1983 in film


The following is an overview of events in 1983 in film, including the highest-grossing films, award ceremonies and festivals, a list of films released and notable deaths.

Highest-grossing films (U.S.)

The top ten 1983 released films by box office gross in North America are as follows:
RankTitleDistributorBox-office gross
1Return of the Jedi20th Century Fox$252,583,617
2Terms of EndearmentParamount$108,423,489
3FlashdanceParamount$92,921,203
4Trading PlacesParamount$90,404,800
5WarGamesUnited Artists$79,567,667
6OctopussyUnited Artists$67,893,619
7Sudden ImpactWarner Bros.$67,642,693
8Staying AliveParamount$64,892,670
9Mr. Mom20th Century Fox$64,783,827
10Risky BusinessWarner Bros.$63,541,777

Events

  • February 11 - The Rolling Stones concert film Let's Spend the Night Together opens in New York City.
  • May 25 - Return of the Jedi, the final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, is released. Like the previous films, it goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
  • Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman makes her film debut in the Australian movie Bush Christmas.
  • Brainstorm, the final film of screen star Natalie Wood, is released, 2 years after her death.
  • October - Frank Price resigns as president of Columbia Pictures and is replaced by Guy McElwaine.
  • November 18 - A Christmas Story released to theaters to moderate success, earning about $2 million in its first weekend. By Christmas 1983, the film is no longer playing at most venues but remains in about a hundred theatres until January 1984. Gross earnings were just over $19.2 million. Over the years, the film's critical reputation would grow considerably and it is now regarded by some as one of the best films of 1983. By the late 1980s, it was already considered a classic.

    Awards

Palme d'Or :
Golden Lion :
'''Golden Bear :'''

1983 films

By country/region