The best 80s movies to watch this weekend on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon
The 80s were a decade of social upheaval, bad haircuts, and the kind of music you either loved or hated. And while the music might not have been to everyone’s liking, a small selection of the films were, quite frankly, brilliant. From alien movies to vampire hits to goofball comedies and more, the 80s packed a punch in every genre if you knew where to look.
If you’re planning on doing nothing except watching some absolute classic movies next weekend, why not check out our guide to some of the best 80s movies that you can stream right now on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon? Let’s hear it for the decade of decadence!
Netflix
Heathers
Why not start with the film that pretty much brought the 80s to an end and ushered in the grunge-fueled 90s? Watching this cult classic now, it’s amazing to think it somehow made a huge loss at the box office despite only having a budget of $3 million.
Ghostbusters
We have no doubt that as soon as you’d read the title, the theme tune started playing in your head. It’s still playing now, isn’t it? Don’t worry – it’s playing in ours too.
Trading Places
Two of the kings of 80s comedies – Eddie Murphy (Shrek) and Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers) – starred in this rich man, poor man, switcheroo classic. It’s also got Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) in it and her boobs.
The Lost Boys
The pinnacle of 80s vampire movies is The Lost Boys. Just don’t eat any noodles or rice while you’re watching it.
Hulu
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
The live action / animated film is a must see for any fan of 80s films, animation, film noirs, or just plum films about a cartoon rabbit with a beautiful human (cartoon) wife who is accused of murder despite being one of the most loveable characters you could ever hope to meet.
The Karate Kid
Why not celebrate the new series of Cobra Kai by going back and watching where it all began. Except crane kicks, 80s jackets and bandanas. What more could you ask for?
Spaceballs
Starring, produced and directed by Mel Brooks this 80s comedy classic also features John Candy and Rick Moranis in a parody mashup of everything sci fi and 80s (and also some films from the late 70’s to.)
Back to School
It’s Rodney Dangerfield (Caddyshack) going ‘back to school.’ You really don’t need any more than that.
Amazon
Coming to America
Another of Eddie Murphy’s 80s comedy classics is the quite brilliant Coming to America. The film, about an African Prince who comes to America to find a wife, is not only one of the best comedies of the 80s but one of the best comedies full stop. Like that one there.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The greatest film about aliens ever made (well, at least ones that don’t have acid for blood or tried to kill Danny Glover in NYC, anyway.) Steven Spielberg’s classic about a young boy and his alien will have even the most hardened government official who’s just doing his job, shedding a tear.
Labyrinth
Feel free to get up and “Dance magic dance” along with the great David Bowie in this beautiful, if at times dark, film by the late great, Jim Henson and team (which included George Lucas as Executive Producer.) Like many 80s films, the soundtrack is as equally awesome as the film itself.
The Breakfast Club
If you want the 1980s then you can’t go any further than The Breakfast Club. So, why not kick back, change your ringtone to Simple Minds and bathe in its glorious eightiesness.
