I've always been told that I should've been an 80's baby because it's the one decade that I wish I had been alive for. There was so much awesomeness packed into this iconic decade that it can't all fit on one list. Since there's so much to cover, I'm going to focus on films that everyone should see at least once at some point during their lives because they have so much to teach us concerning life. Plus, they're really fun to watch and are totally awesome. I have left off some well-known movies, like "Dirty Dancing" and "Sixteen Candles," not because they aren't awesome, but because everyone has most likely seen these movies, and I have some specific recommendations concerning 80's films.

1. "The Breakfast Club"

If you haven't seen this, you need to go to some DVD rental place or find it online, because it is a must-see. This is the one film that everyone references and everyone aspired to be during this decade. Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson make this movie so much fun. Nelson portrays the criminal, John Bender, who breaks the ice for the group, who have been placed in Saturday detention for disregarding certain school policies. Bender asks Vernon, "Does Barry Manilow know you raided his closet?" which earns him another Saturday detention. He further antagonizes the group members, exposing secrets about everyone else, including himself. He is also known for the line: "Eat my shorts." This film is a lively interpretation of how teens learn about themselves through complete strangers who expose hidden truths about one another.

2. "Ghostbusters"

This film should be at the top of everyone's "of course I've seen it" list. If you haven't, then get out. Just...ugh (frustrated hand gestures in your general direction). Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray create tons of laughter in this amazing comedy about three men who get into the ghost removal business. It's filled with cheesy lines, sarcasm, humor, and a little love plot for the romantics. It's a timeless classic for this decade; one of my favorites, definitely.

3. "The Goonies"

This adventurous film stars a young Sean Astin and Corey Feldman, who discover a treasure map that could save their town. They, along with several friends, set out on a quest that puts them in danger, but also leads them to the greatest treasure they could possibly ever find. It's a crazy ride, but worth the while.

4. "Stand by Me"

This film also stars young Corey Feldman, as well as Whil Wheaton, Chris Chambers, and Kiefer Sutherland. Four young boys set out to find the body of a missing boy, hoping that they will be recognized as heroes of their hometown, but soon discover things about themselves that influence who they become later in life. This coming-of-age film speaks the truth about the expectations of a small town and what finding a body can do to adolescents.

5. "Gremlins"

There were three simple rules:

1. No bright lights,
2. Don't get them wet,
3. Never feed them after midnight...

...and Billy violated all of these rules. What ensued from there involved extreme mischief and tiny creatures running around the town with malicious intent. Overall, when there are rules, it's best to adhere to them, especially if a weird creature is involved.

6. "Poltergeist"

My advice is to watch the original. If you're into remakes, just quit reading now. The majority of remakes are crap and don't resemble the originals at all. I attempted watching the remake of "Poltergeist," and I stopped watching after two minutes. Total crap. The original is the best and I highly recommend it. It's rated PG, but it's not meant for younger audiences because of the special effects, which are quite good for an 80's production. But it was Stephen Spielberg, so we can expect great things.

7. "Footloose"

Again, the original is what I recommend. Kevin Bacon is iconic in this story of a city kid trying to make it in a small, religious town that has banned dancing. Outlawed it. It is illegal, and all he wants to do is dance. Following him through his trial of trying to bring dancing back is breath-taking and intoxicating. The film makes you want to get up and dance right along with it.

8. "The Lost Boys"

If you like vampires (the kind that burn in the sun and are extremely violent), then this is your movie. Corey Feldman also stars in this film alongside Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Kiefer Sutherland. Haim portrays a young teen whose older brother falls into the wrong crowd that longs to turn him into a creature of the night. Feldman and Haim attempt to save him from the creatures that seek him in this thrilling film of suspense.

9. "An American Werewolf in London"

This is one of the best werewolf movies I have ever seen, and still watch periodically because it is so excellent. David Naughton plays the American man who is travelling through Europe when he and his friend are attacked by a monstrous beast. The dead friend reappears throughout the film, warning Naughton about the transformation that he will undergo if he does not kill himself. The beast emerges in this comedy/horror flick when Naughton does not heed the warning. A dark sense of humor and great special effects bring this film together to make an amazing 80's movie. I highly recommend it (not meant for kids).

10. "Batman"

If you haven't seen Tim Burton's "Batman," you have missed out on an important life moment. Michael Keaton's Batman is one of the best Batman portrayals out there. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the Nolan trilogy, but the 80's movies were not bad. They were not as dark as the Nolan trilogy, but Jack Nicholson was an amazing Joker. Just saying. This movie deserves its props because it was great. Tim Burton's entire "Batman" trilogy was excellent. The only Batman movie that I discourage people from viewing is "Batman and Robin" because it was not good (which was produced in the late 90's). It was just bad, which I hate to say because it had one of my favorite villains in it, Poison Ivy, but they could've done so much better with that film.

11. "Flashdance"

She's a maniac...seriously. This movie is not meant for younger viewers either since it deals with strippers. It's a great inspirational film for anyone pursuing a dream. The film also makes you want to dance along with it (80's dance moves). It was one of the top grossing films during the 80's as well. I fell in love with this film the first time I saw it and I re-watch it just as much as I re-watch other dance films. It will make you want to experience the 80's for yourself.