With streaming giants like Netflix bringing back some of the favorite movies of the 80s and 90s, we can’t help but feel nostalgic.
Technological advancements which have swept through the new movie era now make the eighties officially seem like a million years ago. Ultimately, many consider movies from that decade as relics from the stone age.
Well, that was until some popular streaming platforms began reviving those movies in the new decade, giving the world a taste of everything good. Speak of John Hughes’ redefinition of high school romance, and the Amblin era which influenced everything, from love stories to kids’ movies. Hold on… that was barely four decades ago!
Craving the mind-blowing cinematic experience of the 80s? Here are the ten best movies of the 80s that definitely need to grace household screens again.
1. “Ghostbusters” (1984)
The show creators of this 1984 masterpiece, “Ghostbusters,” somehow made the movie a thriller and comedy all at once.
With actors like Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis putting their best into their characters, the last thing on anyone’s mind while watching the film would be the less-than-perfect picture quality.
“Ghostbusters” is certainly a must-watch movie for anyone yearning for a taste of the 80s cinema.
2. “The Goonies” (1985)
“The Goonies” was among the most popular movies in the 80s and came to life thanks to the flawless input of Steven Spielberg. Easily becoming one of the defining moments of the Amblin era, the 1985 film told the story of a group of kids in a beautiful neighborhood catching on for the last time before losing their homes.
Knowing the neighborhood was mapped out for a new project, a country club, and would end up destroyed, they made the most of the last weekend together. Amid their escapades, they discover a map that sends them on an adventurous treasure hunt.
“The Goonies” easily passes as the best of Spielberg and deserves a moment on the ‘20s big screen.
3. “Back To The Future” (1985)
Almost everyone has heard the slogan “Back to the Future,” at some point, but only a few figured out it was an iconic movie from the eighties.
Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd gave quite the show as Doc and Marty as they navigated through time and space using a time machine made out of a DeLorean. Like its major plot, this 80s movie is certainly timeless.
4. “The Terminator” (1984)
Long before becoming the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger graced the TV screens as a hot, cyborg, time-traveling assassin in the 1984 film, “The Terminator.”
It’s hard to decipher what was more thrilling about the technologically advanced movie. Whether it’s the mechanized approach that gave a glimpse into the near future of technology; the action-packed adventures of Sarah Conor in her bid to escape death; or Arnold’s machinated voice echoing, “I’ll be back,” the movie gave no dull moment.
With at least four sequels gracing the screen in the last four decades, and Arnold’s bid for the governorship, it’s as if it never left.
5. poltergeist” (1982)
In an era where misogynistic remarks seemed acceptable, racial slurs dismissible, and assault seemed cool (think 1984s “Karate Kid”), bringing unfiltered horror to the screen was almost a norm.
We see that in the 1982 horror flick, “Poltergeist,” another blockbuster from Spielberg’s Amblin era. The mix of suspense, thrill, and paranormal activities made this supernatural story as terrifying as it gets.
Having a toddler play the title role further heightened the film’s potential to induce goosebumps. Now, picture that thriller in the modern-day 7D technology. Just what the world needs!
6. “Big”
Ever wondered where Marsai Martin got her inspiration for the 2019 hit movie, “Little?” Here’s a hint. 1988s “Big” featuring Tom Hanks tells the tale of a little boy Josh Baskin who ran into a carnival Zoltar and made a most peculiar wish.
After having his wish to become big granted, Baskin realized being a grown-up was not all roses and dawn feathers. Faced with the harsh realities, he tried tirelessly to find the mysterious Zoltar to fix the mess.
Everyone who enjoyed “Little” certainly needs to see this timeless masterpiece.
7. “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
Can a dance-off really fix a long-prevailing feud? The 80s seemed to make us think so, with an endless slew of dance movies flooding the TV screens around that time.
One dance movie that easily stood out was the romcom “Dirty Dancing,” featuring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Playing Johnny and Baby respectively, these actors gave romance a new look as their souls literally melted into each other on the dance floor.
For those craving a taste of the dance movie-obsessed era, “Dirty Dancing” is the right way to go.
8. “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
If we were to rank all the 80s movies by the most popular, John Hughes high school films would probably fill up the top slots. With productions like “The Breakfast Club,” which helped viewers see a typical high school life through the eyes of five different characters.
After a popular girl, a jock, a nerd, an outcast, and a goth ended up stuck in the same room during detention, the unlikely group were forced to interact. They got to know each other better and the teenagers realized they were not so different after all despite their varying personalities. Sounds like something every high schooler needs to take home.
9. “The Princess Bride” (1987)
Before “Vikings” and “Pirates Of The Caribbean” took over the movie world, there was “The Princess Bride” from 1987. The movie brought the magical world of princesses, pirates, and mysterious voyages to life in the most breathtaking adventure. That’s some iconic way to remember the eighties.
10. “Lethal Weapon” (1987)
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover played the LAPD detective pair in the Warner Bros production “Lethal Weapon” in 1987. The movie’s success led to three sequels in the noughties, with Gibson reprising his role as Martin Riggs.
To further prove its popularity, the movie inspired the 2016 series of the same title, which ran for three seasons. With talks of a fifth sequel making the rounds despite the demise of the director Richard Donner, “Lethal Weapon” has proven itself as one of the best movies of the eighties.
What better way to remember the good ol’ days!