History's Best Selling Movies of 1987

Make way for the hits of 1987! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the tubular 80s arcade boom and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Moonstruck shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and Lethal Weapon. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Norman Jewison and Chuck Russell, 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. Moonstruck

   Released in 1987 by Norman Jewison, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On January 15, 1988, after a limited awards-qualifying run in December 1987, the romantic comedy 'Moonstruck' opened wide across the United States, charming its way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. Directed by Norman Jewison from a script by John Patrick Shanley, the film was a breath of fresh air, an enchanting tale of love and family set within the vibrant Italian-American community of Brooklyn. This date marked the moment the film became a cultural phenomenon, transforming from a critical darling into a box office smash and solidifying its place in cinematic history. It launched Cher into a new echelon of acting prestige and proved that a smart, heartfelt romantic comedy could captivate the nation.

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

   Released in 1987 by Chuck Russell, Wes Craven, New Line Cinema

   On February 27, 1987, Freddy Krueger slashed his way back onto the big screen with the theatrical premiere of "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors." This date marked a pivotal moment for the horror franchise. Following a critically divisive second installment, "Dream Warriors" brought back original creator Wes Craven to co-write the screenplay and original hero Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) to mentor a new group of teens. The film's release was a resounding success, revitalizing the series by leaning into the fantastical, surreal elements of the dream world. It re-established Freddy Krueger not just as a terrifying boogeyman, but as a darkly comedic, pop culture icon, setting the tone for the rest of the original series.

3. Lethal Weapon

   Released in 1987 by Richard Donner, Warner Bros.

   March 6, 1987, marked the electrifying debut of 'Lethal Weapon' in North American theaters, a film that would not only redefine the buddy cop genre but also set a new standard for action cinema. This release was more than just a premiere; it was the launchpad for a cultural phenomenon, masterfully blending intense action, sharp humor, and unexpected emotional depth. The movie quickly captivated the public's imagination, becoming a significant box office success and cementing its place as an iconic 80s action staple. Its arrival promised a fresh and exhilarating take on the police thriller, delivering on all fronts and immediately signaling its long-term influence on Hollywood filmmaking.

4. The Secret of My Success

   Released in 1987 by Herbert Ross, Universal Pictures

   On April 10, 1987, audiences were introduced to the high-stakes, hilarious world of ambition and corporate climbing with the North American theatrical release of "The Secret of My Success." Starring the immensely popular Michael J. Fox, this comedy quickly became a significant box office hit, capturing the zeitgeist of the ambitious 1980s. Its premiere marked the arrival of a film that skillfully blended slapstick humor with a sharp commentary on corporate culture, cementing its place as a quintessential film of the decade. The movie’s impressive box office performance demonstrated its broad appeal and established it as a memorable entry in the pantheon of 80s comedies, making its original release date a noteworthy moment in cinematic history for its blend of satire and entertainment.

5. The Untouchables

   Released in 1987 by Brian De Palma, Paramount Pictures

   June 3, 1987, marked the electrifying debut of Brian De Palma's 'The Untouchables' in theaters, a cinematic powerhouse that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date was not just a premiere; it was the unveiling of a stylish, brutal, and utterly compelling vision of Prohibition-era Chicago, setting the stage for one of the year's most significant box office successes. The film's blend of historical drama, action, and star power cemented its place in cinematic history, kicking off its journey to becoming a beloved classic right from this initial showing and laying the groundwork for its impressive commercial performance.

6. Full Metal Jacket

   Released in 1987 by Stanley Kubrick, Warner Bros.

   On June 26, 1987, Stanley Kubrick's searing Vietnam War epic, "Full Metal Jacket," began its limited theatrical run in North America. The release was a significant cinematic event, as any new film from the meticulous and reclusive director was eagerly anticipated. Arriving a year after Oliver Stone's "Platoon," the film offered a starkly different, more detached and cynical perspective on the conflict. Its two-part structure, moving from the brutal dehumanization of boot camp to the chaotic urban warfare of the Tet Offensive, immediately distinguished it from other war films. This premiere marked the public's first encounter with one of the most chilling and unforgettable portrayals of war and its psychological toll ever committed to celluloid.

7. RoboCop

   Released in 1987 by Paul Verhoeven, Orion Pictures

   On July 17, 1987, director Paul Verhoeven unleashed "RoboCop" upon an unsuspecting public. Released in the heart of the Reagan era, a time of corporate excess and deregulation, the film was marketed as a straightforward sci-fi action flick. However, audiences soon discovered it was a brilliant and brutal satire, a darkly comic and ultra-violent critique of consumerism, gentrification, media sensationalism, and corporate greed. Its premiere marked the arrival of a truly unique cinematic voice in Hollywood, one that could blend blockbuster entertainment with scathing social commentary. "RoboCop" was more than just a summer action movie; it was a prescient and cynical vision of the future that felt shockingly relevant.

8. The Lost Boys

   Released in 1987 by Joel Schumacher, Warner Bros.

   On July 31, 1987, director Joel Schumacher unleashed a new breed of vampire onto the world with the theatrical premiere of "The Lost Boys." Arriving at the zenith of 80s teen culture, the film immediately stood apart from classic horror. It traded gothic castles for a California boardwalk, and stuffy aristocrats for leather-clad, punk-rock biker outlaws. By blending horror, dark comedy, and a heavy dose of MTV-style aesthetics, "The Lost Boys" didn't just tell a vampire story; it redefined the genre for a generation, making vampires cool, rebellious, and undeniably sexy. It was a cultural moment that perfectly captured the attitude of the decade.

9. Dirty Dancing

   Released in 1987 by Emile Ardolino, Eleanor Bergstein, Vestron Pictures

   On August 21, 1987, a low-budget film with no major stars was released into theaters and unexpectedly danced its way into the heart of global pop culture. "Dirty Dancing" premiered on this day, beginning its journey from a potential straight-to-video release to a worldwide box office phenomenon. Set in the summer of 1963, the film's blend of coming-of-age romance, class commentary, and sensational dance sequences struck a chord with audiences everywhere. Its release marked the beginning of a cultural touchstone, a film that would define a generation's romantic ideals, launch its stars to fame, and produce one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.

10. Stakeout

    Released in 1987 by John Badham, Touchstone Pictures

    August 21, 1987, marked the North American theatrical release of 'Stakeout,' a film that would swiftly become one of the year's most beloved action-comedies. Premiering during the bustling late-summer movie season, this John Badham-directed gem captivated audiences with its sharp wit, engaging plot, and the undeniable chemistry between its lead stars. Far exceeding its modest production budget, 'Stakeout' was a substantial commercial success for Touchstone Pictures, solidifying its place as a quintessential 80s buddy-cop movie. This particular date isn't just a record of its debut; it represents the moment a fresh take on the genre was unleashed, blending humor, romance, and suspense in a way that resonated deeply with moviegoers across the continent, making it a significant entry in cinematic history.

11. Fatal Attraction

    Released in 1987 by Adrian Lyne, Paramount Pictures

    On September 18, 1987, the cinematic landscape was irrevocably altered with the release of 'Fatal Attraction.' This electrifying psychological thriller, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, premiered to immediate critical attention and immense commercial success. Its arrival marked not just the debut of a highly anticipated film but the ignition of a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes of infidelity, obsession, and the dark consequences of a casual encounter. The film's gripping narrative and stellar performances made its opening weekend a landmark event, setting the stage for one of the highest-grossing movies of the year and sparking widespread discussion that continues to this day.

12. The Princess Bride

    Released in 1987 by Rob Reiner, William Goldman, Act III Communications, 20th Century Fox

    On September 25, 1987, director Rob Reiner's "The Princess Bride" began its limited theatrical run in the United States, quietly introducing the world to a film that would become one of the most beloved and quoted cult classics of all time. Based on William Goldman's 1973 novel of the same name, the film's release was not a blockbuster event. Instead, it was a charming, relatively low-budget fantasy-adventure that had to find its audience. This date marks the first time viewers were transported to the mythical kingdom of Florin, meeting iconic characters like Westley, Princess Buttercup, Inigo Montoya, and Vizzini. Its initial release was the start of a slow-burn journey from a modest box office performer to an enduring cultural phenomenon.

13. Three Men and a Baby

    Released in 1987 by Leonard Nimoy, Buena Vista Distribution

    The release of "Three Men and a Baby" on November 25, 1987, marked a significant moment in Hollywood, launching a comedic phenomenon that captivated audiences across North America. This particular Thanksgiving Wednesday premiere wasn't just another movie opening; it was the start of a box office juggernaut, shattering expectations to become the highest-grossing film of its year domestically. The film's immediate success underscored its potent blend of humor, heart, and the universal appeal of unexpected parenthood, making this date special as the inaugural showing of a beloved classic that would charm millions and set new financial benchmarks for Disney's Touchstone Pictures.

14. Good Morning, Vietnam

    Released in 1987 by Barry Levinson, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

    On December 23, 1987, 'Good Morning, Vietnam' made its limited theatrical debut, marking the arrival of what would become one of the most iconic films of the late 1980s. This date introduced audiences to Robin Williams' electrifying performance as Adrian Cronauer, a role that would redefine his cinematic career and earn him an Academy Award nomination. The film quickly distinguished itself, not only for its groundbreaking blend of comedy and drama set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War but also for its significant box office success, positioning it as a cultural touchstone from its very first screening.