Introduction
The 80s was an iconic decade of cinema, producing some of the most beloved and memorable movies in history. From action-packed thrillers to coming-of-age stories, the 80s had something for everyone. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, many of these classic films have found a new audience. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top Netflix 80s movies and explore why they continue to be so popular today.
The 80s: A Decade of Film
The 80s was a decade of change, marked by new technology and a shifting cultural landscape. In film, this decade saw the rise of blockbuster movies and the birth of the home video market. Directors like Steven Spielberg and John Hughes became household names, and franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones dominated the box office.
Top Netflix 80s Movies
Netflix has a vast library of movies from the 80s, but which ones are the best? Here are the top 25 Netflix 80s movies that you need to watch:
The Breakfast Club (1985)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 | Genre: Comedy, Horror | Lead Cast: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall | Director: John Hughes
In The Breakfast Club, five high school students from different cliques are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. They initially clash with one another. However, they eventually begin to open up and share their personal struggles, hopes, and fears. The group consists of the popular girl Claire, the athlete Andrew, the nerd Brian, the rebel John, and the weirdo Allison.
Throughout the day, they bond over shared experiences and emotions, realizing that they are more alike than they previously thought. Through poignant dialogue and compelling character development, the film explores issues of identity, social pressure, and the challenges of adolescence.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 | Genre: Comedy | Lead Cast: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara | Director: John Hughes
In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, high school student Ferris Bueller fakes being sick. This is to skip school and spends the day exploring Chicago with his best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane. Along the way they steal Cameron’s father’s Ferrari, visit a fancy restaurant, attend a Cubs game, and even participate in a parade.
Meanwhile, Ferris’s paranoid sister Jeanie and the school’s dean, Ed Rooney, try to catch him in the act of playing hooky. Through a series of hilarious mishaps and close calls, Ferris manages to outsmart everyone. He makes it home just in time to avoid getting caught. This beloved John Hughes classic is a fun-filled romp that celebrates youth and friendship.
Ghostbusters (1984)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 | Genre: Comedy, Action, Fantasy | Lead Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver | Director: Ivan Reitman
In Ghostbusters, three parapsychologists – Peter, Ray, and Egon – are fired from their university jobs. They then decide to start their own business hunting ghosts in New York City. Along with their fourth member, Winston, they create a successful ghost-catching business. This is to complete with their iconic ghost-catching equipment and Ecto-1 car.
However, a demonic spirit named Gozer threatens to destroy the city. The Ghostbusters must use all their knowledge and expertise to save the day. With the help of their secretary, Janine, and a quirky client named Dana, they face off against a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and the evil Gozer.
The Princess Bride (1987)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10 | Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy | Lead Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn | Director: Rob Reiner
In The Princess Bride, a young boy is sick in bed and his grandfather reads him a tale of true love and adventure. The story follows Buttercup, a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a farm boy named Westley.
When Westley sets off to find his fortune, he is captured by a group of pirates and presumed dead. Meanwhile, Buttercup is forced to marry Prince Humperdinck. However, she is kidnapped by a trio of unlikely heroes. This includes a sword-wielding Spaniard, a giant, and a brilliant but vengeful mastermind. As they journey through dangerous terrain, they encounter sword fights, deadly beasts, and treacherous cliffs. With the help of a mysterious masked man who is revealed to be Westley, they rescue Buttercup and face Prince Humperdinck.
The Karate Kid (1984)
IMDb rating: 7.3/10 | Genre: Drama, Action, Family | Lead Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue | Director: John G. Avildsen
In The Karate Kid, teenager Daniel LaRusso moves to California with his mother and finds himself being bullied by a gang of karate students. With the help of Mr. Miyagi, an elderly and wise karate master, Daniel learns the art of karate. He also learns how to defend himself against his attackers.
As he trains for the upcoming tournament, Daniel begins to gain confidence and respect from his peers. This also includes a love interest named Ali. However, Daniel’s nemesis, Johnny, cheats in the tournament. He must face him in a final showdown to prove himself and earn the title of champion. Through hard work, determination, and the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns the true meaning of discipline, honor, and self-respect.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
IMDb rating: 8.4/10 | Genre: Action, Adventure | Lead Cast: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman | Director: Steven Spielberg
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones sets out to find the Ark of the Covenant. This is to be done before the Nazis do it. Along with his former flame, Marion Ravenwood, Indy travels the world to locate the powerful artifact. He faces dangerous obstacles and battles along the way.
With his quick wit and trusty whip, Indy must outsmart his enemies. He must also uncover the secrets of the Ark before it falls into the wrong hands. But when he finally discovers the Ark’s true power, he realizes the danger of possessing such a dangerous weapon. In a thrilling finale, Indy must fight for his life and the fate of the world against the Nazis and the wrath of God.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 | Genre: Sci-Fi, Family, Adventure | Lead Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace | Director: Steven Spielberg
In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a friendly alien is accidentally left behind on Earth and befriends a young boy named Elliott. As Elliott and his siblings help E.T. to evade the authorities and find a way back home, they form a deep bond with the alien.
With E.T.’s help, they overcome their own personal struggles and learn the true meaning of friendship and love. But as E.T.’s health deteriorates, they race against time to save him and send him back to his own planet before it’s too late. Through their journey together, they discover the power of compassion, loyalty, and the magic of the unknown.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
IMDb rating: 7.0/10 | Genre: Romance, Drama, Music | Lead Cast: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey | Director: Emile Ardolino
In Dirty Dancing, a young woman named Baby goes on vacation with her family to a resort in the Catskills. There, she meets the handsome and charming dance instructor, Johnny. Despite their different backgrounds, they begin to fall in love as Johnny teaches Baby the art of dance.
However, their relationship is met with disapproval from others at the resort, including Baby’s father. As they prepare for the end-of-season dance competition, Baby and Johnny must overcome obstacles and prove their love can withstand anything. Through the power of dance, they find the courage to fight for what they believe in and live their dreams.
Stand By Me (1986)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10 | Genre: Drama, Adventure | Lead Cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell | Director: Rob Reiner
In Stand By Me, four young friends from a small town embark on a journey to find a missing boy. Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern set out on a two-day hike through the woods, facing obstacles and dangers along the way. As they journey deeper into the wilderness, they confront fears, insecurities, and personal struggles.
They also form a bond of friendship that will stay with them forever, even as they encounter a dangerous gang and the harsh realities of life. Through their experiences, they learn about themselves and the world around them, ultimately coming to a greater understanding of life’s joys and sorrows.
The Terminator (1984)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10 | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Lead Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn | Director: James Cameron
In The Terminator, a cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, a waitress who will give birth to the future resistance leader against the machines. But a soldier named Kyle Reese is also sent back to protect her. As the Terminator relentlessly pursues Sarah, Kyle helps her to evade capture and teaches her about the future.
Along the way, they fall in love, but their mission to save the future remains their top priority. As the final showdown between the Terminator and the humans unfolds, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
It’s A Wrap
The 80s produced some of the most beloved and iconic movies of all time, and many of these classics can be found on Netflix. From The Breakfast Club to Dirty Dancing to The Karate Kid, these films continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. For fans of 80s cinema, Netflix is a treasure trove of nostalgic entertainment. So why not grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy some of the top Netflix 80s movies today? If you are done watching these movies, have a look at some of the Top Netflix 90s Movies to Watch in 2023.
