Top 10 Teen Movies of the 1980s
The 80s was a great year for teen movies! We've included movies like Risky Business, Dead Poets Society, Heathers, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Heathers, Say Anything, Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Back to the Future.
#10: “Risky Business” (1983)
We begin with a familiar scenario: Joel’s parents are out of town, so their hardworking son decides to play hard while they’re away. He spends the night with Lana, a beautiful call girl, but it costs him in more ways than one. When Joel fails to pay her pimp, he finds Lana and other prostitutes living under his roof. Not to mention, his dad’s Porsche gets totaled. What’s Joel to do? Simple – he turns his house into a brothel. With his admission to Princeton on the line, Joel has to raise money – but not raise suspicion – before his parents get home. Risky business indeed!
#9: “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
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In this 1989 drama, Robin Williams plays John Keating, the new English teacher at an all-boys’ prep school. Keating quickly shows that he’s not like the other profs. Through his unique way of teaching poetry, he encourages the boys to make the most of their talents. Reviving his Dead Poets Society, they become inspired to follow their dreams – but it won’t be easy. When the tragic loss of one of their own puts Keating’s job in jeopardy, the boys are determined to save their mentor. Arguably the most moving film on this list, “Dead Poets Society” is a tribute to inspirational teachers, and will motivate you to seize the day.
#8: “Heathers” (1988)
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This satire of high school cliques shows the dark side of popularity. Veronica is a member of the Heathers, but she’s fed up with their manipulative ways. When leader Heather Chandler tries to ruin her reputation, Veronica and her boyfriend J.D. accidentally poison her, and make her death look like a suicide. The couple leave two more bodies in their wake, but that’s not enough for J.D, who becomes increasingly unhinged. Fearing that she might be next, Veronica comes to her senses, and will do anything to protect herself and her classmates.
#7: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
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It has inspired a franchise and many parodies, but there’s nothing like the original. In this slasher film, disfigured serial killer Freddy Krueger haunts the dreams of suburban teens – and if they die in their dreams... they die for real. Shocked to see her friends dying one by one, final girl Nancy learns the terrifying truth behind the murders. The teens’ parents killed Freddy out of revenge, and now he’s out for blood himself. As Freddy sets his sights on Nancy, she’s bent on defeating him once and for all. This horror classic isn’t just scary; it also blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
#6: “Say Anything…” (1989)
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It’s the summer after graduation, Lloyd wants to be a kickboxer, and valedictorian Diane has a fellowship coming up. Although they come from two different worlds, the two surprise everyone when they start dating. Diane’s overprotective dad Jim isn’t impressed, and wishes his daughter would hit the books. Putting her studies and Jim’s wishes first, Diane abruptly dumps Lloyd. Jim turns out to be not so trustworthy, however. As he faces jail time, Diane finally decides her future for herself, and Lloyd will say and do anything to win her back. Holding that boombox sure was worth it!
#5: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982)
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Based on a book by Cameron Crowe, this teen comedy gives us an inside look at the lives of high school students. Sophomores Stacy and Mark get some love advice from their senior friends, but nothing will prepare them for what comes next. After lying to him about her age, Stacy loses her virginity to an older man, and later finds herself in a love triangle with Mark and his friend Mike. A sometimes funny and honest take on high school, this cult film is as real as ever even decades later.
#4: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)
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High school senior Ferris Bueller pretends he’s sick so he can skip class. Along with pal Cameron and girlfriend Sloane, Ferris is out and about in Chicago, driving in Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong? For one, Ferris’ sister and his principal will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth – even if it means breaking the law. And as his eventful day off draws to a close, Ferris has to race home and act like nothing happened. A hilarious movie for sure, but also one that reminds us that fun can sometimes come before all else.
#3: “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
Molly Ringwald gave us major prom goals in “Pretty in Pink” but we’ve gotta say that we prefer this chick flick, where she plays Samantha Baker, whose sweet sixteen is anything but. Sam’s family is so busy preparing for her sister’s wedding that they completely forget about her birthday. It doesn’t help that she’s in a love triangle. She’s crushing hard on high school senior Jake Ryan, while geeky Ted is interested in her. A series of embarrassing events and a wild party at Jake’s house bring the trio closer in ways they never imagined. For better or for worse, Sam’s sixteenth birthday is one she’ll never forget.
#2: “Back to the Future” (1985)
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In 1985, Michael J. Fox gave us two great movies: “Teen Wolf” and this sci-fi classic. After a botched experiment with his scientist friend Doc Brown, eighties teen Marty McFly time-travels to 1955. In the past, Marty has two tasks ahead of him. First, he has to make his parents fall in love, or he’ll never be born. Second, without plutonium to power the DeLorean, he has to find his way back to the future. But through the power of love – and a show-stopping rendition of “Johnny B. Goode” – Marty manages to save himself and the course of history. A fun ride from start to finish, you’ll want to watch it time and time again. Before we get to our #1 teen movie from the 1980s, here are some honourable mentions: “Adventures in Babysitting” (1987) “Gremlins” (1984) “The Outsiders” (1983)
#1: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
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In this beloved ‘80s film, five teens from different social circles have to spend their Saturday in detention together. They butt heads at first, but find a common enemy in the overbearing assistant principal Vernon, who expects them to stay in the library and do as they’re told. Not if they can help it! As the group opens up to each other, they realize that they’re not so different after all. Each teen has their cross to bear, and finds comfort in knowing they’re not alone. Funny and touching all at once, “The Breakfast Club” teaches us to shatter stereotypes.
