When it comes to the 80s, is there anything better than the movies? From mind trips like Beetlejuice to children’s classics like The Little Mermaid, the decade was filled with incredible films we’ll never forget.
As always, there’s plenty of debate around what films stand the test of time. Especially when it comes to this unique decade, it might all depend on the movies you like best, but some simply can’t be denied.
We took a stab at it by creating our list of the best 80s movies.
The Goonies
Do you know a single 80s kid that wasn’t obsessed with The Goonies? We all wanted to be part of a misfit gang of kids that was out there getting into some incredibly crazy fictional trouble. It also taught us something special about friendship and not judging a book by its cover.
Who could go wrong with those lessons?
E.T.
It’s more than just the iconic scene where we see the bicycle cross the sky. E.T. was the coming-of-age film that sparked a generation of children to stare up at the stars waiting for the alien that would change their lives.
More importantly, it showed us a little bit about the emotional vulnerability childhood possesses.
Flashdance
The 80s gave us some excellent film choreography, and none of them more so than Flashdance, which spawned a million recreations over the decades. Jennifer Beal dances her way towards her dream of being a ballet dancer in a film that almost defines the decade.
It had all the optimism that 80s movies seemed to possess at the time, and the soundtrack alone makes you think you can do anything.
Footloose
Another classic dance movie came to us in the form of Footloose. Who didn’t relate to the idea of taking down their square-footed home town by dancing their way to fame?
Starring a very young Kevin Bacon with seriously stellar dance moves, it’s one of those classic films you could watch again and again.
Friday the 13th
Horror movies seemed to grow even more in popularity in the 80s. That doesn’t ring more true than the long-running horror series that began with this debut film.
With some remaining 70s influences, this gory cult favorite continues to find its way into our homes every Halloween and remains a definite horror film holdover from the decade.
Steel Magnolias
Find your tissues and get ready to revisit one of the most heartbreaking 80s films, Steel Magnolias. Starring a young Julia Roberts and an even younger Dolly Parton, this classic story about loss and love touched the hearts of many.
If you’re up for a few tears, consider rewatching this tragic masterpiece.
Purple Rain
Remember when Prince blew our minds with Purple Rain? He brought his music to life in a whole new way and solidified himself as a star we would never forget. Crazy dance sequences, a great soundtrack, and of course, Prince are what truly makes this film a special one.
What’s your favorite 80s movie? Share in the comments below!
