Top 20 Best Teen Movies of the 1980s

[@MsMojo]

Was YOUR favorite teen movie from the decade featured on the list? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 20 Most Satisfying Teen Movie Endings - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTHaYOQi7GCb9E

[@justineves3588]

The breakfast club 😊❤

[@williamsummerson1204]

The Breakfast Club and A Nightmare on elm street.

[@justineves3588]

Two very very great choices

[@williamsummerson1204]

Thx, same to you.👍

[@parstl3739]

See my comment on Dirty Dancing, Karate Kid and lack of diversity...these are pretty much white teen movies except for Fame.

[@trinaq]

John Hughes is the undisputed king of 80's teen comedies. He gave a complex insight into the lives of teenagers without judging or preaching down to them. He's inspired new generations of filmmakers with their own teen projects.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Agreed

[@rwwilson21]

well, just in teen movies themselves. When it comes to teen movies, his work is the golden bar.

[@pattierotondo1108]

Breakfast Club speaks to everyone because we either are or know each character.

[@Mike-h8m]

Tom Cruise is the biggest actor of the 80s.

[@ConnorMiller417]

The 80’s were the best years! Just anything in general was at its peak in the 80’s. To me, nothing beats Stand By Me. It’s not just a teen movie, it’s about boys learning very difficult yet valuable life lessons. Through it all, they stood by each other as friends. That’s why the film is called, Stand By Me.

[@trinaq]

Preach, even though most of the quartet of boys gradually drifted away from each other, they'll never forever the memories they shared together, which cemented their coming of age.

[@davidz3879]

@@trinaq There's not much coming-of-age in SBM. They don't reach milestones; it's more of a buddy film.

[@nancyherzog8780]

The reason Stand By Me is so good is that it was written by Stephen King. He’s an incredible author/storyteller.

[@oscararreola5615]

Where is the Goonies?😮

[@davidz3879]

@@oscararreola5615 I also was surprised at it not being included.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

_Back to the Future_ is such a fun move with so many hidden details you don't catch the first time watching. Micheal J Fox and Christopher Lloyd's best work.

[@watershipup7101]

Agreed

[@nicklopez3133]

Like that Twin Pine Mall sign.

[@KimathiDonzooya]

It will always be

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

As people who grew up in the ‘80s, we thank you for showing us all 20 interesting teen movies in 1980s, MsMojo.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Those movies works so well

[@thereallg4587]

*The breakfast club is an all time favorite. Can watch it and never get tired.*

[@brettkimura]

Just like Back To The Future (1985) and Titanic (1997), for me

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

‘1984’s ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ is still one of the best slasher/teen movies ever made. Writer and director Wes Craven did a fantastic job back in the day, may he rest in peace…

[@davidz3879]

Yes, he was a great filmmaker.

[@olleselin]

Can we all just agree that Rebecca has the best narration voice, ever?

[@morgie39]

Hard agree

[@niabelizaire3596]

Me! 🙋🏾‍♀️

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

I second that x

[@trinaq]

I third that emotion, her voice is so distinctive.

[@Djkm23]

I agree.

[@SavaFiend]

The Lost Boys, Heathers, and Back to the Future are some of my favorite movies of all time! 80s movies were great. I love being Gen X.

[@2822MJ]

Living through my childhood in the 80's I never really thought about how many wonderful teen movies came out during that decade. I just enjoyed them as they came along and it was just natural. It wasn't until I became an adult and I looked back on that period that I realized how special a time that was for these kind of movies. I literally enjoyed almost all of the movies on this Top 20 list, including the honorable mentions, that could have easily been part of the 20 list.

[@victorhayes5980]

This is the first list I have ever seen that not only mentions "Some Kind of Wonderful" but actually has it on their top list! Thank you! It is my all time favorite movie! So good!

[@chelseacanales8763]

I’m a 90s kid but I sure do love watching movies from the 80s Stand by Me Dirty Dancing The Outsiders Pretty in Pink and of course The Breakfast Club

[@jasoncarney5563]

Hey have you ever seen superbad or project x

[@jasoncarney5563]

Ooh or have you seen the sitter (2011) it's like a modern adaptation of adventures in babysitting

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

The Outsiders is another one of my favorite movies. When I first watched it I had no idea how dark and sad it would be but it was so good.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I saw The Breakfast Club for the first time about a year ago. It was SO GOOD!! Definitely worth all the hype and praise it gets. It’s got a perfect cast, amazing lines and scenes, as well as some moving and intense themes running throughout the movie. It’s so good! I love how all the kids are so different but they all bond over unexpected things. So good!

[@karenladd1110]

You could have made a top 40 list, there are SO many great 80s movies!!! And I'm disappointed that St Elmo's Fire did not get an honorable mention. One of my favorites.

[@amandawilkinsontarot7096]

It's more of a young adult movie than a teen movie.

[@ronbon321able]

St Elmos!!!!!

[@pepito2847]

The Outsiders was such a great book and story The setting, the characters, the actors in the movie So much nostalgia, despite me not being an 80s kid

[@pattierotondo1108]

It used to be required reading when I was in school. Now, the stories the kids have to read in school are just as bleak, but there is no uplifting message to resolve the story. No wonder teens are so depressed all the time.

[@trod3898]

In case you didn't know, they made the Curtis' house into an Outsiders museum in Tulsa, OK.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

The Back To The Future series is one of the best movie series I have ever seen. The first one is of course the most iconic and for good reason!

[@melissaleonard8562]

I wish the list was longer because there are so many great teen movies from the 80s. I would also add Once Bitten, Teen Witch, Mischief, Valley Girl, Secret Admirer, Just One of the Guys, Mystic Pizza, Little Darlings, License to Drive, and Lucas to the list.

[@ronbon321able]

Lucas!

[@trinaq]

I never had to read or watch "The Outsiders" for school, but I grew up loving it all the same. We didn't know what icons the young cast, especially Tom Cruise, would eventually become, and the upcoming Broadway musical also looks gold! 😍🌟

[@DeadpoolGames19]

Exactly. Tom became a LEGEND

[@whatshername369]

I read it over and over. And all the other S.E. Hinton novels.

[@Jeremiah_Rivers76]

I read the novel and watched the film in 8th grade, and I enjoyed the former more.

[@whatshername369]

@@Jeremiah_Rivers76 I am not even sure what age I was when I read them. But certain books will always be a part of who I was and am.

[@Northstarboysvsp]

I'm reading outsiders I love it so far 😍

[@kamsismith]

The 80s were the Golden Age of the teen movies. While certain aspects of them haven't aged well, they have a certain charm that you can't ignore. While teen movies are still being made, they just don't hit the same as the 80s-the 2000s did.

[@trinaq]

Preach, they were simply timeless, and really understood what it was like to be a teenager. While there are decent teen movies being made nowadays, namely "To All the Boys" and "Edge of Seventeen", they still take inspiration from those previous movies.

[@Jenifer_R_]

I think 'Better Off Dead' deserved more than an honourable mention, but I totally agree with 'The Breakfast Club' taking the top spot.

[@voutsider190]

"I want my 2 dollars!"

[@musicvixen78]

Thank you! He went through so much because he was in love with that ridiculous girl and didn't know how to deal without her

[@dianamcmahon51510]

I freaking love Adventures In Babysitting! I watched that movie so many times growing up. Also, now that Elizabeth Shue is grown up, there needs to be a sequel with her kids having the adventure!

[@voutsider190]

Love it too

[@stephb3321]

I would LOVE a sequel! And I normally hate sequels.

[@jackrodakthemovieguy1726]

I fell in love with John Hughes the second I first watched his movies. It's sad he's gone now, but he left behind a library of comedy 80s masterpieces that you never see made today

[@spirituallysafe]

"Girls just want to have fun" is my absolutely 80s favourite - drama, dance, love, comedy. Love it!

[@musicvixen78]

Me too! Along with Troop Beverly Hills

[@spirituallysafe]

@@musicvixen78 Thank you for the suggestion!

[@deoge3278]

Stand by Me was 1 of my all time favorites growing up. Sidenote... PennyWise's cover of the song Stand by Me is so underrated it's insane...

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

My sister and I love the Karate Kid series! Daniel has the best and most realistic depiction of a stressed out, funny and normal teenage kids I have ever seen on screen. And of course the karate and Mr. Miagyi are absolutely awesome!

[@davidz3879]

Only the original film is good.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

@davidz3879 Oh well I know that it’s the most iconic but my sister and I love all three of them

[@jgfunk]

Karate Kid (first one only) should be on the list not Honorable Mention!

[@Wharfsquatch]

The 80s were a great time for these movies. Agree John Hughes rules the 80s! Another great teen movie is All the Right Moves (1983) Tom Cruise, Lea Thompson and Craig T Nelson.

[@broncojuan]

Stand by Me should be SOOOO much higher! Top three, fur sure.

[@Disneygirlie]

The Breakfast Club is my favourite ❤

[@marcusyates3044]

🎶 Don't You Forget About Me! 🎶

[@sassykaren7587]

Mine too! My best friend, and I used to know every word in the script from watching it all the time!! ❤

[@trinaq]

Likewise, my DVD is probably worn out from all the times I've watched it!

[@jacobmaverickbueller.671]

Risky Business and Ferris Bueller's Day Off are my favorite teen movies of the 80's. I can relate to Joel a little bit.😎

[@joshknoll5172]

Fantastic list! I would have switched the rankings of a number of these movies, but I'm glad so many of my favorite 80s movies are on this list. My one biggest complaint, however, is the absence of "Lucas," one of the best teen movies ever.

[@williamsummerson1204]

Lucas is outstanding.

[@MJisLove4life]

Heathers is such a classic, so is all 80s teen movies. I saw The Outsiders when I was in middle school and absolutely loved it. Cried my eyes out to it as well. Absolutely loved this vid❤

[@davidz3879]

Why wasn't Heathers popular at the time?

[@randomkeir]

@@davidz3879Because it wasn’t a John Hughes movie. It wasn’t about the girl ending up with the boy of her dreams or a girl with an annoying little brother/sister and hating her parents because she wanted to get with the boy of her dreams. Heathers turned all that shit on it’s head.

[@ViniciusSC10]

Ferris Bueller Day’s off is my favorite. It’s tell so much about life and the importance to not take things too seriously, either school or work, and enjoy things.

[@evelynwilson1566]

The Director's Cut of The Outsiders is an absolute classic - although slight quibble, Johnny's killing Bob was to defend Ponyboy who was about to be drowned by the Socs.

[@valeriegiunca6018]

Yes…St. Elmo’s Fire was controversial for its time and produced outstanding young acting careers!!!

[@luchilds]

Technically it was about college grads though

[@TammieR-B]

95% of these will be my favourite movies. But, I'll disagree with the order

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

‘Back to the Future.’ Part of my childhood. 😃

[@misskitty1235]

I actually used the scene from Footloose where he’s reciting the Bible verses in a Sunday School lesson to jr high kids about the joy of music and dance in celebrating.

[@VVilla-zh5mw]

_"Dirty Dancing"_ and _"Stand by Me"_ I don't know why these two movies give me nostalgia feels and comfort compared to other 80's films 🙂 I re-watched these 2 films for a hundreds of times ! 😅

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, MsMojo..!! The Monster Squad (1987) was a cool movie of the 80s as well. 🤣

[@musicvixen78]

Great movie! "The Wolfmans got nads!"

[@angelaholmes8888]

The breakfast club is a movie that still holds

[@LucyAdroit]

Love "The Outsiders" XD It became a bit of an obsession after I read it for school - I even got my first 101 grade in that middle school English class because of it

[@Lady-Kanerasoka]

9:10 and 20:15 “The Outsiders” and “The Breakfast Club” will always be timeless classics for me. I remember reading/watching the Outsiders book/film in 8th grade and seeing Breakfast Club in my junior year in high school, and I instantly fell in love with both of them. Even though I’m a 90’s kid and loved the films I grew up with, the 80’s had a lot of great stuff too, especially The Goonies, which led to A LOT of inside jokes/catchphrases within my family

[@ItsLinjeans]

I think Wargames should have had at least an honorable mention, but I loved your list.

[@Dante_2023]

The Best Movie of my childhood: " Nightmare on the Elm Street" (1984) 😊

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Oh, I love both ‘Back to the Future’ & ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street.’ 😀

[@denisefreitas6727]

Great picks! I'm glad Some Kind of Wonderful and Say Anything are on the list. The Outsiders and Stand by Me should be on top 10, they are masterpieces like Dead Poets Society and Back to the Future.

[@DommyRamone]

Sadly, not even mentioned, one the best teen movies of the 80's...Secret Admirer with C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin, Kelly Preston and other great cast.

[@christinadeibel4937]

John Hughes was absolutely incredible. He understood teens because he was one himself. And still was before he died. He also made an effort to work with them, talk to them, and understand how they are. John Hughes will forever be my hero.

[@randomkeir]

His movies were formulaic and awful.

[@christinadeibel4937]

@@randomkeir So is your personality

[@Strongbad700]

#20: Adventures in Babysitting (1987) #19: Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) #18: The Lost Boys (1987) #17: Stand by Me (1986) #16: Fame (1980) #15: Can't Buy Me Love (1987) #14: Footloose (1984) #13: Dirty Dancing (1987) #12: The Outsiders (1983) #11: Pretty in Pink (1986) #10: Risky Business (1983) #9: Dead Poets Society (1989) #8: Heathers (1988) #7: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) #6: Say Anything (1989) #5: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) #4: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) #3: Sixteen Candles (1984) #2: Back to the Future (1985) #1: The Breakfast Club (1985) Honorable Mentions: - The Karate Kid (1984) - Porky's (1981) - Weird Science (1985) - The Last American Virgin (1982) - Better Off Dead (1985)

[@kibitznec700]

My Bodyguard

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

Pretty In Pink!! I watched that for the first time a few months ago. It is so good! Duckie is definitely my favorite character! His iconic dancing scene was hilarious and my favorite scene from the movie

[@rosekinnison4724]

Adventure in babysitting such a great movie

[@GoddessPallasAthena]

I guess I had forgotten how many teen movies were from the 80s. I have to say, I'm really glad "The Breakfast Club" was no. 1. I've always considered it THE movie of my generation.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Stand by me is such a brilliant film still love it

[@nicolecumberbatch5261]

There are so many 80s teen movies that I love. I don’t have a favorite because all of them were good in their own way.

[@NickCC23]

Also honorable mention to "Valley Girl" which features birthday girl (Sept 11) EG Daily who is even more beautiful today and "The Journey of Natty Gann" which features an outstanding lead performance by then 14 year old Meredith Salenger.

[@miscelaineous5164]

Yes!!! I also have seen zero comments including Dream a Little Dream, another Meredith Salenger flick also featuring the 2 Corey's.

[@niabelizaire3596]

Stand by Me is a classic! ❤️💯🎞️

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

I wish 'Better Off Dead' were more than an honorable mention and that '3 O'Clock High' & 'My Bodyguard' were at least mentioned.

[@edkeaton]

Every single 80s movie on this list is a bonafide classic! I've seen a lot of these plenty of times, and never get tired of them. 😎👍

[@purpleroom101]

Better Off Dead deserved more than just a mention!

[@pattierotondo1108]

Some great movies here, but it is hard to beat Ren McCormick when he finds out he has moved to a town where dancing is illegal. "Jump back!" I was glad to see Better Off Dead made HM at least. I will always love the French exchange student. She was priceless!

[@e12tu]

Totally agree with #1. John Hughes was a genius. Stand By Me should have been higher and Karate Kid should be on the list. Also love The Sure Thing and Lucas.

[@jamalvargas6146]

Top 10 Teen TV Series Of The 1990's 10. Sweet Valley High 9. Blossom 8. Buffy The Vampire Slayer 7. Undressed 6. Felicity 5. Breaker High 4. Dawson's Creek 3. Party Of Five 2. Boy Meets World 1. Beverly Hills 90210

[@champdaddyentertainment]

Team Brandon or team Dylan?

[@amandawilkinsontarot7096]

Buffy is the absolute best!!

[@owenandlightningaremylovev3066]

I used to be scared of Stand By Me when I was little only the dead body part though and I love The Outsiders that's why I'm watching this video to see if it ends up on the list:-)❤

[@maytalacedo2942]

The outsiders is underrated when it comes to talking about teen movies 🎥 including saddest deaths. It's a beautiful and a heartbreaking story of what happens in real life you can't control but a beautiful reminder to not give up on hopeful things in life even when it was bleak. The teachers teases me when she didn't finish reading the book In class that I ended up reading it and finished it on my own. Best thing in my life.

[@lillycassandra6395]

(Just one of the guys) should have definitely been on this list, or especially as an honorable mention. Other than that.. ❤😢 love it!!!!!!

[@IOAFan]

A good list overall but "The Karate Kid" should have been ON the list, not an HM. Also, "Stand By Me" should have been very near the top of the list, based on the overall quality of the film, Rob Reiner's direction, and an Academy Award nominated screenplay!

[@Riri-oj1zs]

Pretty in Pink should be here. That's the quintessential teen girl film of the 80s.

[@robcop993]

Off the top of my head you forgot Foxes, Less Then Zero, Night of the Comet, The Chocolate War, Class, Heaven Help Us, and four films that have a definite youthful, but older adult vibe: Cocoon, Streets of Fire, The Bikini Shop and Miracle Mile.

[@carolyna4484]

Omg Class! Jacqueline Bisset, Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe and John Cusak...thought I was very grown up seeing this as a 13-year old, LOL.

[@je23508]

WOW, what a wonderful trip down memory lane. She'd a few tears on the Fame clip though 😊

[@robindew9072]

Knew Breakfast Club would be #1. It's my absolute favorite movie

[@TheGadgetPanda]

Breakfast Club at number one? I am all astonishment.

[@markblomquist1338]

I don't know if The Sure Thing is considered a teen movie, but it would be close to the top for me.

[@ЛюбчоНиколов-м6е]

Yes.They missed "The sure thing" (1985) and "Class" (1983).

[@savannahpaz7630]

Can't Buy Me Love is actually such a good and underrated movie. I watched many of the other movies on this list such as Pretty In Pink, The Outsiders, Heathers, Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club, and Back To The Future, but it probably the most underrated on the list. It has such a great message and I love the love story and how Ronnie literally paid to get with Cindi although it kinda backfired a little bit. Heathers is also underrated but it got a whole musical. But the movie is much better than the musical.

[@MariaBunnn]

I will forever envy the lucky people that got to experience the iconic 80s especially if they were youngings then

[@ChanelStClaire]

I've enjoyed Heathers and i happily appreciate lots along with being mentioned on your list very very much. Thank you thank you # yay number 8!!

[@davidz3879]

It later gained a cult following, but why wasn't Heathers popular at the time?

[@isabellearsenault8934]

The karaté kid is one of the best movies in this list...but I agree with many of your choices ! ❤ Vive les années 1980-1990 !

[@Camirose323]

Molly Ringwald was in three of the movies on the list that is crazy

[@Starsview72]

She was part of the “Brat Pack” who were stars of many of the ‘80’s teen movies.

[@LukeKetchum7003]

Here's one more honorable mention. WarGames (1983). A teen plays video games while trying to prevent world war 3.

[@john15008]

The Karate Kid should have made the Top 20 and Just One of the Guys should have at least received an honourable mention.

[@aprilmorris4588]

You missed St. Elmo's Fire which was also an excellent movie on the 80s with a huge cast and a lot to say about the time for those of us coming of age in that period.

[@CD-wl8ze]

Teen Wolf, Weird Science, Monster Squad, and Goonies.

[@hollyvines3273]

I can’t believe they left out Say Anything and Breakfast Club was my favorite too .

[@annbsirius1703]

Say Anything was there!

[@archiesto4444]

There are definitely some of the best movies of all times from the 80's! Great list. I now want to watch a bunch of movies again. I may not agree with all the picks and maybe not the order. #1 isn't my fist choice, but I actually agree it would be at the top of a list like this! Good job!

[@laurinwhidby3079]

I loved all of these but Stand By Me was so powerful

[@80z.OBX.43v3r]

The outsiders is my favorite movie…

[@sifilore9462]

Loved BttF and Breakfest Club. If a 90's teen best films comes. My Boyfriend's Back and The Craft should b listed.

[@dreamchaserforlife3667]

As a child of the 80s very well done

[@daverowe03]

I watched this whole video and was so disappointed when I realized "The Breakfast Club" was number 1. I just have never been a huge fan of that movie. I think I like almost EVERYTHING on this list more.

[@RichardBarone-tj8ql]

I think you overlooked Tex and Rumble fish. What about heaven help us. The karate kid deserves more than hi oracle mention.

[@charlotte241000]

This list is great but i wouldnt have added A Nightmere On Elm Street and most definatly wouldnt have given it the number 8 spot above footloose and Adventures And Badystitting in fact i just wouldnt have put it in this list an 80s horror list but not a teen movie list

[@robertohernandezd.3455]

Would Love to Go Back to The 80’s and Stay There Forever!!!

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

Here are some I'd add to the list, "Valley Girl," "Foxes," and "Class of 84."

[@miscelaineous5164]

Great picks! Over the Edge is a brilliant movie, super underrated classic to me, but it came out in '79 and Jawbreaker is '99

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

@@miscelaineous5164 Thanks for the clarification, I'll edit to fix :)

[@DawnHelmickWood]

Okay, this is a really good list.

[@maizarodlatif1533]

I remember reading “ The Outsiders “ book back in 6th grade . 😃

[@catherinewilliams9680]

How about the greatest Romeo and Juliet ever? Valley Girl. That was the movie that introduced Nick Cage to the world.

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

Thank you! That was my pick. I read through all the comments to see if anyone else choose it. How gorgeous was Nick Cage? And a great soundtrack too!

[@williammunson5832]

Back To The Future is Top 5. Vision Quest should have made the list, too.

[@crystalshaw8744]

Vision Quest is a little known gem...smile

[@iwaisman]

You forgot The sure thing.

[@ЛюбчоНиколов-м6е]

Yes.They missed "The sure thing" (1985) and "Class" (1983).

[@sapphire3010]

In my opinion, nothing beats Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I can watch this any time, any day and it always makes me happy. I learned from Ferris Bueller not to take life too seriously and to slow down. A close second is definitely Back to the Future. Any time, any day, I know these movies by heart. And after over 30 years, I can still enjoy them and smile.

[@adamhasideas6813]

I love the Breakfast Club. When I was a teen in the 80's I didn't realize Judd Nelson was 26 years old playing a high school student, but seeing it now, I do.