They're those films you can't just help but watch over and over again. You can consider them as some of the better films that were remembered the most out of the hair-teased '80s. They've survived throughout the years and recently have been embraced openly once more by the general public of this new generation.
Unfortunately I was a creation of the late '80s and was not able to take part in seeing each of these films through their theatrical runs. However, my parents weaned me on these teen comedies and romances that still remain in some of my top lists in my mind. Choosing from the abundant number of teen '80s films, we have the top five flicks below.
Unfortunately I was a creation of the late '80s and was not able to take part in seeing each of these films through their theatrical runs. However, my parents weaned me on these teen comedies and romances that still remain in some of my top lists in my mind. Choosing from the abundant number of teen '80s films, we have the top five flicks below.
5. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' (1982)
© Universal Studios
"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine."
When it comes to high school teen '80s flicks, this sucker always appears in some way, shape or form. The pain and struggles of going through the teen high school years mixed in with some comedy and a sunburnt Sean Penn equals a fun little adventure. One of the things that's always stood out the most with this film is the healthy balance of drama and comedy. That and every other guy associates this film with the famous Phoebe Cates swimsuit scene that makes it even more memorable. Sorry Pretty in Pink, but when it comes to high school drama I think this one is a lot more relatable, which is why it got the fifth spot on this list.
When it comes to high school teen '80s flicks, this sucker always appears in some way, shape or form. The pain and struggles of going through the teen high school years mixed in with some comedy and a sunburnt Sean Penn equals a fun little adventure. One of the things that's always stood out the most with this film is the healthy balance of drama and comedy. That and every other guy associates this film with the famous Phoebe Cates swimsuit scene that makes it even more memorable. Sorry Pretty in Pink, but when it comes to high school drama I think this one is a lot more relatable, which is why it got the fifth spot on this list.
4. 'Say Anything' (1989)
© 20th Century Fox
It appears that anytime someone wants to make an '80s list that at least one John Hughes-directed film pops up. The man is just one of those staples of that decade for films you just can't ignore.
When people refer to Say Anything you immediately think of John Cusack standing there lifting a stereo over his head blasting Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes". The essential story of a summer love that becomes more than that is what this is to me. It's funny, sad and just lovely how these two apparent high school opposites would make an imprint in each other's lives within a matter of a couple of months. You want a heart-melting John Hughes film, this is it.
When people refer to Say Anything you immediately think of John Cusack standing there lifting a stereo over his head blasting Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes". The essential story of a summer love that becomes more than that is what this is to me. It's funny, sad and just lovely how these two apparent high school opposites would make an imprint in each other's lives within a matter of a couple of months. You want a heart-melting John Hughes film, this is it.
3. 'Real Genius' (1985)
© Sony Pictures
This is what I consider as one of the films that had Val Kilmer at his prime. He plays the lovable genius who teams up with freshman Mitch Taylor, played by Gabriel Jarret, as they make their way through a year of college that involves snarky professors, teacher's pets and parking a car in a person's dorm room. For some reason this never pops up most of the time within people's '80s list, and it's unclear as to why.
This is one of the films that made Kilmer into the name he is today, adding that along with the fact that the constant banter between him and William Atherton makes me laugh every time I watch it. If this isn't part of your DVD collection, it should be.
This is one of the films that made Kilmer into the name he is today, adding that along with the fact that the constant banter between him and William Atherton makes me laugh every time I watch it. If this isn't part of your DVD collection, it should be.
2. 'Sixteen Candles' (1984)
© Universal Studios
I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'd be pretty happy if I walked out of a church only to find Jake standing in front of his sweet ride ready to whisk me away into a dreamy relationship. Okay, we could probably lose the sweater vest, but you know what I mean.
Molly Ringwald is one of those faces you immediately associate with '80s teen flicks. She was the ultimate leading lady in some of the most popular John Hughes films, and though some of you may disagree with me Sixteen Candles is something that I like watching a bit more. Maybe it's because it's one of the few films that completely captures the trends and tunes of the '80s or just the comedic love story that keep me watching it. Either way, this is just a Hughes classic many of us just can't get enough of.
Molly Ringwald is one of those faces you immediately associate with '80s teen flicks. She was the ultimate leading lady in some of the most popular John Hughes films, and though some of you may disagree with me Sixteen Candles is something that I like watching a bit more. Maybe it's because it's one of the few films that completely captures the trends and tunes of the '80s or just the comedic love story that keep me watching it. Either way, this is just a Hughes classic many of us just can't get enough of.
1. 'Better Off Dead' (1985)
© Paramount Pictures
This is the one that you can quote for ages, or at least I can. The Savage Steve Holland picture is permanently cemented in my mind as the best teen comedy the '80s has to offer. The story follows Lane Meyer (John Cusack) who tries to attempt suicide when his girlfriend of a few months, Beth (Amanda Wyss), breaks up with him for the cocky Roy Stalin (Aaron Dozier). From that point you're drowning in a slew of car races, the K-12 and a hamburger singing like David Lee Roth.
All right, so John Cusack doesn't like this film, but that doesn't stop people from absolutely adoring it. It's strangely surreal and hilarious, and that works on so many levels you just can't ignore it. With great performances from all around, a killer soundtrack and memorable scenes, this film had no choice but to be number one on this list. That, and if anyone gives me the chance I'll demand that, "I want my two dollars."
All right, so John Cusack doesn't like this film, but that doesn't stop people from absolutely adoring it. It's strangely surreal and hilarious, and that works on so many levels you just can't ignore it. With great performances from all around, a killer soundtrack and memorable scenes, this film had no choice but to be number one on this list. That, and if anyone gives me the chance I'll demand that, "I want my two dollars."
