Being raised on John Hughes films, I have an affinity for the ’80s and the coming of age films of that decade. ’80s movies perfected teenage insight and every film is uniquely crafted with life lessons that are still relevant today.
- We’re All Bizarre – ‘The Breakfast Club’
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In the 1985 cult classic The Breakfast Club, five kids from wildly different social circles meet in Saturday detention. Although they originally perceive they have nothing in common, they eventually realize they’re all struggling with similar coming-of-age problems. So, whether you’re a brain, a princess, an athlete, a basket case or a criminal, we’re all bizarre — some of us are just good at hiding it.
- Stop and Smell the Roses – ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’
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“Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This movie is the epitome of living life to the fullest, so go to a baseball game, waltz through a museum, hop on a parade float or take a joy ride in a Ferrari. Just go carpe diem.
- It’s Okay To Be Different – ‘Heathers’
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The Heathers is a group of clone-like popular girls who don’t accept anything less than perfection. When outsider Veronica gets accepted into the group she goes along with mean pranks and other cruel jokes the group plays even though she disapproves of the behavior. In the end, Veronica learns that she should’ve just accepted her differences instead of trying to gain approval from people she didn’t even like.
- Quit Feeling Sorry For Yourself – ‘Sixteen Candles’
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The 1984 rom-com follows newly 16-year-old Samantha Baker who wakes up to find out that her family, who is in town for her sister’s wedding, completely forgot about her birthday. Life can be a whirlwind sometimes and you can get lost in the shuffle, but quit feeling sorry for yourself and do what makes you happy!
- Don’t Worry About Others Opinions of You – ‘The Breakfast Club’
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In The Breakfast Club, Brian ends the movies with a monologue to the principal stating that he won’t write the required essay telling him who he is because at the end of the day he sees them the way he wants to see them. Don’t waste your time impressing those that don’t deserve to know the real you.
- Stay True to Yourself – ‘Pretty in Pink’
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In Pretty in Pink, Andie, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, falls for a prep named Blane. Andie makes her own clothes, works in a record shop and drives a pretty pink coupe. She never tries to fit in with the preppies. Instead, she demands that Blane accept her for who she is, teaching audiences to always stay true to themselves.
’80s movies are perfect for any mood, whether you want a good laugh, a heartfelt love story or even a good cry, they really know how to tug on the heartstrings. These films perfectly portray all the young adult problems you’re facing and maybe, if you watch a little harder, you’ll find the answers you’ve been looking for.
Images: Hero by Erika Stralow, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7