My Top '80s Teen Flicks'

I love classic movies. Really, I do. But I definitely still define many 80s movies as classic… because, we all know that classic movies aren’t just old, but they stand the test of time. Anyway, back to the point…

I am a huge 80s teen flick buff. I love all the stereotypical groups and teen angst in all 80s teen flicks. So, I give you my top five 80s teenage movies.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) - Matthew Broderick was my first celebrity crush as a preteen. Whether it was his cool sunglasses, his awesome leopard print looking vest [in some images it’s hard to tell, of course], his singing in the shower, him making art museums heaven, or having the two best friends in the world… he was the epitome of cool. Everyone wanted to be him.

If you haven’t seen the film, which I am hopefully doubting, watch it. It’ll bring back those memories of you [or someone you knew… *wink*] skipping school and faking sick to take the ultimate day off.

“It’s a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school.”


The Breakfast Club (1985) - What else is there to say about Molly Ringwald? She is certainly the princess of 80s teen films [or perhaps the queen?]. Either way, she played the sassy Claire Standish that stole John Bender’s heart.

A group of five students -- a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal -- all receive Saturday detention for various reasons. Although they start out as complete strangers, they end up friends in the end.

This movie, along with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, are my favorite 80s teen flicks.

“Being bad feels pretty good, huh?”

The Karate Kid (1984) - Okay, so maybe this film isn’t completely stereotypical of an 80s kid… I mean, not all teenagers take up karate [although everyone wanted to after this film] and certainly not everyone gets trained by Mr. Miyagi. But that is probably what makes this film so great [besides the fact that it has Ralph Maccio in it C:].

Daniel Larusso [played by Maccio] is a bullied student who asks Mr. Miyagi [Pat Morita], a handyman/martial arts master, to help teach him martial arts and show him that there is more than just fighting to the ancient art.

“We make sacred pact. I promise teach karate to you, you promise learn. I say, you do, no questions.”

* This movie is on Sunday, September 20th at 10PM on TCM *

Say Anything... (1989) - Oh, Lloyd Dobler... I fell for you. This is the second John Cusack 80s flick I have seen. I saw Better Off Dead earlier this year and just today watched The Sure Thing Both are great 80s teen flicks... but nothing can compare to this film.

Lloyd Dobler is an underachiever. He lives with his sister and her son and kickboxes. Dian Court is an overachiever who is extremely close to her father. They go out. They fall in love. Something happens... it's a great film and I could seriously watch it over and over and over again. Plus, he is awfully cute in it [and Ione Skye is pretty, too!]. It's an adorable romantic... dramedy?

"What I really want to do with my life--what I want to do for a living--is I want to be with your daughter. I'm good at it."

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) - I actually just recently saw this film a few days ago. I knew it’d be raunchy, but it did have a lot of teen stereotypes in it. I know that’s awful, but I love typical teenage stereotypes… It was the film that made Sean Penn a star, even if he was a dumb surfer dude.

The movie is true to it’s synopsis as well. A group of teenagers obsessed with either sex, drugs, rock and roll, or a mixture. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite… not even close, but it does make me appreciate my favorites a little more. Hahah, I just think this film should definitely be seen at least once.

“Aloha. My name is Mr. Hand.”

Honorable Mentions... Can't Buy Me Love, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Better Off Dead, Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles. I'd be pushing it if I named two John Cusack and three Molly Ringwald flicks.