The 1980s was a golden period for comedy, adventure, and rom coms alike. From unforgettable one-liners to cheesy mishaps from your favorite characters, this decade created a vibrant mix of quality movies still regularly screened today.
The Shining (1980)
At the forefront of the decade is a movie drastically different from the humors of most iconic 1980s films. The Shining is memorable nonetheless; whether because you love the clever suspense, cinematic wit, or you can’t get those creepy twins out of your head…
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
No matter how many Indian Jones sequels are created, this one is most likely the best of the best. Raiders of the Lost Ark positions itself next to Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings as one of the best adventure films of all time. It might not be sci-fi or fantasy driven like the other epics, but its tale of exploration and puzzle-solving make it a relatable and inspiring film for all ages.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Any movie that is played on repeat by the major television stations every holiday has to be considered a must-see. Fans of this Christmas cult classic are known to visit the Cleveland house (now turned into a museum!) just to gaze upon the setting where most of the scenes of this film take place. If that’s not a sign of “best of” then what is?
Ghostbusters (1984)
Ghostbusters is unique in its own right for spinning spooky supernatural themes into humorous encounters. Who knew ghosts could be so scary and amusing at the same time? It’s safe to say the notions from this film inspired future classics like Beetlejuice and Casper. And the cast of hilarious actors didn’t hurt either!
The Terminator (1984)
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you can at least recognize the iconic quotes and straight face Schwarzenegger facades from this sci-fi thriller. The Terminator is set in 2029, which means we only have a few more years to figure out if time traveling indestructible robots start to change the course of history!
Sixteen Candles (1984)
It’s cringingly cheesy but that’s the point of this hormone-induced romantic comedy, right? Even as every event seems to go wrong during Samantha’s birthday, the ending is sappy enough to give you as sigh of relief as you watch this “feel good” movie.
The Goonies (1985)
What seemed to be an average day for a motley crew of children turns into a full-on treasure hunt through the labyrinths underneath their little East Coast town. The Goonies positions itself as a unique tale known to make kids laugh, gasp, and cry. The full spectrum of its plot and character development make it one of the most notable from the decade.
Back to the Future (1985)
Considered one of the best sci-fi films created, Back to the Future found its way into the hearts of Americans for its wit and charm and has been appraised ever since. The movie also inspired two sequels in case all the constant past, present, and future plots didn’t confuse you enough.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Being a high schooler never looked so cool, and isn’t that the point of most 1980s films? It’s funny, witty, slightly romantic, full of famous one-liners, and suspense as you follow around Ferris and friends in this unforgettable coming of age piece.
The Princess Bride (1987)
A timeless classic. The film doesn’t take place in the 1980s, but it still will go down in history as one of the best of the decade. Although it didn’t initially receive a huge box office it, The Princess Bride turned into a cult classic years later as it started to grow on its viewers for its humor and romance.
If you’re a fan of 80s films then you probably know that most of these classics were released on VHS tape. At KODAK, we can convert your old family tapes or film reels into digital versions so you can continue cherishing the moments for years to come!
