Movies From The 80’s That Are Still Popular Today

Batman (1989)

We’re sure you’ve seen a Batman film before, but have you seen the original from 1989? The movie is about the main character, Bruce Wayne, who disguises himself as a character called Batman and fights crimes in Gotham City. The movie is based around Batman fighting his arch-nemesis, The Joker, who takes over Gotham City and trying to regain control while protecting the love of his life. This movie grossed a whopping $411.5 million!

Batman 1989

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

This is one movie that everyone should see at least once in their life. Ferris Bueller, a high school-aged boy, calls in sick from school pretending to be his parents, makes an intricate disguise in his bedroom in case a family member opens his door, sneaks out and “borrows” a Ferrari from his friend’s dad, and embarks on a one-day journey through downtown Chicago. Ferris is unknowingly trying to beat the clock all day, as his high school principal has caught onto his act. Will he make it home in time before he gets busted? This classic movie made $70.1 million.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

The Breakfast Club (1985)

This is another classic 80s movie based in Chicago, but this plotline is much different from that of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. A group of high schoolers that come from totally opposite social scenes ends up in Saturday detention together, supervised by their power-hungry principal. With an interesting turn of events, the group has the opportunity to come together and tell each of their personal stories. By the end of the day, this uncommon bunch finds themselves questioning whether their time at school will ever be the same again.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Die Hard (1989)

The fact that this 1989 film grossed $140.8 million in the box office just goes to show what a hit it truly was. People loved it back then and people still love it today! The film is about a man named John McClane who is visiting his wife and children on Christmas Eve, but he quickly realizes the party they’re at has been hijacked and he needs to find a way to save the day. Talk about a thriller!

Die Hard (1988)

Ghostbusters (1984)

This movie’s featured song is almost as famous as the movie itself! The movie is about a team of scientists who lose their regular jobs and now need a way to pay the bills; they decide to become “ghostbusters” to wage a battle with supernaturals for money. They accidentally find a gateway to another dimension, which becomes a pathway for evil to be released upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction. I bet that’s not what they thought they signed up for! This movie grossed $295.2 million and even had a remake in 2016.

Ghostbusters (1984)

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Did you know that E.T. is the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time in Canada and the United States? It made $792.9 million! How crazy is that? This movie features Drew Barrymore, a popular American actress, when she was just a small child. The movie is about an alien that becomes stranded on earth, and even after these children keep the secret about E.T. being at their home, something happens to him which requires action to be taken.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator was one of the biggest films that Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in, which helped him reach such a high and well-deserved level of fame for his work. The plot of this movie has many twists and turns and will likely bring along some unlikely events throughout, but that’s for you to see for yourself! We’ll tell you one thing: it involves a cyborg. This hit movie made $78.3 million.

The Terminator (1984)

The Thing (1982)

This unique movie, which takes place in Antarctica, involves a group of American research scientists who are abruptly interrupted at their base camp by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog! At first, they have no idea what was going on, so they wanted to help. When they take in the dog, it brutally attacks both human beings and canines in the camp and they discover that this creature can assume the shape of its victims. You’ll have to watch to find out how it ends, but it’s worth it; this movie made $19.6 million at the box office.

The Thing (1982)

The Shining (1980)

We’re sure you’ve seen some of the iconic scenes from this movie before, even if you haven’t realized where they came from. The film takes place in Colorado, where Jack Torrance settles into a Colorado hotel with his wife and son, where they will be living for the winter season. Jack is a writer and has been experiencing writer’s block, and his son Danny has been experiencing strange thoughts coming from unknown places. As Jack’s writing does not improve and Danny’s visions become even more disturbing, Jack discovers some of the hotel’s dark secrets and begins down a dark path.

The Shining (1980)

Back To The Future (1985)

In this sci-fi classic, small-town California teen Marty McFly is thrown back into the ’50s when an experiment by his friend Doc Brown goes south. Traveling through time in a modified DeLorean, Marty encounters young versions of his parents and must make sure that they fall in love or he won’t exist anymore in present-time. Even more nerve-wracking, Marty has to return to present-time and save the life of Doc Brown. Sounds stressful for a teenager! This movie was a huge hit, making $389.1 million.

Back To The Future (1985)

Overboard (1987)

Stuck up, rich Joanna Stayton is living the dream life with her husband Grant when she falls off their yacht and suffers from amnesia. Grant takes this golden ticket opportunity to get rid of his up-tight wife, meanwhile, someone else who leads a much different lifestyle comes in and claims Joanna to be his wife. This funny classic starring Goldie Hawn made $26.7 million at the box office.

Overboard (1987)

Blade Runner (1982)

This $32.9 million film is another classic sci-fi from the 80s. In this film, Deckard, the main character, is forced by the police to continue a hunt for creatures who have come to earth who shouldn’t be there. There is one big issue that comes up with his project, but to find out what it is you’ll have to watch the film.

Blade Runner (1982)

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

This teen drama is a classic take on high school dating. When a shy girl asks her friend for dating advice and takes it, she quickly ends up in a situation that nobody wants to be in. With side-plots strategically placed throughout the film, we quickly learn about the ins and outs of the lives of all of these teenagers. This movie is still quite popular today, and it made $50 million in the box office.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Even if you’ve never seen this top-rated film, we’re sure you’ve heard the featured song, “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life”, which is also still a popular hit today! The movie will capture your attention and take you on a journey through the life of Baby and Johnny, who find each other in an unlikely situation. The film will warm your heart and make you want to watch it over and over. Dirty Dancing grossed $214.6 million!

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Top Gun (1986)

If you enjoy action movies and Tom Cruise, this one’s for you. It takes place in a naval fighter weapons school where a showoff joins the class and doesn’t quite see eye-to-eye with the other classmates. All while trying to secure the top spot in school, this hotshot is also trying to win over a lovely woman at school. This suspenseful movie grossed $815.5 million to date!

Top Gun (1986)

Sixteen Candles (1984)

This is a movie like no other, and no matter how long it’s been since it was released, nothing similar can top it. Molly Ringwald stars in Sixteen Candles as a typical angsty teenager who just wants the spotlight on her, but when she’s overshadowed by her siblings she enters her 16th year on a low note. Ringwald’s character, Samantha, is struggling with having an interest in the coolest boy in school all while trying to fight off the nerdy boy who is interested in her. The popular movie made $23.7 million and is still watched by teenagers today!

Sixteen Candles (1984)

Pretty In Pink (1986)

It seems like we are seeing a trend with all of the hit movies that Molly Ringwald starred in! This is another story about a high school-aged girl who finds herself in a sticky situation between a boy who is interested in her and the boy she’s interested in. This time, the cool boy is interested back, but Ringwald’s character quickly learns the difficulties of dating someone who is not in your social circle. Pretty In Pink made $40.4 million at the box office.

Pretty In Pink (1986)

Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice is the kind of Halloween movie that caters both to children and adults; it’s a little scary but still completely child-friendly. It’s so child-friendly, actually, that around Halloween it’s sometimes played on Disney Channel! The movie gets spooky when ghosts get involved, but it is a great Tim Burton movie for family night. The eerie movie made $74.2 million.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Footloose (1984)

This is a classic movie about a newcomer to a small town who tries to shake things up and make things different for once. Kevin Bacon stars in this film where he defies all odds, breaks a couple of rules, and makes a new life for himself in a place he never thought he’d fit into. This hit movie was remade in 2011, and the original made $80 million in the box office.

Footloose (1984)

Scarface (1983)

Did you know that the 1983 version of the film Scarface is actually not the original version? It’s a remake of the same film from 1932! The background of the movie is that the main character, Tony Montana, gets a green card in exchange for assassinating a Cuban government official, and afterward, he stakes a claim on the drug trade in Miami. This crime movie raised $65.9 million in the box office!

Scarface (1983)

The Karate Kid (1984)

This 1984 film has an 88% approval rating and earned itself $91 million in the box offices! The storyline will melt your heart; it’s a classic film of an older gentleman taking a young boy under his wing and teaching him his ways so he can stand up for himself in a tough crowd. It’s a must-see, that’s for sure.

The Karate Kid (1984)

The Princess Bride (1987)

This film has a whopping 97% approval rating! That must mean it’s an incredible movie. This fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love will pull you in and take you on their adventure with them. Like most fairytales, he must find her after a long separation and save her in order for them to live happily ever after.

The Princess Bride (1987)

The Goonies (1985)

This 1985 film will take you for a ride, along with the children in the film. These adventure-seekers find a treasure map and decide to follow along with it! They get into plenty of mischiefs along the way, that’s for sure. This movie will definitely have you smiling.

The Goonies (1985)

Robocop (1987)

Robocop is a science-fiction classic that is smart, shockingly violent, and satirical. It shows the effects of media on society, and also highlights capitalism and authoritarianism. The topics introduced in Robocop are popularly discussed today. Also, it is acknowledged for being ahead of its time. This classic is a must-see!

Robocop (1987)

The Color Purple (1982)

Steven Speilberg adapted Alice Walker’s historical novel about African-American women in the deep south set in the 1900s. The messages of the film are as relevant today as they were 30+ years ago. The film features a standout cast including Woopie Golberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover.

The Color Purple 1982

Stand By Me (1986)

This story was made in 1986 but set in 1959 making it feel timeless. It is told through flashbacks and accounts for the mischievous and adventures of a group of friends. This film is said to have substance and a spirit similar to the popular Netflix sensation Stranger Things.

Stand By Me (1986)

Blue Velvet (1986)

This nightmare evoking thriller is more disturbing as time passes. Its abstract nature, idyllic small-town setting, and Lynchian style make the imagery permanently glued to our minds. Many directors worked on the film and continue to inspire the new generation of filmmakers.

Blue Velvet (1986)

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids represents the debut of Director Joe Johnson. It also represented a breakthrough in special effects. Although there have been vast improvements in these areas, nonetheless the story is still touching and entertaining. What’s more, movies are being made today that coping shrinking down to teeny sizes, a concept first introduced in this film.

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

Short Circuit (1986)

Short Circuit made in 1986, Number 5, a robot on its journey from a research center to the real world. This comic science fiction film received considerable attention through its solid cast and loveable cast. Today it’s one of the decades most memorable films.

Short Circuit 1986

Ladyhawke (1985)

Set in medieval France, Michaelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick star in this romantic fantasy film. It follows the story of a pickpocket and a knight on a journey to find love while conquering evil. Although it’s a crowd favorite, it has no relation to the 2018 film Lady Bird.

Ladyhawke (1985)

An American Werewolf In London (1981)

An American Werewolf In London does what most horror comedies almost always do unsuccessfully. This film combines legitimate scares with genuine laughs. Actor David Naughton transforms into one of the most terrifying werewolves ever seen on film. This genre is difficult to conquer but director John Landis manages to do so perfectly.

An American Werewolf In London (1981)

The Untouchables (1987)

Brian De Palma’s taut, thrilling The Untouchables satisfies all entertainment urges. This film is a first-rate period dama, that depicts the prohibition Era Chicago through characters Federal Agent Eliot Ness who sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster, Al Capone.

The Untouchables (1987)

Real Genius (1985)

Real Genius follows the story of teenage geniuses who are dealing with their abilities while creating a high powered laser for a school project. However, the film takes a twist when their professor wants to turn their creation into a military weapon.

Real Genius

Weird Science (1985)

In this 80’s classic, two high school nerds think they have come up with the ultimate plan. They decide to use their advanced computer programming skills to create the perfect woman. However, their plan goes wrong when the woman turns their lives completely upside down.

Weird Science (1985)

Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Set in 19365, the infamous archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to uncover the Ark of the Covenant before Adol Hitler and his nazi regime can use its remarkable powers.

Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

When a cartoon rabbit is accused of murder, a toon-hating detective is his only chance at innoence. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is directed by Robert Zemeckis and was a hit in the ’80s, yet still has relevance today.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Labyrinth (1986)

In 1986, David Bowie blew audiences away when he appeared as the Goblin in Labyrinth. the story follows sixteen-year-old Sarah, who is given only 13 hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when a Goblin grants her wish that he be taken away.

Labyrinth 1986

Legend (1985)

In this adventure film directed by Ridley Scott, a young man is put to the ultimate test. It is up to him to stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and from marrying the love of his life.

Legend (1985)

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

These two teenagers are ready to start their band when one of them is about to fail their history class. With the help of a time machine, these two dumb teenagers embark on an adventure to save their band by creating the best history project ever made.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Top Gun

The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to improve their elite flying skills. When one daring pilot joins the school, he is immediately at odds with the rest of the students because of his demeanor. Not only is he fighting to be the best pilot, but also for the attention of one beautiful young instructor.

Top Gun (1986)

Desperately Seeking Susan

When a bored suburban housewife seeks adventure and escapes from her ordained life, she, unfortunately, is involved in an accident. However, this accident may have been the best thing to happen to her because she ends up with amnesia, wakes up, and is mistaken for a free-spirited New York City drifter. Susan finally gets the attention she was craving all along.

Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)

Poltergeist (1982)

When creepy and unnatural things start happening to an average Californian family this family turn to an exorcist for help. Initially, the spirits start friendly and playful but then something terrible happens and they become unexpectedly evil.

Poltergeist 1982

Gremlins (1984)

A gadget salesman is looking for a special gift for his son when finds something at a store in Chinatown. When a young boy is given three specific rules for his new pet he accidentally unleashes a clan of malevolent monsters that create chaos in a town.

Gremlins (1984)