The 2020s are nobody’s favourite decade, so why not retreat into the past (i.e. long before anyone wore face masks outside of a medical context) with a nostalgic ’80s-movie retrospective? Sure, the films from that period can feel dated, but the good ones are uniquely capable of transporting you out of our current moment. Below, find a guide to the best ’80s movies currently streaming online.
Grease 2 (1982)
Does it compare to the original, 1978 Grease? No – but in this sequel’s defence, absolutely nothing does, and there’s still plenty of fun to be had watching Maxwell Caulfield and a young Michelle Pfeiffer cavort and sing their hearts out.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Uncle Buck (1989)
This isn’t one of John Hughes’s more famous endeavours – at least compared to his rom-coms – but if you don’t find John Candy hilarious as an endearing slob tasked with taking care of his nieces and nephew, I’m not entirely convinced you’re human.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
If you can get through this movie without crying so hard your eyes swell up, you’ll be rewarded with a treasure trove of a cast; Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles all appear in this campus-themed drama.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Top Gun (1986)
This action-adventure romp about Navy fighter pilots still hits, as the kids are known to say. Just don’t ask me to watch the upcoming sequel, because... ugh.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Does it get any better than a Tim Burton movie about a young goth girl (Winona Ryder) befriending ghosts in the spooky old house where her family has been consigned to live for 125 years? No, it does not.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Heathers (1988)
This Winona Ryder-led black comedy explores the dark side of teenage popularity with unbridled venom. To quote bad boy J.D. (a.k.a. Christian Slater), “Our love is God. Let’s go get a slushie.”
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Skipping school has never been as cool as it was when Matthew Broderick was doing it as happy-go-lucky Ferris Bueller, accompanied by his mopey sidekick Cameron (Alan Ruck) and ultracool girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara).
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
This feel-good film starring Jennifer Grey as a spoiled summer vacationer and Patrick Swayze as the hunky dance instructor she falls for will have you mouthing “nobody puts Baby in the corner” along with the screen.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy effortlessly carries this romantic comedy about a prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda who comes to New York in search of his queen and quickly finds work at a restaurant that is definitely not McDonald’s.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
This Spike Lee comedy-drama features heady events that occur in a Bed-Stuy neighbourhood during the hottest day of the year. Complete with sex, love, betrayal, and racial tension, it may not be a breezy watch, but it is required viewing.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Caddyshack (1980)
This Harold Ramis hit set at an upscale country club introduced the world to Rodney Dangerfield as a genuine movie star, alongside Chevy Chase and Bill Murray.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Stand by Me (1986)
A coming-of-age tearjerker for the ages, Stand by Me was adapted from the Stephen King novella The Body and features four teenage boys hiking to find the dead body of a missing boy.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
The Goonies (1985)
Sloth love chunk! This adventure comedy about a ragtag group of kids in Oregon hunting for treasure is a true cult gem.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Die Hard (1988)
Who says you can only watch Die Hard at Christmas? This thriller featuring Bruce Willis as tough-guy cop John McClane and Alan Rickman as his nemesis, Hans Gruber, is perfect year-round viewing.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Arguably John Hughes’s most iconic film, this teen romp follows a motley crew of high school kids stuck in weekend detention as they become something resembling friends (at least for the day, anyway).
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
What prom-bound teenage girl didn’t dream of dressing up in a pink confection as memorable as Molly Ringwald’s? This John Hughes rom-com is made even better by supporting performances from Jon Cryer, Annie Potts, and Gina Gershon.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Risky Business (1983)
Remember when Tom Cruise was a lovable young comedic leading man? Return to those days with this coming-of-age comedy written and directed by Paul Brickman.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
Purple Rain (1984)
This semi-autobiographical rock musical starring Prince as troubled Minneapolis frontman The Kid is a classic for a reason, and you’re not going to finish it without longing for some purple velvet of your own.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Spike Lee’s first feature-length film features Tracy Camilla Johns as Nola Darling, a too-cool-for-school Brooklyn girl juggling three boyfriends to disastrous effect.
How to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
Raging Bull (1980)
Arguably Scorsese at his best, this biographical sports drama stars none other than Robert De Niro as a rage-consumed boxer and Joe Pesci as his well-intentioned brother and manager.
How to Watch: Stream on Amazon.
