History's Best Selling Movies of 1983

Make way for the hits of 1983! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the tubular 80s arcade boom and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Return of the Jedi shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers WarGames and Staying Alive. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Richard Marquand and John Badham, these trailblazing products sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Return of the Jedi

   Released in 1983 by Richard Marquand, 20th Century Fox

   The eagerly anticipated grand finale to the original Star Wars saga, Return of the Jedi, burst onto screens on May 25, 1983, marking a monumental cultural event. Fans had waited three years for the conclusion of Luke Skywalker's journey and the ultimate confrontation with the Galactic Empire, following the cliffhanger of The Empire Strikes Back. Its release was met with unprecedented excitement, instantly shattering box office records and confirming the franchise's unparalleled grip on popular imagination. This date isn't just a premiere; it's the moment a beloved cinematic chapter achieved its powerful, satisfying conclusion, solidifying Star Wars as a generational phenomenon.

2. WarGames

   Released in 1983 by John Badham, MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

   June 3, 1983, marked the North American theatrical release of 'WarGames,' a groundbreaking film that captivated audiences with its chillingly relevant narrative and became an unexpected box office success. Released during the height of the Cold War, the movie tapped into widespread anxieties about nuclear annihilation and the emerging power of computer technology. Its innovative portrayal of a teenager inadvertently on the brink of World War III quickly made it a cultural touchstone, generating nearly $80 million worldwide against a modest budget. This date signifies the moment a prescient techno-thriller first hit screens, forever altering perceptions of hacking, artificial intelligence, and global conflict.

3. Staying Alive

   Released in 1983 by Sylvester Stallone, Paramount Pictures

   The highly anticipated sequel to the cultural phenomenon 'Saturday Night Fever,' 'Staying Alive' made its grand theatrical debut on July 22, 1983. This date marked John Travolta's triumphant return as Tony Manero, generating immense buzz and drawing massive crowds eager to see where his iconic character's journey led next. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film opened to impressive box office numbers, securing its place as a commercial success and demonstrating the enduring appeal of its predecessor. Its premiere was a significant event, showcasing Hollywood's ability to capitalize on established franchises and the magnetic star power of its lead actor, ensuring a memorable launch for a film that aimed to capture the dance-fueled spirit of the 80s.

4. Risky Business

   Released in 1983 by Paul Brickman, The Geffen Company, Warner Bros.

   On August 5, 1983, "Risky Business" premiered in theaters, launching Tom Cruise into superstardom and defining a new kind of slick, stylish teen film. Written and directed by Paul Brickman, the movie arrived as a sharp departure from the slapstick high school comedies common in the era. It presented a darker, more sophisticated, and visually ambitious take on the coming-of-age story. The film's release captured the zeitgeist of early 1980s yuppie culture, blending themes of teenage rebellion with a cynical critique of capitalism. It was an instant cultural phenomenon, remembered not just for its star-making performance but for its unique atmosphere, iconic scenes, and a moody, electronic score that set it apart from anything else in the genre.

5. Mr. Mom

   Released in 1983 by Stan Dragoti, 20th Century Fox

   The release of 'Mr. Mom' on August 19, 1983, marked a significant moment for both its star, Michael Keaton, and the nascent career of screenwriter John Hughes. This lighthearted comedy, exploring a timely inversion of traditional gender roles, quickly charmed audiences and became a surprise box office hit, solidifying its place as a quintessential family film of the decade. Its debut captured the zeitgeist, offering a humorous yet relatable look at the challenges and triumphs of stay-at-home fatherhood in an era when such a premise was still relatively novel. The film's commercial success underscored its ability to connect with a broad audience, eager for both laughter and a touch of social commentary. This date represents the unveiling of a beloved classic that skillfully blended comedy with heartfelt domestic drama, laying the groundwork for many successful careers.

6. The Big Chill

   Released in 1983 by Lawrence Kasdan, Columbia Pictures

   On September 30, 1983, Lawrence Kasdan's "The Big Chill" received its wide theatrical release in the United States, cementing its place as a defining film for the baby boomer generation. The film follows a group of former college friends who reunite for a weekend after the funeral of one of their own. Released in the midst of the Reagan era, the film captured a specific cultural moment, exploring the disillusionment and nostalgia of a generation that had come of age during the counterculture of the 1960s. They were now navigating the complexities of adulthood, careers, and compromised ideals in the 1980s, making the film's premiere a poignant, reflective event for many.

7. Terms of Endearment

   Released in 1983 by James L. Brooks, Paramount Pictures

   On November 25, 1983, audiences were first introduced to 'Terms of Endearment,' a poignant drama that would go on to captivate hearts and dominate the awards season. This initial limited release marked the debut of a cinematic masterpiece, a film that deftly explored the complex, often tumultuous, yet unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. It quickly garnered critical acclaim, setting the stage for its wider release and eventual triumph at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its year. This date represents the moment a new classic began its journey into the cultural lexicon, forever changing the landscape of American drama.

8. Scarface

   Released in 1983 by Brian De Palma, Oliver Stone, Universal Pictures

   On December 9, 1983, American cinema was hit with the force of a cinematic shotgun blast with the theatrical release of "Scarface." Directed by Brian De Palma from a screenplay by Oliver Stone, this sprawling, violent, and unapologetically excessive crime epic redefined the gangster genre for a new generation. Starring Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles as the Cuban refugee-turned-drug lord Tony Montana, the film was a controversial and polarizing work upon its debut. It arrived in an era of burgeoning excess and ambition, and its story of a man who flew too close to the sun on wings of cocaine and hubris became a dark, operatic reflection of the American Dream's most brutal interpretation.

9. Sudden Impact

   Released in 1983 by Clint Eastwood, Warner Bros.

   The launch of 'Sudden Impact' on December 9, 1983, marked a significant moment in Clint Eastwood's iconic 'Dirty Harry' series, as it was the first installment directed by Eastwood himself. This release wasn't just another sequel; it reignited public interest in the gritty detective, delivering a powerful box office performance that cemented its place as a critical and commercial success. The film's debut during the competitive holiday season showcased its enduring appeal, pulling in millions and proving that audiences were still hungry for Harry Callahan's unique brand of vigilante justice. This particular date signifies the North American theatrical premiere of a film that pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and ultimately became a memorable chapter in action cinema history, offering a darker, more personal look at its legendary protagonist.