33 Iconic Movies From the 1980s To Make You Nostalgic for Simpler Times

And why these movies rock and have such a vital place in our hearts.

Updated 1 day ago, January 27, 2025

A list designed to make you think back on cinematic history. Let’s go!

Clue

Clue is spectacular. It’s very funny, fast-paced, and full of clever twists. The multiple endings add a unique charm that makes it endlessly rewatchable.

Stand By Me

When I first watched Stand By Me as a kid, I connected with the characters. As an adult, I relate to the narrator, making it a completely different but equally rewarding experience. This movie doesn’t just hold up; it evolves with age.

Robocop

Robocop is an incredible film. While it excels as an action movie, it’s also outstanding science fiction with sharp social commentary.

Money Pit

I love Money Pit. I wish Tom Hanks would do another comedy. There’s an entire generation that hasn’t seen him in anything but serious roles.

Back to the Future

The script for Back to the Future is absolutely perfect. It’s like a Swiss watch—every detail matters and pays off.

The Thing

The Thing isn’t just the greatest horror movie ever made—it’s hard to name any film I’d rank higher.

Airplane!

Airplane! is one of the funniest movies ever made. It’s comedy at its absolute best.

Die Hard

When Die Hard came out, it was revolutionary. What might now seem like a typical action film actually redefined the genre, action heroes, and movie villains all at once.

First Blood

First Blood is a masterpiece when considered as a stand-alone film. It’s a brilliant character study and a powerful exploration of PTSD, patriotism, and the treatment of Vietnam veterans. The cast, script, setting, and direction are all stellar. Unfortunately, its reputation is often overshadowed by the sequels that fail to honor its source material.

Heathers

Heathers is a fantastic movie. Watching it after seeing the musical was a treat—it’s still so much fun and highly recommended.

Predator

Predator is often underrated as just a testosterone-fueled action movie, but it’s so much more. It starts as a straightforward action film and morphs into a thriller, a horror movie, and sci-fi all in one. The scene where the team obliterates the jungle with gunfire brilliantly contrasts their descent into fear and chaos with their earlier precision. Predator is a masterful film.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

I love showing Fast Times at Ridgemont High to younger generations because it highlights how different high school was in the 80s. It makes me grateful I grew up in that era.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

While The Breakfast Club feels dated, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains a classic. Its charm never fades.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a great movie that never gets old. I enjoy it every single time I watch it.

Top Gun

Top Gun features some of the best flying scenes ever filmed. I’m so excited to see the next installment with the F-18s.

Repo Man

Repo Man has a unique edge. The line “I hate normal people. Normal people spend their whole lives avoiding tense situations. Repo man spends his whole life putting himself into tense situations,” perfectly captures its quirky brilliance.

Aliens

Aliens is probably the greatest sci-fi action movie of all time. It’s a thrilling masterpiece.

Caddyshack

Caddyshack is a comedy classic. While everyone knows the Bill Murray meme, it’s amazing to watch it in the context of the original film.

Christmas Vacation

Christmas Vacation has become my favorite holiday movie, even replacing A Christmas Story in my lineup.

The Shining

I first saw The Shining when I was 8, and it terrified me. Decades later, it still stands as one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles caught me off guard. With Steve Martin and John Candy, I expected non-stop laughs, but the emotional depth made it unforgettable.

The Princess Bride

It took me far too long to realize The Princess Bride is based on a novel. It’s a delightful piece of metafiction that’s every bit as wonderful as the movie. If you can, get the editions with author William Goldman’s commentary.

Coming to America

Coming to America will always be a classic in my eyes. It’s endlessly rewatchable.

Labyrinth

Labyrinth is no joke—it still terrifies me. Yet, it’s such a fascinating and creative movie.

The Terminator

The original The Terminator deserves recognition despite being overshadowed by its sequel. Without it, there wouldn’t be a T2. It’s a vital piece of sci-fi history.

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is a perfect movie. Its off-the-wall concept was executed so well. It makes me wonder how many other brilliant scripts never got made because they seemed too outlandish.

Blade Runner

Blade Runner remains iconic for its story and its perfect special effects. It’s a timeless masterpiece.

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice has been my favorite movie since I was about 8. At 21 now, it still holds up as a fantastic film.

The Running Man

The Running Man is a fun watch. It has that distinct 80s look, which might date it, but its entertainment value remains high.

The Goonies

The Goonies is such a fun movie. It’s amazing that Sean Astin, who played Mikey, later portrayed Sam in The Lord of the Rings. What an interesting career!