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10 Best Movies Like 1981

If you loved 1981, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

#1
1987

1987

2014★ 6.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Comedy & Drama. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

In 1987, Ricardo is 17 years old. This summer, Ricardo has a busy schedule: loose his virginity, find a way to get into bars, have a car, spend time with his friends. In order to r...

#2
Mylène Farmer: Live at Bercy

Mylène Farmer: Live at Bercy

1997★ 7.3

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Music. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

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#3
Les Voisins

Les Voisins

1987★ 7.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Comedy. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Three couples meet at one of them for a slide show evening. But nobody takes pleasure in this evening, where triumphs the banality of the exchanges: it is a socialization forced by...

#4
Up in the Air

Up in the Air

2009★ 6.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Drama & Romance. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Corporate downsizing expert Ryan Bingham spends his life in planes, airports, and hotels, but just as he’s about to reach a milestone of ten million frequent flyer miles, he meets ...

#5
War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds

2005★ 6.5

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Adventure. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife and her new husband drop off his teenage son and young daughter for a rare weekend visit, ...

#6
American Psycho

American Psycho

2000★ 7.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to 1981 for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A wealthy New York investment banking executive hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, gratuitous fantasies...