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?