Best 80’s Movies
The ’80s was a great time for cinema. Contrary to what you may believe, it wasn’t all John Hughes films, leg warmers, and men holding boomboxes above their heads (I’m looking at you, John Cusack). In fact, the ’80s gave birth to some true cinematic gems, so many in fact that choosing the best 80’s movies has been nothing short of a struggle! From Dirty Dancing to Dead Poets Society, here are some of the best 80’s movies for your viewing pleasure - in no particular order.
Best 80’s Movies
1. Rain Man (1988)
Director: Barry Levinson
Genre: Drama / Melodrama
Synopsis: Rain Man tells the heartfelt story of Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) who embarks on an eye-opening road trip with Raymond, the older autistic brother he never knew he had (played by Dustin Hoffman).
Why You Should Watch It: Rain Man ended up taking home half of the eight Oscars it was nominated for, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hoffman - and for good reason! You better strap yourself in for an emotional ride for it really tugs at the heartstrings. Levinson tackles the tricky subject of autism with finesse and sensitivity. For a film that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, Rain Man is the way to go. Truly one of the best 80’s movies ever!
2. The Lost Boys (1987)
Director: Joel Schumacher
Genre: Horror / Comedy
Synopsis: Lucy along with her two sons, Michael and Sam move to a small town in California. Soon, the two boys are sucked into the mysterious and dangerous world of bikers, vampires, and vampire hunters.
Why You Should Watch It: Long before Twilight or even Buffy the Vampire Slayer graced our screens, this comedy-horror film updated vampires for the modern age in an edgy and never-before-seen way. It strikes a perfect balance between horror and comedy and while younger viewers might find it slightly outdated, it is in my humble opinion, the best vampire movie ever made. Eat your heart out Edward Cullen.
3. Heathers (1988)
Director: Michael Lehmann
Genre: Black Comedy / Teen
Synopsis: Veronica is part of the most popular clique at her high school, but she disapproves of the other girls' cruel behavior. When Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D., confront clique leader Heather Chandler and accidentally poison her, they make it appear a suicide. Soon she realizes that J.D. is intentionally killing students he does not like. She races to stop J.D. while also clashing with the clique's new leader, Heather Duke.
Why You Should Watch It: Generation X’s version of Mean Girls, Heathers is a darkly comedic classic and definitely one of the best 80’s movies! Chock-full of satire and wonderfully nostalgic outfits, Heathers is definitely worthy of its cult following.
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Comedy / Fantasy
Synopsis: When the deceased couple Adam and Barbara are unsuccessful in scaring away a family that has moved into their old house, they seek the help of bio-exorcist Betelgeuse.
Why You Should Watch It: I could just two words for this ‘Tim Burton’. But if you need further convincing, here is what Rotten Tomatoes had to say about it: "Brilliantly bizarre and overflowing with ideas, Beetlejuice offers some of Michael Keaton's most deliciously manic work - and creepy, funny fun for the whole family." Couldn’t have put it better myself, one of the most iconic and best 80’s movies that’s ever graced our screens!
5. Top Gun (1986)
Director: Tony Scott
Genre: Action & Adventure
Synopsis: After losing his friend, top pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is given a second chance to redeem himself. He struggles to be at his best and also finds himself becoming romantically involved with his civilian instructor Charlie.
Why You Should Watch It: Tom Cruise in uniform, need I say more? It may have received mixed reviews from critics but it has become a firm favourite in most households (including mine.) It’s definitely a product of its time with some ridiculous one-liners that need to be heard to be believed but you can’t help but adore every aspect of this cheese-fest of a film! Without a doubt, one of the best 80’s movies ever made.
6. Say Anything (1989)
Director: Cameron Crowe
Genre: Romance / Drama
Synopsis: When Diane and Lloyd fall in love, Diane's father, Jim, disapproves and asks her to break up with him. However, as dark secrets spill, Diane finds herself leaning on Lloyd for support.
Why You Should Watch It: We’ve all heard of that iconic scene where the man stands outside the girl’s house with the boombox above his head. But you may not have seen the film itself. Say Anything is one of the most tremendous and heartwarming romance movies of all time and one of the best 80’s movies. For a love story unlike any other you’ve probably seen, watch Say Anything.
7. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Adventure / Family
Synopsis: An alien is left behind on Earth and is saved by young Elliot who decides to keep him hidden. While the task force hunts for it, Elliot and his siblings form an emotional bond with their new friend.
Why You Should Watch It: Steven Spielberg's instant blockbuster rapidly became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, catapulting a little Drew Barrymore into stardom. Spielberg’s talent for creating films that appeal to both 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds is unmatched and this film is nothing short of beautiful. I won’t give too much away in case you haven’t seen it (in which case what are you doing - go watch it now!)
8. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes
Genre: Rom-Com
Synopsis: Ferris Bueller, a high school student, fakes sickness to stay at home and spends the rest of the day with his best friend and girlfriend. Meanwhile, his dean tries to spy on him.
Why You Should Watch It: I couldn’t include a list of the best 80’s movies and not have something by John Hughes! This hit film has everything I love about '80s movies; teen angst, deadpan humour, and adventure. Matthew Broderick is irresistible as the eponymous character so watch it for no reason other than him if you’re not swayed by the plot. I cannot recommend this film highly enough, great fun for the whole family!
9. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Director: Peter Weir
Genre: Drama / Teen
Synopsis: John Keating, a progressive English teacher, tries to encourage his students to break free from the norm, go against the status quo and live life unapologetically.
Why You Should Watch It: Or more specifically why you NEED to watch it! Robin Williams is quite simply exquisite as John Keating. This is exactly what a coming-of-age drama should look like - it challenges older kids to think for themselves and tugs at the heartstrings like you wouldn’t believe. With intertwining literary mastery, this film shows humanity in a poetically relatable way.
10. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Genre: Romance
Synopsis: While holidaying with her parents at a resort, Frances becomes smitten with the resort's rebellious dance instructor. Her father opposes their relationship which creates a rift between him and her.
Why You Should Watch It: Caroline Westbrook from Empire Magazine summed the film up pretty nicely - “Endlessly quotable, strangely fascinating and immensely charming, there's a reason that this retains an evergreen appeal. And it takes a hard heart not to grin at the final, euphoric dance number.” Seriously, just watch it for that final dance scene and Patrick Swayze of course!
