Earlier this month, as temperatures dipped into the teens and tiny snowflakes swirled outside my window, I had to admit the sad truth: Summer is long gone. But when it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors, there’s something magical about curling up under some cozy blankets with a good movie. Like so many kids in the 1980s, I grew up watching the Star Wars trilogy, so it was only a matter of time before I introduced my children to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo.
But why stop at Star Wars? Below are some other 1980s flicks to consider when planning your next family movie night. Most will appeal to children in elementary school or older. For more details, including ratings, summaries, and parent and kid reviews, you can visit Common Sense Media.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Blending science fiction with the ordinary experiences of childhood, E.T. is an excellent movie for the whole family. A young boy named Elliott discovers E.T., a gentle and inquisitive alien who is hiding in Elliott’s neighborhood and needs to get back to his home planet. The two forge a close friendship as they race against time and the government scientists who want to capture E.T.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Fun during the holidays, but worth watching any time of the year, this movie follows young Ralphie, who wishes fervently for a Red Ryder air rifle even though his parents warn him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Young viewers will relate to scenes that authentically depict childhood experiences and emotions, like the anticipation of holiday gifts and dealing with bullies at school.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Daniel is a shy boy finding his way in a new town; Mr. Miyagi is his wise mentor who adeptly uses martial arts to teach Daniel about life, encouraging his young pupil to face his fears with dignity and determination. This movie inspires viewers with its emphasis on believing in yourself, and might even motivate some to take up martial arts!
Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Life hasn’t been easy for Anne Shirley, an orphan who goes to live with an elderly brother and sister on their farm on Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Yet Anne quickly melts even the coldest hearts in her new town with boundless optimism, grit, and a chatty disposition. Kids can relate to Anne’s middle school angst, from her joy in finding a new friendship to her frustration with a boy who calls her “carrots” because of her red hair.
Back to the Future (1985)
Michael J. Fox delivers an absorbing and lovable performance as Marty McFly, a teenager who travels back in time and unintentionally wreaks havoc on his life. His mad scientist friend Emmett “Doc” Brown is eccentric but endearing. As a kid, I was captivated by Marty’s courage and determination, especially in helping his father stand up to a notorious bully, Biff.
The Goonies (1985)
Are your kids into pirates? Then this film is right up their alley. A motley crew of neighborhood kids goes searching for the treasure of an ancient pirate known as One-Eyed Willie. Older elementary and middle school kids will love the movie’s adventurous storyline, which includes some scary moments but ultimately showcases the children’s bravery and spirit.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
A clever, charming teenage boy fakes an illness so he can skip class to frolic around Chicago with his best friends. Ferris truly lives for the moment, and it’s fun to watch him pull off some tricky feats, from convincing his parents he’s gravely ill to narrowly avoiding being caught by the school principal.
The Flight of the Navigator (1986)
12-year-old David is shocked to discover that eight years have passed in what seemed like a few minutes. He soon finds an alien spaceship, piloted by a robot he names Max. With NASA officials looming in the background, David and Max realize they need to work together if each is to return home, sparking an unlikely and sweet friendship.
Labyrinth (1986)
If you have a child who constantly utters, “It’s not fair!” then you’ll both relate to Sarah, the movie’s teenage protagonist. At first, Sarah bemoans her misfortune: She’s stuck taking care of her crying baby half-brother. But she has a change of heart, embarking on a strange and risky adventure to save him from the sinister Goblin King, Jareth, played by the late musician David Bowie.
The Princess Bride (1987)
I first watched this film during a middle school slumber party, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the television set. While Buttercup and her dreamy true love, Westley, take center stage, your kids will enjoy cheering on other characters like Inigo Montoya, the master swordsman seeking to avenge his father’s death.
Willow (1988)
Fantasy, magic, and a noble quest come together in a classic good versus evil adventure. Willow, a dwarf-like person, finds himself tasked with saving a special baby. Brave, loving, and often battling forces that are outwardly stronger than him, Willow calls to mind the heroic hobbits of The Lord of the Rings movies. (Here’s a fun fact for Harry Potter fans: Warwick Davis, who portrays Willow, also plays Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin, Griphook, in the movies.)
Happy movie watching!
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