Search Movie Plot Summaries & Endings Explained

Drama · Melancholic tone

House on Fire (1986)

Based on Kazuo Dan’s autobiographical manuscript published shortly before his death, the film portrays the tangled existence of a celebrated 1950s novelist. He juggles the demands of his family, a string of affairs with various mistresses, and the relentless pressures of his literary career.

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Romance · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Ennennum Kannettante (1986)

Kannan (Sangeeth) and his cousin Radhika (Sonia Nair) have been close since childhood, sharing games and secrets. When they reunite at their ancestral home in a village during the holiday break, Kannan finds himself falling for Radhika. She, however, feels uncertain about how to respond to his growing affection.

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Action · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Viduthalai (1986)

Raja, a seasoned thief, joins forces with Amar, a hardened goonda, to use the loot from a bold robbery to build a new life in London. Their scheme unravels when Raja is arrested for the killing of Sudarshan, a feared gangster and Amar’s former employer. Convinced that Amar framed him, Raja battles betrayal while the authorities close in.

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Comedy · Bittersweet tone · Happy ending

Devoted to You (1986)

Jane, raised in a poor, neglectful household, turns rebellious. Through her aunt’s connections she enrolls at an elite high school. May, the pampered daughter of a wealthy family, is capricious and socially isolated. When Jane saves May from a humiliating incident, the act earns her May’s respect and reveals Jane’s inner strength, shifting the dynamics between them.

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Action · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

Band of the Hand (1986)

This music video, created for Bob Dylan's song from the film Band of the Hand, combines stylized film clips with dynamic strobe effects. Featuring performances by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Stevie Nicks, the video visually interprets the rebellious spirit of the song and the movie's narrative. It’s a unique and visually striking interpretation of the film’s theme.

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Action · Dark tone · Happy ending

The Toxic Avenger (1986)

A timid office worker is transformed into a grotesque superhero, known as Toxie, after an accident. He then sets out on a dangerous mission to Japan to find his father, Big Mac. This notorious figure is a powerful underworld boss with connections to the city's criminal underworld. Toxie’s quest leads him through perilous situations as he confronts his father’s enemies and uncovers a web of secrets.

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Sci-Fi · Tense tone · Ambiguous ending

Critters (1986)

A group of divers exploring the depths of Indonesia's Lembeh Strait encounters a hidden, underwater realm. This bizarre environment is teeming with strange and terrifying creatures, forcing the divers into a thrilling and dangerous struggle for survival as they navigate the unfamiliar landscape and its inhabitants.

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Animation · Light tone · Happy ending

Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale (1986)

Featuring Murray Ball’s New Zealand comic Footrot Flats, the film follows Wal Footrot’s rivalry for Cheeky Hobson against Spit Murphy, the Dog’s chase of Jess, and Wal’s attempt to impress rugby selectors. Meanwhile Rangi and Pongo try to rescue Cooch’s prized stag from Blackwater Station, home of Murphys, dogs and croco‑pigs, bringing Raupo to life.

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Adventure · Whimsical tone · Ambiguous ending

Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1986)

Dr. Otto Von‑Schnick‑ick‑ick plots global domination by crippling financial systems, collapsing economies and sparking worldwide panic. The clueless detective Lance Sterling, aided by his undervalued assistant Doris, races to thwart the mad scientist. Otto constantly evades capture with a series of elaborate disguises from his self‑made Changing Coffin, forcing Lance to unravel the riddle before the world descends into chaos.

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Drama · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

A Case of Deadly Force (1986)

Based on true events, the film follows a 1975 Boston Tactical Unit cover‑up. Two white officers on a robbery stakeout shoot a black man who enters the car, claiming self‑defense. Police deem it justified, but the widow, sure he was unarmed, hires a cop turned lawyer. With his four sons, they battle the police and secure a ruling.

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Action · Dark tone · Happy ending

America 3000 (1986)

Nine hundred years after a nuclear war has plunged the United States into a stone‑age existence, Korvis and his companion escape a world ruled by Amazonian women. Men are kept as slaves or roam as beasts, while women dominate. Determined to build a new tribe, Korvis strives to persuade the ruling women to accept men as partners again.

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Drama · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

Beverly Hills Madam (1986)

Lil Hutton runs a bordello for rich clients, but a pregnancy and a death cause turmoil. Julie Taylor arrives in LA, is mugged, and seeks Lil’s help. Lured by money, she takes a job escorting a rich father’s 18‑year‑old son, falls in love, but the affair ends when he learns her trade, leaving Julie disillusioned and fleeing the profession.

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Drama · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

My Beautiful Laundrette (1986)

In the backdrop of 1980s London, Omar, a young Pakistani man, takes over a failing laundromat from his uncle. He unexpectedly reconnects with Johnny, a former lover now involved with a group of skinheads. As they work together to revitalize the business, their renewed relationship challenges societal prejudices and class divisions. Their journey highlights the complexities of love and acceptance amidst a climate of racial tension and economic hardship.

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Drama · Bleak tone · Bittersweet ending

Trial on the Road (1971)

Set behind enemy lines in 1942, the film follows a Soviet partisan regiment that captures Lieutenant Lazarev, a former Red Army officer now dressed in a German uniform. Once a Nazi defector and collaborator, Lazarev now seeks redemption by rejoining the Russian partisans and fighting against the occupiers.

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Action · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Malcolm (1986)

A comedy of hopes and schemes, it follows Malcolm, a chronically shy mechanical genius who is fired after building his own tram. To make ends meet he invites Frank, newly released from jail, to live with him. With Frank’s encouragement, Malcolm embarks on a series of petty crimes.

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Horror · Tense tone · Mixed ending

Torment (1986)

A detective sets out to capture a psycho who kills women, but the psycho turns the tables and goes after the detective’s girlfriend.

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War · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

P.O.W. The Escape (1986)

The most daring escape! Col. Cooper leads a group of American P.O.W.s, battling their way to freedom as Saigon falls to the Viet Cong.

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Drama · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Primary Russia (1986)

The film takes place in pre-Christian Russia, when Ratibor united the East Slavs into one army against the nomadic Khazars.

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History · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

The Man in the Black Cape (1986)

Biography of Brazilian congressman Tenório Cavalcanti, who used to appear in public carrying a machine-gun, and wearing a black cloak.

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Romance · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

Mrs. Delafield Wants to Marry (1986)

A wealthy widow discovers love again, choosing to marry a Jewish, divorced doctor. Her upper‑class WASP family is scandalized by the unconventional match, while his own family is equally startled by her privileged background. The film explores the clash of traditions and the enduring hope of second‑chance romance.

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Drama · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

Rad (1986)

A determined cyclist named Bill Allen rises through the ranks of competitive cycling, facing significant challenges to reach the top. He must overcome a ruthless promoter who controls access to a prestigious, nationally televised event. This opportunity promises to launch Allen into the spotlight and establish him as a star, but he’s not willing to back down from the high-stakes competition.

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Drama · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Lucas (1986)

Driven by the desire to own a motorcycle, Lucas encounters Alvaro, a charismatic stranger who proposes a tempting deal: money for compromising photographs. This transaction sets off a chain of events that force Lucas to navigate a complex web of consequences and confront difficult choices about freedom, trust, and the price of ambition. He must grapple with the repercussions of his decisions as his life becomes increasingly intertwined with Alvaro's mysterious influence.

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Mystery · Tense tone · Ambiguous ending

April Fool's Day (1986)

During an annual tradition, a group of college students gathers at a remote island mansion for an April Fool's Day prank. However, their harmless game turns sinister when the jokes become all too real, and one of them turns up dead. As the body count rises, the remaining students find themselves stalked by a mysterious killer who seems to know their every move, forcing them to uncover the horrifying truth behind the escalating violence before they become the next victims.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

The Money Pit (1986)

After purchasing a seemingly inexpensive country estate, young couple Walter and Anna soon discover their dream home is a crumbling disaster. Faced with a constant barrage of repairs, from collapsing staircases to failing plumbing, they struggle to maintain their relationship amidst the escalating chaos. What began as an incredible bargain quickly turns into a relentless battle against structural decay and mounting expenses.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Hamburger: The Motion Picture (1986)

A carefree slacker unexpectedly inherits a large sum of money, but there's a catch: he must graduate from Busterburger U with a degree in hamburger creation. Balancing newfound ambition with his laid-back nature, he experiences the eccentricities of college while discovering the value of hard work and personal development.

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Romance · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Just Between Friends (1986)

Holly and Sandy quickly become close friends, unaware that they share deeper, unexpected similarities. Their bond is filled with love, laughter, and occasional lies, all in the name of friendship. When a tragedy hits, the strength of their connection is put to the ultimate test.

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Thriller · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Kariyilakkattu Pole (1986)

Inspector Achuthankutty leads the investigation into the shocking murder of a celebrated director‑writer. As evidence mounts, he becomes convinced that three women are linked to the crime, and his relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers hidden motives and dangerous secrets.

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Action · Tense tone · Happy ending

GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords (1986)

A call for help summons the transforming GoBots to defend Solitaire's world. They must confront the tyrannical Rock Lord Magmar and his forces, who are joined by treacherous Renegades. The GoBots utilize their unique abilities in a battle against overwhelming odds, striving to overcome the challenges and protect Solitaire and her realm from Magmar's destructive reign.

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Adventure · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation (1986)

During a summer camp, the Care Bears discover a looming threat to the campers' joy and friendship. The sinister Dark Heart plots to steal their happiness, and the Care Bears must embark on a quest to spread warmth and cheer to overcome him. Their mission is challenged as they work to protect the camp and restore happiness to everyone.

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Sci-Fi · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Chopping Mall (1986)

After a security system demonstration goes horribly wrong, eight teenagers find themselves trapped inside a shopping mall at night. Three police robots, now out of control, begin to hunt them down. The group must use their wits and whatever they can find to survive the deadly robots’ rampage and escape the mall before they become the ultimate victims.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

Funding cuts force Commandant Lassard’s original cadets, led by Sgt. Mahoney, to compete against Commandant Mauser’s new recruits in a hilarious challenge. As evaluation day approaches, the two academies engage in escalating pranks and mishaps, testing their skills and pushing each other to the limit. The competition becomes a battle of wits and brawn, with the ultimate goal of securing funding and proving which academy is superior.

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Drama · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (1986)

Two school students decide to run away during a school trip. Their escape is interrupted when an uninvited man arrives offering assistance, and one of the teens develops feelings for him. As the relationship deepens, a disturbing truth about the man comes to light, shattering their hopes.

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Drama · Bittersweet tone · Sad ending

The Left-Hander (1986)

The British, hoping to astonish Emperor Alexander I, send a marvel of clockwork—a tiny mechanical flea—as a diplomatic gift. Unaware that the tiny device will fall into Russian hands, it lands with a gifted left‑handed artisan who, through his extraordinary skill, outdoes the marvel and wins the emperor’s admiration.

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Adventure · Hopeful tone · Bittersweet ending

Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Troops (1986)

The story opens with Nobita and Shizuka perched on the yard’s pipe while Suneo flaunts his robot. Feeling envious, Nobita asks Doraemon to create a giant robot of his own. Suddenly, robotic parts begin to fall from the sky, and as they watch, Nobita and Doraemon start piecing together the massive machine.

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Thriller · Tense tone · Mixed ending

Khamosh (1986)

A classic whodunit set on a movie set, where a young actress is initially believed to have taken her own life during filming. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear she was murdered, and the culprit turns out to be a member of the crew, exposing hidden motives and intrigue.

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Drama · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Crossroads (1986)

A passionate blues fan sets out on a journey to find a legendary song attributed to Robert Johnson. Partnering with an experienced blues musician, the young enthusiast seeks to understand the music's secrets and master the elusive melody. Their quest leads them through a world of musical history, personal challenges, and unexpected romance, exploring the deep connections between blues, mystery, and the pursuit of artistic mastery.

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Drama · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

Gung Ho (1986)

When an American auto plant faces closure, a Japanese company takes over, implementing new and innovative management styles. Factory worker Hunt Stevenson finds himself caught between his colleagues’ skepticism and the unfamiliar corporate culture. He must learn to adapt and bridge the gap between American work ethic and Japanese business practices to save the plant and the jobs of everyone involved.

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Family · Hopeful tone · Bittersweet ending

Swati Muthyam (1986)

When an autistic man impulsively marries a young widow, she is thrust from her quiet life into the bustling city. Determined to protect her new family, she confronts harsh societal judgment and mounting financial pressures, striving to secure a stable future for herself and her husband despite the obstacles.

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Adventure · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Sultanat (1986)

When his wife perishes in childbirth during a botched coup led by bandit Razoulli (Amrish Puri), General Khalid (Dharmendra) swears revenge. Years later he targets Razoulli’s son (Sunny Deol), unaware that a hidden family secret binds the two men. The film also features performances by Sridevi, Karan Kapoor and Juhi Chawla, weaving intrigue and drama throughout.

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Action · Dark tone · Ambiguous ending

Fist of the North Star (1986)

In a post‑apocalyptic wasteland ravaged by nuclear devastation, survivors battle both brutal warlords and a desolate, worsening environment. From the ruins arises Kenshiro, a martial‑arts master who vows to protect the weak, defeat tyrants, and restore hope to a dying world.

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