20. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Nazis by the Ark

We’re handed this jibber jabber of the Ark’s supernatural powers, and as much history that this movie gets right I, as well as many of you all, refuse to believe these myths about the power of the ark.  Well in the end of the movie the Nazis finally get hold of the ark and they unleash the power of it on themselves as the open it and everyone is killed, except for Indy and his girl of course (because they didn’t look).

21. Scarface (1983) – Scarface

He starts out as a small time Cuban who came over on a boat.  He then builds himself up as the biggest drug dealer in all of Miami.  But he gets a bit too big for his own shoes and people see the need to have him eliminated.  In a massive effort with what seems like hundreds of mercenaries storming his property Tony Montana has what could be the biggest standoff with an army that’s ever been filmed, and he of course introduces the army to his little friend.

22. The Terminator (1984) – The Terminator

He’s a machine sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor so that she can’t give birth to John Connor who grows up to be the leader of the resistance.  However, Kyle Reese also comes back from the future to keep her alive.  The entire film they’re on the run from the machine and it culminates with a scene in a factory and a massive explosion (i.e. the greatest thing ever).

23. The Princess Bride (1987) – Vizzini & Count Tyrone Rugen

It’s unlikely for me to decide which death deserves it more, does never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line or does my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die deserve it more?  Both are amazing scenes and are engrained into the memory of anyone who’s ever seen the movie.  So I claim a tie.

24. Robocop (1987) – Officer Alex J. Murphy

On his day out he and his partner follow a group of thieves to their hideout.  Unfortunately Murphy gets caught and brutally murdered.  Some may claim that he doesn’t fully die (as he becomes Robocop), but I count it as the end of one character and the creation of a new one.  It’s one of those moments in cinema were everyone applauds the bloody gore that is the scene.

25. The Untouchables (1987) – Dinner Table (Team Speech)

Al Capone decides while at the table with his colleagues to give this inspiring speech about how baseball represents how men should behave.  Enthusiasms are how the world keep moving forward, the difference between one achieving player and doesn’t make the team effort any better.  It however, goes dark when eventually he takes the bat to the head of one of the people at the table.  It’s striking in every way.

26. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – Judge Doom

Late in the film we find out that Judge Doom, the man who hates all toons is actually a toon himself and when we see him die in a pool of this green guck (that I can’t remember what they actually call) that kills toons and we see the clothes empty itself I can’t help but think that there is a character there shrieking THE HORROR as it happens.  It’s a fun death that you never feel is horrible, but the reality of it with adult eyes you see how really gory it really is.

27. Batman (1989) – I Got a Live One Here

The Joker takes over Grissom’s business and lets all of his partners know.  When the idea that they can say no the Joker reminds them that this isn’t a democratic situation by shaking his hand, which happens to have an electric shocker attached.  It brings the silly comical sense that is the comic book version of the Joker to the screen added with Jack Nicholson’s acting makes it a great moment.

28. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Buffalo Bill

Clarice Starling goes into the home of the murderer that she’s been tracking.  Following all the clues given to her by Dr. Lecter she’s led to the home of Jame Gump (aka. Buffalo Bill).  The screen goes black and we’re given this night-vision view of things as we watch Jame watch Clarice fumble around the room in the dark.

29. Unforgiven (1992) – Little Bill Daggett

William comes back to town after he hears that they’ve killed his best friend Ned.  He enters the bar which’s filled where the local sheriff, a former outlaw, is being merry with the town.  William claims for anyone not wanting any should leave now.  It becomes a brutally clinical few moments it’s all over and it just works.

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