The best films of 1981

129 films from 1981, ranked by a 0–100 score from IMDb ratings, critics, the Oscars and box office, compared only with films from the same year.

  1. Raiders of the Lost Ark Score 97.0 · IMDb 8.4 · Tomatometer 94% · Metascore 86 · Adventure, Action
  2. On Golden Pond Score 87.5 · IMDb 7.6 · Tomatometer 91% · Metascore 68 · Drama, Romance
  3. Reds Score 84.0 · IMDb 7.3 · Tomatometer 90% · Metascore 76 · Drama, History, Romance
  4. Chariots of Fire Score 83.8 · IMDb 7.1 · Tomatometer 84% · Metascore 78 · Drama, History
  5. Das Boot Score 80.6 · IMDb 8.3 · Tomatometer 98% · Metascore 85 · Drama, History, War
  6. Arthur Score 72.1 · IMDb 6.9 · Tomatometer 86% · Metascore 69 · Comedy, Drama, Romance
  7. Quest for Fire Score 71.3 · IMDb 7.3 · Tomatometer 88% · Metascore 79 · Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
  8. An American Werewolf in London Score 66.8 · IMDb 7.5 · Tomatometer 80% · Metascore 55 · Comedy, Horror, Fantasy
  9. Time Bandits Score 66.4 · IMDb 6.9 · Tomatometer 92% · Metascore 79 · Family, Fantasy, Science Fiction
  10. The Road Warrior Score 66.3 · IMDb 7.6 · Tomatometer 93% · Metascore 77 · Action, Thriller, Science Fiction