Let’s get a few things straight today! When it comes to Jack Nicholson, haven’t you ever been afraid of him, cried for him, or laughed at him?

Jack has been acting since the 60s. He has played a clown, a criminal, and even a crazy person. However if you’ve been paying attention, you know that some of his best acting came during the 1980s.

The Best 80s Jack Nicholson Movies

Have you ever heard of “art imitating life imitating art”? If not, you need to check out some of Jack Nicholson’s work during the 1980s.

So what were the best 80s Jack Nicholson movies?

Here are our picks for the best Jack Nicholson movies of the 1980s:

1. Reds (1981) 

This epic historical drama film from 1981 talks about the life and career of a journalist and writer who recorded the Russian Revolution in his book from “Ten Days That Shook the World.” If you have John Reed in your thoughts right now, you are correct. 

2. Prizzi’s Honor (1985)

Prizzi’s Honor showcases the life of two highly skilled assassins who have been hired to assassinate each other. But, how can John Huston (the director) and Richard Condon, and Janet Roach (the writers) sit idle and not bring a twist? The duo is hired to assassinate each other after falling in love.

3. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981) 

Why does the postman always ring twice? Learn from this American neo-noir erotic thriller film. 

It is the fourth adaptation of James M Cain’s 1934 novel. This thriller from the 1980s is all about an illicit love affair between the restless wife of a roadhouse owner and a drifter. The affair makes the duo plot a murder which brings along a series of dreadful consequences. 

4. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Three friends, Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie, are living in the picturesque town of Eastwick. Each of them has, unfortunately, lost the man in their lives and is feeling dissatisfied. The trio will have their wishes granted at a cost when a flamboyant but mysterious man arrives in their lives. Hence, keeping best things short, this American dark fantasy-comedy film is a catch. 

5. Batman (1989)

The world’s obsession with Batman began on June 23, 1989. A masked hero from Gotham City, Batman, battles against evil to maintain safety and peace. The vigilante has to fight against his first major enemy, Jack Napier, who becomes the Joker and attempts to take over the city. 

According to Wikipedia, the film was made on a budget of $35-48 million. But, was the box office collection sufficient to make up for the spent dollars? These questions don’t make any sense, knowing the popularity of Batman and the Joker. 

6. The Shining (1980)

What makes The Shining so good? Is The Shining based on a true story? These questions about the 1980 psychological horror film still flood the internet. 

Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and his family move into an isolated hotel with its fair share of violent past. Living in isolation, Jack starts to fall short of his sanity, which influences his family members’ lives. 

The real hauntings inspired the film’s setting within The Stanley Hotel in Colorado. 

It’s worth saying in the end: You nailed it, Jack!

So those are our picks for the best Jack Nicholson movies of the 1980s. Did your favorite make the list?