History's Best Selling Movies of 1984

Revisiting 1984 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Footloose, Splash, and Police Academy took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Herbert Ross and Ron Howard led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Footloose

   Released in 1984 by Herbert Ross, Paramount Pictures

   On February 17, 1984, theaters across America invited audiences to kick off their Sunday shoes with the premiere of "Footloose." The film tapped directly into the zeitgeist of the mid-1980s, a period of cultural tension between conservative values and youthful expression. It told the story of a city teenager, Ren McCormack, who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned. This release date positioned "Footloose" perfectly to capture the energy of a generation, blending a classic story of rebellion with an electrifying soundtrack that would come to define the era. It became more than just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that celebrated the liberating power of music and dance.

2. Splash

   Released in 1984 by Ron Howard, Buena Vista Distribution

   Splash made a significant splash upon its North American theatrical release on March 9, 1984, marking a pivotal moment in Hollywood history. This charming romantic comedy was not only a massive commercial success, raking in an impressive $69.8 million at the box office against a modest budget, but it also held the distinction of being the very first film released under Walt Disney Pictures' new adult-oriented label, Touchstone Films. Its debut date is special because it introduced audiences to a fresh, enchanting story that blended fantasy with heartfelt humor, firmly establishing its place as a beloved classic and a benchmark for the romantic comedy genre.

3. Police Academy

   Released in 1984 by Hugh Wilson, Warner Bros.

   March 23, 1984, marked the hilarious debut of 'Police Academy,' a film that would unexpectedly launch one of the most enduring comedy franchises in cinematic history. On this significant date, audiences were first introduced to a motley crew of societal misfits and oddballs who, under a new policy, were accepted into the police force. The film, released by Warner Bros., quickly became a box office sensation, far exceeding initial expectations and cementing its place as a cultural touchstone of 80s comedy. Its irreverent humor and lovable characters instantly resonated, making this premiere date not just the launch of a movie, but the genesis of a beloved comedic universe that would span multiple sequels and a generation of laughter.

4. Romancing the Stone

   Released in 1984 by Robert Zemeckis, 20th Century Fox

   March 30, 1984, marked the highly anticipated theatrical release of 'Romancing the Stone,' a film that would swiftly become a cornerstone of the action-adventure romantic comedy genre. This date ushered in a new era for its stars, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, and solidified director Robert Zemeckis's burgeoning talent. The movie's launch was met with enthusiastic audiences, quickly translating into impressive box office numbers and proving that a blend of thrilling escapades, genuine laughs, and undeniable chemistry could create cinematic magic. This premiere date is significant as it introduced a beloved classic that continues to captivate viewers decades later.

5. Sixteen Candles

   Released in 1984 by John Hughes, Universal Pictures

   On May 4, 1984, "Sixteen Candles" premiered in theaters, introducing the world to the unique comedic and heartfelt voice of writer-director John Hughes. The film, starring Molly Ringwald in her breakout role, captured the anxieties and desires of suburban American teenagers with a new level of authenticity and humor. Its release on this date marks a pivotal moment in the history of teen cinema. Hughes' directorial debut didn't just launch the careers of its young cast, including Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall; it established a new template for the genre, one that treated teenage problems with a mix of sincere empathy and witty observation, influencing countless films for decades to come.

6. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

   Released in 1984 by Steven Spielberg, Paramount Pictures

   May 23, 1984, marked the highly anticipated arrival of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" in North American cinemas, a prequel that plunged audiences back into the thrilling, globe-trotting escapades of archaeology professor Indiana Jones. Following the monumental success of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," expectations were sky-high, and this release date became a pivotal moment for the burgeoning franchise. Despite a darker tone that sparked some controversy, the film was an immediate commercial juggernaut, cementing its place as a summer blockbuster and further solidifying the iconic status of its titular hero, promising another unforgettable cinematic adventure from the legendary collaboration of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

7. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

   Released in 1984 by Leonard Nimoy, Paramount Pictures

   The theatrical debut of "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" on May 28, 1984, marked a pivotal moment for the burgeoning Star Trek film franchise, arriving just two years after the critically acclaimed "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." This eagerly anticipated sequel plunged audiences back into the emotional aftermath of Spock's apparent demise, promising an epic quest to retrieve the beloved Vulcan. Its premiere date wasn't just another movie release; it was a cultural event, drawing millions of dedicated Trekkies and general moviegoers alike, solidifying Star Trek's place as a cinematic powerhouse. The film's robust box office performance upon its initial launch underscored the enduring appeal of Captain Kirk and his crew, proving that the Starship Enterprise still held a commanding course in the hearts of its fanbase.

8. Ghostbusters

   Released in 1984 by Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Columbia Pictures

   On June 8, 1984, "Ghostbusters" premiered in theaters across North America, instantly becoming a cultural touchstone of the decade. The film's release was a watershed moment for blockbusters, perfectly blending comedy, action, and supernatural horror into a unique and wildly entertaining package. Starring a cast of "Saturday Night Live" alumni at the peak of their comedic powers, the film capitalized on the star power of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. Its opening day kicked off a box office run that would dominate the summer of 1984, proving that a high-concept comedy with special effects could compete with the biggest action and sci-fi films of the era.

9. Gremlins

   Released in 1984 by Joe Dante, Warner Bros. Pictures

   The summer of 1984 was ushered in with a unique blend of horror and holiday cheer as "Gremlins" burst onto the cinematic scene on June 8th. This seemingly innocuous creature feature from executive producer Steven Spielberg and director Joe Dante quickly became a box office phenomenon, captivating audiences with its dark humor and memorable, mischievous monsters. Its release date marked the arrival of a film that defied easy categorization, a charming yet terrifying tale that would forever alter the perception of furry little pets and solidify its place as an unconventional holiday classic. The movie's launch was a major event, setting the stage for one of the year's most talked-about films and a lasting cultural impact.

10. The Karate Kid

    Released in 1984 by John G. Avildsen, Columbia Pictures

    On June 22, 1984, "The Karate Kid" crane-kicked its way into theaters and the hearts of millions. This quintessential underdog story arrived at a time when stories of personal triumph and mentorship resonated deeply with audiences. Directed by John G. Avildsen, who had previously helmed "Rocky," the film tapped into a similar formula of a down-on-his-luck protagonist overcoming insurmountable odds through discipline and the guidance of an unlikely teacher. Its release date marks the debut of a cultural phenomenon that would not only become one of the highest-grossing films of the year but would also introduce iconic characters and phrases like "Wax on, wax off" into the popular lexicon, inspiring a generation.

11. The Terminator

    Released in 1984 by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gale Anne Hurd, Hemdale, Orion Pictures

    On October 26, 1984, a low-budget sci-fi film titled "The Terminator" opened in American theaters. Directed by a relatively unknown James Cameron and starring bodybuilder-turned-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, expectations were modest. However, the film's release marked a pivotal moment in cinema history. It unleashed a relentless, thrilling, and terrifying vision of the future that blended science fiction, horror, and action in a way few had seen before. "The Terminator" not only became a surprise box office hit but also launched the careers of its director and star into the stratosphere, establishing a franchise that would span decades and forever altering the landscape of action filmmaking.

12. Beverly Hills Cop

    Released in 1984 by Martin Brest, Paramount Pictures

    On December 5, 1984, the cinematic landscape was forever changed with the limited theatrical premiere of 'Beverly Hills Cop.' This date marks the genesis of a cultural phenomenon that cemented Eddie Murphy's status as a global superstar and redefined the action-comedy genre. What started as a modest release quickly exploded into a box office juggernaut, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year and launching a successful franchise. The film's unique blend of high-octane action, sharp comedic timing, and a charismatic lead captivated audiences, making its debut a truly special moment in movie history, promising a ride that was both thrilling and uproariously funny.