5 ‘80s Films to Watch This Weekend

Want to pay homage, or even relive, the 1980s? These five films are perfect for an ‘80s movie night!

There’s no argument that this winter has been brutal. The good news is that spring is (hopefully!) just around the corner! Until then, hunker down, clean and organize your apartment, then invite some friends over for an ‘80s themed movie night! Did we miss your favorite ‘80s film? Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and let us know!

The Goonies

Now considered a cult classic, The Goonies was a hit film from the start. The adventure comedy tells the story of a group of kids who stumble upon a treasure map that leads them on an adventure to unearth the fortune the 17th-century pirate One-Eyed Willy, outwitting a family of criminals who want the treasure for themselves. The film received critical acclaim, though at the time it was seen as more for children and teens but not for adults. In 2017 it was selected by the U.S. Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Where to Stream:

YouTube (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99)

Sixteen Candles

Another classic ‘80s film, Sixteen Candles has recently come back into the spotlight a bit, but this time for criticism of race and relationships. Despite the criticism, the film will always hold a special place in the hearts of ‘80s lovers and will continue to be a classic coming-of-age tale. Molly Ringwald plays a soon-to-be-16-year-old who faces typical high school struggles of boys and family drama. Overall the film is still considered a classic and perfect for a movie night.

Where to Stream:

Netflix, YouTube (from $3.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $3.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99)

Ghostbusters

Nominated for numerous awards, Ghostbusters was a hit from the start. It has since developed a cult following and the 2016 revamp kept the classic alive and well decades later (not that it fully needed the push). The original, released in 1984, has the star-studded cast of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, and Sigourney Weaver, the first four as eccentric parapsychologists with a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film was the highest-grossing film that year and the highest-grossing comedy at the time.

Where to Stream:

Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), Vudu (from $2.99), YouTube (from $3.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99), iTunes (from $12.99)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Another classic ‘80s teen film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tells the story of the titular character who plays hooky to school and spends the day in and around Chicago, embracing every adventure while trying not to get caught. The film received critical acclaim and Roger Ebert called it “one of the most innocent movies in a long time”, while fellow critic Richard Roeper called it “one of my favorite movies of all time … I could watch it again and again.” In 2014 it was entered into the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Where to Stream:

Starz, YouTube (from $2.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $2.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99)

Back to the Future

If you’re wanting to host an ‘80s movie night you’d be remiss to not include Back to the Future, or even viewing all three in the franchise for a movie marathon! The three films, released in 1985, 1989, and 1990, follow a high school student, Marty McFly, and an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett Brown, back and forth through time. The first film became an international phenomenon and was the highest-grossing film of 1985. Though the following sequels weren’t quite as popular, the franchise has still stood the test of time, remaining highly acclaimed decades later.

Where to Stream:

YouTube (from $3.99 each), Vudu (from $3.99 each), iTunes (from $3.99 each), Amazon Prime Video (from $3.99 each), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99 each)

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