There are just certain movies throughout history that everyone needs to see. But for millennials (born roughly between 1981 and 1996), there’s a chance that they may not have been old enough to catch all the classic movies from the 1980s. And that’s just not okay.
Always here to help, FANDOM is providing a list of the eight ’80s movies that are essential viewing for anyone obsessed with pop culture.
The Goonies
The 1980s were filled with coming-of-age stories featuring a group of young best friends, but none make as big of an impact as The Goonies. The film tells the story of kids who embark on a treasure hunt — based on a map from a pirate named One-Eyed Willie — and have to fight off scary fugitives in the process. Even if you’ve never seen the movie, chances are good you’ve heard of the Truffle Shuffle or the quote, “Hey, you guys!” courtesy of the monster-faced Sloth. There’s a reason we’re still quoting the film more than three decades after its release, so do yourself a favor and add it to your watch list.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Mixing cartoons with live-action actors has never been as fun as in this 1988 film about 1947 Hollywood. A-list Toon Roger Rabbit is framed for murder, so he teams up with down-on-his-luck private investigator Eddie Valiant to clear his name. Between the sexy siren Jessica Rabbit, the cursing cartoons, and that Judge Doom melting cartoon scene, it’s hard to believe we watched this movie as kids. But it’s easy to see why it’s still so good as an adult.
Breakfast Club
John Hughes was the king of ’80s teen flicks, and his 1985 classic The Breakfast Club is the perfect example of why. Set inside a high school during Saturday morning detention, the film brings together five teenage stereotypes — the jock, the princess, the rebel, the brain, and the outcast — and teaches them that they’re not so different after all. Detention has never been so fun — or more like a group therapy session — than in this must-see movie.
Ghostbusters
Horror fans who came of age in the ’80s have a special place in their hearts for Ghostbusters — just look at the uproar that was made when they announced the all-female reboot in 2016. While the hate was unjustified, the passion at least makes sense, as the film’s charismatic stars helped make it an instant classic. The special effects may look cheesy today, but they were a big-budget spectacle back in 1984. And when you add in the nostalgia factor, Ghostbusters absolutely still holds up.
Dirty Dancing
Even if you haven’t seen Dirty Dancing, you know the film’s most iconic scene, in which Jennifer Grey leaps into Patrick Swayze’s arms to the sweet sounds of the movie’s theme song, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.” Since it debuted in 1987, the legendary moment has been parodied non-stop in commercials and films, including a memorable moment between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Dare to tell a child of the ’80s that you’ve never seen Dirty Dancing and prepare to see a meltdown of epic proportions.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
When it comes to inspiring kids to live their absolute best lives, no movie compares to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Matthew Broderick’s titular character had every student’s dream day when he played hooky from school with his beautiful girlfriend and neurotic best pal. It was a master class in pretending to be sick while serving up magical moments like joyriding in a Ferrari and performing “Twist and Shout” on top of a parade float. When it comes to being cool, no one did it better in the ’80s than Ferris Bueller.
The Princess Bride
This movie has it all: pirates, princesses, monsters, magic, sword fights, danger, and romance. It is a classic adventure from start to finish and captivated kids of the ’80s in inexplicable ways. While those who have seen it would benefit from an additional viewing for a nostalgic trip back in time, adults watching for the first time are guaranteed to appreciate the movie’s epic story and classic characters.
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton directed some of the creepiest, coolest movies of the late ’80s and early ’90s, and the era seemed to officially kick off with Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton plays the titular ghost who comes from the Netherworld to help a recently deceased couple scare away the new inhabitants of their countryside home. Hilarity and chaos ensue as the characters deal with an assortment of otherworldly characters. It’s also Burton’s first team up with Michael Keaton, making it the perfect introduction to the duo’s next project together, Batman, the following year.
