Recently, an online pop culture community member polled the forum asking, “What quintessential 80s films mean you had a great childhood?” Here are their top-voted recommendations. Did you grow up watching these films in the 80s?
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride tells the story of a swashbuckling farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes), accompanied by friends he makes along the way to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright). It’s told narratively by presenting the story as a grandfather reading a book to his sick grandson. It’s a beloved film with a cult following today.
2. Real Genius (1985)
Real Genius is a classic 80s film that follows science whiz Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret), arriving as a first-year student at Pacific Tech. He pairs up with genius senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work on a laser project.
Initially, Mitch isn’t a fan of Chris, but as time goes on, a friendship develops. They discover the laser they are working on is intended for government use as a weapon and begin questioning the project altogether.
3. The ‘Burbs (1989)
The ‘Burbs is one of the funniest cult classics of the 1980s, and I still watch it frequently. It tells the story of Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) and his nosy neighbors (Rick Ducommun and Bruce Dern) uncovering the truth about their strange new neighbors. It’s hilarious and also stars Corey Feldman and Carrie Fisher.
4. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
The action-adventure film by John Carpenter takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the ethereal underbelly of Chinatown in San Francisco. As a result of its incorporation of martial arts, mystical elements, and a captivating lead character played by Kurt Russell, it continues to be a cult favorite among lovers of 80s films.
5. Gremlins (1984)
Joe Dante’s film Gremlins is about a young man who keeps a bizarre beast called a Mogwai as a pet and relates the story of this young man. He accidentally breaks the rules to take care of it, causing turmoil and the birth of evil and destructive gremlins. This satirical comedy left a lasting influence on pop culture during the 1980s.
6. The Outsiders (1983)
Tom Cruise, C. Thomas Howell, and Rob Lowe are among the superb ensemble cast of newcomers in Francis Ford Coppola’s coming-of-age drama inspired by the S.E. Hinton novel. The film is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and highlights the concepts of loyalty and friendship while capturing genuine rivalries and comradery among youth organizations.
7. Ghostbusters (1984)
Thanks to their deft combination of humor, eerie aspects, and timeless characters, ghostbusters became a worldwide phenomenon. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson feature in Ivan Reitman’s comedy about a group of oddball parapsychologists who battle supernatural forces in New York City.
8. The Goonies (1985)
The classic comedy adventure The Goonies by Richard Donner follows a group of young friends looking for hidden riches to save their neighborhood from development. Due to its humor, excitement, and intriguing characters, the film is still a favorite with audiences of all ages.
9. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The mysterious lead character of this fantasy movie, which Wolfgang Petersen directed. It is based on the novel by Michael Ende, a little boy named Bastian who embarks on an amazing trip through the region of Fantasia. The NeverEnding Story enthralled audiences of all ages because of its amazing creatures, imaginative settings, and motivational message about the value of creativity.
10. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Millions of people worldwide were captivated by the adorable sci-fi fantasy movie Steven Spielberg directed. The story’s main character is a small child who befriends an extraterrestrial who is lost and embarks on a quest to help him find his way home. The film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is renowned for its portrayal of innocence in youth, emotional complexity, and memorable scenes.
11. Back to the Future (1985)
The iconic time-traveling adventure by Robert Zemeckis immediately gained notoriety and status as a classic. In this movie, Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly travels between the past, present, and future with the help of Christopher Lloyd’s eccentric scientist Doc Brown.
12. Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s creative depiction of the Caped Crusader reinvigorated the superhero genre. The popular D.C. Comics figure was portrayed in the film in a darker and broodier way. Jack Nicholson played the famous Joker, and Michael Keaton played Batman. Batman set a new bar for superhero films with its ominous atmosphere, memorable performances, and enduring score.
13. The Last Unicorn (1982)
The story of the film is based on the novel written by Peter S. Beagle. This animated fantasy film carries viewers on an intriguing journey with a unicorn seeking out her kind. Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr.’s film, which explores themes of love, loss, and the preservation of magic, delivers a charming yet melancholy tale.
14. The Karate Kid (1984)
Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita starred in this John G. Avildsen martial arts film, which became a timeless story of the underdog. The story’s protagonist is a teenager who learns karate from a strange and smart sensei and eventually competes in a major tournament. Since The Karate Kid taught viewers valuable lessons about restraint, grit, and the importance of mentoring, it was favorably received by audiences.
15. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
In this Chris Columbus-directed comedy adventure, a teenage babysitter and the kids she supervises journey through the streets of Chicago on a chaotic night. Adventures in Babysitting was a beloved coming-of-age tale for many kids in the 1980s, thanks to its blend of humor, thrills, and likable characters.
22 Popular Films That Completely Traumatized 80s Children, What About You?
Was there a film(s) that completely traumatized you as a child? I’ll go first, Cujo. I have no idea what my mother was thinking, allowing that film to play in the background of her chores, but I watched it and had nightmares for months. After someone polled an entertainment forum for other traumatic experiences, here is what scared the youth.
25 Memorable Movies That Are So Totally 80s, Do You Remember?
The 1980s was an iconic decade for film, delivering many unforgettable movies that have stood the test of time. The 80s film scene left an indelible mark on popular culture, from heartwarming comedies to thrilling adventures and rebellious teenage tales. Recently people shared some memorable movies that epitomize the spirit of the 80s.
12 Worst Movies From the 70s According To IMDb — Do You Agree?
Return to the revolutionary cinema of the 1970s, where risk-taking experimentation and bold concepts frequently produced unforgettable and forgettable moments. Here is a look at the not-so-great 70s films that didn’t garner high ratings on IMDb.
20 Comedies From the 90s That Are Way Funnier Than Anything Coming Out Today
The nineties were an incredible decade in film, including several classic comedies. Here are some of my favorites that are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Have you seen them?
15 Forgotten Movies From the 90s To Tickle Your Nostalgia Bone
Are you searching for a little 90s nostalgia that is not on every list? Then, we got you covered. These are several of my favorite forgotten films from the 90s. Do you remember?
Source: Reddit.