The Last Emperor’s big Oscar win of 1988. Not every movie can win nine Academy Awards, but then not every movie is The Last Emperor. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and shot by famed cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, The Last Emperor tells the life story of Puyi, who took the throne at China’s Forbidden City at age 3. In this list, we have ranked the 120 greatest ’80s movie characters based on their impact, cultural significance, and lasting popularity. So, let’s dive into the world of ’80s cinema. 1. John Keating (Dead Poets Society, 1989) We start this list with John Keating. He is an unconventional English teacher at an all-boys preparatory school. The characters here are all from '80s films, but it doesn't have to be the heroine's first appearance in a franchise. Furthermore, only live action heroines will be seen here. Our list includes Wendy Torrance, Dian Fossey, Marion Ravenwood, Sarah Connor, Ellen Ripley, and more! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Movie 11. The Killing Fields. In this action-adventure film, Gene Hackman plays the father of a Vietnam War POW who assembles a group of ex-soldiers to embark on a daring rescue mission. The film delivers thrilling action sequences while also exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the emotional scars left by war. Airplane! (1980) May 17, 2017, 4:03pm. “Airplane!” (1980) Blockbusters, slashers, sci-fi, and love stories all contend for top spots. The Magic Johnson-Larry Bird Rivalry. Alamy. There are sports rivalries, and then there's the former rivalry of basketball greats Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They were the Thor and Loki of their time; the Professor X and Magneto of 1980s basketball. Based on the Pulitzer-prize winning novel of the same name, The Color Purple tells the heart-wrenching tale of a Celie, a poor Black woman during the 1900's who struggles to find her voice amidst The movie was a modest success at the box office, grossing $138 million. It was more successful at the 59th Academy Awards, where it earned eight nominations and four wins. RELATED: 10 Movies That Defined '80s Cinema. These included Best Film Editing, Sound, Director for Stone, and Best Picture. 9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) 8. An American Werewolf in London (1981) 7. Evil Dead II (1987) 6. The Dead Zone (1983) And with Halloween just around the corner, horror fans will likely be Stream On The Roku Channel. One of the greatest action movies of the 1980s, Lethal Weapon is also an underrated Christmas feature that finds an erratic Martin Riggs partnered with Sergeant Roger Murtaugh as they investigate a homicide that points to a larger conspiracy. The two constantly butt heads as they attempt to solve the case, but drXzL.