The 1980s was an innovative decade and paved the way for many different art forms. Whether it was the rise of pop music and hair rock or the increase of envelope-pushing comedies, the decade was an iconic time period for several reasons.
The '80s also brought audiences many iconic movies that fans still love and enjoy, and the movies increasingly improved throughout the decade. Between envelope-pushing comedies and ground-breaking horror movies, the film industry was never the same afterward. While the decade produced many great films, there are few in particular that stood out.
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
The ever-so-raunchy and quirky Fast Times At Ridgemont High marked quite a turning point for movies in the '80s. The film highlighted several of the main characters' different stories, all while covering topics that were taboo for the time and it did not shy away from explicit content.
However, the film's ability to be real and transparent, all while juggling classic '80s-style comedy, makes the movie a favorite of the decade among fans. The movie did a great job of featuring the quintessential and up-and-coming "mall movement" that was on the rise throughout the '80s and '90s, highlighting the mall as the go-to hangout spot and workplace among teens at the time. Between the quintessentially '80s style and the silly, borderline ironic character stereotypes, this film is a known 1980s comedy classic.
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
Indie slasher film turned classic horror flick, A Nightmare On Elm Street, is one of the best movies where the bad guy or villain wins, but the lines are blurred between dreams and reality when some really die. The film originally sparked quite a bit of controversy for its low-budget violence and gore, but the people had spoken, making it a beloved film to this day.
This film is classic '80s through and through, from the old-school special effects to the typically 1980s wardrobes. The outfits were so iconic that teen girls still post inspiration from the film to their Tumblr and Pinterest s, specifically Johnny Depp's crop top look. A Nightmare On Elm Street's reputation was earned through its next-level horror and never-before-seen special effects, making it one of the best horror films of the '80s, and even of all time, according to some fans.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The ultimate coming-of-age film, The Breakfast Club is arguably one of the best teen films of all time. With one character from each typical high school clique stuck together for a day in detention, there was bound to be drama, shared laughs, and even unexpected moments of affection.
The varied wardrobe among the different cliques said it all, as well as the old-school format of all-day Saturday detention itself, both things which are vastly different today. The topics covered in the movie are timeless and relatable struggles that all teens face, including difficult home lives and parental pressure. Between the recognizable soundtrack tune "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds to Bender's ever-so-memorable quotes, the film is still honored as one of the most iconic films of the '80s.
Heathers (1989)
Between the genius quotes in Heathers and the iconic shoulder pads, this dark comedy is among the most popular '80s films. The crime film highlights a cool girl and her unusual boyfriend who form a twisted plan to take down the popular girls at school who go by the name, "The Heathers."
The '80s definitely tested the waters when it came to edgy comedies, and Heathers was an undeniable ringleader in that movement. What could have been yet another light coming-of-age teen movie instead was a darker story about taking down the popular girls. Because of this distinct difference, Heathers quickly became one of the best films of the '80s, as this angle had never been touched before.
Pretty In Pink (1986)
Another John Hughes and Molly Ringwald collaboration, Pretty In Pink is another classic coming-of-age story about the clash between cliques at school. Between the nostalgia of a record store hangout and the vintage '80s fashion, this movie is among the first that come to mind when people think of the 1980s aesthetic.
Though the song "Pretty In Pink" by the Psychadelic Furs was not written for the movie, Ringwald brought the song to Hughes with her iration and said he should make a film around the concept, as reported by Grunge. Though Hughes altered the true meaning of the song with his film, Pretty In Pink remains as one of the best coming-of-age movies of the '80s, largely due to Molly Ringwald's existing star power, as many see her as the quintessential teen star of the 1980s.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Though the film is typically viewed during Halloween, Beetlejuice is a bonafide '80s film that viewers love to watch any time of year. The movie surrounds a ghoul named Beetlejuice who assists a young couple in haunting the new owners of their previous home.
The Tim Burton film is wildly kooky and unique, to say the least, but fans love it and it has quite a cult following. Between Lydia's signature hairstyle and the quirky and dated SFX creatures, like the other-worldly sandworms, Beetlejuice is a creepy fan-favorite for many and its popularity has only grown since the 1980s.
The Goonies (1985)
Beloved family adventure movie The Goonies is a classic kids' movie that still holds up today. Though the film has a simple plot concerning a group of boys hunting for treasure, the comedy film single-handedly kickstarted a treasure hunting movement and inspired kids through its unique imagination.
The film is an undoubted fan favorite of the decade, largely due to the more mature humor of the kids, so both children and adults can enjoy it. With several similar films and TV shows in the following decades, including Home Alone and Stranger Things, more than ever kids seem to appreciate stories involving solving mysteries, setting up booby traps, creating fancy gadgets, and adventuring with their friends.
Mystic Pizza (1988)
The romance film that is Mystic Pizza follows a group of friends working at a pizza place together as they grapple with the hardship that is growing up. Fans love the film to this day for its ability to realistically portray the trials and tribulations of dating and entering adulthood in a fun and comedic way.
The movie is many fans' favorite of the '80s for its comfortable and "homey" feel, as it's based in the quaint environment of an actual pizza t based in Mystic, Connecticut. The dramedy stands the test of time with its all-star cast of Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, and the nostalgia that comes with it just can't be beaten.
Flashdance (1983)
For the '80s, Flashdance was the first of its kind as far as dance movies go. In this romance film, Jennifer dreams of going to ballet school, even though she is already a competent welder and exotic dancer. Fans love the film's progressive nature, even today, which also made it an instant classic.
Not only does the film portray an intelligent woman juggling three different jobs, but it also highlights her efforts to conquer a man's world. By successfully showcasing a woman's ability to do it all, Flashdance made its mark as one of the best films to come out of the '80s.
Back To The Future (1985)
Back To The Future was the most popular film of 1985 and for good reason. The adventure film takes viewers on a journey when main character Marty accidentally travels back in time to ensure his parents fall in love so he can return to the present. Though the film is meant to portray a futuristic vibe in of technology, it is now perfectly reminiscent of the past.
The Steven Spielberg motion picture is a classic for its adventure story, and it delivers not only '80s nostalgia but mid-50's, as well. The 1980s classic prompted fans to yearn for the ability to time travel, and it remains a unique story, even today.
