There's something quite wonderful about watching a movie. For those next couple of hours, you're placed in whatever new world you see on that screen. Once we finish the film we begin to crave and long to be apart of that world forever. Because life on the big screen seems a lot more appealing than reality, where all you're left with at the end is a black screen and an empty popcorn bowl with some stray kernels.
Most movies nowadays seem to be filled with plenty of over-the-top productions, where directors would rather spend millions on a film that only appeals to the viewers eyes instead of digging deeper and touching their soul or tug at their heartstrings. That's why, for me, I tend to steer more towards older movies, 80's movies to be exact. Not only is the music catchy, style out of this world, and one-liners something I steal for my tweets and Instagram captions, these movies have feeling and teach valuable lessons while still being brutally honest in a way that makes you still want to continue watching. Here are, for me, the 16 best 80's teen movies every millennial needs to see.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
"You ought to spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people."
In what is still considered John Hughes best work, this film epitomized high school teens in the 80's and the beauty of the movie is that everything, from the plot to the characters, are still relevant to teens today. Portraying what happens when kids from different cliques are forced together to spend a Saturday in detention, The Breakfast Club is a film that proves high school is just a moment in time, are people are often much more than they appear to be.
2. Can't Buy Me Love (1987)
"Nerd's, jocks. My side, your side. It's all bullshit. It's hard enough just trying to be yourself."
Before Patrick Dempsey was McDreamy, he played nerdy Ronald who pays a popular girl one-thousand dollars to pretend to be his girlfriend. It's your typical geek-to-chic film, but packs a deeper lesson on how being yourself is a lot better than trying to fit in and impress others.
3. Heather's (1989)
"If you were happy everyday of your life, you wouldn't be a human. You'd be a game show host."
Forget Mean Girls, this film is where it all started. This movie was so underrated when it was first released, but now lives on as a pop culture obsession. Between Winona Ryder's character's witty one-liners, her and Christian Slater's character's deadly relationship that puts Bonnie and Clyde to shame, Heather's perfectly satirizes the day-to-day life that is being in high school.
4. Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
"Lean it, know it, live it!"
A film where teens struggle with independence, sexuality, money, maturity, and high school, it proves that teenagers in the 1980's are a lot like millennials today. Fast Times At Ridgemont High shows just how quickly you have to grow up in high school.
5. Footloose (1984)
"Hey Hey! What's this I see? I thought this was a party? Let's Dance!"
When a city boy finds himself in an uptight Midwestern town where dancing has been banned, he along with a few friends decide to rebel. A classic dance flick that tells a story of the carefree days of youth and the willingness to do what feels right despite what others think, you'll find it very hard to sit down and not want to get up and dance.
6. The Goonies (1985)
"Hey, you guys!"
Though it focuses on preteens, it's stills a story that will make anyone nostalgic for more innocent times. The kids in the story find a treasure map when they are trying to save their home from being demolished. If you ever wanted to escape from life's harsh realities, The Goonies will certainly strike a chord with you.
7. Sixteen Candles (1984)
"That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call 'em something else."
John Hughes makes his directorial debut with this coming of age film. 80's dream girl Molly Ringwald is perfection as Samantha, the suburban teen who desperately wants to be noticed not just by her family, but by the guy of her dreams, From the opening sequence to the end credits where Ringwald and her co-star share a kiss on her sixteenth birthday, Sixteen Candles is 80's teen perfection.
8. Risky Business (1983)
"Sometimes you just gotta say 'what the heck.'"
Some of the best teen movies involve epic house parties when adults are away, and Tom Cruise did just that in this film that launched his career. Cruise stars as Joel Goodson, a high school senior who uses his parents vacation as an opportunity to get into all kinds of shenanigans. Without a doubt, Risky Business is a film about the best times of your life.
9. Say Anything (1989)
"I am looking for a dare to be great situation."
If you haven't seen the iconic scene of John Cusack holding a boom box over his head in declaration of his love, then you certainly haven't lived. Cusack stars as Lloyd Dobler, a misfit who fall sin love with class valedictorian Diane, the summer after high school. Say Anything is a film about first love and the confusing beginnings of adulthood.
10. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Once again, John Hughes totally understood what it was like to be a teen during the 80's. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is an iconic piece of cinema because it encompassed everything you wished you were doing instead of being stuck in a dull high school lecture. He had they type of day all teens dreamed about.
11. Pretty In Pink (1986)
"I just want them to know that they didn't break me."
Pretty In Pink will forever be a timeless Cinderella story from the 80's. Teen Queen Molly Ringwald is perfect as Andie, the hard working girl who gets asked to prom by Blain; the most popular boy in school.This film is one of those iconic teen films that set the bar for everything that came after it.
12. Dirty Dancing (1987)
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
If there was ever a movie that ever made you feel things that you never thought you could feel, it's Dirty Dancing. It's a film about the loss of innocence, and choosing what's right for you despite naysayers. Oh,and of course, the late Patrick Swayze, and those sexy dance moves that will make you get up and sing "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" at the top of your lungs.
13. Back To The Future (1985)
"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."
Marked as one of the best time travel films ever made, Back To The Future is one of those rare time traveling films that makes sense from beginning to end. The plot is super cute as well, as a teenager many of us probably spent a great deal of time annoyed with our parents, but Michael J. Fox's character Marty McFly is tasking with returning to the past to make sure his parents end up together.
14. St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
"You break my heart. The again, you break everyone's heart."
Seven friends, recent college graduated, are searching for a place in "the real world," as they face issues of career and commitment.Against the backdrop of St.Elmo's Bar, their local hangout, they save, betray and love one another as only the closest of friends can. This may not be specifically aimed towards teens, but any person no matter their age can relate to the topics and life lessons in this film.
15. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
"E.T. phone home."
Director Steven Spielberg's heartwarming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends ten year old Elliot. You'll be able to experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences everywhere.
16.Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)
"You know what's better than getting mad? Getting even."
Before Sarah Jessica Parker played the iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City, she starred as Janey the new girl in town, who soon meets Lynne. They both share a passion for dancing in general, and "Dance TV" in particular. When a competition is announced to find a new Dance TV regular couple, Janey and Lynne are determined to audition. The only problem is that Janey's father doesn't approve of that kind of thing. Filled with plenty of music and dancing, Girls Just Want to Have Fun is sure to bring you to your feet.
So what are you waiting for? I don't know about you, but I definitely feel like dedicating an entire day of binge-watching these movies. You won't be sorry!
