Top 6 80s Movies to Watch on Netflix: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

The 1980s was a decade of blockbuster movies, many of which have stood the test of time and are still beloved by audiences today.

This article will explore the top 6 80s movies to watch on Netflix, discussing their plot, characters, themes, and memorable scenes. We will also examine why 80s movies are still relevant today and have influenced modern cinema.

1. The List of Top 6 80s Movies to Watch on Netflix

Our list of the top 6 80s movies to watch on Netflix includes:

1. The Breakfast Club
2. The NeverEnding Story
3. She's Gotta Have It
4. The Blue Lagoon
5. The Ark of the Covenant
6. The Golden Child

We chose these movies based on a number of criteria, including their critical and commercial success, their lasting popularity, their cultural impact, and their availability on Netflix.

1.1. The Breakfast Club

"The Breakfast Club" is a 1985 coming-of-age movie directed by John Hughes. The film follows five high school students from different cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. Over the course of the day, the students begin to bond and break down the social barriers that usually divide them.

The five characters include the jock, Andrew Clark (played by Emilio Estevez); the popular girl, Claire Standish (played by Molly Ringwald); the rebel, John Bender (played by Judd Nelson); the brain, Brian Johnson (played by Anthony Michael Hall); and the outcast, Allison Reynolds (played by Ally Sheedy). Despite their initial animosity towards each other, the students gradually begin to share their stories and secrets, forming a deep and unexpected connection.

"The Breakfast Club" has become a beloved classic for its realistic portrayal of high school life and its themes of social class, identity, and self-acceptance. The film's soundtrack, featuring hits like "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds, has also become iconic and synonymous with the movie.

The film has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless imitators and earning a place in the hearts of multiple generations. Its themes of acceptance and the power of shared experiences have resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place in cinema history.

Overall, "The Breakfast Club" is a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated for its honest portrayal of the teenage experience and its universal themes of acceptance and self-discovery.

1.2. The NeverEnding Story

If you're interested in watching a fantastical adventure movie without a heavy storyline, you're in luck. The German film, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, has just been picked up by Warner Bros. The remake will focus on aspects of the story not explored in the original.

The film's original director Wolfgang Petersen also co-wrote the script. The film stars Noah Hathaway as the young boy Bastian, who hides out in an attic at school and reads a mysterious book. As he learns about the book, he starts to experience synchronicity and eventually realizes that the book is communicating with him.

The story is an icon of early 80s cinema and has received a cult following thanks to the success of Stranger Things. A screening of the movie in Edinburgh has been organized by For The Love of Fantasy, the same organization that organised Harry Potter events in Scotland.

The film is a German production, based on a book by Michael Ende. The film is directed by Wolfgang Peterson and produced by Bernd Eichinger. It is called "Die Unendliche Geschichte" in German.

Despite its language barriers, the film has aged well. The practical effects in the film are stunning and impressive. Director Wolfgang Petersen was a perfectionist, so many takes were required to get the perfect shot. He even noted that he didn't know English so he had an American voice actor translate the German lines. The German version, however, uses English subtitles to improve the audience's experience.

1.3. She's Gotta Have It

When you're looking for an excellent watch to enjoy in the summer, you may want to start with She's Gotta Have It. The 80s comedy features a great cast and a classic plot. The film was directed by Spike Lee and cost $175,000 to produce.

While it may be a throwback to a more innocent era, its content is still highly mature. The film has multiple sex scenes and male nudity, and includes strong language and innuendo. Opal's lesbian flirting with Nola is subtle but effective. The suitor violates Nola in her own apartment, which she manages with a great deal of dignity.

The plot revolves around a series of relationships between four characters, each with their own personalities and quirks. Nola is a Brooklyn-based artist who is trying to figure out who she is, but finds herself having three boyfriends instead.

Each of them fulfills a different requirement. The dependable, fun, and romantic guys are all just a few of the options that she has. All of them, though, don't seem to fit her. Each man tries to make Nola into a monogamous relationship despite being incompatible.

The movie has a lot of similarities to Broad City and Spike Lee's film from 1986. It's political but never overtly so. Fort Greene residents may have political fatigue and be more focused on the hustle than on politics. But in terms of style and sex, it has no peer. The sexy cast of She's Gotta Have It is a wonderful watch.

1.4. The Blue Lagoon

"The Blue Lagoon" is a 1980 romantic adventure movie directed by Randal Kleiser. Starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, the film tells the story of two young cousins who become stranded on a deserted island in the South Pacific and must learn to survive on their own.

The two main characters, Richard (played by Atkins) and Emmeline (played by Shields), are the only survivors of a shipwreck that kills all the other passengers, including their parents. Over time, they learn how to survive on the island, building shelter and finding food and water. As they grow older, Richard and Emmeline begin to develop romantic feelings for each other, eventually falling in love.

"The Blue Lagoon" was controversial upon its release for its frank depiction of nudity and sexual content involving two young actors. Despite this, the film was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic, known for its lush tropical setting and sweeping romance.

The film's themes of survival and self-discovery, as well as the taboo nature of the relationship between Richard and Emmeline, continue to resonate with audiences today. The film was followed by a sequel, "Return to the Blue Lagoon," which starred Milla Jovovich and Brian Krause, but it failed to achieve the same success as the original.

Overall, "The Blue Lagoon" is a romantic adventure movie that has become a classic of its genre. Its themes of survival, self-discovery, and forbidden love have made it a beloved film for generations of fans, and its lush tropical setting and stunning cinematography continue to captivate audiences to this day.

1.5. The Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant is a biblical artifact that is believed to have contained the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses by God. According to the Bible, the Ark was built by the Israelites and was carried with them during their travels in the wilderness, and later, it was placed in the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem.

The Ark of the Covenant is described in the Bible as a wooden chest, overlaid with gold, and topped with two cherubim, or angelic figures. The chest contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna (which the Israelites ate during their time in the wilderness), and Aaron's rod, which had miraculously budded.

The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it was said to be imbued with a holy power. According to the Bible, the Ark was so powerful that it could part the waters of the Jordan River, destroy the walls of Jericho, and even bring about plagues and disasters.

The fate of the Ark of the Covenant is unclear, and its location is a matter of speculation and legend. According to the Bible, the Ark was captured by the Philistines, who eventually returned it to the Israelites. After the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 587 BC, the Ark disappears from the historical record, and its location remains unknown to this day.

Despite its mysterious fate, the Ark of the Covenant continues to be a powerful symbol of faith and inspiration for believers around the world. Its story has been retold in countless books, movies, and works of art, cementing its place as one of the most iconic artifacts in religious history.

1.6. The Golden Child

"The Golden Child" is a 1986 comedy-fantasy movie directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Eddie Murphy in the lead role. The film follows Murphy's character, Chandler Jarrell, a private detective who is hired to find a mystical child believed to be the "Golden Child," a savior figure who can defeat evil forces threatening to take over the world.

As Chandler sets out on his mission, he encounters a number of obstacles, including a demonic villain named Sardo Numspa (played by Charles Dance) who is determined to stop him from finding the child. Along the way, Chandler is aided by a Tibetan mystic named Kee Nang (played by Charlotte Lewis), who helps him unlock his own mystical powers and ultimately defeat Numspa and his minions.

"The Golden Child" was a box office success upon its release and was praised for its blend of action, comedy, and fantasy elements. The film's special effects, including the use of practical puppetry and animatronics, were also praised for their creativity and technical skill.

Despite its success, "The Golden Child" has since become a somewhat forgotten entry in Eddie Murphy's filmography, overshadowed by other classic comedies like "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Coming to America." However, the film's unique blend of genres and Eddie Murphy's charismatic performance continue to make it a cult favorite among fans of '80s movies and fantasy films.

Overall, "The Golden Child" is a fun and entertaining fantasy-comedy that showcases Eddie Murphy's talents as an actor and comedian. Its mix of action, humor, and mystical elements makes it a unique entry in the genre, and its memorable characters and iconic special effects continue to entertain audiences to this day.

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Crime Shows on Netflix in 2023

2. Why 80s Movies Are Still Relevant Today？

Despite being made over 30 years ago, 80s movies continue to be popular with audiences today. One reason for this is the cultural and historical context in which these movies were made. The 80s were a time of rapid change and uncertainty, with many social and political upheavals that were reflected in popular culture. 80s movies often tackled issues such as teen angst, the struggle for individuality, and the fear of nuclear war.

Another reason for the enduring popularity of 80s movies is the timeless themes and messages they convey. Many of these movies deal with universal themes such as love, friendship, and self-discovery, which continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, 80s movies often featured memorable characters and soundtracks, which have become cultural touchstones for generations of moviegoers.

Related Reading: Top 6 Best Comedies on Netflix 2023

3. 80s Movies Have Influenced Modern Cinema？

The influence of 80s movies can be seen in modern cinema in a number of ways. Many filmmakers have paid homage to 80s movies in their own work, either by referencing specific movies or by emulating their visual style and storytelling techniques. For example, the Duffer Brothers, creators of the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things," have cited 80s movies such as "E.T." and "The Goonies" as major influences on their show.

In addition to inspiring individual filmmakers, 80s movies have also given rise to new genres and storytelling techniques. For example, the 80s saw the rise of the teen movie, which has since become a staple of Hollywood cinema. The popularity of 80s movies also paved the way for the rise of blockbuster films, which continue to dominate the box office today.

Related Reading: Top 6 Funny Movies on Netflix 2023

FAQs

Q: Are these movies only for people who grew up in the 80s?
A: No, these movies have universal themes and appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Q: Why are these movies not available on other streaming platforms?
A: Netflix has secured the rights to these movies for a limited time, so they may not be available on other streaming platforms at the moment.

Q: Are there any other 80s movies that didn't make the list?
A: Yes, there are many other great 80s movies that could have made the list, but we chose these 6 based on a number of criteria.

Final Words

In conclusion, 80s movies have had a lasting impact on popular culture and modern cinema. Their enduring popularity can be attributed to the cultural and historical context in which they were made, as well as the timeless themes and memorable characters they feature.

Additionally, 80s movies have influenced modern cinema in a number of ways, from inspiring individual filmmakers to giving rise to new genres and storytelling techniques. These 80s movies are definitely worth watching on Netflix, as they offer a glimpse into a unique era of cinema and continue to entertain and inspire audiences today.

Above in this article, we've introduced the top 6 best 80s movies on Netflix that are now streamable, if you're one of the old fans of the past, then feel free to check them out. If you would like to download some of those movies for your personal collection, then a Netflix video downloader can lend a helping hand for this purpose.