Being a teenager today can get a little overwhelming- sometimes you just want to travel back in time, and experience, albeit digitally, life in the 80’s! What better way to do so than grab some popcorn and watch some iconic movies from the decade? Here is a list of 5 must-see movies from the era of big hair and shoulder pads:
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
“A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel, and a recluse”
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The Breakfast Club is a classic 80’s movie that explores the stereotypes and complex social network of high school, and, really, of life itself. The amazing thing is that the whole movie is set in the Saturday morning detention experience of five teenagers: John (Judd Nelson), Allison (Ally Sheedy), Brian (Anthony Michael Hall), and Andrew (Emilio Estevez). Despite its comedic and lighthearted aspects, the film brings light to many social issues that modern teenagers can relate to. Overall, with its iconic characters, dialogue, and soundtrack, it is definitely a great addition to your must-see movies list!
2. Dead Poets Society (1989)
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
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This amazing movie follows the experiences of John Keating (Robin Williams), a welcomingly unconventional new teacher at an all-boys boarding school, and a few of the students. These characters navigate various expectations and pressures, from the school faculty, family, and even their own peers. Although it may seem quite somber and depressing at times, it actually has quite an inspiring overall message: “carpe diem” or “seize the day”. This moving film will sure to be worth your while!
3. 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.”
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As crazy as it sounds, this incredible movie tells the story of one eventful day in which Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), Cameron (Alan Ruck), and Ferris’s girlfriend, Solane (Mia Sara), decide to skip school! The trio find themselves in various unexpected yet exciting situations throughout, and they continually dodge encounters with their principal, parents, and Ferris’ sister. All in all, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a great uplifting movie to watch that reminds us all to have fun and enjoy the small moments in life.
4. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
“‘All we are is dust in the wind, dude’”
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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure follows the story of, well, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves), two high school boys trying to complete their history project. In this lighthearted and hilarious comedy, the two go back in time to different historical periods in order to gather information for their project and, of course, have some fun along the way! This short but sweet movie is sure to provide some laughs.
5. E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
“E.T. phone home.”
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The life of a young boy, Elliot (Henry Thomas), and his little sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), is changed dramatically when he finds himself befriending and sheltering an alien, E.T. As they attempt to get E.T. back home, they face many challenges, including but not limited to federal authorities! In the end, however, this is quite a wholesome movie that is sure to lift your spirits.
Thanks for reading and happy movie-watching!
Ooh I’ll definitely check these out!
I love all these movies so much! The Breakfast Club is such a good movie!