The '80s: a decade filled with classics. What better way to begin or further your movie education than with the originals. If you haven’t seen or heard of any of the following movies I highly recommend streaming or renting them because they are worth the watch.
1. "The Breakfast Club" (1985)
I remember my dad telling me about the first time he saw this movie in the theaters. He was in high school and he told me that he couldn’t stop thinking about how much he related to the movie. That is the beauty of John Hughes. He created timeless movies for young adults. Thirty years later this movie still connects to anyone who is in or went to high school. This film teaches about friendships and stereotypes. High school can be a cliquey and judgy atmosphere and this is a story of five students realizing the obscurity of it all. The dialogue and questions are painfully realistic. It is impossible not to connect with each of the unique characters. I bet I am not the only one who cries at the end. Don’t you forget about me.
2. "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" (1986)
Another John Hughes masterpiece. This movie is sparkled with the best advice. My favorite quote is, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris is right, high school goes by so fast, but college is going to go by even faster. Everyone dreams of pulling off a Ferris Bueller. Skipping school and having the best day of your life. When it comes to friends, Cameron is the best one. I think we all have a little Cameron in us; slightly worried about everything but still wanting to have fun. Plus, it is set in my home city, Chicago. As seen in the cover photo, my friends and I tried to recreate the famous Art Institute scene. At least we tried.
3. "Back to the Future" (1985)
It’s odd to think of you parents as teenagers, but when Marty McFly finds himself 30 years in the past due to his crazy friend, Emmet Brown, who invents the time machine, a lot needs to happen to make sure that he can get back to the future. What happens if his parents don’t meet? Does that mean he will be never be born? It’s a wild ride with some memorable characters. If this storyline hasn’t sold you yet, Michael J. Fox is quite the cutie in this film.
4. "Top Gun" (1986)
This movie is a classic, and I may say that Tom Cruise was not too bad on the eyes. The setting takes place in an elite Navy fighter pilot class...let's just say the drama of this film is captivating. Of course there is a romance, what would a movie be without one? Maverick, Tom Cruise’s character, learns about the price you have to pay for being reckless. Being young and talented, doesn’t mean you are invincible. When you put the best against the best the competition can get out of hand. This is for you Goose!
5. "Say Anything" (1989)
If you are looking for a cheesy chick flick, this is your kind of movie. Not going to lie, I have watched this movie more than I’d like to admit. John Cusack plays the lover boy who is desperate to take his high school crush out on a date, leaving high expectations for any girl who dares to watch this movie. The film teaches that young love can be a powerful thing, and when you hold a boombox over your head outside a girl's window, she is bound to fall in love with you. It’s only reasonable right?
My list could go on forever but I suggest starting with these movies. Because, if you're human, you probably should have already seen three out of the five by now! If you have, hopefully you share my enthusiasm and agree that they are all need-to-see films. Movies that make you emotional whether it be laughter, tears, or frustration, are the best types of movies. Trust me, I would not steer you wrong.