The 1980s blessed us with some unforgettable fashion trends, timeless music, and classic movies that are still relevant today. Few people have enough time to watch every single movie that was released in the decade, but there is at least a handful that all girls should make a note of watching at least once!
While some of them are typical chick flicks with themes like love, princesses being saved by princes, and motherhood, others are a little less stereotypical. Instead, they celebrate values like a strong work ethic and feature complex characters that do more than act like damsels in distress. Then there are those films that perfectly represent the fun-loving vibe of the 1980s, big hair and all.
Read on to find out what 20 movies from the 1980s every girl needs to watch at least once.
20 Dirty Dancing Is The Ultimate ‘80s Romance
If you only ever watch one movie from the 1980s, let it be Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. The classic story of Johnny and Baby being brought together through dancing is timeless. If nothing else, watch this movie for the amazing soundtrack!
19 Adventures In Babysitting Hits Home If You've Ever Been A Babysitter
Ever been a babysitter? Then Adventures in Babysitting will really hit home for you. And if you haven’t, it’s still a hilarious story. The teen comedy is about poor Chris Parker who gets stood up and then has to look after some seriously challenging kids. This one is a must-watch for sure.
18 Can't Buy Me Love Is About Dating The Most Popular Girl In School
Can’t Buy Me Love is another teen comedy from the 1980s that you should watch at least once. Although the plot isn’t the most unique of its kind, this film is a barrel of laughs as it follows a nerdy outcast called Ronald who pays the popular girl to be his girlfriend.
17 Maid To Order Is Cinderella Turned On Its Head
Cinderella never gets old, but every now and then, it’s nice to watch a version of the story that flips the fairytale on its head. Maid to Order shows us what happens when the fairy godmother arrives to take away the money and riches and the spoiled heiress has to stand on her own two feet.
16 An Officer And A Gentleman Is Super Romantic
If you’re a sucker for romance and men in uniform, you have to watch An Officer and a Gentleman. It will make you question whether Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman really was the most romantic role Richard Gere was capable of, or whether this was his shining moment.
15 Pretty In Pink Cannot Be Skipped
Many girls remember going through high school and feeling unpopular or undesirable. Pretty in Pink gets you back in touch with all those old feelings as you watch the story of Andie, an unpopular girl whose life is turned upside down when one of the popular boys falls for her.
14 Every Girl Needs To Watch The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is another must-watch for every girl contemplating a marathon of 1980s movies. The classic film is about five students from different social groups who end up in Sunday detention together and who come to understand each other more after spending time with each other.
13 Add Sixteen Candles To Your List
Coming-of-age tales never get old, no matter how old you get! Sixteen Candles is one of the most popular ‘80s coming-of-age stories. Protagonist Samantha faces her worst nightmare on her 16th birthday when the answers she wrote for a private quiz end up in the wrong hands.
12 Check Out Labyrinth And David Bowie’s Costume
If you’re really looking for a celebration of 1980s' culture, and want to experience what it would have been like to be in the prime of your life during the era, you have to watch Labyrinth. Although the story is fascinating, the real reason to watch is David Bowie’s lit costume.
11 You’re Never Too Old For The Princess Bride
Don’t ever let anybody tell you you’re too old for The Princess Bride. The ultimate fairy tale, the story combines the search for romance and the bells and whistles of fantasy to tell a tale that will stick with you forever. It will also remind you to never settle for a partner who won’t fight to the ends of the earth for you.
10 Some Kind Of Wonderful Is All About Young Love
Who doesn’t love a story about young love? Another teen romance that’s worth watching, Some Kind of Wonderful tells us a tale of two high school kids who couldn’t be less suited to each other and what happens when ex-boyfriends and best friends come into the picture.
9 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Is Full Of Emotion And Will Hit You In The Feels
This movie will hit you in the feels! E.T. tells the story of an alien who is saved by a young boy after he’s left behind on earth. Before long, the boy, Elliot, and his siblings form a bond with the alien. Fair warning: this will definitely make you want your own alien.
8 The Original Footloose Is Better
Do yourself a favor and watch the original Footloose just once. If you’re a fan of dance flicks and handsome leading men who rebel against the system, this one's for you. There is a reason why this was one of the most popular movies of the decade. Don't even bother with the remake.
7 Flashdance Is A Rite Of Passage
Nobody really decides whether or not to watch Flashdance. It’s just a rite of passage! Another dance flick of a different kind, this follows the story of Alex Owens, a teenager with aspirations of becoming a ballet dancer. Be prepared for some amazing dance moves! If you haven't seen this one yet, what's the hold up?
6 You Simply Have To Watch When Harry Met Sally
Another ‘80s film that you absolutely have to watch, no questions asked? When Harry Met Sally. One of the most beloved romance films of all time, the movie stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as Harry and Sally, two former friends who are forced to face how they feel about each other.
5 Just Because It Doesn't Have A Princess In A Tower Doesn't Mean Girls Won't Love Ladyhawke
Girls are often stereotyped as loving fairy tales like Cinderella, where the princess is saved by the prince in the end. But an action-packed medieval fantasy film like Ladyhawke will also appeal to girls, especially those who are interested in history and fantasy stories with a detailed plot and layered characters.
4 Dustin Hoffman Is Terrific In The Rom-Com Tootsie
Tootsie tells the story of a failing New York actor named Michael Dorsey who sets out to reinvent himself. Dustin Hoffman’s performance as Dorsey is reason enough to see this classic film that has equal doses of comedy and romance. Add it to your next ‘80s marathon!
3 Don’t Cry Too Much In Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias is a must-watch, even if it is going to make you cry. Without wanting to spoil too much, we can say that Steel Magnolias is about sisterhood. It captures the bond of a group of women in a small Southern town and how they lean on each other during hard times.
2 The Color Purple Is One Of The Best Films Of The 1980s
Based on the award-winning novel, The Color Purple is still hailed as one of the best films of the 1980s. No matter who you are, this one needs to be on your movie bucket list. Released in 1985, the film features an all-star cast and a deeply moving script.
1 See Diane Keaton In Baby Boom
Starring Diane Keaton, Baby Boom is about a businesswoman who suddenly becomes the carer of a baby girl after an unexpected death. From the maker of The Parent Trap and The Holiday, Baby Boom shows you that you never really know what’s around the corner. And likewise, you never really know how much you can handle.