With the arrival of 1980 also came the arrival of many new technologies in filmmaking. It was the first year that video was added to film, turning conventional “talkies” into “watchies.” It was also the first year which allowed women to star in films – a role previously filled by cross dressing men such as Sir. Estelle Getty.
#10 – The Blues Brothers – $52m (437 x 10^375 in 1923 German Marks)
A documentary on the life of two cataract suffering music lovers – Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi. The film is credited as being the first recorded instance of “Blues” music.
#9 – Ordinary People – $54m (573 x 10^375 in 1923 German Marks)
A gripping portrayal of the average American family. Featuring the epic scene “eating breakfast and listening to the radio” this movie would turn filmmaking on its head, then on its feet, then walk out of the theatre on itself.
#8 – Smokey and the Bandit II – $66m (599 x 10^375 in 1923 German Marks)
Smokey the bear returns in this animated classic; and he’s joined by an all-star cast featuring Tom Selleck. Whose job is it to prevent forest fires? Stay tuned to the exciting ending to find out.
#7 – Private Benjamin – $69m (623 x 10^375 in 1923 German Marks)
Goldie Hawn appears in this Freaky Friday-esque adventure. She’s mistakenly recruited into the military through a series of unfortunate events. Now it’s up to her to prove that a woman can make it in the military despite their limited muscle mass, high levels of body-fat, and haywire emotions.
#6 – Coal Miner’s Daughter – $79m (826 x 10 ^375 in 1923 German Marks)
Dolly Parton stars in this classic film of a woman’s rise from the depths of a coal mine to become the woman with the largest breasts on Earth – proving that with a lot of hard work a girl can accomplish anything.
Keep your eyes and your potatoes peeled for Part 2 of our look at the top films of 1980. Until then, here’s a Blues classic.
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