The 1980s is arguably the most influential decade when it comes to filmmaking across all genres. Today, many feature films and TV series alike pay homage to the greats that came out of this era. Netflix’s Stranger Things, being one of the most recognizable references to 80s pop culture and film, sparked a resurgence of nostalgia for the decade. Notable directors like Steven Spielberg, John Hughes, Robert Zemeckis, and Martin Scorsese all left footprints throughout the 80s with their iconic stories, effectively inspiring modern filmmakers who grew up watching their work.
There is a reason as to why these films resonate with audiences the way that they do, and hold a different significance than modern day releases. Despite the lack of special effects and sometimes relatively cheesy dialogue, 80s films are more popular than ever. On-screen, the decade reads like cotton candy. The lines between good and evil aren’t as blurred, and there is simplicity in the imagined future that these films like to promise. Whether it be horror or comedy, action and adventure — these are the all-time best 80s movies ever made.
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11 Heathers
New World Pictures
Heathers is a late-80s dramedy about a clique of girls all named Heather, with the exception of one, Veronica Sawyer (played by Winona Ryder). After Veronica meets Jason Dean, played by Christian Slater, the two plan to confront the clique’s lead Heather. Unbeknownst to Veronica, J.D. poisoned a drink that was supposed to just make her sick as a prank and the two make it appear as though it was a suicide. Heathers is a highly regarded cult classic, and according to USA Today, holds up even 30 years later.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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10 Beetlejuice
Warner Bros.
Tim Burton could very easily have his career ranked by the decade, and Beetlejuice certainly holds a mark as one of his 80s masterpieces. Using his style of claymation and working the script to his advantage, Burton was able to turn a haunted house story into a beloved Halloween necessity. After the Maitlands die in a car crash, they find themselves stuck in their home as ghosts, unable to leave the house. When a couple and their daughter move into the residence, Barbara and Adam Maitland (played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) try to scare them away, but fail. They call out for help to the troubled spirit Beetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton), whose intentions are more malicious than welcoming.
9 Sixteen Candles
Universal Pictures
Through rose-colored glasses, Sixteen Candles is deemed an 80s must-watch, which is typical for most of John Hughes movies. The film was noted by CBR as one that would be a problematic film if it was made today. This fact is common for many films of the 80s and 90s, however, nostalgia is a heavy hand to remove. Samantha Baker (played by Molly Ringwald) has a 16th birthday approaching, but it is being overshadowed by her sister’s wedding. On the actual day of her birthday, everyone has seemingly almost forgotten, but the older boy from school whom she has been pining for is there to celebrate with her in the end.
8 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Paramount Pictures
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is another member of the John Hughes collection, about a high school student named Ferris (played by Matthew Broderick) who has an affection for cutting class. Determined to cut one last time before graduation without getting caught, Ferris calls in a sick day to explore Chicago. All the while, Principal Rooney (played by Jeffrey Jones) is on the hunt to catch him once and for all. The film is regarded for its on beat comedic moments, and often noted amongst films where characters break the fourth wall to address the audience directly. It is hard to think of the 80s and not have Ferris Bueller come to mind.
7 Stand by Me
Columbia Pictures
Stand by Me is a 1986 coming-of-age story adapted from a Stephen King novella entitled The Body. Essentially, the story focuses on a group of boys who venture out to examine the body of a stranger that was accidentally killed near their homes.The film has long inspired many young adult coming-of-age dramas, and has been compared to the Loser’s Club from King’s horror feature IT. The ripple of Stand by Me can be felt today, as it is one of the many films from the 80s that Netflix’s Stranger Things has drawn inspiration from.
6 The Karate Kid
1984’s The Karate Kid has three sequels, and a 2010 remake in the lineage of the franchise. Yet, the original was like catching lightning in a bottle. Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, moves to California with his mother, and soon becomes the latest victim to a group of bullies. Shortly after finding out that Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita), a repairman that Daniel befriends, is a martial arts master, Daniel becomes his protégé. The Karate Kid is an ultimate 80s classic, and is undoubtedly one of the best martial arts movies from the decade as a whole.
5 A Nightmare on Elm Street
New Line Cinema
A Nightmare on Elm Street and director Wes Craven birthed one of the most iconic horror villians of all time. The kids of Elm Street are being picked off one by one in nightmarish ways, and it is all thanks to child-murderer Freddy Krueger, who is attacking in their dreams. Nancy (played by Heather Langenkamp) attempts to stay alive, all while learning the truth about Krueger’s motives. The franchise as a whole goes off the rails with some of the premises. However, 1984’s first installment is a rewatchable slasher that should be enjoyed for decades to come.
4 Gremlins
Universal Pictures
Gremlins is a 1984 Steven Spielberg production that serves as child-friendly Christmas horror. The film follows Billy, played by Zach Galligan, a young man who is given a “pet” mogwai for Christmas from his traveling salesman father. Billy is given a few simple rules to follow in order to properly care for his new pet, Gizmo, however, when he accidentally breaks one of them, he sets his small town up for disaster. According to Collider, the original script for the film was much darker and even had a scene in which Billy’s mother loses a battle with one of the gremlins and has her head thrown down the stairs. Gremlins has long since cemented itself as a pop culture staple, and it is hard to imagine what the film would have been had the R rating stuck.
3 The Goonies
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Goonies is an absolute 80s must-watch that blends action, adventure, fantasy, and comedy. Like Stand by Me, The Goonies is about a group of friends who embark on the adventure of a lifetime. When Mikey (played by Sean Astin) finds out that his parents are losing their house to a property developer, he enlists his friends’ help to find a treasure from an old pirate map he finds in his attic. Alongside his skeptical brother, Mikey and his friends defy death, find the treasure, and save their home. The Goonies is one of the many 80s films that has mostly held up overtime, and can be enjoyed by the likes of all ages.
2 The Breakfast Club
Often regarded as the best John Hughes movie, The Breakfast Club takes five different high school personalities and lumps them into a Saturday detention together. The cast is comprised of a group of actors that was referred to as “The Brat Pack” as they were frequent flyers in teen coming-of-age films during the 1980s. When first placed in the library together, they all assume the roles they would during their regular school week. They take on the stereotypes; the brain, the athlete, the princess, the basket case, and the criminal. However, after their day together, they realize that there is so much more to them than how their school archetypes them, and they leave with a better understanding that they really aren’t all that different.
1 Back to the Future
If the 1980s had to be defined as a decade by a film, Back to the Future would be the one. The film is another brilliant Steven Spielberg production that was written and directed by Robert Zemeckis. Michael J. Fox portrays Marty McFly, a teenager who gets transported back in time after fleeing the scene of a terrorist attack against Doc Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd). Marty finds himself in the year 1955, where he encounters his now-teenage mother and father. After ruining their meet-cute, Marty becomes the object of his mother’s desire, and he must find a way to get his parents together before he is erased from time as a whole. Back to the Future is yet another 80s production that captures adventure, comedy, and an enjoyable storyline that is well acted throughout.
The 1980s is certainly a decade in time that hosts a great deal of admirable films in its wheelhouse. Based on directors alone, the 80s launched the careers of many legends of today. Whether it be by pirate map adventure or a trip through time, 80s films should be celebrated and curated in collections for years to come.
