The 1980s are arguably the most influential decade when it comes to film production in all genres. Today, many feature films and TV series pay tribute to the great people of this era. Netflix’s Stranger Things, being one of the most recognizable references to 80s pop culture and cinema, has sparked a resurgence of nostalgia in the decade. Famous filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, John Hughes, Robert Zemeckis, and Martin Scorsese left their mark on the ’80s with their iconic stories, inspiring modern filmmakers who grew up watching their work.
There’s a reason why these films resonate with audiences the way they do and have a different meaning than modern releases. Despite the lack of special effects and sometimes relatively bizarre dialogues, 80s films are more popular than ever. On the screen, the decade reads like cotton candy. The lines between good and evil are not so blurred, and there is a simplicity in the imagined future that these films promise.
Heathers.
Heathers is a late 80s drama about a group of girls named Heather, except for one, Veronica Sawyer (played by Winona Ryder). After Veronica meets Jason Dean, played by Christian Slater, they plan to confront the leader of Heather’s clique. Unbeknownst to Veronica, JD poisoned a drink that was supposed to make her sick as a joke, and they made it look like it was a suicide.
Beetlejuice
The 1988 fantasy horror comedy “Beetlejuice” by Warner Bros.
Tim Burton could very easily categorize his career by decade, and “Beetlejuice” is certainly considered one of his masterpieces of the 80s. By using his branding style and working the script to his advantage, Burton was able to turn a story about a haunted house into a favorite Halloween essential. After the Maitlands die in a car accident, they are stuck in their home as ghosts, unable to leave the house. When a couple and their daughter move into the residence, Barbara and Adam Maitland (played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) try to scare them away, but they fail.
Sixteen Candles
A scene from the play Sixteen Candles.
Through rose-colored glasses, Sixteen Candles is considered a must-see of the ’80s, which is typical for most of John Hughes’ films. The film was noted by CBR as a movie that would be problematic if it were made today. This fact is typical of many films from the 80s and 90s, but nostalgia is hard to shake. Samantha Baker (played by Molly Ringwald) is approaching her 16th birthday, but it is overshadowed by her sister’s wedding.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day OffParamount Pictures
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is another member of the John Hughes collection about a high school student named Ferris (played by Matthew Broderick) who likes to cut classes. Determined to cut one last time before graduation and not get caught, Ferris calls in sick on a day to explore Chicago.
