The1980sis a decade in time that truly stands out from the rest. From hairbands to crazy neons, this period of history stretched pop culture to a whole new margin. The 80s changed cinema as a whole, in terms of both experience and special effects. Large blockbuster spectacles would sell tickets by the dozen, and films likeE.T. the Extra Terrestrial,became one of thebiggest box office successesof the decade.
Action, horror slashers, and adventure films all thrived during this boom in big screen blockbusters. Every decade has its most memorable films, but the 80s hold some of the most rewatchable. FromBack to the FuturetoDie Hard, here’s a list of the most rewatchable movies of the decade.
10National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Coming in just at the tail-end of the decade,National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacationis a holiday favorite and clocks in at number one onScreen Rant’s most quotable Christmas movies of all time. Clark Griswald (played by Chevy Chase) is determined to have the best Christmas ever with his entire family, however nothing seems to go as planed. Consequently, more mayhem than cheer falls upon the Griswald’s Christmas easily making it one of the most rewatchable holiday films to surface out of the 1980s.
Related:These ’80s Action Movies Would Make Great TV Shows
Die Hardis not only one of the most rewatchable movies of the 80s, but also the most debated. The events of the film take place on Christmas Eve and carry over into Christmas morning, which leaves film fans debating whether or notDie Hardcan be categorized as a holiday movie. Leading actor and face of the franchise, Bruce Willis, has had a career full ofessential film milestones. However, Willis has a hold onDie Hard’sleading man John McClane and would be impossible to replace. In all,Die Hardis the perfect example of an all out ’80s action film that is a guaranteed fun watch every time.
8The Goonies
The Gooniesmixes the talents of director Richard Donner and Steven Spielberg, ultimately resulting in a film that is jam-packed with adventure. The movie encompasses the very thing that defined the 80s in so many ways, and follows a similar structural to that of its counterparts. However, what makesThe Gooniesstand out from the rest is its innate ability to evoke child-like nostalgia at any given watch. A treasure map, a pirate, and a band of villains easily makesThe Gooniesan 80s classic for the ages.
7Ghostbusters
Ghostbustersis among one of the most beloved films of the 1980s, combining the comedic talents of Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. Part of the film’s success is attributed to the group moral between the actors, who play the four scientists who save the city from absolute ruin. The film ranks number three out of 140 onRotten Tomatoes' favorite ’80s movies list.
Due to the film’s success, a sequel was greenlit and released in 1989; however, it wasn’t nearly as regarded as the first installment. The mid-decade horror comedy is beloved by fans of both genres, and the well adapted script has continued relevance into modern pop culture today. In 2021, the franchise received a reboot treatment and saw the return of the original cast.
6Poltergeist
Poltergeistbrilliantly reflects the directorial talents of Steven Spielberg and Tobe Hooper. This combination resulted in a horror film that is absolutely terrifying at points, all while reflecting a picturesque “American Dream.” Sure, the effects are somewhat outdated through a modern lens, but it is hard to deny thatPoltergeiststands above other ghost filmsof any other era. The Freeling family is one that audiences truly root for, easily making them one of the greatest families in horror.
5Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Coming-of-age films have been a common staple in cinema for decades. However, none seem to pull it off as comically and effortlessly asFast Times at Ridgemont High.The film is packed with memorable scenes and quotable moments, mostly from Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli. Yet what makesFast Timesa rewatchable isn’t just the humor, or the infamous Phoebe Cates scene — it’s the film’s ultimate ability to be relatable not just in the ’80s, but to any high school teen, which may has an absolutely bonkers explanation as to how the film’s writer achieved this. According toFar Out Magazine,writer Cameron Crowe assumed an identity as a teenager and went back to the school almost eight years after graduating to gain insight for his book of the same name.
Related:12 Long-Forgotten ’80s B-Horror Movies
It is hard not to think ofGremlinswhen thinking about great ’80s films. Joe Dante’s masterpiece is a horror movie that blends fantasy and comedy, all while taking place on during Christmas. The holiday season is one of the pivotal plot points in the film, featuring the evil gremlins as Christmas carolers and allowing for Gizmo to be placed in a small Santa hat. Yet, the most stand-out Christmas artifact of this theme is Phoebe Caits' off-beat story about how her father died in the chimney on Christmas. Allegedly. the film was originally intended to be ahard R horror script,but was re-worked after some of the tones were proclaimed too dark.
3The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Clubis one of the most quintessential movies that defined a generation. Taking five teens from different social groups, John Hughes constructs an honest representation of what it’s like to be in high school. LikeFast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Clubserves as an honest, well written plot that knows how to connect action with its characters. The 1985 cult classic boasts an eighty-nine percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and has become an ’80s staple.
2Back to the Future Part II
TheBack to the Future Trilogyis one of the most beloved franchises ever made. The films take place back to back, but are of course set in different time periods in which Marty Mcfly (played by Michael J. Fox) must fix occurences in his life times. The second installment,Back to the Future Part II, sees Marty heading into the future to fix problems caused by both his past and present self in order to stop Biff Tanner (played by Thomas F. Wilson) from gaining ultimate power. According toMoney.com,the film predicted at least 10 uses of modern technology that actually ended up coming true. Perhaps that’s one of the very things that makes this sequel just as beloved as the original.
1Back to the Future
Arguably one of the greatest movies ever made,Back to the Futurehas been a beacon in pop culture since its release in 1985. Marty McFly travels back in time on accident and comes to meet his parents as teenagers. Desperate to get back to his own time before he is erased from the world completely, Marty must make his parents fall in love again to save his family’s future. What exactly is it that makesBack to the Futureso rewatchable? It simply can’t just be one aspect of the film. The acting, direction, and overall plot make this one of the most rewatchable films not only of the ’80s, but of all time.
