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10 Awesome Movies from The 1980s You Must Watch on Netflix

  • February 1, 2025
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The 1980s brought out some of the most unforgettable movies that still have a major influence on pop culture today. From adventurous epics to heartwarming comedies, this decade offered a gold mine of cinematic jewels. And guess what? You can find these timeless classics on Netflix, ready for your next movie marathon. Whether you are in the mood for action-packed thrillers, quirky sci-fi, or feel-good family films, there is surely something from the ’80s that will hit the spot. 

Ready to dive into a world where VHS tapes ruled and mullets were a thing? Get your popcorn and take a trip down memory lane with these iconic must-watch flicks that will transport you straight back to the ’80s!

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack

In the climactic 1988 anime film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack

, the intense rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable has reached its climax

. The Neo-Zeon leader Char has devised a plan to force all of humanity into space by attempting to crash a giant asteroid onto Earth, which would ensure global destruction and Amuro stands as Earth’s last line of defense against this terrible threat. 

Featuring breathtaking space battles, and iconic mobile suit designs, this gripping tale explores the psyches of its main protagonists concluding the epic and intense struggle of these two iconic figures, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise’s legacy.

Read More: Meghan Markle’s ‘Suits’ Co-Star Shares an Exclusive Insight Into What Fans Can Expect From the Duchess’ Netflix Project

Dune

Long before the modern success of Denis Villeneuve’s 

Dune

 starring Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet

, back in 1984, visionary director David Lynch first took on the ambitious task of bringing Frank Herbert’s complex sci-fi novel to the big screen. Here, the film follows Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides

, a young noble tasked with leading the rebellion on the desert planet Arrakis. 

  You also meet stars Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck, Francesca Annis as Lady Jessica, and Sting as the menacing Feyd-Rauth

 as they bring to life the beloved novel.  Despite its impressive ensemble and Lynch’s distinctive visual flair, Dune

received mixed reviews upon its release and struggled quite a bit. However, over time  the film has gained a cult following with fans loving the unique aesthetic and ambitious storytelling of the film.

The Breakfast Club

In the 1985 classic directed by John Hughes

, The Breakfast Club

, you follow five different high school students from Shermer High School who are forced to spend their Saturday in detention together. Each of these five students belongs to a different social clique: the rebel the popular girl, the wallflower, the nerd, and the jock. 

Tasked with writing an essay about themselves, the students begin to realize many things as they discuss their personal struggles and challenge the stereotypes that define them, leading to moments of emotion, comedy and all sorts of drama that make it an exciting watch!

Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies

set in the final months of World War II when Japan faced relentless bombings leaving cities in ruins, follows a young boy named Seita and his little sister, Setsuko who are orphaned when an air raid kills their mother. The siblings voiced by Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraish take on a grueling journey as they seek refuge, first with a distant aunt and later in an abandoned bomb shelter. 

Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli,

Grave of the Fireflies

 is a heartwarming animated film that shows a hauntingly powerful view of human suffering with such beautiful cinematic intensity that will keep you on the edge.

Conan the Barbarian

In this 1982 film Conan the Barbarian

, Arnold Schwarzenegger

stars as Conan

, a warrior who goes on a quest to avenge his parents’ death by the sinister snake cult leader Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones

. Along the way, he teams up with the bow-wielding archer Subotai and the fierce warrior Valeria, and together they become a force to be reckoned with. 

His journey takes him through battles against dark magic, treacherous enemies, and the final confrontation against Thulsa Doom’s evil forces. This sword-and-sorcery classic not only cemented Schwarzenegger’s status as an action icon but also delivered a thrilling tale of revenge set in a mythical age.

She’s Gotta Have It

Back in 1986, Spike Lee made his feature film debut with She’s Gotta Have It

, a groundbreaking film that explores the life of Nola Darling, a young woman as she navigates her relationships with three distinct men. This candid and deep picture of Nola Darling’s saga brought forth a totally new dimension in the context of female sexuality and the world of liberation. The film’s black-and-white cinematography enhances its raw, documentary-like feel, immersing viewers in Nola’s world. 

The cast features Tracy Camilla Johns as Nola Darling, Tommy Redmond Hicks as Jamie Overstreet, John Canada Terrell as Greer Childs, and Spike Lee himself as Mars Blackmon

, each of them playing a different dynamic in Nola’s life. She’s Gotta Have It

 is one of the films that speaks volumes about Lee’s innovative storytelling, and it continues to be one of the greatest works in American cinema.

Field of Dreams

Coming to you from the  middle of Iowa, Ray Kinsella played by Kevin Costner

, a devoted farmer, hears a mysterious voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.”

Compelled by this enigmatic message, Ray transforms his cornfield into a baseball field, inviting the spirits of legendary players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson played by Ray Liotta

, to return and play.  

As the field becomes a sanctuary for these spectral athletes, Ray goes on his journey to reconnect with his late father. With an all-star cast, including Amy Madigan as Ray’s supportive wife, Annie, and James Earl Jones as the reclusive writer Terence Mann

, Field of Dreams

 has since become a beloved classic celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling.

Stand By Me

In Stand By Me

, you meet four young friends—Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O’Connell)

as they go on an intense journey of finding the body of a missing boy. Their adventure becomes serious, confronting them with the realities of life and death. It explores themes of friendship, loss, and the passage from boyhood to manhood. 

The bond among the boys is strained through hardships that force them to face their fears and insecurities. The movie’s heartfelt depiction of friendship and the loss of innocence has touched the hearts of viewers, making it a classic film.

Back to the Future

In this classic 1985 sci-fi classic Back to the Future

, Michael J. Fox stars as Marty McFly

, a typical 1980s teenager who accidentally finds himself sent back to 1955. Directed by Robert Zemeckis

, the movie puts Marty through an adventure to secure his own future existence. With the assistance of the eccentric inventor Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd

, Marty navigates the complexities of the past in an attempt to avoid altering history. 

The film combines thrilling time travel antics with humor and heart, creating unforgettable characters like Marty’s eccentric best friend, Doc. Through its fascinating plot and well-crafted performances, Back to the Future

 has become a timeless favorite.  The chemistry between Fox and Lloyd is a standout, and their fun dynamic is a big reason why fans revisit this film over and over again. 

Uncle Buck

In the 1989 comedy Uncle Buck

, John Candy gives the performance of a lifetime as the lovable and eccentric, Buck Russell.

When his brother Bob and sister-in-law Cindy are called away due to a family emergency, they are left with no choice but to leave their three children with Buck. His quirky parenting style gives rise to hilarious and exciting new fun moments, including a comedic showdown with a rigid school principal and a poignant talk with Tia’s defiant boyfriend that will have you rolling with laughs. 

Uncle Buck

is a true classic, treasured for the humor, warmth, and, of course, the charming magic of John Candy’s performance. Whether you are reliving the nostalgia or discovering these classics for the first time, there is no better place than Netflix where you can cozily set up and enjoy the feels of these classy films!

Which ’80s film on Netflix is your all-time favorite? Drop a comment below and let us know!

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