As a child of the ’80s who grew up watching these iconic films, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia when I revisit them today. Each movie transports me back to a time when life was simpler, and the biggest concern was whether or not I could get my hands on a VHS tape of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off before my friends did!
There’s nothing quite like a movie from the extravagant ’80s. With large hairstyles and grand narratives, this period produced some of the most remarkable stories ever told on screen. More specifically, ’80s comedies carry a unique atmosphere, whether it’s a controversial black comedy or a popular, swift-moving action adventure. Some of these films were instant hits upon release, while others required time to gain a dedicated fanbase who aren’t shy about expressing their affection for the film. Regardless of which category they belong to, many have since earned the title of cult classics.
Enthusiasts of ’80s cinema might find themselves disappointed by the scarcity of these era’s treasures on popular streaming services, as they tend to prioritize newer content. However, not all hope is lost! A significant amount of cult-classic ’80s comedies can be easily accessed with a simple mouse click. Moreover, it’s heartening to note that some of these platforms even offer free viewing.
17 The Monster Squad (1987)
Pluto, Hoopla
Watching The Monster Squad is a great choice for Halloween, but it’s enjoyable any time of the year! A band of 12-year-olds create a group called The Monster Squad to express their passion for classic Universal Monsters films, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. But when Count Dracula arrives in their town, seeking an amulet that could bring disastrous effects on the world, the children find their love of these monsters turns into a dangerous reality. The kids are also after this very amulet, setting the stage for some thrilling encounters!
Family-Friendly Film
Initially, when The Monster Squad initially debuted, it didn’t exactly hit the mark with audiences, but times have definitely changed. Nowadays, this film is a delightful, action-packed choice that’s ideal for those laid-back evenings spent with friends. Regardless of whether you were a kid in the ’80s or not, it’s bound to evoke a wave of nostalgia that lingers. It offers more humor than horror and is completely free to watch, making it an accessible treat.
16 Midnight Run (1988)
Netflix
Midnight Run is a go-to choice for enthusiasts of police comedies. Starring Robert De Niro, it revolves around Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter, who’s tasked with transporting an ex-Mafia accountant named Jonathan to Los Angeles. With a multitude of adversaries including mob bosses, the F.B.I., and a disgruntled bail bondsman pursuing him, Jack must outsmart them all to make it to Los Angeles within the given five-day timeframe.
A Perfect Buddy Action Watch
In addition to De Niro, this movie featured other legendary actors such as Dennis Farina, famous for hosting “Unsolved Mysteries,” and Charles Grodin, known for his role in “Beethoven.” Many consider this film a standout in their respective filmographies, adding depth that propels it towards cult classic status. While the plot of “Midnight Run” may not be extraordinarily unique or groundbreaking, the captivating on-screen chemistry among the cast makes viewers savor this late-night journey.
15 Moonstruck (1987)
Tubi, Pluto
In the film titled “Moonstruck,” Loretta Castorini, portrayed by Cher, is a widow residing in Brooklyn with her loved ones. Before his departure to Sicily, her boyfriend Johnny proposes to her. However, contrary to typical responses for someone who’s just become engaged, Loretta’s feelings towards Johnny remain unclear. The situation becomes even more intricate as she finds herself drawn to Johnny’s estranged younger sibling, Ronny.
When people think of Cher, it’s her music career that likely pops up first. Yet she has a number of entertaining movies under her studded belt and Moonstruck is no exception. Acting opposite Nicolas Cage as Ronny, this romantic comedy is cheesy in all the best ways. It also lives up to its comedy label in the truest way, as it’ll make viewers physically laugh out loud at Loretta and Ronny’s antics.
14 Airplane! (1980)
Paramount+
In the movie Airplane!, Ted Striker, who was once an accomplished fighter pilot, now finds himself behind the wheel of a taxi cab. His war-torn past appears to have left deep emotional wounds that are difficult to heal. Struggling with his fear of flying and drowning his sorrows in excessive drinking, Ted’s relationship with flight attendant girlfriend Elaine is on the rocks. After being dumped by Elaine, Ted purchases a ticket for a flight she will be working. Events quickly spiral out of control as the crew falls ill, leaving it to Ted to safely navigate and land the aircraft without causing harm to the passengers aboard.
Although watching “Airplane!” might initially give you second thoughts about flying, it’s the humor that truly makes it worthwhile. This movie could have been a somber drama or catastrophe film, but instead, it pokes fun at those very genres. Despite its premise involving a war veteran with PTSD stranded on an unexpectedly deserted plane, fear not, “Airplane!” is far from heavy or serious.
13 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Paramount+
In the ’80s and ’90s, Eddie Murphy saw the height of his career, with one of his breakthrough films being “Beverly Hills Cop“. This action-comedy centers around Axel Foley, a character played by Murphy who is a detective from Detroit. After a risky undercover operation failed, Axel found himself in trouble at his department. Tragedy strikes when his childhood friend is murdered and the department refuses to let him investigate the case. Determined to find justice for his friend, Axel travels to Beverly Hills to solve the crime himself.
A Great Introduction to Axel
In this presentation, Murphy truly showcases his knack for comedy – from his side-splitting facial expressions and voice modulations to his impeccable comic timing. It’s easy to see why he reigned supreme at the box office for so long. After enjoying this cult favorite, fans will be thrilled to know that Axel’s journey doesn’t end here – the success of the initial film led to a full-fledged franchise, with the most recent installment hitting Netflix in 2024. Rumor has it, there are plans for a fifth movie as well!
12 Spaceballs (1987)
AMC+
Spaceballs is a humorous space-themed film that satirizes popular science fiction franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien, and more. In the story, Planet Spaceball finds itself in dire straits due to its dwindling supply of fresh air. President Skroob then hatches a scheme to seize the atmosphere from a neighboring planet called Druidia. However, Druidia faces its own troubles. The king’s daughter flees to avoid an arranged marriage and becomes Skroob’s latest objective instead.
A Mindless Watch
Spaceballs is such a movie that it’s impossible to approach with sincerity, and that’s exactly its charm. It teems with characters sporting outlandish names matched only by the absurdity of its fictional terminology. Characters like Princess Vespa, Dark Helmet, Dot Matrix, and Colonel Sandurz are just a few examples. Yet, this film offers an entertaining escape where audiences can momentarily disengage their minds. Interestingly enough, President Skroob is depicted as having his mind off for much of the movie. Remarkably, discussions about a sequel to this beloved film have resurfaced as recently as June 2024.
11 Valley Girl (1983)
Tubi, Pluto
Valley Girl is a romantic comedy that demonstrates how opposites can indeed find attraction. Julie Richman embodies the essence of a Valley girl – she’s popular, beautiful, and dating a classic Valley guy. However, there’s an inexplicable void in her polished lifestyle that she can’t seem to shake off. The solution to her predicament is far from expected – Randy, who couldn’t be more different from the people in her world. He’s a rebel, a punk rocker, and he exudes an undeniable charm.
It’s, Like, Totally Swoonworthy
In a traditional twist, the virtuous lady gets drawn to the rogue with a kind heart. People may not comprehend their bond, yet a hidden force continually brings them together again and again. Despite the audience being able to guess the movie’s outcome, its allure remains undiminished. The film Valley Girl, while overlooked on lists of ’80s romantic classics, boasts a devoted cult following instead.
10 The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
MGM+, Fubo
From Police Squad!” is a humorous crime film featuring Leslie Nielsen. The bumbling Police Lieutenant Frank Drebin may not be your first choice to solve local crimes, but he somehow finds himself entangled in cases that could lead to disastrous results, such as a plot by America’s adversaries and an attempt on the life of a British monarch.
Ushering in a New Era
In “The Naked Gun,” certain elements haven’t held up as well over time, like O.J. Simpson appearing in the movie. Yet, it’s Dan Aykroyd and co-star Priscilla Presley who truly shine. The humor is excessively outrageous, but somehow manages to work due to the film’s inherently absurd premise. The initial film’s success spawned two sequels featuring Aykroyd. After years of debate about a fourth installment, it has been confirmed that in 2024, there will be a revival of this franchise with Liam Neeson taking the lead role.
9 Beetlejuice (1988)
Max
Over the past few months, there’s been an uptick in enthusiasm for the character of Beetlejuice following the premiere of its 2024 sequel titled “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”. This classic Tim Burton movie is set in Connecticut, where the Maitlands reside. One fateful day, while driving, their car plunges off a bridge into a river, resulting in their untimely drowning. Upon returning home, they realize they’ve become ghosts. Unwilling to relinquish their house, the Maitlands seek the aid of an unconventional bio-exorcist named Betelgeuse to frighten off the new owners.
More to Come?
Beetlejuice, released in 1988, marked Tim Burton’s second directorial venture – quite an impressive start to his career. This film turned out to be one of the most successful movies that year, propelling Burton into the spotlight as a filmmaker to keep an eye on, and catapulting Winona Ryder to stardom. Given its budget, it accomplished quite a lot for a family movie. The success of the 2024 release suggests a promising future for more films in this cinematic world.
8 Heathers (1989)
Prime Video
In my perspective as a fan, Winona Ryder’s upcoming ’80s movie is a stark contrast to her role in Beetlejuice. Heathers, unlike any other teen film, revolves around a trio of girls named Heather, with Veronica being the popular yet somewhat rebellious outcast. The Heathers are known for their cruel treatment of others, and although Veronica disagrees with their actions, she doesn’t intervene. That is, until she crosses paths with the new kid, J.D. In partnership, they dish out a dose of their own medicine to the bullies at Westerburg High School, but things take a dark turn when they push boundaries too far on one fateful day.
So Much Happening
Heathers is a movie that leaves some viewers bewildered and others enamored. Its humor is dark, crude, and occasionally puzzling. The storyline veers into unpredictable territories, and the characters behave in such an eccentric manner that it’s challenging to perceive them as genuine individuals. However, for numerous viewers, this blend of peculiarity manages to resonate. Christian Slater portrays the contentious J.D., who can be seen either as annoying or a detestable villain we can’t help but root against. Regardless of which camp a viewer finds themselves in, one thing remains undeniable: every outrageous moment will keep you hooked.
7 Big (1988)
Hulu, Disney+
This movie, titled “Big,” is a blend of comedy and drama with a dash of enchantment. The protagonist, a twelve-year-old named Josh Baskin, finds himself in a predicament when he’s unable to ride a carnival attraction because of his height. Disappointed, he makes a wish to become an adult, and miraculously, the next morning, he wakes up in the body of Tom Hanks, an adult man. However, his family, particularly his mother, doesn’t recognize him, forcing Josh to find a new home and job. Initially, he revels in adulthood, but soon starts missing his childhood days.
Careful What You Wish For
Nowadays, this idea has become quite overused. Even when “Big” was first released, it wasn’t entirely original. Nevertheless, audiences couldn’t resist going to see it in large numbers. Hanks had already starred in several films at that point, and “Big” is one of his earlier works which showcased his significant impact within the Hollywood industry. It’s surprising to consider that the role could have gone to Robert De Niro, as Hanks seemed destined for the part. He masterfully portrayed the childlike wonder of his character, making Josh both admired and criticized at times.
6 Coming to America (1988)
Paramount+
In the movie “Coming to America,” Akeem Joffer, played by Eddie Murphy, is a royal prince hailing from an African nation called Zamunda. Growing weary of his life filled with opulence and entitlement, he yearns for a partner who appreciates him beyond his royal status. With the topic of marriage arising, he expresses his wish to find a woman who cherishes him sincerely, not just for his outer self. His search for this genuine connection leads him to America, specifically New York City.
Critics and Audiences Don’t Agree
In America Arrives, we follow a timeless tale of a fish-out-of-water, starring Akeem and his loyal companion Semmi (Arsenio Hall), who are utterly lost in the bustling metropolis of New York City. As they take on jobs, strive to connect with new acquaintances, and ultimately pursue Akeem’s primary objective – finding a suitable partner, audiences witness their journey unfold. The movie received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by the public. Despite this divided response, it has become an enduring symbol of Black comedy, boasting a highly anticipated sequel that hit screens in 2021.
5 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Disney+
In this story, we have a blend of live-action and comedy, heavily influenced by noir elements, titled Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The narrative is set in 1940s L.A., where humans and cartoons (referred to as ‘toons’) share the same world. Our protagonist, Eddie Valiant, is a private investigator who harbors disdain for toons, following the unfortunate death of his brother at their hands. However, duty calls when he’s offered a job investigating an alleged affair involving a toon’s wife. Unbeknownst to him, this investigation could lead to a murder mystery that may bring about the downfall of all toons and potentially ruin his career as well.
Why It’s Earned Cult Classic Status
This movie offers a perfect blend of genres – crime, romance, musical sequences, and plenty of humor, especially given Eddie’s initial misfortunes, which are often accentuated by the cartoons. It’s not just Roger Rabbit who brings the laughs; characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky the Pig, Tweety, and others make appearances too. As the story progresses, Eddie becomes less serious and even shows off his playful side. Remarkably, this timeless film has been added to Disney+, making it accessible for its subscribers, despite having been honored with three Academy Awards and being preserved in the National Film Registry.
4 Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)
Prime Video
The popular song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper isn’t just a catchy tune; it actually inspired the title of a 1985 comedy film. This movie stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and Shannen Doherty. The story revolves around Janey Glenn, who has recently moved to Chicago, where her beloved show Dance TV is based. Her classmate Lynne also shares her passion for dance and Dance TV. They both aspire to audition for the show, but Janey’s father disapproves. Nevertheless, these girls are determined to pursue their dream.
A Cheesy, Popcorn Watch
Beware: This film will inspire you to shake your groove thing here and there. The soundtrack is fantastic, the backdrop of an all-girls Catholic school causes plenty of mischief for Janey and Lynne, and there’s a hint of romance. Who would have thought Girls Just Want to Have Fun would eventually earn cult classic status? It didn’t fare well at the box office, and the movie was widely criticized as repetitive and cheesy. However, with time it transformed into a secret indulgence, and now it’s available for your enjoyment on Prime Video.
3 Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1985)
Netflix
In a nutshell, ’80s teen movies had a distinct flavor, and this is most noticeable in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’. The plot revolves around a cluster of adolescents attending Ridgemont High in the San Fernando Valley. Characters like Stacy, Mike, Brad, Jeff, Linda, and Mark grapple with typical teenage challenges such as navigating romantic entanglements, exploring their sexuality, finding purpose, and defining themselves. In essence, it’s a classic coming-of-age narrative.
Fast Times Is a Fast-Paced Flick
This film embodies the ’80s so completely that it seems as if it was made specifically for that era. From the bustling mall scenes, to the fashion and hairstyles, right down to the slang used, everything screams the 1980s. Upon its release in 1982, it garnered mixed reactions. Some found it too explicit due to its profanity and adult themes, while others felt it was a true reflection of teen life during that time. Today, some analysts even acknowledge it as being forward-thinking in certain areas. However, you don’t have to delve into the deeper meanings of the movie to appreciate it.
2 Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
Fubu, MGM+
Roberta Glass, a woman residing in New Jersey, finds her everyday life rather routine. To spice things up, she derives pleasure from reading about Susan Thomas’ romantic escapades in the newspaper. Eager to meet Susan in person, Roberta ventures to New York and posts “Desperately Searching for Susan” ads in local papers. However, it turns out that many others are also on the hunt for Susan, as she has caught the attention of quite a few people following her link to a mobster’s demise.
A Cultural Moment
In the realm of cinema, I found myself captivated by “Desperately Seeking Susan,” marking Madonna’s initial foray onto the silver screen. As the enigmatic Susan, Madonna shared the limelight with Rosanna Arquette, portraying Roberta. The film wasn’t just about its narrative; it was also about the style that resonated deeply with many viewers. The fashion, hairstyles, and makeup of the era became an integral part of the movie’s allure. Its success in theaters was matched on videotape, and today, streaming platforms have made this timeless piece easily accessible to millions.
1 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Paramount+, AMC+
A whole generation dreamt about ditching school for an unforgettable adventure, all thanks to the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” In this story, Ferris Bueller cleverly fakes illness to skip school, which works on his parents but not his sister. Recruiting his genuinely ill friend Cameron and girlfriend Sloane, they embark on a day of freedom in Chicago. However, Ferris’ sister and the principal are hot on their trail, aiming to catch him in the act.
A Skipping Blueprint
The film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is chock-full of unbridled enjoyment, a term that barely does justice to it. It carries a unique flavor similar to other John Hughes films from the ’80s. Throughout one action-packed day, Ferris manages to cause a stir, inviting us to join him on this thrilling journey. Although the movie tries to delve into more profound themes, especially concerning Cameron and his domestic situation, it consistently maintains its cheerful tone.
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2024-10-07 05:03