I think the 80's were a bit disappointing overall for movies, though some greats did emerge. The 80's were a wonderful time for longer, epic length films that usually premiered on television as miniseries. As far as theatrical, feature length films are concerned, my favorites of the 80's were:
Raging Bull - Along with Goodfellas, this is probably Martin Scorsese's greatest triumph.
The Ballad of Narayama - Shohei Imamura's masterpiece. Hard to watch at times, but very rewarding.
L'Argent - One of Robert Bresson's greatest works.
Grave of the Fireflies - Arguably the most emotionally powerful animated film ever made.
Jean de Florette & Manon of the Spring - These two Claude Berri films are among the greatest French films of the last 25 years.
Once Upon a Time in America - Not exactly feature length, but this was a theatrical film, and a true epic that spanned many years.
Ran - Kurosawa's best work from his late period as a filmmaker.
Hannah and Her Sisters - A very funny and human Woody Allen picture.
Crimes and Misdemeanors - Another great Allen. One part comedy, one part drama. All parts character study.
Do the Right Thing - Spike Lee's best film.
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