50 Best ’80s Movies That Prove It Really Was the Best Decade
Updated: Jul. 13, 2023Grab your time-traveling DeLorean and head back to the decade of big hair, shoulder pads and chill pills with these iconic '80s movies
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The most excellent ’80s
Characterized by an excess of everything, the ’80s are remembered for attention-grabbing neon, big hair, new-wave music and some seriously decade-specific movies. The best ’80s movies encapsulate everything the era is known for, making them cinematic time capsules we have the chance to visit again and again. Dare we say, some of these are even among the best movies of all time?
Nostalgia is certainly behind our love of ’80s movies (same goes for ’80s TV shows). After all, hearing a favorite song (“If You Leave” from Pretty in Pink) or spying a beloved toy (the Speak & Spell in E.T.) conjures up so many memories. But mainly, our appreciation for ’80s flicks comes from their pure awesomeness.
Which ’80s movies made the cut?
To create this list, we looked at the movies that had the biggest impact on pop culture, as well as award winners that paved the way for today’s critical darlings. We chose romantic comedies, funny family movies and action movies, as well as some of the best film franchises in history, kicked into high gear in the ’80s. We’re talking Star Wars, Back to the Future and Indiana Jones, just to name a few. We chose tearjerkers, funny movies and the scariest movies around (the decade was packed with slasher films and ’80s horror movies like Friday the 13th, after all). So take a walk down memory lane and reminisce with these unforgettable flicks—and don’t worry, no VHS is required.
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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
Released: 1980
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “No. Try not. Do … or do not. There is no try.”
The second installment in the Star Wars movie franchise, The Empire Strikes Back is lauded as the best of the original trilogy. In this story, the Empire takes on the Rebels, with Luke Skywalker deep in Jedi training. It’s considered the franchise favorite because it mixes great special effects with drama, comedy, action and a legit storyline.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Released: 1982
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “E.T. phone home.”
A young boy and a homesick alien form an unlikely friendship in this young Drew Barrymore–starring Steven Spielberg flick. One of the most quintessential ’80s movies, it’s not only filled with out-of-this-world adventure and the most memorable movie quotes, it also brings the laughs and tears. At first glance E.T. looks like a sweet family movie, but it’s filled with hope, heartbreak and so much more.
Pretty in Pink
Released: 1986
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “This is an incredibly romantic moment, and you’re ruining it for me!”
Post Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, Brat Pack star Molly Ringwald plays Andie Walsh, a girl from the “wrong side of the tracks” who finds herself falling for a wealthy heartthrob and one of the school’s most popular guys—against her better judgment. While some of John Hughes’s movies haven’t aged well, with offensive and outdated tropes, Pretty in Pink still tugs at our heartstrings with its love story, drama and one of the best movie soundtracks of the decade.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “You know what’s better than getting mad? Getting even.”
Early in their careers, Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt starred in Girls Just Want to Have Fun, a comedy about two girls determined to land coveted spots on a TV dance competition. It has all the music, fashion and dance moves you could ever ask for from an ’80s movie—and we love it for that.
The Karate Kid
Released: 1984
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off.”
A New Jersey transplant finds himself at odds with an elite martial arts team at his new high school on the West Coast in The Karate Kid. Fortunately, he finds his own mentor who trains him in competition and educates him on life. A popular subject in movie trivia about ’80s films, this one is beloved for its epic martial arts scenes and underdog story.
The Goonies
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Goonies never say die!”
A group of friends finds their routine days upended by the adventure of a lifetime when they discover a mysterious treasure map. The Goonies is just one of those classic family movies that makes you nostalgic for what childhood was like in the ’80s—there’s comedy, adventure and a family-friendly storyline all rolled into one unforgettable package.
9 to 5
Released: 1980
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “I’m no fool. I’ve killed the boss. You think they’re not gonna fire me for a thing like that?”
The all-star trio of Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin make 9 to 5 a sensational watch. They play three employees tired of working under a tyrannical boss, devising a plan to gain the upper hand. It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy, and 42 years later, we still can’t get the movie’s theme song out of our head. We’ve curated a list of the best ’80s cartoons to make you feel like a kid again.
Mommie Dearest
Released: 1981
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “No wire hangers, ever!”
Hollywood icon Joan Crawford may have been beloved by her fans, but according to her daughter Christina’s tell-all memoir, she was less than a treat as a mother. A favorite book-to-movie adaptation starring Faye Dunaway as Crawford, Mommie Dearest brought us a campy drama that makes most parents seem angelic in comparison. And we’ve never viewed wire hangers the same since.
The Color Purple
Released: 1985
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “The jail you planned for me is the one you’re gonna rot in.”
The ’80s delivered some incredible drama movies, and The Color Purple is at the top of the list. Based on Alice Walker’s best-selling novel, it shares the story of a Black woman living in the South in the early to mid-1900s as she tries to emerge from the lifelong abuse she’s suffered. Both heartbreaking and inspiring, the film showcased the incredible acting talents of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery, each of whom were nominated for an Oscar for their roles.
Field of Dreams
Released: 1989
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “If you build it, they will come.”
This Kevin Costner drama shows you’re never too old to follow your dreams. When Costner’s character, an Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella, is beckoned by a voice he can’t shake to turn his cornfield into a baseball field, his life changes forever. Field of Dreams takes you through an entire range of emotions from beginning to end, but it’s ultimately the kind of feel-good movie we all need.
Footloose
Released: 1984
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Hey, hey! What’s this I see? I thought this was a party? Let’s dance!”
Does it get any more ’80s than a film about small-town teens who just want to dance without breaking the law? Footloose is the movie that made us fall for Kevin Bacon—and dance-worthy movie soundtracks. We can’t really categorize this flick as a movie musical, but that doesn’t mean toe-tapping tunes aren’t threaded throughout. Two songs from this movie were actually nominated for Oscars, including “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deneice Williams.
The Princess Bride
Released: 1987
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
The Princess Bride is universally loved because it incorporates nearly every movie genre out there. It all starts with a grandfather trying to entertain his grandson, home sick from school, with the tale of a swashbuckling pirate who longs to reunite with his true love. From adventure and romance to comedy, this is one of those ’80s movies that truly stands the test of time.
Back to the Future
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Well, that is your name, isn’t it? Calvin Klein? It’s written all over your underwear.”
Accidental time travel is the darnedest thing. In Back to the Future, teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is sent back to 1955—30 years from present day 1985—where he meets his parents as high schoolers. In order to get back to the future, Marty needs the help of his kooky yet genius scientist friend Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). We love everything about this movie, from the silver DeLorean as a time machine to the way the ’50s folks marvel at some of Marty’s very-1980s ideas.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Released: 1981
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”
This is the film that kicked the Indiana Jones franchise into motion and, boy, did it start off with a bang. It’s a non-stop action movie adventure that follows archaeologist Indy (Harrison Ford) as he searches for the Ark of the Covenant. Time is of the essence because the Nazis, under the regime of Hitler, are trying to snag it first. It’s a truly funny and smart nail-biter of a film that we can watch again and again.
Brewster’s Millions
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “So, here’s my proposition: You have 30 days in which to spend 30 million bucks. If you can do it, you get 300 million!”
What would you do for $300 million? To inherit that much from his mystery relative, minor league baseball payer Montgomery Brewster is tasked with spending $30 million in just 30 days. But there’s a catch: He can’t own anything, destroy the money, give it to charity or tell a soul about the assignment. It’s a reboot of the 1945 film of the same name, but thanks to Richard Pryor’s comedic genius (and the entire concept of the movie), Brewster’s Millions feels right at home in the indulgent ’80s.
Troop Beverly Hills
Released: 1989
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “I may be a beginner at some things, but I’ve got a black belt in shopping!”
Mixing the familiarity of the Girl Scouts with the shoulder-padded glamour of the ’80s, Troop Beverly Hills is a laugh-out-loud comedy that had every elementary-school-age girl racing to sell cookies. A Beverly Hills divorcee (Shelley Long) sets out to prove she really can follow through on a promise when she volunteers to lead a troop.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Released: 1986
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
There’s never been a more envied sick day than the one Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) takes in one of the best ’80s movies around. With his best pal and girlfriend in tow, the trio take Chicago by storm, all while avoiding the dastardly principal who is on to them. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has all the aspirational mischief a kid could want (plus the funniest movie quotes of the decade), and we’re thankful he took us along for the ride.
Purple Rain
Released: 1984
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “Let me give you a piece of advice, Junior: Your music makes sense to no one but yourself.”
When Prince delivered his theatrical debut with this drama, the entire world stood up and took notice. In Purple Rain, Prince plays “The Kid,” a musician from an abusive family who is on the verge of fame. While the film itself is great, we love this one for the unforgettable soundtrack—there isn’t a weak song in the bunch.
Wall Street
Released: 1987
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “Life all comes down to a few moments. This is one of them.”
No money-saving tips here. Wall Street is quintessentially ’80s because it dives right into the decade’s finance greed. Charlie Sheen plays a young stockbroker who uses illegal inside information to get ahead. But the real pièce de résistance here is Michael Douglas’s portrayal of Gordon Gekko, the unscrupulous broker Sheen’s character longs to emulate.
Lean on Me
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “Self-respect permeates every aspect of your existence. If you don’t have respect for yourself, you’re not gonna get it from anyone else.”
Inspired by a real-life New Jersey high school principal who used autocratic methods to turn the school and its students around, Lean on Me is heartbreaking, terrifying and inspiring all at once. Morgan Freeman brings his incredible acting chops to the role, making us both fear and love his character, Joe Clark.
Better Off Dead
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “I want my two dollars.”
When it comes to ’80s movies, there may not be an actor better at playing the lovable underdog than John Cusack. Better Off Dead is a prime example. Cusack plays Lane Meyer, a high school student who longs to make the ski team and win his ex-girlfriend back. There are plenty of callback jokes throughout the film, including a determined paperboy who will stop at nothing to get paid. You’ll watch from start to finish, keeping your fingers crossed that Lane can successfully ski the infamous “K-12” and survive.
The Breakfast Club
Released: 1985
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”
The Breakfast Club revealed one of the great secrets of high school: Even the popular kids feel like misfits sometimes. This is pure John Hughes goodness, with a stellar cast of Brat Pack celebrities (Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall) who defined the decade and some of the best ’80s movies. We love the way the film gives us so much, even considering the detention-goers barely leave the library. The angst and emotion resonate with teens even today, and the movie serves as a reminder that the ’80s ruled teen TV shows and movies.
Say Anything
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen.”
It’s high school graduation, and Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) has just one goal: get a date with valedictorian and all-around good girl Diane Court (Ione Skye). On the surface, the two couldn’t be more different, but at their core, Lloyd and Diane build each other up. Say Anything showcases first love at its finest, with all the heartbreak and drama that made romantic movies in the ’80s so spectacular.
Batman
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
The first installment of the Batman feature films really set the bar for the franchise. Fans loved Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight and Jack Nicholson as the menacing Joker in 1989’s Batman. Plus, there was some seriously amazing music courtesy of Prince in this flick. Its sequel, Batman Returns, also starring Keaton, became one of the best ’90s movies and is widely considered one of the most iconic comic book movies ever.
Heathers
Released: 1988
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “What is your damage, Heather?”
Unlike Brat Pack–starring and bubble gum teen–starring ’80s movies, Heathers addresses high school life in a very dark and campy way. When the only non-“Heather” (her name is Veronica) in a group of friends gets mixed up with a brooding outlier, played by Christian Bale, the most popular girls in school are about to get their comeuppance. And it’s going to be deadly.
Dirty Dancing
Released: 1987
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
It’s the movie that made everyone want to learn the fox trot and merengue—and fall in love with a rugged dance instructor in the Catskills. Set in the 1960s, Dirty Dancing is still so deeply embedded in ’80s cinema because of its pop-culture reach and sexy scenes. The plot: A high school grad still treated like a young girl by her family comes of age while on vacation and learns some serious moves in the process.
Clue
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “They all did it. But if you wanna know who killed Mr. Boddy, I did. In the hall. With the revolver.”
We’re hard-pressed to think of many other classic board games that could translate as well into a feature film as Clue. Six very eccentric guests are mysteriously invited to a dinner at an unfamiliar mansion. When their host turns up dead, the group of strangers needs to figure out who the murderer is before someone else gets it. The movie included a great cast of familiar ’80s faces, including Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd and Lesley Anne Warren.
Splash
Released: 1984
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “I don’t understand. All my life I’ve been waiting for someone and when I find her, she’s a fish.”
Mermaids have always been trendy, just look at Splash. In this comedy, a grown man reconnects with the mermaid who saved him from drowning as a young boy. They fall in love, but obviously a human-mermaid relationship isn’t so simple. Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah are so sweet in this ’80s movie you can’t help but root for them to make it work.
Risky Business
Released: 1983
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “It was great the way her mind worked. No guilt, no doubts, no fear. None of my specialties. Just the shameless pursuit of immediate gratification. What a capitalist.”
Risky Business might be most famous for the oft-copied scene of a young Tom Cruise dancing to “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll” in little more than sunglasses, a collared shirt and underwear. The plot (classic of ’80s movies) involves a teen (Cruise) who takes advantage of being home alone while his parents are out of town. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he meets the alluring Lana. It’s smart, funny and catapulted Cruise to movie-star status.
Dead Poets Society
Released: 1989
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “O Captain! My Captain!”
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Screenplay, Dead Poets Society takes a dramatic look at the inner dealings of a prestigious but rigid boarding school. The late Robin Williams plays an English teacher who goes rogue in an effort to break his students out of their shells. Inspiring, heartwarming and heartbreaking, it’s a coming-of-age movie with an uplifting message.
Three Men and a Baby
Released: 1987
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Somebody leaves a baby at the door, and you automatically assume it’s mine? The baby doesn’t look anything like me! I’m bigger, and I’ve got more hair!”
Not sure what it was about 1987 that made three dudes taking care of kids such a pop culture phenomenon (Full House premiered the same year), but Three Men and a Baby was the laugh-out-loud comedy with hilarious quotes that captured our hearts. The movie follows three bachelors (Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson) as they co-parent a baby left on their doorstep by an ex-girlfriend. In true ’80s fashion, chaos and comedy ensue in this fish-out-of-water flick.
Terms of Endearment
Released: 1983
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Don’t worship me until I’ve earned it.”
Mother-daughter relationships can really pack an emotional punch. Terms of Endearment adds an extra dose of intensity when said daughter learns she’s terminally ill. The movie won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role, which went to Shirley MacLaine. It isn’t easy to find a movie that will make you laugh as hard as you cry, but this one does exactly that.
Beaches
Released: 1988
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “You’re not dead yet, so stop living as if you are!”
If you love a tearjerker, Beaches is for you. Opposites attract in friendship as two childhood pals reunite, only to learn that one of them is terminally ill. It’s a heart-wrenching movie that really speaks to the bonds of friendship. Bette Midler’s power ballad “Wind Beneath My Wings” is featured on the film’s soundtrack and adds to the many tearful moments you can’t help but experience while watching the movie.
Witness
Released: 1985
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “We’re all very happy that you’re going to live, John Book. We didn’t know what we would do with you if you’d died.”
During the ’80s, Harrison Ford established himself as a formidable leading actor. In Witness, he stars as John Book, a police detective who goes undercover to protect an Amish boy who was witness to a murder. A suspenseful drama, the film won Best Screenplay at the Academy Awards, and it’s full of nail-biting moments that reminded us Ford could be more than Han Solo.
La Bamba
Released: 1987
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky.”
It took until the ’80s to pay homage to the music career of Ritchie Valens. His life was cut short in 1959 when he died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. The movie chronicles his rise to fame and the family drama that unfolded behind the scenes. While the film takes place in the ’50s, it catapulted star Lou Diamond Phillips to fame in the ’80s. The music, the acting and the tragic events made La Bamba a must-watch then and now.
Fame
Released: 1980
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “I mean, if I don’t have a personality of my own, so what? I’m an actress! I can put on as many personalities as I want!”
Before there was the television series, Fame was a major musical drama following the lives of teens attending a prestigious performing arts school in New York City. The “Fame” theme won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and the score also took home an Academy Award. But really, audiences were captivated by the idea that these characters could be so talented so young, and the painstaking path to a showbiz career.
Teen Witch
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “I’m hot … and you’re not … but if you want to get with me, I’ll give it one shot. Top that!”
It’s an ’80s cult classic! Teen Witch didn’t set the box office on fire when it was released in 1989, but it’s so campy and silly that it really encapsulates everything about the decade. An unpopular high school girl gets her chance at popularity and her dream guy when she is bestowed magical powers. Top that!
Ghostbusters
Released: 1984
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Ray, when someone asks you if you’re a god, you say, ‘Yes!'”
When it was released in 1984, Ghostbusters left an indelible mark on pop culture, and the question “Who ya gonna call?” suddenly had new meaning. The movie is about three parapsychologists defunded from their university research who pivot in the most natural way possible: busting ghosts. The team of Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson was cinema gold, and the film became a fan-favorite movie to watch on Halloween.
Beetlejuice
Released: 1988
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Go ahead, make my millennium.”
A deceased couple is unnerved when a new family (who are kind of obnoxious) moves into their former home. In an attempt to get rid of them, they summon a spirit who can drive just about anyone away: the one and only Beetlejuice. The film is full of memorable moments, like an ill-fated dinner in which all the guests become possessed and dance to Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O!”
Labyrinth
Released: 1986
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Things are not always what they seem in this place. So you can’t take anything for granted.”
Labyrinth is like a fantasy sci-fi mashup of epic proportions, with the late David Bowie at the helm as Jareth. The costuming and makeup are so over the top, it’s easy for the plot to get a bit lost. Ultimately, it’s the story of a young girl who must solve puzzles in order to save her brother, who she recently wished away.
Valley Girl
Released: 1983
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “Like, it’s not cool at all! Like, it’s all this stuff that tastes like nothing, and it’s supposed to be so good for you. Why couldn’t they, like, open a Pizza Hut or something?”
If you’re looking for a deep dive into ’80s slang, head straight to Valley Girl. It’s set in a prime location in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, where you’ll find out what happens when the quintessential valley girl falls for a punk from “the other side of the hill.” It’s a fun walk down memory lane with the clothes, hair, makeup and, like, nostalgic music.
Beverly Hills Cop
Released: 1984
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “You know, this is the cleanest and nicest police car I’ve ever been in in my life. This thing’s nicer than my apartment.”
Eddie Murphy is a cop from Detroit who heads out west to get to the bottom of a friend’s unsolved murder. With Murphy in the lead role, you know there are going to be lots of laughs, despite the high stakes. The screenplay is so smart and funny, it was nominated for an Academy Award. But what we really love about Beverly Hills Cop is all the vibrant imagery of ’80s Beverly Hills with its flashy neon and shoulder-padded fashion.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Released: 1982
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.”
It feels like there’s very little book-learning going on at Ridgemont High, the fictional Southern California school at the center of Fast Times. The movie is a fun look at the early careers of Sean Penn (who plays the infamous Spicoli), Forest Whitaker (his second movie ever) and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Friday the 13th
Released: 1980
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “You’re doomed! You’re all doomed!”
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include at least one slasher movie on this list, and Friday the 13th is certainly worthy of its spot. What would become a franchise of thriller movies about the vindictive Jason Voorhees and his vendetta against anyone who sets foot at Camp Crystal Lake is full of thrills, chills and, let’s be honest, blood. You’ll never look at summer camp the same again.
Top Gun
Released: 1986
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “I feel the need. The need for speed.”
Cute men in uniform who just happen to be students at an elite fighter weapons school? Yes, please. The perfect military movie, Top Gun has a little bit for everyone. Eye candy for those who enjoy watching Tom Cruise, and plenty of action-packed flight scenes for the thrill-seekers. Its soundtrack is also so perfectly ’80s, with hits like “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.”
Moonstruck
Released: 1987
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Loretta, I love you. Not like they told you love is, and I didn’t know this either, but love don’t make things nice. It ruins everything. It breaks your heart. It makes things a mess.”
Cher had long since established herself as a bona fide movie star before Moonstruck. But her turn as Loretta, a woman caught between her fiancé and her true love, who happens to be his brother, is just captivating. It’s one of those romantic movies with twists and turns that leave you wondering who our protagonist will actually end up with, or if she should stay with either love interest at all.
The Outsiders
Released: 1983
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”
Based on the classic novel by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders documents the tense relations between two fictional gangs: The Greasers and The Socs. It’s pure drama from start to finish, with an all-star cast including C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio and Diane Lane, with Francis Ford Coppola at the helm. If you were a kid assigned to read The Outsiders in the ’80s, this movie was an oh-so-welcome visual insight into the poignant story.
Desperately Seeking Susan
Released: 1985
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “Susan! My God, we all thought you were dead.”
As part of her world-domination efforts, Madonna sought to take over the big screen too, with her feature film debut, Desperately Seeking Susan. The movie really served as a vehicle for the pop star, who plays the titular character, a free spirit who uses newspaper classified ads to reconnect with her love interest. Things get complicated when a bored housewife who has been following their interactions decides to get involved. With Madonna in a lead role, there’s plenty of great ’80s music, including “Into the Groove.”
Teen Wolf
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “It doesn’t matter how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose. And even that doesn’t make all that much difference.”
With a hit TV show in Family Ties and a string of successful ’80s movies, Michael J. Fox was really at the top of his game when Teen Wolf hit theaters. In this film he plays a not-so-popular high schooler who discovers he has inherited a family secret: the ability to turn into a werewolf. (Before the vampire craze of the 2000s, there was the werewolf craze of the ’80s.) The story is so absurd that it fits in well with the ’80s, where it felt like anything was possible and the more over the top an idea was, the better.
Parenthood
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Memorable quote: “We’ll throw away the TV. We’ll perform Shakespeare in front of him.”
There are few movies that capture the trials and tribulations of being a parent as well as Parenthood. With a focus on one extended family, the Buckmans, everyone can see themselves in at least one of the characters. From the single mom trying to wrangle her teenage daughter to the dad who doesn’t want to inflict his own quirks on his kids, there are so many sweet moments, and thanks to the cast of Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest and Rick Morannis, there are plenty of laughs as well.
