Some of the Best Movies from the 80's

I'm incredibly fickle when it comes to movies. Most will be surprised to see what I didn't include on my list. And, since I really love the 80's, I can't include all my favorites in here, because I'd be here all day. But, here are, in MY opinion, some of the best 80's movies made.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

This 1986 movie stared Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara about the mischievous but charming Ferris Bueller, a serial school skipper who has the whole school in the palm of his hand. He convinces his best buddy, Cameron, who is home sick, to break his girl out of school so they can live it up in downtown Chicago. Who doesn't love the scene with Ferris at the parade singing the Beatles' "Twist and Shout"? And the superb Ben Stein and his infamous line: "Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?"

ET

Everyone fell in love with the super cute alien from another world? Drew Barrymore, in my opinion, completely stole the spotlight as her portrayal as the pigtailed, lovable Gertie. What child doesn't remember Elliott and ET flying through the air with the silhouette of the moonlight in the background, or ET saying at the end, "I'll be right here," pointing to Elliott's heart? I'll admit it. I cried.

Can't Buy Me Love

Patrick Dempsey goes from geek to sheik. Girls everywhere fell in love with this fairy tale about nerdy Ronald, who hires a popular cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend so he can climb the popularity ladder. Along the way, Ronald starts to lose himself after immersing himself in the popular group. In the end, the nerd wins the heart of the popular chick, and everyone learns a lesson: Patrick Dempsey is hot!

The Princess Bride

It was the quote heard 'round the world. "My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." The Princess Bride didn't bode too well in theaters, but became a cult classic after being released on DVD. When it became out of print, it was a hot commodity. It actually didn't re-release on VHS/DVD until 1997. The cast is phenomenal. Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, and Andre the Giant are three that catch my eye. The plot is phenomenal, the lines are unforgettable, and the creatures are unbelievable. What more can I say?

Adventures in Babysitting

Elisabeth Shue stars in this epic 80's classic about every babysitter's nightmare. OK, so most of the stuff that happens in this movie isn't too common, especially the whole psycho truck driver/ getting chased around the city by carjackers/singing on stage in a blue's club/climbing down the side of a skyscraper thing. I have fond memories of watching this movie a million times. "Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues."

The Karate Kid

Daniel is the son of a single mom, and he doesn't fit in well when he moves from New Jersey to California. He gets beat up by the kids in the local karate dojo. Mr. Miyagi promises to teach "Daniel Son" karate so he can defend himself against bullies. This is a true underdog story. And honestly, who can forget "Wax on, wax off"? This, in my opinion, is one of the most classic movie lines of the 80's.

Indiana Jones Series

Harrison Ford might have gotten his big break in "Star Wars" but he rocked out as Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. In the first of the series, it was the search for the lost Ark while being chased by Nazis. In the second, it was some mystical stone and Indians. In the Last Crusade, it was the Holy Grail and those Nazis again. Action and adventure, as well as the debonair Harrison Ford make this series a classic of the 80's. And who isn't looking forward to the next Indiana Jones movie coming out in theaters in 2008?

Back to the Future

Michael J. Fox, AKA Marty McFly. The plot alone was a phenomenal concept, although the part about his mom from the past falling in love with him kind of creeped me out. Christopher Lloyd rocked as "Doc". This definitely is a well-known movie of the 80's.

Star Wars

I couldn't, in my good conscience, leave the genius of George Lucas off this list. Yes, I realize the first in the series was released in the 1970's, but 2 were released in the 1980's. Darth Vader, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker Yoda, everyone knows their names, who they are, and what they did. It was an epic battle of galactic proportions, and the phenomenon still sweeps people everywhere over 20 years later.

So, there you have it. I'd love to include all my favorite 80's movies, but I think of another one each time I try to submit this article...