Image Credit: Universal Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBack to the Future<\/em> is as close to a perfect movie as possible. The script is even taught in universities, an example of a spectacular one. And indeed, the film is the hilarious and poignant story of Marty McFly, who travels back in time to 1955 and accidentally interrupts his parent’s meeting. He must find his friend Doc Brown to get back to 1985.<\/p>\nBut the film is also quintessentially 80s in style, tone, and theme. In the present, there are the acid wash jeans, the big hair, and the Huey Lewis theme song \u201cThe Power of Love,\u201d all of which provide a funny contrast when Marty travels to 1955.<\/p>\n
2. The Goonies (1985)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAlong with Back to the Future<\/em>, The Goonies<\/em> is my favorite 1980s film. And it’s also such an incredible 1980s time capsule. The story follows a group of teenagers who embark on an epic adventure to find the infamous One-Eyed Willie’s pirate treasure.<\/p>\nWhat makes The Goonies<\/em> so quintessentially \u201980s is seen in both the style and plot. The most notable being the freedom and bravery the groups of kids exhibit. The 1980s was when kids would hop on their bikes, ready for anything, regardless of potential danger. And that is, without a doubt, The Goonies.<\/em><\/p>\nWith the endlessly quotable and hilarious script, this movie is the funniest of the decade.<\/p>\n
3. The Breakfast Club (1985)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: A&M Films<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne of the most common denominators on this list is writer\/director John Hughes. When I think of \u201980s movies, I think of Hughes and his \u201cBrat Pack\u201d of actors, which includes this film’s cast of Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, and Emilio Estevez.<\/p>\n
The plot and characters feel so much of the era with their archetypes of the princess, the nerd, the loner, the bad boy, and the jock. They acknowledge each other while also finding common ground with each other.<\/p>\n
The energy, mix of humor and drama, and epic theme song \u201cDon’t You Forget About Me\u201d make this one of the most iconic films for John Hughes and the 80s as a whole.<\/p>\n
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Paramount Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFerris Bueller’s Day Off<\/em> is another Hughes film, easily distinguishable by the characters and ways he blends comedic moments with ones much more serious. Matthew Broderick’s iconic role made him a star, and it feels impossible to reflect on the 80s and not think of his taking over a parade and lip-syncing to the Beatles’ \u201cTwist and Shout.\u201d<\/p>\n5. Pretty in Pink (1986)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Paramount Pictures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe unique fashion and style of the 1980s was something else, all of which is ever present in Pretty in Pink<\/em>. From Andi’s hats and lace to Duckie’s hairstyle and Blane and Steff’s gray and white suits, Pretty in Pink<\/em> is one of the best movies to showcase how people dressed during this decade.<\/p>\nPretty in Pink<\/em> also features the 1980s\/John Hughes stamp with its themes of adolescent pangs and desire for individuality.<\/p>\n6. E.T.- the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Universal Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeveral people note E.T.<\/em> as a film that perfectly encapsulates the 1980s. And it’s true that it has such a poignant film with an unmistakable \u201980s feel.<\/p>\nOnce again, we see kids on their bikes, bravely taking on the world- in this case, it’s Elliot helping the alien E.T. escape capture so he can return home. Overall, the poignancy and tone that feels so definitive Spielberg has a quality that I think exists solely in the 80s.<\/p>\n
7. The Princess Bride (1987)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: 20th Century Fox.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Princess Bride<\/em> has many worthwhile qualities, from its brilliantly funny and heartwarming script to its exceptional cast and incredibly colorful characters. While only a few touches clearly show this is an \u201980s movie (namely, the Nintendo video game that the boy is playing at the beginning of the movie), it still feels like such a seminal film of the era. It also holds the distinction of becoming a favorite 80s film for many, but after the decade was over, it became very successful on VHS.<\/p>\nThe Princess Bride <\/em>may not have been appreciated in its own time, but its status as an \u201980s classic is indelible today.<\/p>\n8. The Karate Kid (1984)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Columbia Pictures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt’s incredible how The Karate Kid<\/em> is such a profound part of \u201980s film culture. As one individual asserts, the \u201cCruel Summer\u201d scene in Karate Kid<\/em> is pretty much peak 1980s.<\/p>\nToday, nostalgia is at an all-time high, which explains the popularity of The Karate Kid<\/em> spin-off series Cobra Kai<\/em>. But as far as the film, the story of a kid overcoming adversity with the help of a wise, old mentor screams the \u201980s. Add the iconic music, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular choice for one of the most seminal of the decade.<\/p>\n9. Batman (1989)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNothing says \u201c1980s\u201d like Batman<\/em>. Seriously, it’s directed my Tim Burton, it stars Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson,\u00a0and\u00a0<\/em>Prince did the soundtrack. It’s a constellation that epitomizes the best parts of \u201980s pop culture.\u00a0<\/p>\n10. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: New Line Cinema.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n40 years after its release, Wes Craven’s A<\/em>\u00a0Nightmare on Elm Street\u00a0<\/em>remains some horrifying stuff \u2014 and a perfect emblem of the \u201980s. Here, you can get the customary horror movie synths of the era and a terrifying performance from Robert Englund. Plus, a young Johnny Depp is in it. So yeah, very much of the era.\u00a0<\/p>\n11. Ghostbusters (1984)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Sony Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you are discussing 1980s movies, you must include a film with one of the most popular actors of the decade- Bill Murray. Though one could mention Caddyshack<\/em>, Ghostbusters<\/em> is much more influential and era-defining. The theme song alone has such an 80s tonality in its sound. But the comedic style and cast, including Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Rick Moranis, has such an unmistakable 80s feel.<\/p>\n12. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Paramount Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf we are talking about actors who were at their zenith in the 1980s, Eddie Murphy is another you must mention. Beverly Hills Cop<\/em> is one of his best movies, featuring classic 80s tropes and style. The music especially has such a quintessential 80s sound, mainly with its theme song and \u201cThe Heat is On.\u201d Side note: why don’t we incorporate saxophones and synthesizers in music as much anymore?<\/p>\n13. Top Gun (1986)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Paramount Pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe 1980s was a time for bombastic, high-energy action films, and Top Gun<\/em> more than fits the bill. From the opening sequence, where you hear the Kenny Loggins banger \u201cDanger Zone,\u201d you are in for a ride.<\/p>\nThe entire movie, from the bomber jackets to the music, really captures that 80s feeling. If someone wants to get on that \u201chighway to the danger zone,\u201d the surefire way is to put on Top Gun<\/em>.<\/p>\n14. Weird Science (1985)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Universal Pictures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs one movie fan acknowledges, Weird Science<\/em> is something you can put on to inject the 1980s straight into someone’s veins. The plot of two nerds creating a woman to help them with their social skills is absurd and the kind of movie that could’ve only been made in the 80s.<\/p>\n15. War Games (1983)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: MGM\/UA Entertainment Company.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWar Games<\/em> is a film that brilliantly encapsulates the rise of technology at the time and the fear of nuclear war from the Soviet Union. Moreover, the concept of the dangers of artificial intelligence is well done. Complete with 80s standouts Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy, War Games<\/em> is an 80s classic.<\/p>\n16. The NeverEnding Story (1984)<\/h2>\nImage Credit: Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhat’s a quintessential \u201980s movie list without a bit of childhood trauma, am I right? The NeverEnding Story<\/em> is the most popular choice for that category. The \u201980s was a fascinating decade for family and children’s films. Fantasy films were the vibe, and there was extensive use of puppetry and very dark themes.<\/p>\nBetween \u201cThe Nothing\u201d and the death of Atreyu’s horse, The NeverEnding Story<\/em> gives us a healthy dose of nightmare fuel.<\/p>\n
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