. Even after the first-round loss, it deserved its mention. :-)
I actually did a lot of research and put a lot of thought into the field. It sorta leans heavily into my version of the 80’s but I put in quite a few movies I didn’t care for or didn’t see. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 08:14:15 PM
Clear that you put a lot of work into this. And thanks--it's been fun (and I've used it as an education opportunity for the young ones).
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:14:51 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/p93wdFp.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:15:28 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 10, 2026, 08:14:15 PM
Clear that you put a lot of work into this. And thanks--it's been fun (and I've used it as an education opportunity for the young ones).
Next off-season I want to do the 90’s. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:17:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Fzg7QtF.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:19:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/8iqk0Kv.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 09:04:11 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/9sDdog4.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 09:07:07 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Dhocu5M.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 10, 2026, 09:11:10 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 08:19:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/8iqk0Kv.jpeg)

I'd say it's hard to believe you weirdos picked this upset, but, well, y'all are indeed a bunch of weirdos.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 09:12:00 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/ZdnWdHj.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 09:17:18 PM
Final MTV Bracket Round 1 

(https://i.imgur.com/JVOniYS.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 10, 2026, 09:21:16 PM
Next up. 

DeLorean Region
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vs. (16) Twins
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris remains one of the decade’s most recognizable and quotable characters. The Ferrari, the parade, Cameron, Rooney, suburban teenage freedom, direct-to-camera commentary, and the fantasy of skipping school for one perfect day have all transcended the 1980s. Few movies remain as relatable, rewatchable, or instantly identifiable.
(16) Twins (1988)
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito are an unforgettable comic pairing. The high-concept premise, fish-out-of-water comedy, late-’80s style, and sheer star power earned Twins a place in the field. Its cultural reach is narrower than the higher seeds, but the central pairing remains widely recognized.

(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure vs. (9) The NeverEnding Story
(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted’s slang, clothes, music obsession, optimism, and lovable stupidity are completely tied to 1989. Even while traveling through history, the two leads remain unmistakably late-’80s teenagers. Their dialogue and attitude have endured well beyond the movie’s original audience.
(9) The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Falkor, the Childlike Empress, Atreyu, the theme song, practical effects, and the emotional weight of the story made this a defining childhood movie for many who grew up in the decade. Its fantasy setting required an exception, but its imagery and emotional staying power made it too important to omit.

(5) Risky Business vs. (12) Spaceballs
(5) Risky Business (1983)
Tom Cruise, suburban privilege, teenage ambition, the Porsche, synthesizer music, and the famous dance scene make Risky Business one of the clearest portraits of early-’80s aspiration and anxiety. It is stylish, memorable, and inseparable from Cruise’s rise to stardom.
(12) Spaceballs (1987)
Its parody of Star Wars, merchandising jokes, absurd characters, and endlessly repeated dialogue have given Spaceballs extraordinary staying power. It earns a cultural-impact exception because its humor became part of the decade’s pop-culture vocabulary even though the story takes place in a fictional universe.

(4) The Terminator vs. (13) Crocodile Dundee
(4) The Terminator (1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back,” neon Los Angeles, synthesizer music, technology anxiety, time travel, and practical effects make The Terminator one of the defining science-fiction films of the decade. Its visual style and dialogue remain instantly recognizable.
(13) Crocodile Dundee (1986)
The hat, the knife, the Australian wilderness, the New York culture clash, and Paul Hogan’s relaxed confidence became a worldwide phenomenon. Its most famous scenes and lines are still remembered, and the character became one of the decade’s most recognizable international icons.

(6) Die Hard vs. (11) Batman
(6) Die Hard (1988)
John McClane, Hans Gruber, Nakatomi Plaza, practical action, walkie-talkie dialogue, and the endless Christmas-movie debate give Die Hard exceptional staying power. It created a template that action movies copied for years and remains one of the most rewatched films of the decade.
(11) Batman (1989)
The movie is not set in ordinary 1980s America, but the cultural phenomenon surrounding it was enormous. The black-and-yellow logo, Prince soundtrack, merchandise, Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and full-scale “Batmania” made it a defining entertainment event of 1989.

(3) The Goonies vs. (14) Major League
(3) The Goonies (1985)
Bicycles, unsupervised kids, treasure maps, practical adventure, Data’s inventions, Chunk, Sloth, and “Goonies never say die” make this one of the decade’s great childhood movies. It remains highly rewatchable and continues to connect with audiences who were not alive when it was released.
(14) Major League (1989)
Wild Thing, Jobu, Harry Doyle, the Cleveland underdogs, and a deep collection of quotable scenes helped Major League become one of the most enduring sports comedies ever made. Its lower seed reflects its narrower sports audience, not a lack of staying power.

(7) Weird Science vs. (10) Say Anything…
(7) Weird Science (1985)
Teenage computer fantasies, Anthony Michael Hall, Kelly LeBrock, synthesizers, house parties, outrageous fashion, and wish-fulfillment comedy make this a pure John Hughes-era creation. Its premise and style could hardly belong to any other decade.
(10) Say Anything… (1989)
The boom-box scene became one of the defining romantic images of the era. John Cusack’s performance, the movie’s treatment of young adulthood, and its emotional honesty gave it long-term staying power beyond its late-’80s setting.

(2) Back to the Future vs. (15) Weekend at Bernie’s
(2) Back to the Future (1985)
Although much of the story occurs in 1955, Marty McFly is unmistakably a product of 1985. The DeLorean, skateboard, clothes, video camera, Huey Lewis, synthesizers, mall parking lot, and optimistic view of technology helped define the decade. It is one of the tournament’s most memorable and broadly loved entries.
(15) Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
The premise of two young employees dragging their dead boss through an entire weekend became a lasting pop-culture reference. Its beach setting, clothing, corporate greed, absurd physical comedy, and unmistakable late-’80s atmosphere earned it a lower-seed place in the field.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 10:24:15 AM
For me there's only one matchup here that's even close.  

But I have no doubt you weirdos are gonna screw it all up.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 10:47:32 AM
I can help with that on 2 matchups - only 2 have I seen both movies
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 11, 2026, 11:48:45 AM
I think 3/14 and 7/10 could both be close. The rest should not be.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 12:04:03 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 10:24:15 AM
For me there's only one matchup here that's even close. 

Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 11, 2026, 11:48:45 AM
I think 3/14 and 7/10 could both be close. The rest should not be.

This is where age is going to factor in.  I'm not Gen X, and there's roughly 50% of these movies (I'm estimating) I saw after the fact.  It's not the same for me as for people who "lived through it."  Kind of like how my experience of 90's movies is different than Gen Z who catch up on them.  I certainly remember the 80's, but only the second half.  And in that second half, I wasn't allowed to watch half this stuff. 
Some of these are closer for me than I'm guessing they are for y'all, based on comments.  Referencing the above, an example is the clash between Ferris Bueller and Twins.  I saw Twins when it came out for video rental in the 80's and my folks watched it.  I didn't see Ferris Bueller until years later.  It's almost impossible for me to attach "80's" to Ferris Bueller in the same way I do Twins because of that.  I simply wasn't in control of what I saw and when, in the 80's. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 12:30:29 PM
If you vote for freaking awful-ass Twins over 80s icon Ferris Bueller's I sweatergod I'll hunt you down and kill you in your sleep.

No offense intended of course.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 12:33:13 PM
Well when you put it like that....

I have to do it just to spite you.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: jgvol on August 11, 2026, 12:39:16 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 12:30:29 PM
If you vote for freaking awful-ass Twins over 80s icon Ferris Bueller's I sweatergod I'll hunt you down and kill you in your sleep.

No offense intended of course.

Twins is awful now.

Really enjoyed it when I was 14.

But yeah, this may be the most lopsided matchup I've seen yet.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 12:41:10 PM
I thought it sucked then, and it really really sucks now.  The chick I was dating at the time made me go and see it, and I'm pretty sure I broke up with her because of that.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 11, 2026, 12:51:47 PM
That seems like sound logic.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:21:45 PM
both of them really suck - flip a coin
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 02:23:31 PM
Quote from: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:21:45 PM
both of them really suck - flip a coin
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUya3M1YzhrMGwzeHZtZmFrMm81YnRwcHNweTZtdHJsdjM2dWZiaTNmNSZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/ceeN6U57leAhi/source.gif)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:26:10 PM
well, I saw Bueller, not the sucky one

and I didn't give a damn for Bueller
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 02:27:34 PM
Quote from: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:26:10 PM
well, I saw Bueller, not the sucky one

and I didn't give a damn for Bueller
If you don't enjoy Ferris Bueller's Day Off then you are a humorless ghoul and you should be ashamed as you sit there in your wrongness.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:29:39 PM
"I wish I was like you, easily amused"
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 02:30:39 PM
@Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) I think it's time to make a rule that grumpy old humorless codger boomers don't get to vote in this tourney.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2026, 02:33:54 PM
I didn't vote - can't vote if you haven't seen them both and draw a comparison 

I just stated my opinion on the stupid movie I watched ;)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 02:40:10 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 12:41:10 PM
I thought it sucked then, and it really really sucks now.  

I remember liking it.  Though I was 9 when it came out and I also thought TMNT cartoons was high art.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: iahawk15 on August 11, 2026, 02:43:28 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 02:40:10 PM
I remember liking it.  Though I was 9 when it came out and I also thought TMNT cartoons was high art. 
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/bjCNVY3j-M4AAAAC/dumb-and-dumber-jim-carrey.gif)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 02:45:42 PM
There are some good Schwarzenegger movies in this tourney.  Twins is not one of them.

The good news is that most everyone in my high school drama department worked at our main movie theater so I didn't pay to see a movie from about 1986 to 1992 or so.  So while Twins was a waste of my time, it at least was not a waste of my money.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 02:56:34 PM
Looking ahead to next off-season.....

Does Dazed and Confused count as a 90's movie if it's set in the 70's?  I think @Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) 's rules preclude that, but for my age group, it's almost impossible to take that movie out of the 90's cultural touchstone.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 03:03:40 PM
The 90s movie tournament thread is over there --------->

(actually it isn't)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 02:56:34 PM
Looking ahead to next off-season.....

Does Dazed and Confused count as a 90's movie if it's set in the 70's?  I think @Gigem (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1706) 's rules preclude that, but for my age group, it's almost impossible to take that movie out of the 90's cultural touchstone. 
It's a 90s movie that wouldn't show up in a "Best 90s" movie tournament like this one, because it's set in the 70s. 

BTW I recently (and because I'm old, 'recently' was probably 18 months ago) re-watched it because my wife had never seen it. She did not think it was particularly good. And upon reflection, neither did I. 

Quintessential "Best 90s" bracket would have to include Swingers and of course Office Space... Hell, they might be 1 seeds.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 11, 2026, 03:20:52 PM
Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
It's a 90s movie that wouldn't show up in a "Best 90s" movie tournament like this one, because it's set in the 70s.

Well, those are Gigem's rules, but if someone did a 90s tournament there's nothing saying the criteria have to be the same.

Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
BTW I recently (and because I'm old, 'recently' was probably 18 months ago) re-watched it because my wife had never seen it. She did not think it was particularly good. And upon reflection, neither did I.

I don't love the movie either but as a native Austinite it'll still always hold a special place for me.  I mean heck, their drive-in burger hangout is my actual high school drive-in burger hangout.  We spent a ton of time there.

Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
Quintessential "Best 90s" bracket would have to include Swingers and of course Office Space... Hell, they might be 1 seeds.

Singles and Reality Bites fit in there somewhere as well.

And then of course there's Pulp Fiction.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 04:09:56 PM
Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
BTW I recently (and because I'm old, 'recently' was probably 18 months ago) re-watched it because my wife had never seen it. She did not think it was particularly good. And upon reflection, neither did I. 

Eh, that describes a vast catalog of movies that we'd rewatch today.  Doesn't mean they weren't impactful, or that they weren't actually good for their time.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 05:11:42 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on August 11, 2026, 04:09:56 PM
Eh, that describes a vast catalog of movies that we'd rewatch today.  Doesn't mean they weren't impactful, or that they weren't actually good for their time. 
Oh, completely true. 

I get older, but that movie stayed the same age. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 11, 2026, 06:59:17 PM
My rules are extremely loose. I included spaceballs in the tournament even though it doesn’t take place in the 80’s. I forgot the exact exemption criteria but basically if a movie was such a cultural touchstone that embodies the spirit of the decade then so be it. I really struggled with ESB and RotJ. Ultimately, I left them out because they’re so good I don’t want them to overshadow anything that is more congruent with the decade. 

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 11, 2026, 07:16:00 PM
Quote from: betarhoalphadelta on August 11, 2026, 03:11:50 PM
It's a 90s movie that wouldn't show up in a "Best 90s" movie tournament like this one, because it's set in the 70s.

BTW I recently (and because I'm old, 'recently' was probably 18 months ago) re-watched it because my wife had never seen it. She did not think it was particularly good. And upon reflection, neither did I.

Quintessential "Best 90s" bracket would have to include Swingers and of course Office Space... Hell, they might be 1 seeds.
I actually already was thinking about a 90’s movie tournament for next season. I really wasn’t sure if I could come up with as good of a list as my 80’s. I knew the top 10-15 teams would be damn good, but I worried about the 2nd half. 

After going through the list of candidates it turns out there are also a ton of great movies. It will be a lot of fun. And I’ll get somebody to help with the seeding. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2026, 04:54:13 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/91F0NUZ.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 13, 2026, 05:00:48 PM
Phoebe was hot.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Wildcat4E on August 13, 2026, 05:41:00 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 11, 2026, 07:16:00 PM
 I really wasn’t sure if I could come up with as good of a list as my 80’s. 
Find me ANY list of anything in the 90's that was better than the 80's.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MarqHusker on August 13, 2026, 05:51:36 PM
Rock music of 90s>80s..  its not a rout but I'll concede the totality of 90s rock beats 80s rock despite some good peak 80s rock efforts. 
Of course rock of 70s>90s>80s.

I said Rock, not Pop or other genres.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 13, 2026, 05:52:54 PM
Quote from: MarqHusker on August 13, 2026, 05:51:36 PM
Rock music of 90s>80s..  its not a rout but I'll concede the totality of 90s rock beats 80s rock despite some good peak 80s rock efforts.
Of course rock of 70s>90s>80s.

I said Rock, not Pop or other genres.
I like 80's and 90's rock music.

Watched an Iron Maiden concert on my lanai last night. It was wonderful.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 13, 2026, 05:59:59 PM
Quote from: MarqHusker on August 13, 2026, 05:51:36 PM
Rock music of 90s>80s.
Nope. Definitely not.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 13, 2026, 11:10:16 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 11, 2026, 06:59:17 PM
My rules are extremely loose. I included spaceballs in the tournament even though it doesn’t take place in the 80’s.
Does it not?  
Remember, time and space are relative.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 14, 2026, 09:28:35 AM
Quote from: MarqHusker on August 13, 2026, 05:51:36 PM
Rock music of 90s>80s..  its not a rout but I'll concede the totality of 90s rock beats 80s rock despite some good peak 80s rock efforts.
Of course rock of 70s>90s>80s.

I said Rock, not Pop or other genres.
this pot will stir itself 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 14, 2026, 09:32:38 AM
70's through Present.

(https://i.imgur.com/otU65HP.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 09:33:49 AM
There's good music I like in every era. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 14, 2026, 09:34:13 AM
Me too. Those guys have it covered for me.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Wildcat4E on August 14, 2026, 10:22:11 AM
OK, after some thought, I do believe I can find one list that would be better in the 90's, Country Music.  90's Country was excellent, and is still borrowed from to this day.

Oh yeah, one more--the chicks I got to "know," can't forget that one.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 10:31:57 AM
Hmmm I'm not sure I can agree on that one either.  90s had a nice resurgence of country music, but the 80s produced some good stuff as well. In no particular order (after George Strait of course):

George Strait
Randy Travis
Lyle Lovett
Dwight Yoakam
Emmylou Harris
Restless Heart

Heck, even Clint Black's first album was released in the 80s, so I'll count him, too. :)

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Wildcat4E on August 14, 2026, 11:21:47 AM
Reasonable people can disagree.

But I do believe this is a first, as Utee94 is "not sure!" :)

I will end the hi-jacking of the thread, um, now.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 14, 2026, 11:22:07 AM
Quote from: MarqHusker on August 13, 2026, 05:51:36 PM
Rock music of 90s>80s

We used to be friends.....
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 14, 2026, 11:22:53 AM
Tough call. 

https://twitter.com/rodryanshow/status/2088068084003430471?s=46&t=EHozF964Pc_xZmTZKPCcEA
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 14, 2026, 11:26:25 AM
I think it’s hard to objectively judge music by the decade because whatever you listened to from 12-13 years old to about 22 years old and that’s pretty much locked in throughout your life. 

Not surprisingly I was 12 in ‘87. My music taste is a lot of stuff from late 80’s to about 2000. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 11:32:55 AM
I'm saving Dar.  Of the Emerites.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 11:44:48 AM
Quote from: Wildcat4E on August 14, 2026, 11:21:47 AM
Reasonable people can disagree.

But I do believe this is a first, as Utee94 is "not sure!" :)

I will end the hi-jacking of the thread, um, now.
Well I'm only "not sure" because I might could be persuaded either way, as I don't think one is definitevely better than the other.

I grew up listening to country in the 70s and 80s, heck my dad was the GM of one of the more famous country radio stations at the time, so it's in my blood.

But 90s country is what I was dancing to with cute college girls at The Broken Spoke, Dance Across Texas, and The Lumberyard. Plus untold random bars on Spring Break in South Padre and Port Aransas.   So it has a pretty special place in my heart as well.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Wildcat4E on August 14, 2026, 12:04:02 PM
True that, both of you.

70's and 80's was attending a Tom T. Hall concert with my parents, Charlie Daniels Band, Alabama, the Statler Bros and Oakridge Boys on LP or 8-track tape, and everything else by AM radio in a car or a tractor.

90's was going to the bar and, you know.

But those 90's brought Garth, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, several of the 80's guys you mentioned continued on in the 90's--George Strait and Dwight Yoakam.  Also Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Shania Twain and I remember the poster of Tanya Tucker in Longhorns (pre Big XII) as she had a big renaissance.  I can even mention the Dixie Chicks pre their torpedoing their own career.  I'm leaving a bunch out, got to get back to what I'm actually in this chair for today.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:22:42 PM
Oh yeah tons of good ones that I danced to with cute college girls, or did other stuff to...


90s standouts for me:
Garth Brooks
Clint Black (I'll give him to the 90s I guess)
Doug Stone
Pam Tillis
Shania Twain
Marty Stuart
Alan Jackson
Travis Tritt
Suzy Bogguss
Faith Hill
John Anderson
Shenandoah
The Mavericks
Brooks & Dunn
Tim McGraw
Collin Raye
Marc Chestnut
John Michael Montgomery

Another at least dozen I'm forgetting I'm sure.




Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:25:41 PM
Maybe we should start a 90s country 64 team tournament
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 14, 2026, 12:32:43 PM
Reba McEntire and Vince Gill would like a word.

Billy Ray Cyrus would, too, but if I never hear his biggest hit again, it will be too soon (my GF at the time loved that frickin' song).
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:33:26 PM
I like Vince Gill.  Reba was never my thing.  Nor the Judds.  Nor "The Chicks."

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 14, 2026, 12:34:39 PM
Fair. They sure sold a lot of records in the 90s, those gals. Nothing on Shania or Alanis (I know, not country), but still respectable showings.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 14, 2026, 01:11:34 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:25:41 PM
Maybe we should start a 90s country 64 team tournament
on the Big 12 board
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 14, 2026, 01:28:22 PM
https://youtu.be/Vjq6UgetUkw

I'll take the 50s
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Wildcat4E on August 14, 2026, 02:36:10 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:22:42 PM
Oh yeah tons of good ones that I danced to with cute college girls, or did other stuff to...


90s standouts for me:
Garth Brooks
Clint Black (I'll give him to the 90s I guess)
Doug Stone
Pam Tillis
Shania Twain
Marty Stuart
Alan Jackson
Travis Tritt
Suzy Bogguss
Faith Hill
John Anderson
Shenandoah
The Mavericks
Brooks & Dunn
Tim McGraw
Collin Raye
Marc Chestnut
John Michael Montgomery

Another at least dozen I'm forgetting I'm sure.

Hal Ketchum
Clay Walker
Kentucky Headhunters

Columbia Records Club was our Amazon/Apple/Spotify
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 14, 2026, 03:49:43 PM
Quote from: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 12:25:41 PM
Maybe we should start a 90s country 64 team tournament
On the B12 board where y'all like country...
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 14, 2026, 03:50:09 PM
Damn... FF beat me to it. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 14, 2026, 04:26:12 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 14, 2026, 12:34:39 PM
Fair. They sure sold a lot of records in the 90s, those gals. Nothing on Shania or Alanis (I know, not country), but still respectable showings.
Yup they were definitely popular, just not my cup o' tea.  And it has nothing to do with their politics, I'm very much on record as not giving a crap one way or the other how entertainers lean or speak politically.  I disliked them long before any of that happened.

A good friend of mine helped me gain some clarity once upon a time.  He doesn't like Rush, can't stand Geddy Lee's voice mostly, but also he just doesn't dig prog rock in general.  But he really liked the Dixie Chicks, and he once asked me why I didn't, and I responded, "They're my Rush."

Sometimes you just don't like something that a lot of other people do.  I don't like Michelob Ultra either, but it's the top selling beer in the country.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 14, 2026, 04:35:58 PM
Also fair. I was including Reba and the Judds in "those gals" who sold a lot of records, but there is no difference in the sentiment, I suppose.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 14, 2026, 04:39:22 PM
Most of the country I listened to was as a result of the girl I was dating at the time, which, unsurprisingly, tended to include "the gals." That was long over by the time the Chicks were on the scene, but SFIrish appreciates them and, to some degree, Shania, so they've hung around the playlists I hear.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 16, 2026, 10:02:29 AM
https://twitter.com/80s_channel/status/2088674067218157782?s=46&t=EHozF964Pc_xZmTZKPCcEA
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 17, 2026, 12:25:32 PM
https://twitter.com/swculturelive/status/2089109954108211288?s=46&t=EHozF964Pc_xZmTZKPCcEA

Took me a minute to remember the gator from happy Gilmore. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 17, 2026, 12:26:44 PM
Next round is starting soon. Just been super busy at work. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 17, 2026, 12:27:34 PM
At this rate we might be done by Thanksgiving!
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 17, 2026, 12:54:56 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 17, 2026, 12:25:32 PM
Took me a minute to remember the gator from happy Gilmore.


It's all in the hips....
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 19, 2026, 01:46:00 PM
https://twitter.com/80s_channel/status/2090130388110766206?s=46&t=EHozF964Pc_xZmTZKPCcEA
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 21, 2026, 12:27:30 PM
Fellas, I watched Real Genius the other night with my young adult kids. They generally have pretty good taste in movies.

They HATED it. And honestly, it’s pretty bad. We’ve recently seen War Games, solid, Heathers, liked it, A Fish Called Wanda, loved it, and several others in this tournament. They don’t just dislike 80s movies; they like a lot of them. Not Real Genius.

I hadn’t seen it in 35+ years, and it hasn’t aged well. Not in the sense of not keeping up with social mores (well, some of that), but more the script is just not good.

Sigh. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on August 21, 2026, 01:35:53 PM
After you talked about it recently, I watched Heathers for the first time since I truly don't know when.  I wasn't all that old.  

Whenever it was I saw that movie, I don't think I appreciated the fine implementation of dark comedy.  If you were to take it at all seriously, it would just be bat**** insane.  I don't think Slater's character was nearly as clever with his social commentary and moral dilemmas as the movie seemed to want him to be, but as silly takes on neo-nihilism goes......it works pretty well, imo.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 21, 2026, 08:06:27 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Js9wBNI.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 21, 2026, 08:33:17 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/vDRQghi.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 21, 2026, 08:54:31 PM
Liked Werewolf  described as "masterfully balancing genuine, gruesome terror with razor-sharp dark humor." Kind of like the Cleveland Sports Scene

 "I will not be threatened by a walking meat loaf!" – David snapping at his rotting friend.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 21, 2026, 09:09:42 PM
I also enjoyed Werewolf - haven't watched the other one "chick flick"
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MrNubbz on August 21, 2026, 09:38:14 PM
Glad you said but I concur
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 22, 2026, 03:32:15 PM
🚘 DeLorean Region
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vs. (16) Twins
(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris remains one of the decade’s most recognizable and quotable characters. The Ferrari, the parade, Cameron, Rooney, suburban teenage freedom, direct-to-camera commentary, and the fantasy of skipping school for one perfect day have all transcended the 1980s. Few movies remain as relatable, rewatchable, or instantly identifiable.
(16) Twins (1988)
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito are an unforgettable comic pairing. The high-concept premise, fish-out-of-water comedy, late-’80s style, and sheer star power earned Twins a place in the field. Its cultural reach is narrower than the higher seeds, but the central pairing remains widely recognized.

(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure vs. (9) The NeverEnding Story
(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted’s slang, clothes, music obsession, optimism, and lovable stupidity are completely tied to 1989. Even while traveling through history, the two leads remain unmistakably late-’80s teenagers. Their dialogue and attitude have endured well beyond the movie’s original audience.
(9) The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Falkor, the Childlike Empress, Atreyu, the theme song, practical effects, and the emotional weight of the story made this a defining childhood movie for many who grew up in the decade. Its fantasy setting required an exception, but its imagery and emotional staying power made it too important to omit.

(5) Risky Business vs. (12) Spaceballs
(5) Risky Business (1983)
Tom Cruise, suburban privilege, teenage ambition, the Porsche, synthesizer music, and the famous dance scene make Risky Business one of the clearest portraits of early-’80s aspiration and anxiety. It is stylish, memorable, and inseparable from Cruise’s rise to stardom.
(12) Spaceballs (1987)
Its parody of Star Wars, merchandising jokes, absurd characters, and endlessly repeated dialogue have given Spaceballs extraordinary staying power. It earns a cultural-impact exception because its humor became part of the decade’s pop-culture vocabulary even though the story takes place in a fictional universe.

(4) The Terminator vs. (13) Crocodile Dundee
(4) The Terminator (1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back,” neon Los Angeles, synthesizer music, technology anxiety, time travel, and practical effects make The Terminator one of the defining science-fiction films of the decade. Its visual style and dialogue remain instantly recognizable.
(13) Crocodile Dundee (1986)
The hat, the knife, the Australian wilderness, the New York culture clash, and Paul Hogan’s relaxed confidence became a worldwide phenomenon. Its most famous scenes and lines are still remembered, and the character became one of the decade’s most recognizable international icons.

(6) Die Hard vs. (11) Batman
(6) Die Hard (1988)
John McClane, Hans Gruber, Nakatomi Plaza, practical action, walkie-talkie dialogue, and the endless Christmas-movie debate give Die Hard exceptional staying power. It created a template that action movies copied for years and remains one of the most rewatched films of the decade.
(11) Batman (1989)
The movie is not set in ordinary 1980s America, but the cultural phenomenon surrounding it was enormous. The black-and-yellow logo, Prince soundtrack, merchandise, Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and full-scale “Batmania” made it a defining entertainment event of 1989.

(3) The Goonies vs. (14) Major League
(3) The Goonies (1985)
Bicycles, unsupervised kids, treasure maps, practical adventure, Data’s inventions, Chunk, Sloth, and “Goonies never say die” make this one of the decade’s great childhood movies. It remains highly rewatchable and continues to connect with audiences who were not alive when it was released.
(14) Major League (1989)
Wild Thing, Jobu, Harry Doyle, the Cleveland underdogs, and a deep collection of quotable scenes helped Major League become one of the most enduring sports comedies ever made. Its lower seed reflects its narrower sports audience, not a lack of staying power.

(7) Weird Science vs. (10) Say Anything…
(7) Weird Science (1985)
Teenage computer fantasies, Anthony Michael Hall, Kelly LeBrock, synthesizers, house parties, outrageous fashion, and wish-fulfillment comedy make this a pure John Hughes-era creation. Its premise and style could hardly belong to any other decade.
(10) Say Anything… (1989)
The boom-box scene became one of the defining romantic images of the era. John Cusack’s performance, the movie’s treatment of young adulthood, and its emotional honesty gave it long-term staying power beyond its late-’80s setting.

(2) Back to the Future vs. (15) Weekend at Bernie’s
(2) Back to the Future (1985)
Although much of the story occurs in 1955, Marty McFly is unmistakably a product of 1985. The DeLorean, skateboard, clothes, video camera, Huey Lewis, synthesizers, mall parking lot, and optimistic view of technology helped define the decade. It is one of the tournament’s most memorable and broadly loved entries.
(15) Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
The premise of two young employees dragging their dead boss through an entire weekend became a lasting pop-culture reference. Its beach setting, clothing, corporate greed, absurd physical comedy, and unmistakable late-’80s atmosphere earned it a lower-seed place in the field.


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 22, 2026, 08:18:49 PM
I'd like to file a complaint against cincydawg for deleting posts about censorship.  People should know what he's doing.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 22, 2026, 09:28:42 PM
duly noted

:34:
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 24, 2026, 07:23:58 AM
Immabout to start deleting posts complaining about deleting posts.

YWW

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 24, 2026, 04:27:35 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 22, 2026, 03:32:15 PM
🚘 DeLorean Region

(1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
(16) Twins (1988)
This is obvious.

(8) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
(9) The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Cute, but no. There is only one correct answer here (and most of the NeverEnding Story doesn't qualify as a reflection of the 1980s anyway).

(5) Risky Business (1983)
(12) Spaceballs (1987)
Close-ish, but still pretty clear.

(4) The Terminator (1984)
(13) Crocodile Dundee (1986)
This is obvious.

(6) Die Hard (1988)
(11) Batman (1989)
Batman is solid, but this is still easy.

(3) The Goonies (1985)
(14) Major League (1989)
Close, but I have the upset here. Goonies may appeal to many of us based on our age and level of nostalgia, but Major League caught the cultural moment of 1989; whereas the Goonies is a good kids adventure movie, but a lower 80s factor.

(7) Weird Science (1985)
(10) Say Anything… (1989)
Another close upset, but is 10 over 7 really much of an upset. This has the feel of a good mid-major losing to a solid power conference player. 

(2) Back to the Future (1985)
(15) Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Obvious.



Honestly, there's only one game in the next round of this bracket (Risky Business/Terminator) that will be close.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 24, 2026, 04:40:35 PM
I'm sorry I haven't posted the poll yet, every time I get started I get some important work activity that pushes it out.  I wanted to be done with the entire tournament by the time Football season started, but it's obvious that won't happen.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 24, 2026, 04:50:45 PM
Quote from: Gigem on August 24, 2026, 04:40:35 PM
I'm sorry I haven't posted the poll yet, every time I get started I get some important work activity that pushes it out.  I wanted to be done with the entire tournament by the time Football season started, but it's obvious that won't happen. 
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUybzNrY3V0eWZvd3ZqM3RmNGZ0MWVqOHI1NDQ2NHdmYnZ0MXNuaWhocCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/lA1UjqWVdmmpq/source.gif)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 24, 2026, 04:51:13 PM
Life happens. NBD.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on August 30, 2026, 08:08:55 PM
Polls are up for the DeLorean Region !  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 31, 2026, 10:05:56 AM
Many of these are already over.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 31, 2026, 01:22:21 PM
Man, jumping ahead to (next summer?), the 90s are a tough one. So many great movies, but I feel like the cultural zeitgeist is harder to nail down. And so many of us were probably in prime movie watching years. Gonna be tough.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 31, 2026, 07:18:24 PM
This amused me, particularly the first two things our movies capture...ChatGPT's response to our list of movies (and the big budget movies Gigem excluded because they didn't fit the 1980s timeframe) as they relate to the culture of the 1980s:

Your list is already unusually strong at capturing suburban youth culture, masculinity, action-movie individualism, technology, consumerism, and late-80s institutional cynicism. The biggest gaps are workplace/corporate culture, changing gender roles, race, class mobility, family transformation, yuppie culture, and the Reagan-era military/Cold War worldview.
If the goal is specifically large-release movies that help explain 1980s American culture, rather than simply adding acclaimed films, these are the additions I'd prioritize:
PriorityFilmYearWhat it adds culturally
EssentialWorking Girl1988Yuppies, Manhattan corporate culture, women entering professional power structures, class mobility, meritocracy
EssentialFatal Attraction1987Careerism, marriage, sexual anxiety, gender roles, affluent professional life, backlash against 1970s sexual liberation
EssentialThe Color Purple1985Race, gender, family, religion and Black American experience largely missing from the list
EssentialBorn on the Fourth of July1989Vietnam, patriotism, disillusionment and the political legacy of the 1960s
EssentialRed Dawn1984Possibly the purest artifact of Reagan-era Cold War anxiety and patriotic militarism
Essential9 to 51980Women in the workplace, sexism, office hierarchy and changing gender expectations
EssentialTootsie1982Gender expectations, workplace sexism, media/entertainment culture
EssentialBroadcast News1987Careerism, television, information culture, professional elites and authenticity vs. image
EssentialBaby Boom1987The career/family conflict, yuppie culture and changing expectations for professional women
EssentialThe Secret of My Success1987Corporate ambition and the almost comic 80s faith in upward mobility

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 31, 2026, 07:27:42 PM
That's a nice list covering the gaps.  I suspect ff Gigem's original list had been designed by a woman, it would probably have many of those on it, and a few more that we're not thinking about right now.

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 31, 2026, 07:28:44 PM
And people just a little bit older than most of us.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: utee94 on August 31, 2026, 07:47:17 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 31, 2026, 07:28:44 PM
And people just a little bit older than most of us.
Yeah true as well.  Most of us are either GenX or very very young boomer.

Except for Cincy of course, he's probably even older than The Greatest Generation...

Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: FearlessF on August 31, 2026, 08:57:11 PM
Vietnam, patriotism, disillusionment and the political legacy of the 1960s

seems 80s to me
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 01, 2026, 09:23:46 PM
Quote from: SFBadger96 on August 31, 2026, 07:18:24 PM
This amused me, particularly the first two things our movies capture...ChatGPT's response to our list of movies (and the big budget movies Gigem excluded because they didn't fit the 1980s timeframe) as they relate to the culture of the 1980s:

Your list is already unusually strong at capturing suburban youth culture, masculinity, action-movie individualism, technology, consumerism, and late-80s institutional cynicism. The biggest gaps are workplace/corporate culture, changing gender roles, race, class mobility, family transformation, yuppie culture, and the Reagan-era military/Cold War worldview.
If the goal is specifically large-release movies that help explain 1980s American culture, rather than simply adding acclaimed films, these are the additions I'd prioritize:
PriorityFilmYearWhat it adds culturally
EssentialWorking Girl1988Yuppies, Manhattan corporate culture, women entering professional power structures, class mobility, meritocracy
EssentialFatal Attraction1987Careerism, marriage, sexual anxiety, gender roles, affluent professional life, backlash against 1970s sexual liberation
EssentialThe Color Purple1985Race, gender, family, religion and Black American experience largely missing from the list
EssentialBorn on the Fourth of July1989Vietnam, patriotism, disillusionment and the political legacy of the 1960s
EssentialRed Dawn1984Possibly the purest artifact of Reagan-era Cold War anxiety and patriotic militarism
Essential9 to 51980Women in the workplace, sexism, office hierarchy and changing gender expectations
EssentialTootsie1982Gender expectations, workplace sexism, media/entertainment culture
EssentialBroadcast News1987Careerism, television, information culture, professional elites and authenticity vs. image
EssentialBaby Boom1987The career/family conflict, yuppie culture and changing expectations for professional women
EssentialThe Secret of My Success1987Corporate ambition and the almost comic 80s faith in upward mobility
All of those movies were considered and not chosen for various reasons. 

Color Purple is a period piece. It takes place outside the 80’s. 
same for 4th of July.  All very fine movies, some just didn’t make the cut. 

it’s what makes this thread so great. Here we are still arguing about who got left out. 

I left silly movies like They Live in, but cut The Secret of My Success 


Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: SFBadger96 on September 02, 2026, 02:50:11 PM
Oh, I'm not arguing about what got left out; I'm amused by how AI views our (your) decisions. It does not surprise me at all that our list swings young (for the time period) and masculine.
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:28:06 PM
Goonies by decision. 

(https://i.imgur.com/9h5LfLV.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:31:31 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/HemfFJh.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:34:49 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/eue43Vk.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:46:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/TiCMUZ2.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:50:05 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/CCgxgy4.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:56:44 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/ZWls56p.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:57:58 PM
Amazing. It wouldn’t generate the Batman vs Die Hard poster in the poll ( had to try several attempts) and now it won’t generate the winner poster. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: MikeDeTiger on September 07, 2026, 09:59:44 PM
In an unexpected twist, Major League transferred to LSU, sued for an extra round of eligibility, and a judge granted a TRO against Gigem, barring him from prohibiting it from advancing.  
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 09:59:56 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/hWW59n5.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 10:00:28 PM
Quote from: MikeDeTiger on September 07, 2026, 09:59:44 PM
In an unexpected twist, Major League transferred to LSU, sued for an extra round of eligibility, and a judge granted a TRO against Gigem, barring him from prohibiting it from advancing. 
Touché 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 10:41:55 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/8YNKnXV.jpeg)
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 10:44:55 PM
Quote from: Gigem on July 29, 2026, 05:08:45 PM
💇 Big Hair Region
(1) Fast Times at Ridgemont High vs. (16) The Money Pit / The ’Burbs — Tom Hanks Suburban Disaster Rule
(1) Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Few movies provide a more direct snapshot of ordinary teenage life in the early 1980s. The mall, school, minimum-wage jobs, dating, cars, clothes, music, and Jeff Spicoli make Fast Times feel almost like a documentary of the era. Its characters and scenes remain recognizable, quotable, and influential more than forty years later.
(16) The Money Pit / The ’Burbs — Tom Hanks Suburban Disaster Rule
These two movies combine under a shared theme: Tom Hanks discovering that suburban adulthood, neighbors, and homeownership can become complete nightmares. Together they represent late-’80s domestic anxiety, physical comedy, eccentric neighbors, renovation disasters, and the fear that achieving the American dream might destroy your sanity.
(8) Friday the 13th — Franchise Rule vs. (9) Short Circuit
(8) Friday the 13th — Franchise Rule
The Friday the 13th series helped define the 1980s slasher boom. Summer camps, teenage victims, ominous music, endless sequels, and Jason’s hockey mask became permanent parts of horror culture. One entry represents the franchise because its identity was built across several films rather than belonging to only the original.
(9) Short Circuit (1986)
Johnny 5, military technology, robots, computers, and the decade’s optimistic fascination with artificial intelligence make Short Circuit an unmistakably 1980s movie. Its combination of comedy, technology, innocence, and practical effects made Johnny 5 one of the decade’s most memorable nonhuman characters.
(5) A Nightmare on Elm Street vs. (12) Beetlejuice
(5) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger became one of the most recognizable characters created during the decade. His glove, striped sweater, burned face, dream attacks, dark humor, and expanding franchise presence carried him far beyond the original movie. Few horror villains became so thoroughly embedded in popular culture.
(12) Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s visual imagination, Michael Keaton’s wild performance, strange humor, practical effects, music, and unforgettable characters gave Beetlejuice enormous cult and mainstream staying power. Its bizarre style remains instantly recognizable, and the title character became one of the decade’s most enduring creations.
(4) Gremlins vs. (13) Planes, Trains and Automobiles
(4) Gremlins (1984)
Cute merchandising mixed with horror, suburban Christmas, practical creatures, dark comedy, and three rules nearly everyone remembers make Gremlins a movie that could only have come from the 1980s. Gizmo became lovable, the gremlins became iconic, and the movie perfectly captured the decade’s willingness to mix children’s entertainment with surprisingly dark material.
(13) Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy created one of the decade’s funniest and most emotionally durable comedies. Its travel disasters, memorable insults, burned-out rental car, motel scenes, and final emotional payoff have kept it popular. It earned its place through exceptional rewatchability and the chemistry between its two stars.
(6) Pretty in Pink / Sixteen Candles — John Hughes Ensemble Rule vs. (11) Coming to America
(6) Pretty in Pink / Sixteen Candles — John Hughes Ensemble Rule
These two films combine to represent John Hughes’ teen-romance world: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, high-school cliques, awkwardness, fashion, music, dances, family embarrassment, and the overwhelming emotional importance of teenage relationships. Combining them preserves both movies without allowing similar Hughes entries to consume multiple bracket positions.
(11) Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Queens, McDowell’s, royal excess, multiple characters, and highly quotable comedy have made Coming to America one of the decade’s most enduring crowd-pleasers. Its characters and jokes remain familiar across generations, and its mixture of fairy tale, romance, and urban comedy gives it a unique identity.
(3) National Lampoon’s Vacation vs. (14) Uncle Buck
(3) National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
The Griswold family, the Family Truckster, Walley World, Clark’s relentless optimism, Christie Brinkley, Cousin Eddie, and one disaster after another turned the American family road trip into a comedy landmark. It remains highly quotable and established a family whose misadventures became a major part of 1980s comedy.
(14) Uncle Buck (1989)
John Candy’s performance, the giant pancakes, the school confrontation, the babysitter interrogation, the drill scene, and Buck’s evolving relationship with the children make this one of the most remembered family comedies of the late 1980s. Its lower seed reflects its smaller cultural footprint, not a lack of affection or rewatchability.
(7) Rambo I–III — Franchise Rule vs. (10) When Harry Met Sally…
(7) Rambo I–III — Franchise Rule
The franchise evolved from a serious story about a damaged Vietnam veteran into a symbol of 1980s action, survivalism, military confidence, Cold War politics, muscles, explosions, and larger-than-life heroes. One combined entry allows the trilogy’s complete cultural transformation to be represented without giving three slots to the same character.
(10) When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Its dialogue, performances, friendships, New York setting, restaurant scene, and observations about relationships helped define the modern romantic comedy. It remains relatable, frequently quoted, and widely watched. Though less visually exaggerated than many entries, its cultural staying power is stronger than that of numerous louder films from the decade.
(2) The Breakfast Club vs. (15) Child’s Play
(2) The Breakfast Club (1985)
The clothes, music, social groups, school setting, generational conflict, dialogue, and final fist in the air make this one of the clearest time capsules of mid-1980s teenage culture. Its stereotypes remain understandable because the movie gives each character depth, allowing later generations to continue recognizing themselves in the story.
(15) Child’s Play (1988)
Chucky became a recognizable horror icon almost immediately. The Good Guys doll, television advertising, suburban apartment setting, practical effects, and dark premise gave the movie a lasting franchise identity. Its lower seed reflects the narrower reach of horror, but Chucky’s cultural recognition is undeniable.


Just a reminder of the next round. 
Title: Re: OT-80's Movie 64 Team Tournament
Post by: Gigem on September 07, 2026, 10:46:56 PM
I really intended on having this done before football season started. I always intended this to be a offseason thread.  

Next year I’m going to do a 90’s tournament in the same style but I’m starting it in June or something. lol.