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While it might come as a surprise to many viewers, some of the best movies from this decade were filmed by directors who have never made a feature film. Despite that, they proved their talent in this area with the very first movie they directed.

6 Robert Redford: Ordinary People (1980)

A fair number of actors first appear in many movies before they decide to try out directing as well, with mixed results. Sometimes their directorial work becomes a hit, sometimes it bombs. When the accomplished actor Robert Redford directed his first movie, the realistic family drama Ordinary People, it turned out to be an Oscar-winning film, one of the biggest successes of the 1980s.

The movie focuses on a seemingly perfect family that starts falling apart when the young son Conrad undergoes a nervous breakdown. Ordinary People present a difficult situation that feels like taken out of real life, and it has an excellent cast. The movie was nominated was six Oscars and won four, including Best Picture and Best Director.

5 Hugh Hudson: Chariots Of Fire (1981)

Another brand-new director to score Best Picture in the 80s was British director Hugh Hudson. Chariots of Fire take place in 1924 and focuses on two young men of different religious beliefs, one Christian and one Jewish, who are both determined to win the Olympics. But as in every competition, there can be only one winner.

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Both Ben Cross and Ian Charleson give strong performances in the leading roles, and it’s close to impossible picking a favorite since each has a reason for what he’s doing. The movie has a memorable soundtrack, created by Vangelis, and the supporting cast doesn’t disappoint as well. Chariots of Fire were nominated for seven Oscars and, just like Ordinary People, won four of them.

4 Sam Raimi: Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead shows both audiences and critics that a movie doesn’t need an extra high budget to become a cult piece. Sometimes, all it requires is a good idea and a strong atmosphere. Before he became famous for directing the Spider-Man trilogy with Tobey Maguire in the leading role, Sam Raimi filmed multiple horror movies — and this was his first feature film.

The Evil Dead shows that it’s not a good idea to read from Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead, at least not if the heroes want to deal with deadly demons. The movie is genuinely scary, and Bruce Campbell became an icon thanks to his role as Ash, so many fans were excited when Campbell reprised his role decades after in the comedy-horror TV series Ash vs Evil Dead. As for the movie itself, it got multiple sequels, but many consider the first part the best.

3 Emilie Ardolino: Dirty Dancing (1987)

Musicals, especially musical romances, are a popular genre, but Dirty Dancing is one of the most beloved ones. This movie was so popular and successful, it’s easy to forget it was Emile Ardolino’s directorial debut. The story is well-known by now: Young Frances, better known as Baby, goes to Catskills resort with her family for the summer holiday and becomes Johnny’s dancing partner, even though her strict parents don’t approve.

The catchy music, feel-good atmosphere, and the developing romance between Baby and Johnny, played by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, made Dirty Dancing a classic that people like to return to over and over again. And, of course, everybody remembers the final epic dance number performed to the song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

2 Michael Lehmann: Heathers (1988)

Heathers is one of those movies that manage to combine multiple genres. It’s a horror movie, a dark comedy, and a romance story as well. Winona Ryder stars as Veronica Sawyer, a girl whose life turns upside down when she starts spending time with the school rebel J.D. (Christian Slater) who wants to get back at the spoiled and arrogant bee queens, a trio of girls all named Heather.

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The movie doesn’t spare its characters, so it’s unclear who will die and who will live. Ryder is sympathetic in her role as Veronica, appealing to many people who felt like outsiders when they were in school. J.D., on the other hand, is a villain, one that would best be avoided in real life. Heathers became a cult classic, and in 2014 was adapted into a successful stage musical.

1 Jim Sheridan: My Left Foot (1989)

Some of the best movies out there were inspired by real events. My Left Foot focuses on Christy Brown, a man who became a successful artist and led a rich life even though he could only move his left foot. Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of his best early performances in the movie, if not the very best, and won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Christy.

The movie was then nominated for five Oscars in total. Daniel Day-Lewis became so submerged in the role during the filming that he spent the entire production on a wheelchair and kept using it even during his time off, presumably to get into the mind of his character.

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