History's Best Selling Movies of 1982

During the high-energy 1980s, 1982 saw a swell surge of neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Porky's and Rocky III, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Bob Clark and Sylvester Stallone proved their mettle with Poltergeist, delivering craftsmanship that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Porky's

   Released in 1982 by Bob Clark, 20th Century Fox

   March 19, 1982, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the North American theatrical release of 'Porky's'. While the film had an earlier Canadian premiere in 1981, this date unleashed the raunchy teen comedy onto a wider audience across the United States, catapulting it into an unexpected box office phenomenon. Grossing over $105 million worldwide, 'Porky's' quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, defying critical expectations and cementing its place as a genre-defining sensation. This release date signifies the moment a cultural touchstone began its widespread journey, captivating millions with its audacious humor and becoming a memorable part of 1980s pop culture.

2. Rocky III

   Released in 1982 by Sylvester Stallone, United Artists

   On May 28, 1982, "Rocky III" burst onto cinema screens, marking a significant evolution for the beloved boxing saga. Written and directed by its star, Sylvester Stallone, the film premiered at a time when the franchise was a cultural phenomenon. This third installment shifted the series' tone from gritty realism towards a more polished, blockbuster style, perfectly capturing the slick excess of the 1980s. Its release introduced the world to two enduring pop culture icons: the fearsome antagonist Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T, and the electrifying theme song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, cementing Rocky Balboa's status not just as a cinematic hero, but as a symbol of perseverance for a new decade.

3. Poltergeist

   Released in 1982 by Tobe Hooper, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   June 4, 1982, marked the chilling arrival of 'Poltergeist' in theaters, unleashing a new brand of suburban horror that captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date was pivotal, launching a film that defied easy categorization, blending family drama with supernatural terror orchestrated by the visionary minds of Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg. Its immediate commercial success was undeniable, quickly establishing itself as a box office powerhouse and a critical darling, proving that a horror film could be both profoundly terrifying and emotionally resonant. The debut of 'Poltergeist' ushered in a new era for haunted house films, setting a high benchmark for storytelling and special effects that few have managed to surpass, forever etching this date into the annals of horror cinema.

4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

   Released in 1982 by Nicholas Meyer, Paramount Pictures

   June 4, 1982, marked the dramatic theatrical debut of 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,' a film that not only revitalized the fledgling Star Trek movie franchise but also set a new standard for science fiction cinema. Arriving just three years after the visually ambitious but critically lukewarm 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture,' this sequel was a commercial and critical triumph, pulling in significant box office numbers and cementing its place as a fan favorite. This release date is special because it introduced audiences to a more character-driven, emotionally charged Star Trek, proving that the Enterprise crew still had compelling stories to tell, and ultimately saving the franchise from an uncertain future.

5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

   Released in 1982 by Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures

   On June 11, 1982, the world was introduced to an unforgettable alien friendship with the release of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'. This science-fiction fantasy film, directed by the visionary Steven Spielberg, didn't just premiere; it launched a cultural phenomenon that would redefine family filmmaking and shatter box office records. Its arrival marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, charming critics and audiences alike with its tender narrative and groundbreaking special effects. This date isn't merely a release day; it's the genesis of a timeless classic that proved the universal power of empathy and imagination, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time.

6. Annie

   Released in 1982 by John Huston, Columbia Pictures

   June 18, 1982, marked the North American theatrical release of the highly anticipated musical film 'Annie'. Directed by the legendary John Huston, this adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit brought the heartwarming tale of a plucky orphan to the big screen with a star-studded cast and lavish production. Coming off the immense success of the stage musical, the film carried significant expectations for box office glory and critical acclaim. While its box office performance of just over $57 million domestically might not have been record-breaking in an absolute sense, especially against its substantial budget, the release was a major cinematic event that solidified Annie's place in popular culture, charming audiences with its optimistic spirit and unforgettable songs during a period when escapist family entertainment was highly valued.

7. Blade Runner

   Released in 1982 by Ridley Scott, The Ladd Company, Shaw Brothers Studio, Warner Bros.

   On June 25, 1982, audiences were introduced to the rain-soaked, neon-lit streets of 2019 Los Angeles with the theatrical release of Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner." Sharing its release date with John Carpenter's "The Thing," it was part of a landmark day for science fiction cinema. Based loosely on Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", the film was not an immediate box office success, overshadowed by more optimistic sci-fi like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" released a few weeks earlier. However, this release date marks the beginning of a long journey for a film that would overcome its initially mixed reception to become one of the most revered and influential movies ever made.

8. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

   Released in 1982 by Colin Higgins, Universal Pictures

   On July 23, 1982, audiences were invited to step into the charmingly scandalous world of 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,' a vibrant musical comedy that hit theaters with a splash. This date marked the official theatrical premiere for the film, bringing the beloved Broadway hit to the big screen with an all-star cast led by country superstar Dolly Parton and charismatic leading man Burt Reynolds. Despite its provocative title and themes, the movie quickly charmed its way into the hearts of moviegoers, proving to be a significant box office success for a musical, solidifying its place as a memorable release of the early 1980s and a testament to the enduring appeal of its unique story and magnetic stars.

9. An Officer and a Gentleman

   Released in 1982 by Taylor Hackford, Paramount Pictures

   On August 13, 1982, the cinematic landscape was forever changed with the release of 'An Officer and a Gentleman'. This romantic drama, directed by Taylor Hackford, didn't just premiere; it exploded onto screens, captivating audiences with its powerful story of love, discipline, and self-discovery. This date marked the beginning of a remarkable box office run for a film that would become a cultural phenomenon, eventually grossing nearly $130 million worldwide against a modest budget. The film's compelling narrative and unforgettable performances made it an instant classic, propelling its stars to new heights and solidifying its place as one of the definitive movies of the 1980s.

10. First Blood

    Released in 1982 by Sylvester Stallone, Ted Kotcheff, Anabasis N.V., Orion Pictures

    Released in theaters on October 22, 1982, "First Blood" introduced the world to one of cinema's most enduring and misunderstood characters: John Rambo. The film's release date falls in a period when America was still grappling with the complex aftermath of the Vietnam War. It tapped into a national sentiment of disillusionment and the often-neglected plight of veterans returning to a country that didn't understand or appreciate their sacrifices. "First Blood" was more than just an action movie; it was a poignant and explosive commentary on post-traumatic stress and the alienation of soldiers, striking a chord with audiences and becoming a surprise box office smash that launched a global franchise.

11. Tootsie

    Released in 1982 by Sydney Pollack, Columbia Pictures

    December 17, 1982, marked a groundbreaking moment in cinematic comedy with the theatrical release of 'Tootsie.' This was the date that audiences first met Michael Dorsey, and his unforgettable alter ego, Dorothy Michaels. The film, starring Dustin Hoffman, quickly captivated viewers with its unique blend of sharp humor, genuine heart, and progressive social commentary. Far from a mere comedy, 'Tootsie' launched to critical acclaim and phenomenal box office success, quickly becoming one of the year's top-grossing films and solidifying its place as an enduring classic in American cinema. Its premiere was a significant cultural event, signaling the arrival of a movie that dared to entertain while subtly challenging conventional perceptions.