Most Popular Movies 1981
This chart shows the 1981 movie releases that have attracted the most interest on The Numbers web site over the past 24 hours. A share of 100 corresponds to 1 percent of the total views for all 1981 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 1981 - Top 1981 Worldwide
| ← 1980 | Most Popular Overall | 1982 → |
1
| Graduation Day |
| Director: Herb Freed |
| Lead Roles: Christopher George as Coach George Michaels |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 1, 1981 (Wide) by IFI Scope |
| Keywords: Slasher Horror, Death of a Sibling, Revenge, Surprise Twist, Track and Field, Cult Movie |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $23,894,000 |
2
| Sphinx |
| Director: Franklin J. Schaffner |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 11, 1981 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $2,000,000 |
|
International BO: $9,400,000 |
3
| Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior |
| Director: George Miller |
| Lead Roles: Mel Gibson as Max |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 24, 1981 (Wide) by Roadshow Films (Australia) |
| Keywords: Post Apocalypse, Action Adventure, Near Future, Voiceover/Narration, Car Chase, Ozploitation, Death of a Pet, 1980s, Yesterday's Tomorrow |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $23,667,907 |
|
International BO: $952 |
4
| Halloween II |
| Director: Rick Rosenthal |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 30, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Slasher Horror |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $25,533,818 |
5
| For Your Eyes Only |
| Director: John Glen |
| Lead Roles: Roger Moore as James Bond |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 26, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Secret Agent, Skiing, Action Thriller, Winter Sports, Figure Skating, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Revenge |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $54,800,000 |
|
International BO: $140,500,000 |
6
| Nighthawks |
| Director: Bruce Malmuth |
| Lead Roles: Sylvester Stallone as Det. Sgt. Deke DaSilva |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 10, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Terrorism, Action Thriller, Film Noir, Corrupt Cops, Narcotics, Surprise Twist, Hostage |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $14,600,000 |
|
International BO: $5,000,000 |
7
| Reds |
| Director: Warren Beatty |
| Lead Roles: Warren Beatty as John Reed, Diane Keaton as Lousie Bryant |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 4, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Biography, Biographical Drama, 1982 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $50,000,000 |
|
International BO: $130 |
8
| The Postman Always Rings Twice |
| Director: Bob Rafelson |
| Lead Roles: Jack Nicholson as Frank Chambers |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 20, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Film Noir, Erotic Drama, Remake, Relationships Gone Wrong, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Infidelity |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $12,200,000 |
|
International BO: $32,000,000 |
9
| The Howling |
| Director: Joe Dante |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 10, 1981 (Wide) by Avco Embassy |
| Keywords: Gorn or Splatter Horror, Monster, Werewolf, Serial Killer, Faulty Memory, Investigative Journalist |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $17,985,000 |
|
International BO: $130 |
10
| Gallipoli |
| Director: Peter Weir |
| Lead Roles: Mark Lee as Archy Hamilton, Mel Gibson as Frank Dunne |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 13, 1981 (Limited) (Australia) |
| Keywords: Historical Battles, World War I, War, War Drama, 1910s |
| Classification: Based on Factual Book/Article, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $5,732,587 |
11
| On Golden Pond |
| Lead Roles: Katharine Hepburn as Ethel Thayer, Henry Fonda as Norman Thayer Jr., Jane Fonda as Chelsea Thayer Wayne, Doug McKeon as Billy Ray |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 4, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Golden Years, Relatives Playing Relatives, Dysfunctional Family, Life Drama, 1982 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Play, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $119,285,432 |
12
| History of the World: Part I |
| Director: Mel Brooks |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 12, 1981 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Same Actor, Multiple Roles, Satire, Satirical Comedy, Ancient Rome, Jewish, Segments, Cavemen, Set in Outer Space, Set in France, Set in Spain, Religious Extremism, Religious, Revolution, Spanish Inquisition |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $31,672,000 |
13
| Mommie Dearest |
| Director: Frank Perry |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 18, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Biography, Dysfunctional Family, Performing Arts, Movie Business, Boarding School, Biographical Drama, Autobiographical, 1970s |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $19,032,000 |
|
International BO: $6,000,000 |
14
| Raiders of the Lost Ark |
| Director: Steven Spielberg |
| Lead Roles: Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Karen Allen as Marion |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 12, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Treasure Hunters, IMAX: DMR, Nazis, Religious, Character's Journey Shown on Map, Academics, Hot for Teacher, Occult, Prologue, Kidnap, Rescue, Intertitle, Archaeology, Chase Adventure, 1982 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $225,686,079 |
|
International BO: $141,765,835 |
15
| The Legend of the Lone Ranger |
| Director: William A. Fraker |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 22, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Classical Western, Origin Story, Texas Ranger, Outlaws, 1850s, Sole Survivor, Ambush |
| Classification: Based on TV, Western, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $13,400,000 |
16
| Roar |
| Director: Noel Marshall |
| Lead Roles: Tippi Hedren as Madeleine, Melanie Griffith as Melanie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: 1981 (Wide) |
| Keywords: Development Hell, Animals Gone Bad, Family Affair, Relatives Playing Relatives |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $2,110,050 |
Synopsis
Roar follows wildlife preservationist Hank, who lives harmoniously alongside a menagerie of untamed animals, including cheetahs, elephants, lions and tigers on a preservation in the African plains. When his wife and children arrive for a visit, a long-brewing battle for dominance between two lions erupts and threatens their very lives.
17
| An American Werewolf in London |
| Director: John Landis |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 21, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Monster, Werewolf, Visual Effects, Set in London, Vacation, Horror Comedy, Tourists In Trouble, Death of a Best Friend, Suicide Attempt, Romance, Doomed Romance, Death of a Girlfriend / Boyfriend, Curses, Supernatural |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $31,973,249 |
|
International BO: $29,995,139 |
18
| Friday the 13th Part 2 |
| Director: Steve Miner |
| Lead Roles: Adrienne King as Alice Hardy, Warrington Gillette as Jason |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 30, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Slasher Horror |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $21,722,776 |
19
| The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper |
| Director: Roger Spottiswoode |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 13, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $2,104,164 |
20
| The Four Seasons |
| Director: Alan Alda |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 22, 1981 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Comedy Drama, Directing Yourself, Actors Making Their Directorial Debut, Romance, Relationships Gone Wrong, Vacation, The Other Woman, Screenplay Written By the Star |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $42,488,161 |
21
| My Dinner with Andre |
| Director: Louis Malle |
| Lead Roles: Andre Gregory |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 1, 1981 (Wide) by New Yorker |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $15,063 |
22
| Modern Problems |
| Director: Ken Shapiro |
| Lead Roles: Chevy Chase as Max Fielder |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 1981 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, Romance, Relationships Gone Wrong, Psychics |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $24,474,312 |
23
| Atlantic City |
| Director: Louis Malle |
| Lead Roles: Susan Sarandon as Sally Matthews, Burt Lancaster as Lou Pasco |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 3, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Film Noir, Crime Drama, Romance, Gambling, Life on the Outside, Autumn Years, 1982 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $10,000,000 |
24
| Full Moon High |
| Director: Larry Cohen |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 9, 1981 (Limited) by Filmways Pictures |
| Classification: Live Action |
25
| Pennies from Heaven |
| Director: Herbert Ross |
| Lead Roles: Steve Martin as Arthur Parker |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 11, 1981 (Wide) by MGM |
| Keywords: Film Noir, Musical Drama, Romance, Novel or Other Work Adapted by Author, 1930s, Set in Chicago, Money Troubles, Relationships Gone Wrong, Pregnant Women, Sex Crimes, Wrongfully Convicted, Death Row, Abortion, Prostitution |
| Classification: Based on TV, Musical, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $6,200,000 |