Best 80s Movie Released the Year You Were Born: Where the Lead Star is Now

The 1980s were an iconic decade for movies, filled with adventure, horror, and beloved Hollywood stars. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the standout films from each year of the ’80s, along with updates on the stars who brought them to life.

Kicking off the decade in 1980 was “The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson in a chilling performance. While Jack Nicholson has mostly retired from acting and kept a low profile, his legacy in Hollywood remains strong.

In 1981, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” introduced us to Harrison Ford as the iconic Indiana Jones. Decades later, Harrison Ford is still a busy star in the industry, showing no signs of slowing down.

The following year, Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” showcased Harrison Ford once again in a futuristic, neon-soaked noir. While Rutger Hauer, who played Roy Batty, may have passed away in 2019, his impact on the film industry lives on.

“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” closed out the original trilogy in 1983, with stars like Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher making their mark in cinema history. While Mark and Harrison Ford continue to work in the entertainment industry, Carrie Fisher’s legacy lives on after her passing in 2016.

In 1984, “Ghostbusters” hit the big screen, becoming a classic in supernatural comedy. Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, who starred in the film, are still active in the industry, while Harold Ramis is remembered fondly after his passing in 2014.

“Back to the Future” took us on a time-traveling adventure in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. While Michael J. Fox has largely retired from acting due to Parkinson’s disease, Christopher Lloyd continues to add to his impressive list of acting credits.

The sci-fi action sequel “Aliens” graced screens in 1986, with Sigourney Weaver returning as Ellen Ripley. Sigourney, now 76, continues to excel in the sci-fi genre, captivating audiences with her performances.

Moving into 1987, “Fatal Attraction” kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its psychological thriller plot. Michael Douglas and Glenn Close delivered unforgettable performances, with Michael still dipping into acting and Glenn taking on new projects.

“Die Hard” exploded onto the scene in 1988, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane. While Bruce Willis faces health challenges in his retirement, the legacy of his role in the action classic lives on.

Rounding out the ’80s in 1989 was “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” a family-friendly sci-fi comedy starring Rick Moranis. Rick Moranis may have stepped away from on-screen work in the ’90s, but fans can look forward to his return in the upcoming “Spaceballs: The New One.”

The ’80s were a golden age of cinema, filled with iconic films and unforgettable performances that continue to shape the entertainment industry today.