The 10 Best Modern Movies Set in the 80s, According to Reddit
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With the success of recent nostalgic series like Strange thingsfans are definitely looking for more shows and movies that capture the vibe and culture of the 80s. Reddit viewers have shared their favorite modern movies set during that time period, with the their favorites spanning various genres.
From sci-fi thrillers like Donnie Darko to underrated crime dramas like A more violent year, these essential films introduced characters to the 1980s, with the film’s settings ranging from funky and dreamy to bleak and gross. Whether they accurately capture the feel of the 80s is completely subjective, but they’re all successful, critically acclaimed films worth seeing.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Donnie Darko is thedubiousstylus’ first pick for a post they do about “the best 80s movie that wasn’t made in the 80s”. They consider the sci-fi thriller one of their “favorites” and think they’ll “see more of it in the coming years” as the nostalgic movie trend continues.
Set in October 1988, the film tells the story of the titular character whose encounters with a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit lead to strange situations. It is known as one of the most confusing sci-fi films due to its strange premise, which becomes even more complicated when time travel is thrown in.
Adventureland (2009)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Mention a Redditor Adventureland in his post about the “best movie set in the 80s”, calling it one of his “favorites”. Most of the comedy-drama film takes place at the titular amusement park, which is where recent graduate James Brennan is spending the summer instead of Europe. This is thanks to the unexpected financial problem that his parents have.
Set in the summer of 1987, the feel-good film transports viewers back to the golden age of amusement parks. The protagonist soon makes friends and even has a potential love interest that changes his outlook on his initial bad situation.
American Psycho (2000)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
In a post about the best movies “set in the 80s that “weren’t” made in the 80s, official_bagel includes “American Psycho” in their list of suggestions. The cult classic revolves around the iconic Patrick Bateman, a cocky Wall Street executive by day and a deranged serial killer by night, but things aren’t exactly what they seem.
Set in New York in the 1980s, the film perfectly captures and satirizes yuppie culture, while criticizing narcissism, consumerism and misogyny. As Patrick kills one person after another, the audience will begin to question what’s really going on when some of the pieces just don’t seem to add up.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Available to stream on Prime Video.
A Redditor successfully includes “call me by your name” on his list of the “best movies” that are “set in the ’80s.” Often cited alongside the most popular romantic films of the decade, the coming-of-age drama focuses on relationship established between Elio Perlman, 17 years old, and Oliver, 24 years old.
Set in 1983 in northern Italy, Oliver meets Elio while staying at his home for the summer, as he is Elio’s father’s student assistant. The film offers a unique perspective on the time period, as it takes place in another country and is an intimate portrait of young love and heartbreak.
Super 8 (2011)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
User SuperNntendoChlmers chimes in on a post about the best ’80s movies with super 8, noting that while it “may not be the most memorable, but” it “really used the ’80s setting.” The sci-fi thriller film describes the events of a small town in Ohio, which becomes the target of enigmatic creatures that escape after a train accident.
Set in 1979, this is all told from the perspective of a group of young teenagers who had just shot a movie with their super 8 when the accident happened. After a series of mysterious disappearances and other unexplained events, they work to uncover the shocking truth.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A post about the “best movie set in the 80s that wasn’t made in the 80s” prompts ForsakenUse8937 to respond with “There is no country for old men.” The critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller tells the story of three different men, with Llewelyn Moss setting off the chain reaction that leads to hitman Anton Chigurh chasing her and her stolen money, as well as investigating the facts of Sheriff Ed Tom Bell.
Set in West Texas in the 1980s, the film makes excellent use of the desert landscape to create an intense atmosphere. The cat-and-mouse chase through seedy motel rooms and gas station shops reflect aspects unique to that period.
Joker (2019)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
User lostwanderer02 doesn’t have to say much beyond “joker” in a comment in response to a question about the best movies “set in the ’80s.” The film serves as an origin story for the iconic villain, portraying his experiences as Arthur Fleck, who is an underpaid party clown and stand-up comedian.
Set in Gotham City in 1981, it uses a nostalgic and haunting lens to view the seedy environment, which is increasingly becoming a dangerous place filled with crime and corruption. It is the ideal setting for Arthur’s seemingly unintentional countercultural revolution against the elite.
The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
Available to stream on Netflix.
A thread about the best movies “set in the ’80s that “weren’t” made in the ’80s gets a unique response from MisterMinutes, who writes “The pursuit of happiness.” The dramatic film follows the story of salesman-turned-stockbroker Chris Gardner, who does everything he can to provide for and support his 5-year-old son, Christopher Jr.
Set in San Francisco in 1981, the film depicts the protagonist’s struggle after he becomes homeless and is forced to juggle an unpaid internship with being a single parent without a place to live. The inspiring story uses the relentless work culture during this time to emphasize how much Chris goes through to succeed.
Mandy (2018)
Available to stream on AMC+.
Part of RPDRNick’s long list of suggestions for “modern movies set in the 80s” is “Mandy”, an action horror film that focuses on how Red Miller and Mandy Bloom’s peaceful life is disrupted by a violent cult. An unexpected kidnapping inspires a revenge plot against the cult and the demonic biker gang it works with.
Set near the Shadow Mountains in 1983, the film showcases music and art styles of that era, especially in the couple’s cozy home. The confusing parts of the horror film are also clearly inspired by the many cults and gangs of the 80s.
A More Violent Year (2014)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A more violent year is Vanilla_Euphoric’s pick for must-see “modern movies set in the 80s,” with the user noting that the crime drama film is “set in 1981 New York.” The underrated film revolves around the experiences of Abel Morales, a small heating oil company owner who is being pressured to arm his workers to prevent their competitors from continually sabotaging them.
Abel faces pressure from all sides, with his truck drivers doubting his resolve, his wife pushing him to be tough, and the authorities chasing him for illegal activities. All of this is set against a bleak and stark atmosphere, highlighting the bleak nature of the oil trade in the 1980s.
