The montage sequence was a staple part of 80's film making. Back in those days, people didn't have the patience to sit through the protagonist's progression toward perfection. So to please the masses, film makers just gave us bits and pieces and inserted a cheesy song behind it. Facial close-ups and fade-wipes were just about mandatory.

When the 80's ended, a small part of me died.

10.  Scarface
Tony Montana was one cool dude with ambition. After killing Frank Lopez the money really started rolling in. He bought himself a tiger for crying out loud... A TIGER! Props go to Michelle Pfeiffer's coke habit.
Song: "Scarface (Push it to the limit)" - Paul Engemann



9.  Bloodsport
If only catching goldfish and serving tea blindfolded were part of every montage...



8.  Top Gun
Ok, so its not really a montage. But its awesome. Described by its director Tony Scott as 'soft porn'.
Song: "Playing with the boys" - Kenny Loggins



7.  Rocky IV
After Apollo died, Rocky was a broken man. Sometimes you just have to get in your car and drive it out of your system. This isn't the only Rocky montage that has made my list. Shit, each movie contained at least about 3 of them to choose from. Am I complaining? No.
Song: "No Easy Way Out" - Robert Tepper



6.  Ghostbusters
Both Ghostbusters movies featured wicked montages. When Igon said "Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light", I think he was talking about what would have happened if they left the montages out of the movies.
Song: "Ghostbusters" - Ray Parker Jr.



5.  Footloose
Montages can also be used to roll through a bunch of flashbacks. Flashbacks that cause Kevin Bacon a great deal of inner rage. A rage which can only be eased through dancing like a twit. Dance on Kevin... dance on...
Song: "Never" - Moving Pictures



4.  Zoolander
A brief resurgence in montage action came to us with Zoolander. Its a walk-off, and it includes an 80's soundtrack and David Bowie... "Put a cork in it, Zane!"
Song: "Beat It" - Michael Jackson



3.  Rocky III
Eye of the tiger... need I say more? Ok... hows this... Mr T, fireworks, knockouts, more Mr T, American Express endorsements, more knockouts, Rocky & Adrienne on a motorbike... wow.
Song: "Eye of the tiger" - Survivor


2.  Karate Kid
When I watched this movie a few months back, I wondered what happened to Ralph Macchio. He seemed to have so much promise. Not much it turns out. He made a cameo appearance in Entourage, does that count? This montage takes us through all of Daniel's and the Cobra Kai students' fights at the All Valley Karate Tournament. "Sweep the leg Johnny".
Song: "You're the best" - Joe Esposito



1.  Rocky
The grandaddy of movie montages. What this lacks in 80's soundtrack (it was made in '76), it makes up for in guts - and ultimately - glory. And isnt that what its all about?
Song: "Gonna fly now" - Bill Conti