There are a few decades packed with so many wonderful movies that it seems impossible to pick the best ones. With an abundance of great comedies, smash-hit horrors, and compelling dramas, the 1980s are a treasure trove of quality films. They were good then, but with the benefit of time and the warm embrace of nostalgia, they are somehow even better now. It could be outdated technology, the yearning for a simpler time, or many rewatches during people’s childhoods, but not many films hit the way an ’80s one does.

From the first installments in what would become a huge franchise to standalone projects that encapsulate this booming decade so well, it is clear that the cinema world was rife with creativity. It’s heartwarming to imagine that these movies went from their theatrical releases to a trusty VHS and DVD, and can now just appear on someone’s phone or laptop. Whatever way these movies were taken in, there is no denying that watching them is always comforting.

10

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Directed By Amy Heckerling

This film is packed with so many stars, that it is strange watching them in roles that aren’t necessarily starring ones. Sean Penn, Forest Whitaker, and Nicolas Cage transcended the decade, while actors like Phoebe Cates and Judge Reinhold defined it. Part of the budding teen movie genre that became huge in the 1980s, Fast Times at Ridgemont High shed a light on the younger generation in ways that had not been done much before.

It follows a group of teenagers as they navigate their lives in ways that feel real and perhaps, even a little shocking. There are a lot of raunchy plots, some substance abuse, and, most importantly, some much-needed humor to make it all more palatable. The decade is not known for being politically correct, and that can certainly be seen at times, but it’s still a great watch. Very quotable and widely referenced, this classic comedy is one for the ages.

9

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

Directed By Joe Johnston

Any child who has watched this fun family film would have been equally delighted and petrified at various parts of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Many would have dreamed of being able to explore the world from a shrunken perspective, but then the insects were absolutely terrifying, as were the dustpan and brush. It seems unusual that an action adventure can take place in someone’s regular-sized backyard, yet that is exactly what happens in this exceedingly enjoyable film.

Many movies that are predominantly aimed at kids may be hard to watch for the adults accompanying them, but this is not the case here. Rick Moranis’s comedic talent shines through, and the story itself is such a joyride that very few viewers want to get off. Watching it so many years later also makes one appreciate how genuinely impressive some of the special effects were; it’s always a nice surprise to see more practical achievements rather than an abundance of CGI.

8

Coming To America (1988)

Directed By John Landis

Eddie Murphy ensured he showed exactly how much of a comedy genius he is by taking on multiple sidesplitting roles in Coming to America. Not only is he the charismatic star as Prince Akeem, but he appears in various smaller roles throughout the movie. As a spoiled and overly coddled royal decides to take matters into his own hands when it comes to finding love, he travels to Queens to find his future queen.

The riches-to-rags flip makes for some fantastic entertainment, and the supporting cast steps up to keep up with Murphy in every scene. With romance and plenty of laughs, it stands out as one of the best comedies in a decade filled with excellent offerings from the genre. The Soul Glo commercial remains as hilarious as ever and often elicits the type of laughter that ends in either tears or hyperventilation.

7

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Directed By John Hughes

John Hughes’ grip on 1980s teen films was unrelenting, and The Breakfast Club is his personal best. As it defined the tropes of teenage characters, it also resonated with anyone who felt connected to them. The brain, athlete, princess, basket case, and criminal are all stereotypes that the cast went out of their way to break. Each of them demonstrates characteristics of the others, and they bond in a very unlikely way.

Featuring several members of the infamous “Brat Pack,” the film was able to embody a whole generation that saw itself in the cast. It has managed to age well, with a few exceptions, but even the uncomfortable moments serve to show what life was like back then. With a killer theme song by Simple Minds and so many quotable lines, this film shows just how universal a story about a bunch of teenagers in detention can be.

6

The Karate Kid (1984)

Directed By John G. Avildsen

As Cobra Kai and the upcoming sequel have proven, the thirst for The Karate Kid has not waned in over 40 years. But, there is something so very special about the original that makes it so great to watch time and time again. It might have something to do with the excellence that Pat Morita brought or the fact that it was such a novelty at the time, but the story of Mr. Miyagi and his charge, Daniel LaRusso, resonated with so many viewers.

In a classic underdog story, the bullied teen finds discipline in martial arts and takes on those who torment him in a constructive way. While his win with an “illegal” move is still contested to this day, it’s interesting to see the dynamic between Daniel and Johnny early on. Kreese is such an imposing villain, and the romantic aspects tie in very neatly into the story. Many people will remember when they first learned the wax-on-wax-off method, and plenty have no doubt injured themselves attempting the crane kick.

5

The Goonies (1985)

Directed By Richard Donner

There is a popular meme that groups generations into age brackets depending on which projects they ᴀssociate Sean Astin with. The youngest opt for Stranger Things, the middle goes for The Lord of the Rings, while the original fans remember him from The Goonies. The fact is, all three are great, but the nostalgic effect of this heartwarming action adventure cannot be beaten. As a group of friends goes on an epic treasure hunt, they test themselves as well as their relationships.

The chemistry between the cast makes them seem like they genuinely grew up together, and there are so many decade-defining moments throughout. It’s incredible to see how far some of the actors have come. Ke Huy Quan won an Oscar, Martha Plimpton has carved out a huge career in TV, and Josh Brolin snapped away half the universe as Thanos in the MCU. But, the magic they created together in 1985 will live on forever.

4

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

Directed By Steven Spielberg

When this movie kicked off the prolific decade, the world was introduced to one of the most iconic action heroes of all time. Indiana Jones and his infamous fedora ushered in a new type of idol who is not only strong and brave, but also very intelligent and cerebral. As a professor of archeology, Indy follows his pᴀssion to some dangerous places and often encounters a lot of perilous situations.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, he takes on a group of Nazis who have some very questionable intentions when it comes to a historical artifact. The action is on another level, and the plot is not as straightforward as many typical blockbusters of the time. It opened up a whole world of adventure, and it’s no wonder Indy has had many more outings. But, as with many projects, the original is probably the best, and it stands up with every nostalgic rewatch.

3

Ghostbusters (1984)

Directed By Ivan Reitman

It has been over 40 years since viewers were asked who they were gonna call, and the Ghostbusters have been answering ever since. The dynamic foursome brought a lot of humor and joy to the world as they took on some very naughty supernatural beings. There are many scenes that are so ingrained in people’s collective memories that were first introduced in this action comedy. From the always-hungry Slimer, to the iconic Stay Puft marshmallow man wreaking havoc on New York, there are many iconic moments.

With viewers so used to trilogies, it’s quite surprising that it was almost three decades before the franchise was rebooted. It could be because the original two movies were so beloved and well-received. While the reboots are entertaining, the nostalgic appeal of the original cannot be replicated. The cheesy visual effects and comedic chemistry of the four leads are integral to the story, and it has been a comfort movie to many viewers over the years.

2

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Directed By Steven Spielberg

As many people’s favorite movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has been watched multiple times by millions around the world. It has so much heart, and it was such a groundbreaking film of the time. While it incorporates sci-fi elements, at its core, the story is about friendship and belonging. The unlikely relationship between Elliott and an alien from outer space allows both of them to learn from the other and changes them for the better.

While E.T. learns that humans can be kind and caring, the boy is able to become more confident and ᴀssertive and even becomes a hero. Audiences have laughed and cried upon every viewing, and it’s no wonder this heartwarming film has stood the test of time. While the extra-terrestrial may have returned to his home, he left behind a legacy that lives on.

1

Back To The Future (1985)

Directed By Robert Zemeckis

It is wild to think that the future of Back to the Future Part II has come and gone with no self-tying sneakers in sight, but returning to this feel-good original is always a treat. The concept was so influential, and though it might not be scientifically correct, it feels “right” in the moment. The 1950s, through the eyes of an ’80s teen, feel very outdated but quaint, and all the Easter eggs scattered around the timelines are fascinating to see. It’s that attention to detail and humor that makes this movie so magical.

The sequels are both great, but the first is arguably the best. Michael J. Fox is one of the most charming characters in movie history and Christopher Lloyd is hilarious as the eccentric scientist with a penchant for danger. Being able to explain the concept of time travel to so many people is hard, and the way this movie does it is not only coherent but extremely entertaining as well. From the musical moments and quotable script to the thrilling cliffhanger, Back to the Future has it all. It’s no wonder so many people keep going back.