History's Best Selling Movies of 1985

Hats off to 1985! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Witness. Alongside sensationally popular hits like The Breakfast Club and Rambo: First Blood Part II, consumers eagerly embraced the neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Peter Weir and John Hughes set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Witness

   Released in 1985 by Peter Weir, Paramount Pictures

   On February 8, 1985, a unique cinematic experience premiered in North American theaters, capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike: 'Witness'. This critically acclaimed thriller, starring Harrison Ford, defied conventional genre tropes, blending an intense crime drama with a poignant exploration of cultural differences within the serene Amish community. Its release marked a significant moment for both director Peter Weir and its lead actor, showcasing Ford's dramatic range beyond action-adventure roles. The film's compelling narrative, stellar performances, and thoughtful direction quickly established it as a box office success, setting the stage for its eventual recognition with multiple Academy Award nominations and wins.

2. The Breakfast Club

   Released in 1985 by John Hughes, Universal Pictures

   On February 15, 1985, a film premiered that would define a generation and forever change the landscape of teen cinema. *The Breakfast Club* wasn't a blockbuster epic; it was a simple, dialogue-driven story about five high school students from different social cliques forced to spend a Saturday in detention. This specific release date marks the moment John Hughes' masterpiece first entered the public consciousness, launching its journey from a modest box office success into an enduring cultural phenomenon that gave a powerful and empathetic voice to the anxieties and aspirations of 1980s youth.

3. Rambo: First Blood Part II

   Released in 1985 by George P. Cosmatos, TriStar Pictures

   On May 24, 1985, 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' exploded into theaters across North America, marking a pivotal moment in 1980s action cinema. This release date was not just another summer movie premiere; it heralded the return of one of cinema's most compelling anti-heroes and transformed him into an icon of American might. The film quickly became a box office phenomenon, shattering records and captivating audiences with its high-octane action and potent themes. Its successful launch solidified Sylvester Stallone's status as a global superstar and redefined the trajectory of the 'Rambo' franchise, setting the stage for decades of impact. The movie's debut was a cultural event, reflecting and influencing the political climate of the era and cementing its place as a quintessential action film.

4. Fletch

   Released in 1985 by Michael Ritchie, Universal Pictures

   On May 31, 1985, audiences were introduced to one of the most iconic comedic characters of the decade with the theatrical release of "Fletch." Starring Chevy Chase in what many consider his definitive role, the film was a perfect vehicle for his signature brand of smug, quick-witted, and improvisational humor. Based on the popular mystery novels by Gregory Mcdonald, "Fletch" arrived at the zenith of Chase's stardom, following his success on "Saturday Night Live" and in films like "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation." The film masterfully blended the neo-noir mystery genre with Chase's effortless charm, creating a comedy classic that defined a certain style of 80s cool and continues to be quoted by fans decades later.

5. The Goonies

   Released in 1985 by Richard Donner, Steven Spielberg, Amblin Entertainment, Warner Bros.

   On June 7, 1985, a cinematic adventure for the ages premiered, capturing the hearts of a generation. "The Goonies," directed by Richard Donner from a story by executive producer Steven Spielberg, brought a tale of childhood friendship, treasure maps, and pirate ships to the big screen. Released in the heart of the 1980s, a decade renowned for its iconic family adventure films, "The Goonies" instantly stood out with its mix of genuine peril, irreverent humor, and heartfelt emotion. It wasn't just a movie; it was an invitation for every kid in the audience to believe that one last great adventure could be waiting right under their noses.

6. Cocoon

   Released in 1985 by Ron Howard, 20th Century Fox

   The summer of 1985 brought a heartwarming and thought-provoking science fiction film to theaters, captivating audiences with its unique premise. On June 21, 1985, 'Cocoon' premiered, quickly becoming a sleeper hit for 20th Century Fox. Directed by Ron Howard, the film's blend of gentle humor, compelling drama, and fantastical elements resonated deeply, proving that sci-fi didn't always need explosions to succeed. Its impressive box office performance solidified its place as one of the year's memorable cinematic events, offering a refreshing take on themes of aging, mortality, and the quest for eternal youth through an alien encounter. This date marks the beginning of its journey into pop culture as a cherished classic.

7. St. Elmo's Fire

   Released in 1985 by Joel Schumacher, Columbia Pictures

   On June 28, 1985, "St. Elmo's Fire" premiered in theaters, cementing a cultural phenomenon and defining a generation of young actors. The film arrived at the peak of the

8. Back to the Future

   Released in 1985 by Robert Zemeckis, Amblin Entertainment, Universal Pictures

   On July 3, 1985, theaters across America premiered a film that would become a defining cultural touchstone for a generation: "Back to the Future." Directed by Robert Zemeckis and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this science-fiction comedy adventure arrived in the heart of the summer movie season and instantly captured the public's imagination. The film’s release marked the beginning of a beloved franchise and cemented its place in cinematic history. It was more than just a summer blockbuster; it was a perfectly crafted piece of storytelling that blended humor, heart, and high-concept sci-fi, becoming an instant classic and an icon of 1980s pop culture.

9. Pee-wee's Big Adventure

   Released in 1985 by Tim Burton, Paul Reubens, Warner Bros.

   On August 9, 1985, American cinema was forever changed by the arrival of a delightfully weird and whimsical new vision: "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." The film marked the feature debut of Paul Reubens' beloved man-child character, Pee-wee Herman, who had already amassed a cult following from his successful stage show. Just as importantly, it served as the directorial debut for a young, relatively unknown animator named Tim Burton, whose unique gothic sensibilities were about to be unleashed upon the world. Dropped into the summer blockbuster season, this quirky, surrealist comedy was an audacious gamble that paid off handsomely, launching two iconic careers and creating an enduring pop culture touchstone.

10. Out of Africa

    Released in 1985 by Sydney Pollack, Universal Pictures

    December 18, 1985, marked the United States theatrical premiere of 'Out of Africa,' a sweeping romantic drama that would soon captivate audiences worldwide and become a critical darling. This initial release date paved the way for the film's spectacular commercial success, ultimately grossing over $228 million globally against a $31 million budget, cementing its status as one of the most beloved and financially successful films of the decade. More than just a box office triumph, this date initiated the journey of a cinematic masterpiece that would go on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, etching itself into the annals of film history.

11. The Color Purple

    Released in 1985 by Steven Spielberg, Warner Bros.

    On December 18, 1985, Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'The Color Purple,' debuted to audiences. This date marks the film's initial theatrical premiere, launching a powerful and emotionally charged cinematic experience into the cultural consciousness. Despite a somewhat controversial critical reception at the time, the movie went on to be a significant box office success, earning over $94 million worldwide. This release date is special as it introduced a groundbreaking narrative exploring themes of race, gender, and resilience through the lens of Black women's experiences in the early 20th century American South, forever etching its place in film history.

12. Rocky IV

    Released in 1985 by Sylvester Stallone, MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

    The release of "Rocky IV" on December 25, 1985, wasn't just another movie premiere; it was a cultural event that capped off a highly successful year for the film industry. Positioned perfectly for the holiday season, this fourth installment in the beloved Rocky saga delivered an exhilarating cinematic experience that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. It quickly cemented its status as one of the highest-grossing sports films of its time, breaking box office records and further solidifying Sylvester Stallone's iconic status. This release date marked the debut of a film that perfectly encapsulated the patriotic fervor and larger-than-life spectacle characteristic of 1980s cinema, making it a truly special moment in film history.