Best Films Of 1981

Flat out one of the most interesting action films ever made.

9/10

This is a very mature crime drama. Not everyone seems to appreciate or even fully understand the story. Others however feel it's great, subtle, and moving. Many critics have complained about the story, and/or the ending. Personally I think they just missed it, over their heads. At the same time, a few critics have given the film a top grade. This isn't your average sensationalized Hollywood crime film. It's far more human and real than that.

8.5/10

One of the very best werewolf films ever made, maybe THE best. Not everyone seemed to like the play of the horror comedy in this one, but it works well for me. I recently revisited this film and I must admit that really I even forgot how great of a film this is. I knew I liked it a lot, but I had let it sit without a rewatch for too long quite frankly. Glad I finally took it for another spin. This is truly one of the best horror films around in my view, period.

8.5/10

One of the best heist films around.

8/10

See my list - 'Let's Rob A Bank'

It's No Summer Of Sam, It's The Fall Of Thana

This early Abel Ferrara effort fits into the rape revenge tradition. Nonetheless it's far more interesting than most films of its type, and certainly far better overall than the vast majority of them. In fact, perhaps it is THE very best of them all. Definitely worth a watch if you're interested in these kinds of films even just a little. As far as gritty vigilante films go, this is definitely in the upper echelon. The more I watch this film, the more I appreciate it. There are many things to enjoy within it. Even some very funny moments. There is great artistic vision shown here from both the director and writer. Far more than you'd normally see in these types of films. Even if you notice the way the film is shot, it's quite great. It really is a beautifully crafted film in many ways, despite the dark and grimy themes and atmosphere. I remember the first time I ever saw this was with an old girlfriend, and after the film she said, "Well that was cute.". Warning: Your companion may not feel the same.

8/10

In my view definitely one of the better De Palma films. 8/10

The beginning of a franchise from George and Steven.

If you like crime drama, this is certainly a strong and interesting one from filmmaker Sidney Lumet.

7.5/10

This film starring Michael Caine seems like it might be ridiculously dumb due to its name and cover art. However it is actually quite thought provoking, and very entertaining. This film has a sort of funny brilliance to it. I think most people go in just so unready for it or something; Hence the low rating. Also, if you don't watch it from the beginning, it will most likely just seem stupid. This film only has 5,500 votes on here at this point. It's underseen and it's somewhat of a hidden gem in my view.

7.5/10

One of those films that most people enjoy better the second time through. Some people can't get into it at all because none of the characters are overly lovable. Personally I think this film is actually quite good. Good acting and fairly unusual main characters, some pretty funny moments, and a well executed story.

Basically a reversion of Lolita, and a pretty decent one at that. Definitely not as good as Kubrick's film or Nabokov's original work, but a good bit better than the 1997 film version in my view. The story is well written as to pull you into it. The acting doesn't let down the script either.

7.5/10

The Kids Of Zoo Station

A great film to show 13 year old kids to be honest, (Depending upon their maturity level that is.). If you get them to watch this, that'll almost guarantee that they never touch hard drugs. Raw and gritty, this film shows young drug abuse as it really is, (Or at least was in the late 70's, which isn't too much different from today in terms of hard drugs use.).

From the decade of the 80's, this honestly is one of the better films of its type.

7.5/10

A pretty cool flick that I've enjoyed since I was a little kid.

7.5/10

The best comedy of the year. Though The Hand is also somewhat funny and also American Werewolf of course. This film however is just a straight comedy.

7.5/10

In my estimation this is one of the very best horror sequels ever. Sure, the ending is not as good as the original film, but here the overall pace is faster, the kills are more creatively done, and there's a decent dose of humor in the film as well.

7/10

Forgotten, lost, underappreciated. Whatever you want to call it. It's rating on here makes no sense. I'd rather watch this film, than most of the modern films that most of you are rating 8 out of 10's. If you like low budget martial arts films that are somewhat funny and exploitive. Don't miss this. It is similar to many other cheesy films of its type, but it has its own unique vibe this film, it deserves more recognition.

7/10

A pretty challenging film, definitely not for most people. I did however find it to be a very effective film. A gritty and uncompromising look at schizophrenia, far from pretty. Read my full review if interested.

7/10

Willem Dafoe and Kathryn Bigelow both make their feature debuts in this interesting and sometimes quite funny cult favorite.

A tense situation and some good performances gives Taps its life.

7/10

Jack and Jessica!

7/10

The best of the series is the original.

7/10

Some great performances highlight this flick.

7/10

Carpenter's futuristic action fantasy.

7/10

Two words: Mike Hunt.

A bizarre but good horror film.

7/10

Burt

A pretty fun look at a fictionalized blending of the real and somewhat unknown true story.

6.5/10

A unique piece of animation in its time mixed with some killer tunes.

6.5/10