1980 in Film - The Cinema Snob

The Cinema Snob goes on a wild ride through the wide release films of the year 1980! From Empire Strikes Back to The Blues Brothers to Prom Night, the Snob looks at 100+ films that made 1980.
Writer/Creator: Brad Jones
Title Card: Shaun Millington
End Screen: Nick Michalak, www.ravensfilm.com
Theme: Devin LeTroy Powell, Rhymer-Man, check out the full song:
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[@StonedGremlinProductions]

Thanks for watching everyone! There's some titles that were left off of the lists, plus we cover both Atlantic City and Superman II here due to their Europe releases, but we'll cover them in a 1981 video too.

[@joelgordon7814]

I love these trailer review videos!

[@SpeedyEric1]

"Why Would I Lie?" is a movie about a compulsive liar, huh? So this movie is about the early days of Trump?

[@stewartfennell8926]

Can't wait to see what films were out in 1982.

[@darknessviking]

okey cudos to you for making this big video, i dont know why you did it but i love it and i hope you do more videos in the future

[@vashstarwind36]

This is so amazing! I can't believe you are doing this grand project! I have been a huge fan of yours since your early days. You are a stupendous entertainer sir. #TheCinemaSnob 4 LIFE 🎬🎭

[@juststained]

You need to do this for literally every year. We will watch, oh yes we will watch them all.

[@juststained]

Also, I had that Alligator game!!!

[@Hotshotter3000]

He made one for 2021. Looks like it's gonna be an annual event. I can't imagine the sheer amount of movies he had to go through to make these.

[@salvagemonster3612]

Ehhhh Naaahhhhhh the lady 20 years are pretty pitiful and the 90’s were weak. So nope.

[@juststained]

@@salvagemonster3612 The last 20 years he can skip for sure, the early 90s had some gems though. Hopefully he does all the 80s at least.

[@noelephantitis]

And we will watch them over and over again.

[@Dresdenflower]

The Fog’s “ Get inside and lock your door” is the most accurate summary for 2020.

[@toxmuertos]

The 'Vid. Coming soon

[@robertjackson04]

Hmmm. A 2 hour, 20 minute video with the purpose of telling us to watch Caligula. Well played!

[@drewdee7420]

props holmes

[@chiefkeef74]

I mean it IS a classic

[@stevestarr9769]

LOL!

[@AVCentral]

I am digging the hell out of this. Also love the attention paid to the fact that decades really don't begin for pop culture until about the 3rd or 4th year of the decade. Everything prior is tangential leftovers from the prior decade due to project development.

[@AVCentral]

@MrNilssonTheMonkey You could make the argument. But, the pattern is there. The bigger argument would be what is considered indicative of the time vs. timeless. Even the nature of a timeless film begets so much else.

[@davidjames579]

As the films were shot in 1979 that would be the case. Although American Gigolo is a very 80's film. I would also point out Video Killed The Radiostar, a very 80's song and music video was released in 1979.

[@johnyzero2000]

That's true the 80's as we know it didn't start till 1984.

[@JDelwynn]

@@johnyzero2000 Also technically the '80s didn't start until 1981 as there is no year zero in the calendar.

[@johnyzero2000]

@@JDelwynn True.

[@evanhanley6437]

Never thought Snob would do something like this. Very surprised and excited to see it.

[@OcpCommunications]

I absolutely loved this concept and how this turned out. I hope you plan on doing the rest of the 80's and other years going forward.

[@bobcobb3654]

Didn’t realize Caligula and Cruising both came out on Valentines weekend. Considering that was pre multiplex, and many theaters were just 2 or 3 screens, that had to have made for some very awkward Valentines date nights.

[@chuckielover06]

If they didn't like either of those movies they aren't worth your time

[@brianoconnell6459]

Funny thing about Caligula, is I think they made more money when they released the uncensored version afterward. VHS tape wrapped in a discrete plain brown wrapper.

[@MattsMovieMadness]

1980 is a great year for you to look into. I’d like to see the 70s covered as well. This was awesome!

[@bradforddillman7671]

This is freaking great! I was 12 in 1980 and mom just got HBO (thanks, ‘Fame’ for the nudity!). This brings back a few great memories and a ton I’ve never heard of. Bravo!

[@josephmayfield945]

You know, when I was a kid in the 80’s. I never thought all those fantastic films would end one day. Sure there were stinkers released, but you would have at least two or three choices of amazing movies. Now it’s a miracle if there’s more than one movie that gets me to the theater. Cinema needs a stiff injection of originality, and risk. Support independent art people!

[@Backinblackbunny009]

Same. I haven't seen a movie in theaters since 2014 and even then it was at our local second run theater

[@Itried20takennames]

Agree, but I can’t tell if the 80s movies were better, or if movies you see as a tween/teen just seem better, before you know all the tropes and everything looks looks unoriginal.

[@endymallorn]

@@Itried20takennames Probably a little of both. Look at Blues Bros. vs Blues Bros. 2K. One had great ideas, a solid cast in their prime, and was unafraid to just shoot the money. Caddyshack is similar in that vein, and whether you prefer Star Wars or Empire is a matter of preference, but either one is better than any of the sequel trilogy. Originality, fearlessness, and a stronger sense that the director, the crew, and the the cast control the movie instead of the producers and the money guys helps a lot.

[@notsyzagts7967]

Don't support independent blindly either. Streaming services are flooded with low-budget, low-effort films that are insults to filmmaking themselves. We need originality for sure but indie films are not the bastion they once were. Streaming has muddied the waters significantly.

[@chrisredfield3607]

*American blockbuster cinema* There's still incredible movies being released every month around the world.

[@evildarkass5]

Who else watched this all in one go?

[@pentelegomenon1175]

For me, it wasn't even close.

[@WayneMoyer]

I just finished it all in one go but I was also playing a game on a second monitor.

[@bonelessdonutz]

Between tuning out to watch one of these movies then coming back I watched it over 2 days

[@LemonTree9280]

Twice now

[@heggy_69]

Took two goes and a lot of new vegas but I'm like half way through lol

[@Oytruestoryofjim]

This was amazing and reminded me of the older reviews. I would love 1970 and 1990 getting covered as well.

[@KiKarzeeee]

This was a terrific idea, best Cinema Snob video in years and I mean that in the best way.

[@DarkLegion75]

Blown away ! I really, really appreciate how much work you put into this ! As a viewer on who spent my tweens and most of my teens in the 80s, I thank you from the bottom of my heart !

[@Kratescz]

Two hours twenty? Holy sh!t,Brad!

[@Sean-su1iz]

Yea forget the election, this is my night right here

[@jagger2313]

ALMOST 2 1/2 HOURS LONG!!!!!! Okay, I'm ready

[@bob343536]

I haven’t watched this yet but what a great year to profile! What makes me say that : Ordinary People, Coal Miners Daughter, Fame, Private Benjamin, the Blues Brothers, Airplane, Caddyshack, Friday the 13th, 9 to 5, My Bodyguard, Raging Bull, the Fog, Used Cars, the Empire Strikes Back and the Elephant Man. Feel free to keep this list going.....

[@johnschou2172]

Terror Train, Maniac (which I'm surprised he didn't mention), Cruising, The Ninth Configuration, Dressed to Kill, Flash (AAAHHH!!!) Gordon, Kagemusha, Prom Night, The Changeling, Popeye, The Exterminator, Fade to Black, etc., etc., ETC.!!! I know it's a long way, but I can't wait until 1984! SO MANY CLASSICS!!!

[@JeonardShadby505]

As someone who dearly misses the 80s All Over podcast, I am all on board for this video. Can't wait for future installments over the next nine years; this will be like the BOYHOOD of snarky movie reviews.

[@MrTaxiRob]

The Blues Brothers is one of the top ten greatest motion pictures ever made. CHANGE MY MIND.

[@chiefkeef74]

Road Warrior

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@chiefkeef74 ALSO in the top ten. Big Trouble in Little China is up there too. You know, the CLASSICS.

[@SamHaynesMusic]

Blues brothers 2000

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@SamHaynesMusic NO

[@arcray12]

going to the library to check out a bunch of 1980 goodness.

[@jasonhunter2819]

Well, now we know what you've been doing for all of 2020, almost 2 and a half hours? Good lord, the amount of work is incredible, and its great!

[@dandnn]

Can't wait for 2039 when you'll do my favorite year in film, 1999!

[@arizonaFIREent]

To me 99, 97 and 94 are off the charts

[@CineMasterDamian]

I can't wait for 2030 so he can spotlight my all-time favorite film: Nightbreed!

[@kategagnon839]

There is nothing like this series on the internet. Brad Jones is a national treasure.

[@DeniseFaraday]

Thank you Brad for this wonderful summary of the films released in 1980. Some of these films I have seen, while there are other films I didn't know exists, but will try to locate them to view them!

[@nyllabrasileiro7044]

Time is really a bad bitch. I'm from 82 and thank goodness still got a good memory of my favorite movies. All horror stuff from the 80's are still so cool. From Brazil with love. I'm addicted to this channel.

[@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7]

Are freaking kidding me,this guy can riff for 2 hours!!! Snob is on another level.

[@1marilynable]

The shining !!! Definitely my favorite 1980 film

[@doriangraye1971]

Great video! Especially for those of us who are fans of the channel with longer attention spans. More like this please. Looking forward to 1981.

[@SangTheCryptek]

This is like a preview of glorious Cinema Snob episodes to come.

[@lowenergyvideos7246]

Brad: "I miss my hair" Me: "HA......ha.....*slowly touches my smooth skull, remembering better days*.....heh....yeah"

[@traytonvanderecken3311]

80s is truly my favorite decade of all time.

[@MoonspiderHugs]

I loved this, thank you for doing this. Bring on 1981......whenever you want to do that one, that is

[@GloryHulle]

This is an incredible video! I loved every minute. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this amazing 2+ hours of fun!!! 🖤

[@drakehilligoss1259]

Love these videos! Great work. Shout out from Peoria yo!

[@andrewchristopherreeves1294]

Commenting to say this has become one of my favorite series on KZbin. Excellent work, thank you.

[@ashhiz4350]

Honestly "Midnight Madness" deserves its own Snob review

[@sydneyslaughter7163]

Most of these movies deserve a snob episode

[@A_Dopamine_Molecule]

As weird as it is, I love to fall asleep to videos like this... Something about these compilations is just relaxing. Thanks for taking the time to make it, trust me.

[@paulpetroleum]

Fantastic work. You should be very proud of this. Absolutely LOVED every minute of it.

[@liza542]

Some of the best movies came out in the 80's. I still watch a lot of them today.

[@DmitriyK12]

💪✌️😻😂

[@ChristianMcAngus]

I found "The Earthling" a little disturbing when I saw it as a kid because of the death scene of Ricky Schroder's parents. At least its an important lesson on why you don't park your camper van on a loose gravelly slope next to a cliff.

[@firefly48342]

Rick (Ricky) Schroeder named one of his sons after William Holden, (Holden Schroeder.)

[@matthewstoneback9]

1:49:09 The Elephant Man trailer is still one of the best I've ever seen. It's so beautiful.

[@StarskyHomer]

What a neat idea Mr. Jones. I would love a 70s/60s/90s/00s Video as well.

[@grapeshot]

Another thing that I remember about 1980 is the Saturday morning cartoon Thundarr The Barbarian.

[@BrotherMag]

Yes bro!

[@ralang999]

Demon Dogs!

[@blazr1976]

Ookla the Mok approves of this comment so he won't ruin a helicopters controls with his massive legs.

[@godzillamoraga]

Hell yeah!! I loved that show so damn much as a kid.

[@josephmayfield945]

Totally bonkers and fabulous cartoon!

[@zeuel]

This video actually motivated me to find and watch every film from this list that peeked my interest even a little bit. XD

[@steeleye2112]

Thanks so much for producing these. They are genuinely entertaining with some fantastic gags in the script, it's obvious a lot of thought and effort want into them. But as a life long movie buff these are giving me so much more. I was 15 in 1980 in the UK and me and a dedicated group of friends were slap bang in the middle of the home video recorder boom. We'd be at the local rental shop at least 3 times a week and were already hyper movie snobs by this time. The trailers & posters for all the films we decided to pass on is bringing back so many memories I've lost count. But also you've given me a to do list of films I passed on at the time but now really want to see. You've no idea what a gift you've given me, even considering contacting my old best friend who I've not seen for 10 years to join me in the project. Great work man and long may it continue.

[@hackjob135]

Thanks for putting in the crazy amount of work week to week. Love it ❤️

[@djobrien23]

Brad, this was amazing. I can't wait to see more from this series. Well, considering how long this must have taken to make, I guess I can wait a little while.

[@noplace4akitty047]

My girlfriend: "I don't like his videos, hes to uppity." Also my girlfriend: losing it in the corner over your videos. Edit: the layers of jokes in his humor. Unbeatable.

[@Silverstar_]

*losing

[@Burner-B]

She sounds like a weird combination of missing the point and getting it at the same time...

[@noplace4akitty047]

@@Burner-B definitely a face palm.

[@noplace4akitty047]

@@Silverstar_ 😘

[@noplace4akitty047]

@The Man amen

[@seangearoidmcgabhann2405]

Love your videos..your presence on screen is admirable.... Very relaxing but informative... Keep it up fella... From Dublin...

[@megansimplystitch]

Thank you for the blast from the past. I was in elementary school in 1980. I feel really old now. 🤔 I have a soft spot in my heart the movies: Xanadu, Flash Gordon & Popeye. I actually taught myself how to roller skate because of Olivia Newton John's character in Xanadu. I thought was so cool. My Dad & I would watch Flash Gordon every time it aired on tv. Same for Popeye. We only had 5 channels on a smal I enjoyed spending time with him. Just hanging out & watching movies. Thank you for triggering some good memories for me. It was really nice. Love your channel. Your brand of humor is similar to my own. I hope you have a good one! 💚

[@davebooshty299]

50 nowadays and luckily got to see Flash Gordon , Popeye etc in theaters back then. (:

[@chroniclesofalivingdeadgirl]

I really want to watch these obscure movies. I missed a lot!

[@thedevilgoose2482]

"A man was killed in an agonizing crucifixion." 🄶

[@Emulous79]

God-Rated.

[@davidjames579]

Only mildly agonizing.

[@markabboud8564]

So after watching this, I now have a long list of movies to check out now. I watched The Earthling today, and I must admit it was a good movie. The ending was quite sad, I’m glad the Snob did this video. I hope he does this yearly so I can discover more movies. Thank you Snob for educating me on movies I would otherwise never have known about, and making me sad because of the ending to The Earthling.

[@MrSTVR]

Love the trailer episodes, and this might be the best Snob format yet.

[@rogercase6205]

Love this, and I'm glad there's one for 1981!

[@marshallhughes4514]

Wow this was a great entry to the Cinema Snob. I was 14 in 1980 and this is truly a collection of movies I must now try and find. Thank you.

[@thelab8799]

By far one of your most enjoyable videos:) Thank you, Brad~

[@matthewbenge7112]

I'm so into this! I'd definitely watched more movie releases within specific years. Ps. Cinema Snob...you're the best. Thanks for the laughs.

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

This is epic. I really appreciate how much work you have put into this. Thanks!

[@NoahSpurrier]

1980 was an epic year for movies.

[@josephblumenberg6574]

A 2-hour Snob video!? Brad...you sure know how to spoil us!!! 🥰

[@lilstinker1949]

This is one of my favorite videos you've ever done, please do more Year recaps

[@docvince1491]

Kagemusha is legitimately awesome and it also saved Kurosawa’s career.

[@pentelegomenon1175]

It's amazing how watchable this is throughout, definitely deserving of a "it's my sleepover and I get to choose the movie" joke.

[@wingsandash]

After checking, I was surprised to find Baltimore Bulllet available for download online. Thanks for this, Brad, it was a pleasure to watch. I was 10 years old in 1980, and Blues Brothers had such an affect on my life. It was and remains one of my all-time favorites.

[@wingsandash]

And, of course, Raging Bull.

[@TheLilRocker2005]

Thanks so much Brad! This gives me quite a few more films to look into

[@drmattconrad77]

I need to rewatch this to make a list of movies to watch (or rewatch in some cases). Thanks for the video.

[@icreateworlds]

I cant stop watching this now, its 2am here and i need to go to sleep. 😁

[@stubaccabutler3004]

As one of those kids that found the previews as unmissable as the feature , ah the 80's, I'm there , I think I never left at heart , could watch these compilations all day , 10/10 ( I was waiting for Atlantic City! )

[@charitysghost1207]

Man, 1980 was a great year for movies! This was a very good video, too. Now you have to do ALL the years...please!

[@grapeshot]

I remember 1980 quite well because I was in Miami during the Arthur McDuffie riots.

[@robotrix]

Ditto.

[@jgdr2664]

So many great films that year! A 2 hour 20 minute vid that sailed by! Thanks Snob, great job xxx

[@Kur10usity]

YES!! I love Xanadu, too! 😀🎶💃

[@LordShockadelic]

Epic overview! 2 things about The Gong Show Movie. 1 - It was partially directed by Robert Downey, Sr. but was let go halfway through by Barris. 2 - Contrary to legend, The Gong Show Movie had a full 2 week release in most markets, as most theaters were contractually obligated by Universal to show it. It also had a healthy run as a drive in supporting feature.

[@LordShockadelic]

Then Downey did Up The Academy. SMH.

[@plissken2156]

1:44:26 - The two actors that portrayed the same character (roughly) - Frank Sinatra played Joe Leland in 1968's The Detective and Bruce Willis played John McClane in 1988's Die Hard.

[@mtdeeley]

Holy crap! I had the Alligator game when I was a kid!

[@Rando1975]

Me too! Loved that game.

[@vashstarwind36]

I have learned about SOO MANY movies & learned SOO much from your wonderful channel. You are just wayy Too Cool @CinemaSnob 😎🎥🎞️

[@vangcamps]

Excellent video! I was 10 years young in 1980 & really enjoyed the nostalgia your compilation provided me today!

[@TBlackcatlonerHaines]

Empire Strikes Back was the first movie I saw in theaters. I was 2 years old in 1980.

[@titusmccarthy]

I saw Return of the Jedi when I was 3. First movie I saw in theatres. I cried the whole time and had to be taken home. I still hate SW.

[@thethinkingcatakaneonormie3527]

Of the movies Empire Strikes Back, Flash Gordon and the final Countdown are my favourites

[@PhoeniksStorm]

Holy shit yes. I would love to see more videos in this style. Especially 1995, no reason just happen to be the year i was born

[@cassthea18]

I hope you make more like this. I would 100% watch a series of you covering various years in film.

[@Epipon3]

1:43:54 Eyy, shoutout to San Diego! Sports Arena and La Jolla are just a quick drive away. Hello 80's SoCal! *waving to trailer*

[@lifeispuzzling]

The Empire Strikes Back, The Shining, Blues Brothers, Airplane and Friday the 13th. 'Nuff said! I like Superman 2, but prefer Donner's cut

[@davidjames579]

I thought Superman 2 didn't come out in the US until Summer 81.

[@lifeispuzzling]

@@davidjames579 it's confusing. It was released ovetseas in '80, yet we didn't get it here in the states until a year later. I still have no idea how that happened, but most consider it a 1980 film

[@davidjames579]

@@lifeispuzzling It also happened with Supergirl. Released Summer 1984 in the UK, and Xmas 84 in US (in an edited down version).

[@howardgreen2613]

The Donner Cut we got was ok, but it wasn't really the movie Donner would have made had he been allowed to finish it at the time. They used a Christopher Reeve's screen test (that appeared on the original DVD for Superman The Movie), awkwardly inserted for the crucial scene in which Lois finally reveals Clark's identity. Its a better idea than what made the theatrical version, but its not a finished scene and simply doesn't work. I also didn't care for the repeat of the turning back the earth ending, even if it was always intended for the second movie. They should have restored the original ending of 1, which would have had Superman flying Lex's rocket into space and freeing Zod and company.

[@southboundtracks]

Excellent. Worth the long haul. Hell yeah, do more of these.

[@TalosParoxi]

well I have a new thing to look forward to each year, that was a great video brad!

[@cwbeas]

Thank you so much, as always. » Love the long video!!! «

[@LordmonkeyTRM]

I would watch a 100 of these❤️

[@101iswhatsup]

If I love the 80's by VH1 was narrated and curated by one dude with a passion for movies. I dig it sir.

[@PapaTaurean]

Lee Van Cleef was a NINJA?!?!?!? I love the 80s!!!

[@SherlockHoles2012]

Oh man I am so glad he mentioned Stalker! I love that movie and have it on Criterion! Thank you Brad!

[@zetetick395]

1:36:26 Is that Mario VanPeebles? I had no idea he was also in the first Exterminator! (as a momentary extra, I imagine) I do know that Samuel L Jackson is an uncredited extra in the movie.

[@sadekx5251]

Awesome episode. Cannot wait for the rest of the decade 💯

[@Briansgate]

such a great freaking year. Thanks, Brad!

[@anaSantos-cq4sg]

This video made my monday!!! More pleaaaaseeee

[@sallymick27]

Fantastic, thank you. More Please!!

[@CthulhuianBunny]

I'm looking forward to the 1982 edition, where we can all make fun of the critics who hated The Thing because its tone was bleaker than the PG sci-fi kids movie that came out two weeks prior!

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

That's going to take awhile. Lol But tbf, I didn't love it the first time I saw it either. That was back in 97 and I watched it with a couple of friends, in the summer. We were drinking, smoking weed and talking. So we were not fair to the film. I landed up buying it, on DVD, in 06 and watched it alone, in the dark, during a January Snowstorm. I live in Montreal Canada and that night, it might as well have been the Artic. That's when I realised what I had missed. Mood, Atmosphere, suspense and a Who goes there, what was that noise, feeling ;) Today, it's my favorite Horror film, tied with The Shining. To anyone out there, watching these 'classics' for the first time, watch the film alone and watch it twice! You never know what you may have missed. Cheers from Canada