My 5 Fave 80’s Flicks
Written by Suzanne on January 9, 2009
Alright so I might be dating myself AGAIN, but it’s true, I was a teen in the decade of decadence. Here we are in 2009 and I’ve seen more than a few actors from the 80′s in the media this week.
From Molly Ringwald on ABC’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Marisa Tomei promoting her new film The Wrestler, I find myself humming the theme song to It’s a Different World and singing Don’t You Forget about Me by Simple Minds.
So here they are:
My 5 Fave 80’s Flicks
1. Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986)
The ultimate ditch day! Who knew Ferris would grow up and marry the girl on Square Pegs?
If you still find yourself chanting SAVE FERRIS, you might want to buy a t-shirt here.
2. The Highlander (1986)
There can be only one!
This statement is not only the key idea to the storyline but it’s also true. While the first movie is a classic with unique cinematography, amazing performances by Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, it also boasts a killer soundtrack by Queen.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think the Highlander films that came out after the 1986 version were as legendary. I did enjoy The Highlander television series but it can’t be compared to the distinctiveness of the first film.
3. Back to the Future (1985)
Sci-Fi meets Comedy with a blast to the past and then back to the future again. With all the rockabilly Stray Cats music I was listening to at the time it was great fun being transported to 1955. Everyone wanted a time traveling DeLorean after watching this retro flick.
The official BTTF news site gives you a daily jolt of about 1.21 jigowatts and you can rent out the DeLorean if you’re interested.
4. The Outsiders (1983)
After reading the novel by S.E. Hinton, I was hooked on the storyline and fell in love with the film. Not to mention crushing over every hot young actor involved. Ironically, I didn’t think Ponyboy was golden. It was scrawny little Johnny that stole my heart.
Like so many teen girls romanticizing The Greasers on the big screen, I could recite at will at least 3-4 lines from the film:
“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight, from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home.”—Ponyboy
“I hope I never see Dallas Winston again. If I do I’d… probably fall in love with him.” —Cherry
“Let’s do it for Johnny man! We’ll do it for Johnny!”—Dallas
5. The Breakfast Club (1985)
This John Hughes classic is the movie I can watch over and over again. Like so many teens in the 1980’s this was the film that spoke directly to our teenage angst, intensity, issues, and triumphs.
The day in the life of 5 teens, The Criminal, The Princess, The Brain, The Athlete, and The Basket Case. Which one were you in high school?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Great post! I totally agree with you on all points- although I’d add The Princess Bride as a top 5 favorite!
The Outsiders- wow, who knew we were learning to love Robert Frost while we crushed on the brat packs little bros? And I am with you on the Karate Kid- I had posters of young Mr Macchio plastered all over!
January 9th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Cool List!
I was a boy who liked explosions and magic, so I am going by that :)
My 5:
The Predator
Blade Runner
Conan the barbarian
The labyrinth
Spaceballs
January 9th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
C. Thomas Howell had a striking resemblance to my first big crush (who incidentally moved to Washington State-leaving me heartbroken) I put up so many tiger beat posters of him!
I totally agree with your top 5, except for Highlander-eh-so, so? How about Sixteen candles, or the other Mollie Ringwald one with Ducky & Blain? oh, and how about when Anthony Micheal Hall “grew” up & out of his nerdiness in “Johnny Be Good” OMG-I fell in love with him in that movie!!! but maybe that was 1990? Yea, I totally date my own self, too!! oh, well we’re in this together! ha ha ;)
January 10th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
@petemayo love Conan! Like The Highlander the first was a classic. The sequels well… if I can’t say something nice…
@M I loved anything with Anthony Michael Hall in the 80′s. In fact I love anything with him these days too. lol I’m still mourning the loss of The Dead Zone TV series. Lucky for me I have the Boxed sets on DVD. Weird Science could easily have been on my 5 fave list.
@BarefootOCmama YAY for The Princess Bride!
January 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
i like your 5 movies…but there really were too many great films in the 80′s to list just 5.
i would have to disagree with highlander being in there and instead choose Terminator. The 1st Terminator is without comparison.
I don’t know how i’d list them, but i think some that deserve mention are Platoon, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Aliens, Top Gun, Ghostbusters…and my personal FAVORITE 2 movies from the 1980′s are without question, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Yes. I’m a hopeless Star Wars geek. But hey!!!, chicks LOVE Star Wars geeks. I’m absolutely convinced of that…lol…
January 10th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
and dammit, i forgot to mention any of the rocky/rambo movies that came out in the 80′s…
ooops…!!!
January 10th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
@Chad Terminator over The Highlander? hmmm? Great list you have there. “I feel the need, the need for speed. I also have a taste for Reeses Pieces now.”;)
January 10th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
ok. sorry for all the posts, but i have put a great deal of thought into this. THANKS A LOT HIH!!!
1. Conan the Barbarian
2. Terminator
3. Empire Strikes Back
4. Return of the Jedi
5. Aliens
Thats my 5 and i’m stickin to it.
January 11th, 2009 at 10:50 am
yes, chad chicks dig star wars geeks- and having been married to one long enough, I can tell you it rubs off! Jedi is my favorite…
January 12th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
All good choices! Sixteen Candles, Fast Times, and Valley Girl though also top my list.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
@Mel Valley Girl was a great one. Thanks for reminding me. I still say totally, like and really in daily conversation. Luckily I don’t say “gag me with a spoon” anymore.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Excellent list! Especially BTTF and the Breakfast Club. I too was a Labyrinth freak, gave me a huge crush on David Bowie. HUGE.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
for me, Pretty in Pink and Fast Times…but I’ll never forget TV shows like Facts of Life and series like “Winds of War”/”North and South”!