25 Classic 80s movies to watch with Tweens

Whilst in lockdown we’ve been having lots of family movie nights. Lately we’ve started to watch some of the classic 80’s – 90’s movies with them which they are loving. It’s also like a guilty pleasure for us too as we’re enjoying revisiting them all. Our boys are now ages 12 and 10 so we’re working through this list of classic 80s movies to watch with tweens. Click on the pictures to go through to Amazon to watch or rent them.

Classic 80s movies to watch with Tweens

1 – Back To The Future (1983)

We watched this the other night and the boys loved it. They found it hilarious that when Marty (Michael J Fox) went back in time his own mum ended up having a crush on him. Meeting your parents back in time is the main premise and one of the main discussion points of the movie; would his parents really not remember him when he’s back in the real day?

2 – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The second of the Star Wars films from the original Star Wars trilogy. This is the one where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while Darth Vader continues to pursue Hans Solo and Princess Leia. An absolute classic.

3 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

This film was a landmark movie in terms of special effects, we hadn’t before seen cartoon mixed so well within films. Not only that, but it is really rather funny.

4 – The Princess Bride (1986)

One of my all time favourites. This is a fairy tale love story where a farmer boy turned pirate, has to endure life threatening challenges and obstacles before being able to be reunited with his one true love.

5 – Top Gun (1986)

Worth watching for the classic 80’s soundtrack alone. Maverick (Tom Cruise) is too cool for flight school in this action drama with its thrilling aerial navigation sequences. I for one can’t wait to see the sequel which is due out this year.

6 – Teen Wolf (1985)

I really don’t think this would have been one to watch if it hadn’t been for Michael J Fox taking the star role, as I’m not sure anyone else could have pulled off such a naff film. But with him in it, it is still fun to watch.

7 – Willow (1985)

Willow is a charming fantasy adventure film where a young dwarf farmer (Warwick Davis), is responsible for guarding the life of a baby girl from the evil queen who is seeking her out to kill her. His journey is troubled with hardship but inevitably love and friendship sees him through.

8 – Beetlejuice (1988)

A Tim Burton classic before the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Jonny Depp starred in all his films, a charismatic Michael Keaton and Geena Davis took the lead . A couple move to the country, are killed in a crash and then return to their home to haunt the new occupants.

9 – The Outsiders (1983)

This is one of the ones that passed me by, but reportedly this coming of age film has quite the cult following. Not surprising with such a star studded cast with Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emelio Estevez, Rob Lowe and Matt Dillon. Have you seen it?

10 – Short Circuit (1986)

A loveable story in which Robot Number 5 goes on a journey from the research facility into the real world. Not in the same league as E.T. but still a lovely one to watch.

11 – The Goonies (1985)

I can’t count how many times we’ve watched this film. A group of kids discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find the hidden treasure so they can save their neighbourhood from being turned into a golf course.

12 – The Extra Terrestrial (E.T.) (1980)

A Steven Speilberg classic where a loveable alien is left behind on earth and is saved by a young boy who tries to keep him hidden in his bedroom to keep it safe. Whilst there are some heartwarming funny moments there are also some tear jerker moments too. I don’t think I’ve ever managed to watch it and not cry.

13 – Stand By Me (1980)

A coming of age film where four 12 year old boys set off in search of finding the body of a boy who has gone missing. On their journey they discover the true meaning of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right.

14 – Ladyhawke (1985)

Another one that I think missed first time round. Another romantic fantasy set in medieval France telling the story of a pickpocket and a knight on a journey to find love and defeat evil. Starring Michelle Pfieffer and Mathew Broderick.

15 – The Karate Kid (1984)

Everyone brought up in the 80s will remember the lines “Wax-on, Wax-off” as teenager Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is learnt the disciplines of karate from Japanese janitor Miyagi (Pat Morita). Whilst utterly predictable it’s a great film to watch about perseverance.

16 – Coming to America (1988)

A light hearted comedy where an African pampered prince (Eddie Murphy) travels to Queens, New York and goes undercover working in a fast food burger chain in the hopes that he can find a wife that loves him for who he is and not because of his wealth. One of the few Eddie Murphy films where you don’t have to worry about the swearing.

17 – Ghostbusters (1984)

After being kicked out of University for doing unethical experiments on their students, they set up their own paranormal business – Ghostbusters, to rid the city of paranormal phenomenons and one giant marshmallow man.

18 – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

A pretty sick comedy musical with a carnivorous human eating plant who if not tackled may well take over the world. But is nerdy florist Seymour (Rick Moranis) up to the task?

19 – Tootsie (1982)

So before Mrs Doubtfire hit the big screen there was Dustin Hoffman who was hilarious as Tootsie, a struggling male actor who decides to disguise himself as a women to get a part in a daytime drama. Problems ensue when he falls for his female co-star. Funnily enough Robin Williams was reportedly also up for the part at one stage.

20 – National Lampoon Vacation (1983)

A father (Chevy Chase) tries to be the best a father can be while taking his kids on vacation, but he just gets everything wrong with hilarious consequences.

21 – The Caddy Shack (1980)

Another Chevy Chase classic, this time also with Bill Murray. The caddies at Bushwood Country Club get up to some crazy antics.

22 – The Flight of the Navigator (1986)

A fun sci-fi movie with pretty good effects considering the time of the film. A good all rounder to watch with the family.

23 – See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)

I remember when I first watched this and laughing so much my belly hurt. Dave (Gene Wilder) is deaf and Wally (Richard Prior) is blind. Between them they witness a murder. Watching them working together is comic genius.

24 – Gremlins (1984)

Cute and creepy mix together to make a horror comedy which some may find scary but that my boys found hysterical. Hand up, who had a cuddly Gizmo when they were younger?

25 – Labyrinth (1986)

A fantasy adventure, packed with imaginative otherworldly scenes with David Bowie as the Goblin King. I can barely remember this one so I’m keen to give it another go.

What films would you recommend for the lockdown? Which classic 80s movies are your favourites? Do let us know in the comments below 🙂

For other recommendations to do in the lockdown why not check out our activities to do in the garden or our best board games posts.

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