Top 10 Classic Teen Movies

Watching movies together can be a great way to spend time with your teenager. It can also help to open the lines of communication. There are so many wonderful movies out there that tackle tough issues and allow you to bring it out into the open with your teen. So, how do you decide which movies are must see movies for you to watch with your teen? Here, I have my list of the top movies to watch with your teenager. They are all on my list to watch with my daughter and we can't wait to get started!

All of these movies were first released in the theater in the mid-80s. The 1980s generated the largest number of teen movies of any time period. The grand master of teen movies was director John Hughes. Not all of these movies were directed by Hughes, but many were. When you watch these movies with your teen, tell them about watching them yourself as a teenager. Let them see and understand that you were the same as they are and faced many of the same challenges and problems that they are facing today. When they watch the movie with you, you will be able to get them to open up a little and tell you how their world differs today from back in the 80s. Not only that, but they are all great movies as well! So, pop some popcorn, get a cold drink, pop one of these movies in your DVD player tonight and get ready to remember those teenage years!

The Goonies - Aimed at a tween audience, this movie is an old time matinée style adventure movie. Full of fast paced action and young heroes with attitudes and angst, this movie was produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Chris Columbus. The kids go on a search for a lost pirate treasure and encounter booby traps, crooks and a giant. Starring Sean Astin, Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton, this is a dazzling and fun-filled adventure story that also touches on a teen's feelings of being out of control and out of touch.

The Lost Boys - For the vampire loving teen, this movie is a look at one of the first movies in the "Twilight" genre of movies for teens. This movie reshaped vampire legends and had a really rocking soundtrack. The story line is your basic good guys done wrong by the bad guys. The teens fight back and save the city from vampires. The gorgeous cast includes Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland. The underlying theme in this movie is that of the misunderstood youth.

Karate Kid - A teenage "Rocky" film, this movie takes an underdog and lets him have his day. A fatherless teen makes friends with an old oriental man who then trains him in karate to defend himself from local bullies. When his new love interest turns out to be the ex of the local karate champion, he must enter a tournament to keep his honor. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita star in this inspiring tale.

The Legend of Billie Jean - One of my favorite movies, this one is one I watch every few years. This is the story of a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who gets into trouble just trying to get justice. Billie Jean was not trying to be a hero, she was not trying to be a martyr, but somehow that is what happens. Her fight gathers a group of other teens and they become fugitives. Armed with toy guns and with a hostage who tied himself up to go with them, these unlikely heroes draw media attention and become legends. This is a fabulous story starring Helen Slater, Peter Coyote, Keith Gordon, Christian Slater and Richard Bradford. This story teaches us all that it doesn't matter how old you are or where you come from, we can all make a difference.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Just about everybody has cut school to participate in some form of extracurricular activity at one time or another. This movie by director John Hughes expoits this and has Mathew Broderick starring as the class skipping teen. Fast paced and hillarious, this movie is a classic. Also starring Mia Sara and Jeffrey Jones.

Weird Science - Two high school "nerds" use their science skills to create the perfect woman. Their wild and wacky adventures make this movie too funny for words. Starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan-Mitchell Smith and Kelly LeBrock, this movie is also directed by John Hughes.

The Outsiders - Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Outsiders launched the careers of the "brat pack". The movie is based on S.E. Hinton's classic novel & tells the story of teen gang members and rival gangs as they struggle to keep their territory. Two teens go on the run after murder is committed. Stars Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Diane Lane and Leif Garrett among others.

Sixteen Candles - The first in a series of teen comedy romances by director John Hughes, this movie is also the first appearance by teen queen Molly Ringwald. A benchmark film by which all other teen movies have been measured since, this movie is a must see. When the main character turns sixteen and no one remembers her birthday, the drama and hijinks are just getting started. Starring Anthony Michael Hall, Paul Dooley and John Cusack alongside Molly Ringwald.

Pretty in Pink - Directed by Howard Deutch andwritten by John Hughes, this movie is considered by some to be the best teen movie released in the 80s. Star crossed lovers from opposite sides of the track, love triangles, great music and a fabulous cast make this movie a true classic. Starring Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy.

Breakfast Club - My personal favorite in the teen movie genre, this movie has a cult following. Directed by John Hughes and starring Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy. Five teens from all walks of life and different cliques must attend a Saturday detention together. There, they learn that they have more in common than they would have ever thought.