Some films are simply timeless. Although they seemed like basic pop culture at the time of their release, many teen movies from the 80s have become cultural classics. These 80s movies are just as heartwarming, funny, and relatable today as they were decades ago. Viewers today have the bonus of enjoying nostalgic performances from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Many enduring stars of today got their start in 80s teen movies. Whether it’s the second time or the tenth time, these films deserve another rewatch.
10. Teen Wolf Stars A Beloved Actor
Michael J. Fox had his acting heyday in the 80s and early 90s. Teen Wolf was one of his many standout roles from the 1980s. Like many teen films of the time, Teen Wolf had a simple premise: a teenage boy enjoys a relatively ordinary high school existence until he discovers that he is a werewolf. The film performed well enough to spawn an impressive six sequels over the years. In addition, there was a television series based on the film, and Paramount+ plans to release a new revival movie soon.
9. The Outsiders Brought A Novel To Life
The Outsiders is a 1967 coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton. The novel details the harsh, sometimes violent realities of being a teenager. Francis Ford Coppola adapted the novel into a 1983 film of the same name. The Outsiders has an impressive cast list: Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, and many more. The film accurately captures the tragedy and drama of the original novel in Coppola’s signature style. Fans today will enjoy seeing iconic actors in one of their earliest roles when they rewatch this 80s movie.
8. Pretty In Pink Is A Perfect Teen Movie
Pretty in Pink is the sort of 80s movie that fans can rewatch over and over again. The story never gets old. Molly Ringwald stars as Andie Walsh, a teen girl who has to choose between dating the most popular boy in school or returning the affections of her childhood best friend, Duckie (played by Jon Cryer). The film has everything viewers want from an 80s teen movie: comedy, romance, iconic fashion, and a heartwarming ending.
7. St. Elmo’s Fire Depicts The College Experience
St. Elmo’s Fire is a coming-of-age drama about the realities of life after graduation. The film follows seven friends on their quest to enter “the real world.” The movie captures a very unique time in a young person’s life, as friendships began to change and fade in the transition to adulthood. This is yet another teen film from the 80s with a star-studded cast, including Demi Moore and Rob Lowe. It also has an excellent soundtrack, which 80s music fans will enjoy just as much as the film itself.
6. Sixteen Candles Is Funny And Relatable
Sixteen Candles is a hilarious tale about a young girl whose entire family forgets her sixteenth birthday. This 80s movie has a perfect balance of teenage angst and family comedy. Molly Ringwald stars as Samantha, an awkward teen who is just trying to survive high school and her sister’s impending wedding. Samantha perfectly encapsulates the letdown of turning sixteen, which makes her relatable for nostalgic viewers. The film also features a young John Cusack, as well as Anthony Michael Hall. Selena Gomez is reportedly developing a Sixteen Candles television reboot, but no release date is confirmed yet.
5. Footloose Is The Quintessential Musical 80s Movie
Many music-based movies debuted on the silver screen in the 80s, but this teen movie was among the best. Footloose stars a young Kevin Bacon, who moves from a big city to a tiny town where dancing has been banned. Lori Singer plays opposite Bacon as popular girl-turned love interest Ariel. Bacon’s character may begin the film as a classic “new kid in town,” but he turns the small town on its head by reintroducing dancing and rock music to the other teens. Of course, a musical movie is only as good as its soundtrack, and this teen movie definitely delivers on that front. The film’s soundtrack received several Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy nominations in 1985.
4. Heathers Features The Original Mean Girls
Before Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried brought Mean Girls to life in 2004, there was “The Heathers.” Heathers premiered in 1989 and starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Ryder’s character tries to break into a popular clique at her new high school, but things quickly go horribly wrong. The clique is made up of girls who were all named Heather, and when Ryder’s character teams up with a sociopathic new kid, the Heathers become popular for something else: their unintentional deaths. This black comedy is a perfect balance of darkness and laughs and is even better on a rewatch.
3. Back To The Future Launched A Franchise
There’s no question that the 1985 teen movie Back To The Future is a cult classic. This zany sci-fi film stars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Llyod, two silver screen favorites of the decade. The film launched a trilogy of canonical movies, but there was also an animated TV series based on the franchise, as well as a line of comics. The film consistently tops lists of the best 80s movies ever made and is arguably Michael J. Fox’s most well-loved project to date.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Is A National Treasure
It’s a rare feat for a film to make it onto the National Film Registry List for preservation. It’s even rarer for a teen movie to make the list. However, that’s exactly what the 1986 comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off managed to do. The film put Matthew Broderick on the map, and also starred Alan Ruck and Jennifer Grey. From the iconic red Ferrari to the memorable catchphrases, Ferris Bueller is an 80s movie that truly never ages and is always fun to rewatch. The film stands alone – no sequels, reboots, or remakes – and that’s probably for the best. It would be impossible to recapture the true magic of this classic movie.
1. The Breakfast Club Is An Enduring Classic
The Breakfast Club is among the most recognizable films of the 1980s. This unassuming teen movie about a group of kids stuck in Saturday detention together is deeply embedded in the cultural vernacular. Many people can quote classic references from the film – even some who have never seen it. The movie stars some of the biggest names of the decade: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Judd Nelson. In 2016, it was selected for National Film Registry preservation due to its historical significance. The Breakfast Club is equally satisfying on every rewatch.
