Honourable mentions – ‘The Thing’ (1982), ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982), ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ (1982) – these movies were brilliant in their own right, but the movies on this list are hallmarked as the defining movies of 1981. So, without further ado, here’s a list of top movies of 1981. 12. Tex (1982)

Cited as being one of the best films of 1982, ’48 Hrs.’ is led by the brilliant rapport between Nolte and Murphy, hence forming the comedic buddy cop genre. The film was a commercial darling and a critical one too.

Gandhi received the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1982. The highest-grossing American film released in 1982 was E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial . 48 Hrs. sequel to Airplane!

For a year often cited for its superior Blockbuster season, 1982 deserves credit for the quirky gems sprinkled throughout the months. Pushing into February, Quest For Firesparked national interest for its salacious depiction of prehistoric man.