18. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is perhaps one of the most iconic films of the 1980s. The visual of the bicycle in front of the moon is instantly recognizable and has been woven into modern pop culture through homages in shows like Stranger Things and Bob’s Burgers. Considered both a genre film and a children’s film, it was an uphill battle for the Best Picture award, which ultimately went to Richard Attenborough’s biopic Gandhi. Sir Richard himself later said that he felt E.T. should have won the award.