This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.
Movies from the 1980’s are always the most fun to watch because the storylines along with the cheesy soundtracks are so great. They also give you a chance to bond with your parents by watching movies that they watched when they were our age. I know everyone thinks of John Hughes movies when they think ‘80s, but there are so many other good films from that decade. So, remember these movie titles next time you want to procrastinate on your homework!
1. Sixteen Candles
The classic tale of a nerdy girl who wants the popular guy, a.k.a. Jake Ryan. Also, Anthony Michael Hall is great in this movie!
2. Pretty in Pink
This one’s a John Hughes classic that tells the story of a poor, outcast girl who ends up with the rich, popular guy.
3. The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is probably one of the most iconic movies of the ‘80s. It’s got everything a movie needs: a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ferris Bueller skips school, goes to Chicago, and totally trashes his friend’s dad’s car and makes it home with getting into no trouble at all. This one is a must-see, classic movie.
5. Dirty Dancing
A young Patrick Swayze dancing pulls Baby out of the corner. This is probably the greatest love story in history.
6. Weird Science
Two nerds are sick of being ignored by girls so they make their own girl and throw one epic party. Also, let me just say…Robert Downey Jr in the ‘80s. Yes.
7. The Lost Boys
Two brothers and their mom move to Santa Carla and get caught up with a group of vampires. Scary, yet very intriguing.
8. Stand By Me
Taking place in the 1950’s, a group of friends decided to take a trip to find a boy who has gone missing in the woods. They discover more about themselves along the way. A definite classic.
9. The Goonies
When a group of friends find out their neighborhood is being demolished, they decide to take a journey to find One Eyed Willies’ treasure to save their community while hitting a couple of bumps along the way.
10. The Princess Bride
A grandfather reads a book to his grandson that comes to life. This love story always makes me laugh and tear up a little.
11. Ghostbusters
A classic comedy about four guys living in New York City that get paid to capture menacing ghosts. Yes, it is as hilarious as it sounds!
12. Beetlejuice
Don’t say it three times! This creepy movie tells the story of a lovely couple who moves in together then dies. When a new family moves in they look to Beetlejuice to scare the new family out.
13. Back to the Future
Marty McFly gets caught up in Dr. Emmett Brown’s crazy scheme and sends him into the past then back to the future. It’s a movie that requires focus, but it’s hilarious and so very worth it.
14. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
High school was full of girls getting pregnant, guys stealing girls from their friends and of course stoners ordering pizza to class… wasn’t it? This high school was at least.
15. Top Gun
This movie taught us that flight school isn’t all that easy. Especially if you’re super crazy cocky…right ‘80s Tom Cruise?
16. The Outsiders
Greasers, preppy kids, and action. This movie is crazy good and you should definitely see it for yourself.
17. National Lampoons Vacation
All this family wanted to do was get to Wally World and have a nice little family road trip, but of course it goes completely off track.
18. Dead Poets Society
You know that really awesome English teacher we all had in high school? That is Robin Williams in this movie times 1,000. Oh captain, my captain, I can promise you this is an amazing movie!
19. Labyrinth
To find her missing baby brother, Sarah only has 13 hours to get through the trickiest Labyrinth ever created by the late great David Bowie. If you’re into sci-fi movies, this one’s for you.
20. The Burbs
Nothing exciting ever happens in the suburbs, it’s the same mundane thing day in and day out. Unless, however, you think your creepy neighbors are murderers. Tom Hanks tries to find out if this is really happening on his block.
21. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
In order to graduate in time all Bill and Ted have to do is pass history. So of course they get a time machine and capture the most famous people from all over the world. Simple, right?
22. Big
This movie is a classic example of “be careful what you wish for”, especially if that wish is to age about 20 years over night. Tom Hanks plays the original male version of 13 going on 30.
23. Red Dawn
The U.S. is under attack and it takes a band of teenagers to save America…amazing. Trust me, the original Red Dawn from the ‘80s is way better than the newer version with Chris Hemsworth.
24. The Karate Kid
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you need to. This movie is a total classic from the ‘80s and has many classic lines that are fun to say all the time like “Sweep the leg Jonny!” and “Wax on, wax off.”
25. The Blues Brothers
When a brother gets released from prison, instinctively you’re supposed to get your old blues band back together and steal a cop car…no?
26. Risky Business
This movie is most well-known for Tom Cruise singing and dancing around in his underwear. Yup, that’s the best part of this movie, but it’s a must-see.
27. Gremlins
Ahh…little Leonardo DiCaprio is too much in this movie when him and other kids get cute little gremlins and break every rule they are supposed follow.
28. St. Elmo’s Fire
Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, three “breakfast clubbers,” Blane from Pretty in Pink, and Ally Sheedy. This cast alone should make you immediately regret not already seeing this movie and all its glory.
29. Weekend at Bernie’s
Typically if your boss passes away, you go to the funeral, give your condolences to the family and carry on with your life…but not in this movie.
30. Revenge of the Nerds
These nerds were bullied quite a bit in high school and refuse to let the same thing happen in college, so they create a fraternity of their own and show everyone how cool nerds really are.
31. Stars Wars V & VI
The fifth and sixth sequels are listed because the fourth came out in the ‘70s. This movie series is something everyone on this earth needs to watch. You just have to.