The Karate Kid (1984)

John Avildsen (“Rocky”) directs another underdog story — a real crowd-pleaser that honors karate and friendship. The bullied teenager (Ralph Macchio) is a little too precious, but Pat Morita’s Oscar-nominated turn as Mr. Miyagi gives the film its heart.

d: John Avildsen | imdb.com | trailer | You’re the best.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis play parapsychologists who save New York City from ghosts and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a winning comedy and special effects blockbuster. Murray perfects his comic persona as Dr. Peter Venkman.

d: Ivan Reitman | imdb.com | trailer | the whole movie | the song

Streets of Fire (1984)

Director Walter Hill (“Warriors”) shoots post-World War II America like a film noir MTV video, a world where Willem Dafoe’s shotgun-wielding gang kidnaps rock star Diane Lane, and the brooding Michael Pare saves her in a kick-ass sledgehammer fight.

d: Walter Hill | imdb.com | trailer | Inside “Streets of Fire”
“Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” | “I Can Dream About You”
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