The 1980s produced some of the most important films of all time, and many classics from the 1980s are still seen continuously to this day. It’s the time of heartwarming family dramas, groundbreaking horror movies, and some of our favorite romantic comedies.
The ’80s videos are filled with nostalgia with old-fashioned fashion, iconic soundtracks that sum up the era, and old-fashioned comedy moments that enhance those box office triumphs. Many of those highly sought-after films of the ’80s influenced some of the more productive films of the ’90s. , films from the 2000s, films from the 2010s and beyond. While those old movies were first seen on VHS or in local theaters, it’s easy to revisit this golden decade of cinema through streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime with their massive catalogs of old videos.
From family favorites like The Gremlins and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, to coming-of-age dramas Stand By Me and timeless love stories Out Of Africa and When Harry Met Sally, here are 32 iconic ’80s videos you need to rewatch. and back.
Released in 1987, it is one of the original vampire videos that paved the way for videos like the Twilight franchise. The plot centers on Lucy moving to a small town in California with her sons Michael and Sam, who are soon attracted to a global motorcyclist with dark secrets. A truly iconic film from the 80s with a moody soundtrack to go along with it.
For fans of romantic comedy, the classic love story When Harry Met Sally is one from the ’80s and includes Meg Ryan’s memorable orgasm simulation scene that is still referenced in pop culture to this day (“I’ll get what she has”). A possible encounter between two graduates leads to lasting friendship and ultimately love.
Heathers is much darker than other young adult films of the time and has become a cult crop for its originality and complex themes. A combination of influences from other ’80s films like the creepy Blue Velvet and the teen angst Sixyoungster Candles, this is one of the most memorable films. coming-of-age films of his time.
Fans of David Bowie will probably know (and love) Labyrinth, which shows the singer in one of his most beloved acting roles, that of the menacing Jareth, the Goblin King, opposite 15-year-old Jennifer Connelly. Jennifer plays Sarah, who will have to navigate an exchange universe full of quirky characters and scenarios to save her little brother, face his demons, and receive informed life classes along the way.
Rain Man is an emotional roller coaster and a delicate portrayal of autism that was revolutionary at the time of its release. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, the plot centers on self-centered car racer Charlie, who only learns of his modeler brother’s lifestyle when his father abandons his fortune to someone else and the two men try to forge a relationship.
Desperately romantic and endowed with charming cinematography, Out of Africa stars two acting powerhouses, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. The aristocrat Karen travels to Africa to join her husband, but after discovering his infidelity, she develops a romantic relationship with a hunter named Dionysus.
A heartwarming coming-of-age story, Big is one of Tom Hanks’ first films and is the captivating story of a boy who discovers himself in an adult body. The 1988 fantasy comedy-drama is set in New York City and offers an old-fashioned take on the city.
Blue Velvet is a cult crop from Twin Peaks director David Lynch. The subject matter is dark and divisive among viewers, and the plot begins with the discovery of a severed ear in a deserted field. What follows is a descent into a dark and sordid underworld. which explores how far its characters will exceed their limits.
Tissues at your fingertips: Beverly Onees is a heartwarming story of a lifelong friendship. The 1988 American comedy-drama is based on the novel of the same title written by Iris Rainer Dart in 1985 and tells the story of two very different women who become a network of help for all. each other’s lives.
The ’80s Batman movie wasn’t the original, but it’s one of the most formative films in the franchise. The 1989 film stars Michael Keaton as Batman (Bruce Wayne during the day) fighting crime in Gotham City with Jack Nicholson’s Joker as the central villain. .
The 80s were an iconic time for horror films, with Friday the 13th leading the way, such as The Shining and Jack Nicholson’s The Thing. Friday the 13th has encouraged many remakes since the ’80s film, but the original is arguably the best.
Dirty Dancing remains one of the world’s most beloved romantic movies, with a number of quotable moments (“Nobody puts the baby in the corner”). Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze lead the cast as young lovers who meet at a summer camp and reunite. a love for dance.
The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama about the life of Joseph Merrick. It tells the story of a severely deformed man in 19th century London, played by John Hurt, and how he discovers his position in society.
Family Drama Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a much-loved comedy from the ’80s that tells the story of a bumbling inventor who shrinks his family, with hilarious results. It was one of many wholesome family dramas of that era and a box office success. So much so that the film spawned two sequels; Honey, I blew up the kid in 1992 and honey, we shrank in 1997.
The ’80s were the era of emotionally charged dance movies and Flashdance was a huge hit, as was Dirty Dancing. The film stars Jennifer Beals as a young ballerina, Alex Owens, who works at a local erotic dance club but needs a professional ballet dancer. The film is based on the real-life story of Maureen Marder, who worked as a structure employee during the day and a dancer at a Toronto strip club during the night.
Al Pacino’s Scarface remains the most sensible film of all time and tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who becomes one of Miami’s toughest drug dealers. Mixed with dark humor, it paved the way for other gangsters. Films from the 90s and 2000s.
For a slight relief, Teen Witch is an uplifting school fantasy film that influenced the 90s Sabrina series The Teenage Witch. Teen Witch tells the story of a school outcast, Louise Miller (played by Rothroughn Lively), who discovers that she is the Descendant of a Salem witch on her 16th birthday and will have to master her new supernatural powers.
Another classic ’80s romantic comedy is the captivating Pretty In Pink, starring ’80s star Molly Ringwald. Molly plays Andie, a young woman torn between two boys; his girlfriend from the formative years and a playboy with a susceptible appearance that he is just beginning to know.
The Breakfast Club is another major ’80s school drama starring Molly Ringwald along with Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Andrew Clark, and Ally Sheedy. Five different characters meet in custody on Saturday and realize they have more in common than the first. every thought.
This tongue-in-cheek film, centered around a jewelry heist, may not be as well-known as other ’80s comedy-dramas, but A Fish Called Wanda is a favorite with critics and audiences alike. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, the plot is perfect. It fuses British and American humor.
Although the film has recently been criticized for being problematic due to the film’s use of racial stereotypes, as well as being interpreted as having sexist connotations in some cases, it was a great deal of luck for its time when the film’s release arrived. Dramas related to age, apparent intensity and an astute understanding of small femininity. John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles, Once Back, stars Molly Ringwald as a young woman who turns 16 and faces the ups and downs of adulthood.
The Karate Kid is a love letter to martial arts, as well as a heartwarming coming-of-age drama. The film tells the story of Daniel, who moves to a new city and encounters local thugs who dominate karate. The enigmatic karate coach M. Miyagi promises to train himself in this art.
Before The Wolf of Wall Street, there’s Wall Street, the iconic ’80s film that sheds light on Wall Street’s murky underworld. The plot centers on Bud Fox, a young stockbroker who meets the troubled but captivating Gordon Gekko and is drawn into a darker aspect of the stock market.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming ’80s movie, Three Men and a Bathrough is a charming adventure about three bachelors (played by Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson) who are forced to become parents after they are left with a bathrough woman. the threshold of his apartment through an old affair of one of the men.
A family classic, The Goonies tells the story of an organization of Oregon children who come face-to-face with a family of criminals after finding the long-lost treasure of a mythical pirate. A touching coming-of-age story.
Part horror, part family drama, part comedy, part comedy, The Gremlins were probably a staple on family movie nights in the ’80s and ’90s. Gremlins manage to be fun and scary, so they come with a warning for young children. who are easily frightened.
Glen Close, the film that coined the term “Bunny Boiler,” is terrifying as a scorned woman seeking revenge on the familiar Michael Douglas after a brief affair. One of the most popular thrillers of the 1980s, Fatal Attraction’s credentials still hold today.
Another classic horror movie from the ’80s is Nightmare On Elm Street, which marks the beginning of Freddie Krueger’s reign of terror. Like Friday the 13th, this iconic horror film has introduced a number of animated remakes through the original.
Perhaps not as hyped as other family dramas of the ’80s, Trading Places is still a vintage in its own right. Trading Places, starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a con artist and a position-shifting investment banker as a component. of a bet of two million.
Stand By Me is one of the best coming-of-age dramas of the ’80s, if at all. Adapted from a Stephen King short story called The Body, the tale offers an original portrait of adolescence with an iconic soundtrack.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tells the story of a top-notch student who is in poor health and spends the day with his most productive friend and girlfriend, while his dean tries to spy on him. It is an undeniable plot that has stood the test of time. thanks to its delicate exploration of past formative years and memorable comedic moments.
The Shining is arguably one of the most influential horror films of all time, with Jack Nicholson delivering the terrifying portrait of a man slowly descending into madness in a secluded hotel. Directed by legendary director Stanley Kubrick, the old film is still used as a reference point through filmmakers today.
Lauren is the former deputy virtual editor of Woman.