Top 20 Iconic Movies for 80s Kids

If you were a kid in the 80s, you probably watched a handful of movies constantly – on VHS, cable, and whenever they came on TV. These films became a huge part of our childhoods, and we still see references to them in pop culture today. They often blended genres like sci-fi, fantasy, and teen comedies, and really resonated with kids and teenagers at the time. Here’s a list of twenty movies that defined movie night for a whole generation.

‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)

‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ is about a young, lonely boy named Elliott who finds and shelters a lost alien in his house. The movie tells the story of their growing friendship as Elliott and his siblings work to help the alien contact his people and get back home, all while trying to stay hidden from the authorities. The film’s realistic suburban setting, special effects, and the natural performances of the child actors help keep the heartwarming connection between Elliott and the alien at the center of the story. The movie is famous for memorable scenes, like the iconic shot of kids flying on bicycles in front of the moon, which became instantly beloved by audiences.

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

In ‘Back to the Future,’ teenager Marty McFly travels back in time using a specially-built DeLorean created by his quirky friend, Doc Brown. When Marty unintentionally disrupts his parents’ first encounter, he must fix things to ensure his own future isn’t erased. The movie cleverly switches between the 1980s and the 1950s, highlighting the differences between generations through relatable scenes of family and school life. With its unique time travel logic, funny moments, and iconic imagery, the film turned the DeLorean and the clock tower into unforgettable symbols for a generation.

‘The Goonies’ (1985)

‘The Goonies’ is about a group of kids who find an old pirate map just as their neighborhood is about to be torn down for new construction. They embark on an exciting underground journey to find the legendary treasure of One-Eyed Willy, hoping it will save their homes. Throughout their adventure, they face dangerous traps, encounter some bad guys, and learn about the power of friendship and working together. The movie captured the imagination of a generation, showing how curiosity and teamwork can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

Ghostbusters tells the story of three scientists who are fired from their university positions and decide to become professional ghost hunters in New York City. They create their own ghost-catching equipment – including proton packs and traps – and use a modified hearse as their vehicle. While responding to reports of hauntings, they discover a bigger supernatural problem linked to an old, powerful being and a particularly spooky apartment building. The movie became a huge hit with audiences in the 80s thanks to its mix of humor, impressive special effects, and memorable theme song, making the Ghostbusters team and their logo instantly recognizable.

‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)

‘The Karate Kid’ follows Daniel, a teenager who relocates and quickly faces harassment from a group of karate bullies. He surprisingly finds guidance from Mr. Miyagi, the handyman in his building, who teaches him karate through seemingly ordinary tasks focused on discipline and balance. The training emphasizes self-defense and patience. The film culminates in a memorable tournament, famous for its iconic crane kick and the triumph of the underdog.

‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

‘The Breakfast Club’ is set mostly inside a high school library during a Saturday detention. Five very different students – a jock, a nerd, a popular girl, a rebel, and a loner – are stuck spending the day together. As they talk, they open up about the pressures they face at home and at school, revealing things they normally keep private. For many who grew up in the 80s, the movie captured what it felt like to be in high school – the way students are labeled, the things they struggle with, and the hidden difficulties behind everyday school life.

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ is a comedy about a charming high schooler who decides to ditch class for a fun-filled day in Chicago. He convinces his worried friend and the friend’s doubting girlfriend to join him, and they borrow a fancy car for their adventure. Throughout the day, they visit famous landmarks, enjoy meals, and even stumble into a parade, all while trying to avoid getting caught by the school principal and Ferris’s nosey sister. The movie portrays a lighthearted take on teenage rebellion, focusing on playful schemes, the excitement of the city, and the importance of seizing the moment.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

I first met Indiana Jones in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ and I was instantly hooked! The movie follows him on a thrilling hunt for the Ark of the Covenant, always one step ahead of the Nazis. It’s amazing how the film jumps from ancient temples in South America to dusty digs in the desert, blending real history with that classic, over-the-top adventure feel. Seriously, the traps, the snakes, the chases… it never lets up! And of course, Indy’s whip and hat are just iconic. As a kid growing up in the 80s, it felt like watching a real-life action comic come to life – full of travel, ancient secrets, and stunts that looked genuinely dangerous.

‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

‘The Empire Strikes Back’ picks up where the last film left off, following Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they fight back against the powerful Galactic Empire. The movie begins with the rebels hiding on the frozen planet Hoth, and soon the characters are separated on different journeys – including Luke learning the ways of the Force from the Jedi Master Yoda. We’re introduced to exciting new places like the city of Bespin, and the film dives deeper into the Force with more thrilling lightsaber duels and mysterious visions. Plus, a shocking plot twist became a huge talking point for audiences when the film was released.

‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983)

‘Return of the Jedi’ concludes the original Star Wars trilogy with a daring rescue mission to save Han Solo and a climactic showdown against the Emperor. The film centers around the Empire building a new, more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel Alliance launching a large-scale attack to finally defeat them. The story unfolds with action happening in three places: ground battles in the forests of Endor, exciting spaceship fights, and Luke Skywalker’s internal battle against the dark side while facing the Emperor. For many who grew up in the 80s, the film is fondly remembered for its iconic scenes featuring the Ewoks, Jabba the Hutt’s palace, and the celebratory ending.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

The movie ‘Gremlins’ starts with a young man getting a cute, furry creature called a Mogwai as a pet, but he’s given three important rules: keep it away from bright light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. When these rules are ignored, the Mogwai starts multiplying and turns into playful but destructive gremlins who cause trouble all over town during the holidays. The film uses impressive practical effects and miniature sets to show the gremlins creating chaos in homes, a movie theater, and local shops. ‘Gremlins’ gave 1980s audiences a unique blend of comedy and scares that was both fun and a little creepy.

‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

I remember being completely captivated by ‘The NeverEnding Story’ when I first saw it! It’s about a really shy boy, Bastian, who finds this incredible book about a magical place called Fantasia. As I followed the story, I learned about a young warrior trying to save Fantasia from this terrifying force called the Nothing. What really blew my mind were the amazing creatures – Falkor the luckdragon, this giant turtle, and the rockbiter – they brought the whole world to life with incredible puppets and sets. It was such a cool idea that I, as the reader, could somehow affect what happened in the story – it really made me think about the power of imagination, and it’s stuck with me ever since!

‘Labyrinth’ (1986)

The movie ‘Labyrinth’ centers around Sarah, a teenager who impulsively wishes her baby brother away, then must venture into a magical and ever-changing maze to save him from the Goblin King. Filled with music, impressive visual effects, and puppets created by Jim Henson, the story follows Sarah as she tackles challenges and learns about growing up. For many who grew up in the 80s, ‘Labyrinth’ was a uniquely memorable film, blending fantastical elements with a relatable, everyday setting.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

‘The Princess Bride’ is framed as a grandfather telling a story to his sick grandson, mixing classic fairytale themes with comedy and excitement. The story centers on Westley and Buttercup, who are torn apart by pirates, scheming politicians, and mercenaries in a kingdom populated by quirky characters. Filled with sword fights, daring rescues, and a dangerous trek through the Fire Swamp, the film playfully updates familiar fairytale tropes with a witty, modern feel. Audiences in the 1980s found it to be a storybook-like movie that also felt new and clever.

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

‘Top Gun’ centers around Maverick, a gifted but reckless Navy pilot, as he attends a highly competitive fighter weapons school. The movie features impressive training flights with real planes performing stunts over the ocean, where pilots vie for the highest scores. We also see what life is like for these pilots – from classroom lessons and volleyball games to hanging out at the local bar. With its thrilling flight sequences, memorable music, and focus on pilot nicknames and gear, ‘Top Gun’ really captured the attention of a generation who watched it in theaters and at home.

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ is a film set in 1940s Los Angeles, where cartoon characters and people coexist. The story centers on a detective who’s hired to investigate a case involving the famous cartoon star, Roger Rabbit, and uncovers a much bigger plot that threatens all cartoon characters. The movie was groundbreaking for its time, seamlessly blending hand-drawn animation with live-action footage and realistic effects. For audiences growing up in the 80s, it offered a fresh and unique experience by combining classic cartoon styles with the atmosphere of film noir.

‘Stand by Me’ (1986)

‘Stand by Me’ is a coming-of-age story about four young friends who embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy near the railroad tracks. As they walk through the woods and their town, they talk openly about their families, their fears, and what they hope for the future. The film is framed by a narrator looking back on this trip as a pivotal childhood experience. It resonated with audiences growing up in the 80s because it offered a relatable and realistic portrayal of friendship and growing up, different from many of the more imaginative adventures popular at the time.

‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

‘Dirty Dancing’ takes place at a summer resort where a naive young woman, called Baby, falls for a dance teacher named Johnny. While the resort offers typical vacation activities, the staff also enjoys secret, lively dance parties, introducing Baby to a different side of life. The movie centers on Baby and Johnny preparing for an important performance, all while navigating issues of social class, family pressures, and a health scare involving someone close to them. With its memorable dancing, music, and beautiful location, the film captured the spirit of the 80s and became a defining experience for many teenagers.

‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989)

‘The Little Mermaid’ is the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who makes a deal – she gives up her voice to become human and try to win the heart of a prince. The movie creates a vibrant underwater world with bright animation, catchy songs, and fun characters like Sebastian and Flounder. It then shows the contrast between life in the palace and the risks Ariel takes with the sea witch, as she races against time to complete her transformation. For many who grew up in the 80s, ‘The Little Mermaid’ was a groundbreaking animated musical, remembered for its beautiful animation and unforgettable songs, often first experienced in movie theaters or on home video.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1990)

The movie ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ brings the popular comic book and cartoon characters to life with incredibly detailed costumes and special effects. It tells the story of four turtle brothers who learn martial arts from their rat sensei, Splinter, and secretly fight crime in New York City’s sewers. The film features exciting action sequences, as well as lighter moments, and introduces the Turtles’ enemies, the Foot Clan, led by Shredder. For many who enjoyed the Turtles as kids in the late 80s, the movie was a nostalgic trip back to the toys, cartoons, and games they loved.

Tell us your all-time favorite movies from when you were a kid in the 80s! We want to know which ones you still enjoy watching now.

2025-11-14 21:49