1980s teen movies
by tinnes-04102 | created - 20 Feb 2017 | updated - 1 day ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Back to the Future (1985)
PG | 116 min | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.
Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Votes: 1,306,618 | Gross: $210.61M
It's a timeless classic and a perfect film.
Grade: A+
2. Akira (1988)
R | 124 min | Animation, Action, Drama
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo | Stars: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Votes: 205,196 | Gross: $0.55M
Didn't even consider this a teen movie at first. But it totally is. The best anime film ever, violent, great teen characters who are just hardcore, trippy visuals, badass movie.
Grade: A+
3. The Karate Kid (1984)
PG | 126 min | Action, Drama, Family
A martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.
Director: John G. Avildsen | Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Votes: 244,448 | Gross: $90.82M
Grade: A+
4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Not Rated | 89 min | Animation, Drama, War
A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.
Director: Isao Takahata | Stars: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Votes: 310,371
Not what often comes to mind when you think 1980s teen movie, but the lead is a twin and it's one of the most haunting and beautiful films ever.
Grade: A+
5. Stand by Me (1986)
R | 89 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
A writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Votes: 441,560 | Gross: $52.29M
About younger characters than most teen movies are, it's timeless it's themes relate to any era, Stranger Things, IT, etc take from this movie. The best Stephan King Adaption.
Grade: A
6. Heathers (1988)
R | 103 min | Comedy, Crime
At Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.
Director: Michael Lehmann | Stars: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk
Votes: 115,828 | Gross: $1.11M
Ahead of its time what other dark teen movies strive to be.
Grade: A
7. Risky Business (1983)
R | 99 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A Chicago teenager is looking for fun at home while his parents are away, but the situation quickly gets out of hand.
Director: Paul Brickman | Stars: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Masur
Votes: 99,828 | Gross: $63.50M
Grade: A
8. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
R | 90 min | Comedy, Drama
A group of Southern California high school students are enjoying their most important subjects: sex, drugs and rock n' roll.
Director: Amy Heckerling | Stars: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Robert Romanus
Votes: 115,737 | Gross: $27.09M
Grade: A
9. The Breakfast Club (1985)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama
Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Votes: 436,486 | Gross: $45.88M
Grade: A
10. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
PG-13 | 103 min | Comedy
A popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Dean, who'll do anything to stop him.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones
Votes: 386,422 | Gross: $70.14M
Grade: A
11. Out of the Blue (1980)
R | 94 min | Drama
A young girl whose father is an ex-convict and whose mother is a junkie finds it difficult to conform and tries to find comfort in a quirky combination of Elvis and the punk scene.
Director: Dennis Hopper | Stars: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon
Votes: 3,977
Linda Manz gives one of the best young performances ever, Dennis Hopper is menacing and gives assured direction, a spirtual sequel to easy rider. Cool, grim, nihisltic, unsung masterpiece.
Grade: A-
12. E.T. (1982)
PG | 115 min | Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.
Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Votes: 437,462 | Gross: $435.11M
Some might say they are too young. But everyone considers stand by me in the same genre and the age difference isn't huge. A all time classic not much to say.
Grade: A-
13. Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
PG-13 | 103 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Peggy Sue faints at a high school reunion. When she wakes up, she finds herself in her own past, just before she finished school.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, Barry Miller, Catherine Hicks
Votes: 40,812 | Gross: $41.38M
Kathleen Turner was nominated for the Oscar for her performance in this film. She's great here, as is Nic Cage. Directed by Francis Ford Coppla- Peggy Sue Got Married is a great time travel teen movie, amazing lead performance, sweet message, great 50s setting.
Grade: A-
14. River's Edge (1986)
R | 99 min | Crime, Drama
A high school slacker commits a shocking act and proceeds to let his friends in on the secret. However, the friends' reaction is almost as ambiguous and perplexing as the crime itself.
Director: Tim Hunter | Stars: Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Daniel Roebuck
Votes: 20,678 | Gross: $4.60M
Crispin Glover has never been better, Keanu Reeves first starring role he captures grunge perfectly, a dark teen movie that's unlike the glossy films of the 80s, Ione Skye is great, Dennis Hopper is great and crazy as always, Daniel Roebuck is menacing, Joshua John Miller as Tim, who was originally supposed to be played by Cory Haim, is excellent at such a young age. One of the darkest teen movie's ever, captures aimless youth, low-budget, cool, feels authentic. The film also has some easy rider connections, way ahead of its time, still relevant today, movies like Super Dark Times, and Mean Creek clearly inspired by this film. Aimless teens. The stuff with the teacher is hilarious.
Grade: A-
15. A Christmas Story (1983)
PG | 93 min | Comedy, Family
In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.
Director: Bob Clark | Stars: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz
Votes: 168,614 | Gross: $20.61M
Actor was 12 at the time, I think the character is 9. One of the best chrismiss movies ever and a great coming of age film. Amazing production design and costumes.
Grade: A-
16. Back to the Future Part II (1989)
PG | 108 min | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.
Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson
Votes: 572,520 | Gross: $118.50M
Grade: A-
17. Say Anything (1989)
PG-13 | 100 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.
Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor
Votes: 95,925 | Gross: $20.78M
Grade: A-
18. The Goonies (1985)
PG | 114 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.
Director: Richard Donner | Stars: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Votes: 298,337 | Gross: $61.50M
Grade: A-
19. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
PG | 102 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.
Director: Wolfgang Petersen | Stars: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Gerald McRaney
Votes: 156,929 | Gross: $20.16M
main character is a teen/ tween.
Grade: A-
20. Running on Empty (1988)
PG-13 | 116 min | Crime, Drama, Music
The eldest son of a fugitive family comes of age and wants to live his own life.
Director: Sidney Lumet | Stars: River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry
Votes: 17,908 | Gross: $2.84M
An interesting blend of political thriller, teen angst film, and family film. River Phoenix is phenomenal and was nominated for the Oscar, at 18 years old. Also nominated for best screenplay. However, despite be River Phoenix's only nominated performance and its acclaim the film even today I never hear talked about and is on no streaming services.His parents in the film played by Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti are great as the parents. This film has one of the best performances in River and director's in Lument of this whole decade/ genre. Bombed at the box office sadly making only. Martha P is also great. In 1989 River Phoenix expressed interest in a sequel, which would have been cool to seen given how the film ends.
Grade: A-
21. At Close Range (1986)
R | 111 min | Crime, Drama
Reunited with his career criminal father, tough teen Brad thinks he's found his ticket to an exciting life of crime, only to find out he's wrong.
Director: James Foley | Stars: Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Mary Stuart Masterson, Chris Penn
Votes: 17,741 | Gross: $2.35M
Not a conventional 80s teen movie. Sean Penn plays a tough teen and gives one of his best young performances. Christopher Walken is menacing in this dark movie based off a true story.
rade: A-
22. The Emerald Forest (1985)
R | 114 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After the son of engineer Bill Markham is abducted by an aboriginal tribe on the edge of the rain forest, the engineer spends the next 10 years searching for him.
Director: John Boorman | Stars: Powers Boothe, Meg Foster, Yara Vaneau, William Rodriguez
Votes: 10,990 | Gross: $24.47M
One of the most underrated adventure movies of all time. Overlooked or foolishly not seen as a teen film the film is about a father and son. Powers boothe is Amaizng here and his son tomme played by John boomer man son is also great. He 15 in the film and much of it focoused on him.
Grade; A-
23. Castle in the Sky (1986)
PG | 125 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, Minori Terada
Votes: 182,329
Two main characters are 13. One of the best anime movies ever and best scfi movies of the 80s. Great characters, a good villian turn by mark hammil, and gorgeous animation.
Grade: A-
24. Gremlins (1984)
PG | 106 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.
Director: Joe Dante | Stars: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, John Louie
Votes: 247,782 | Gross: $148.17M
Grade: A-
25. Birdy (1984)
R | 120 min | Drama, War
After two friends return home from the Vietnam War one becomes mentally unstable and obsesses with becoming a bird.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, John Harkins, Sandy Baron
Votes: 24,927 | Gross: $1.46M
An early Nic Cage film that showed his promise he lost 15 pounds and pulled out two teeth for this part. Mathew Modine who like cage was an 80 teen star (vison quest came out year later). Both are great here. Alan Parker who directed another unique 80s teen movie with Fame shows off his visually prow-less as a director. 12 million budget and made under 2 million at the time. Alan Parker uses quick shots and cuts to string togethor moments into fluid scenes without feel jarring just like would do in Angelhert. Birdy is one of the most unique and honest teen films of the 80s. And is also a great anti- war film. Two amazing lead performances and strong direction.
Grade: A-
26. Mischief (1985)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Romance
Guided by James Dean, the eternal symbol of youthful rebellion, a gawky high school student obsessed with the hottest girl in class takes a crash course in teenage coolness from his motorcycle-rebel neighbor.
Director: Mel Damski | Stars: Doug McKeon, Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelly Preston, Chris Nash
Votes: 7,032 | Gross: $8.69M
Porky's helped popularize the 80s teen sex raunchy film. Although the 80s is easily the best era for the teen film genre. The heavy sexy comedies in this era or in the teen genre were very hit or miss. Mischeif is one of the most underrated of this genre. And is able to stand apart from other films like it by taking place in the 50s. 1980s were full of 1950s nostalgic films. Similar to how today we have films set in the 80s. Great use of old cars, costumes, and music
Grade: A-
27. Baby It's You (1983)
R | 105 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
In a 1966 New Jersey high school, Jill and new student Sheik from the other side of the tracks make their way in a first love romance.
Director: John Sayles | Stars: Rosanna Arquette, Vincent Spano, Joanna Merlin, Jack Davidson
Votes: 2,150 | Gross: $1.87M
A hidden gem seemingly forgotten today. Another forgotten John Sayles 80s film. He made one one of the best teen films of the decade with this film. One of the best baseball movies ever and one burt reynolds best with breaking in Sayles is able to show off his talents for period pieces and coming of age in this film. Both performances are great and the ending is surpassingly mature. Great high school to college transition movie. Also good period setting in the 60s.
Grade: A-
28. The Evil Dead (1981)
NC-17 | 85 min | Horror
Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker
Votes: 232,381 | Gross: $2.40M
Maybe not be considered by many to be a teen movie, but it doe's have college students. So it's a teen horror film.
Grade: A-
29. WarGames (1983)
PG | 114 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
A young man finds a back door into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing, possibly starting World War III.
Director: John Badham | Stars: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, John Wood, Dabney Coleman
Votes: 110,729 | Gross: $79.57M
Grade: A-
30. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
PG | 90 min | Adventure, Comedy, Music
Two rock-'n-rolling teens, on the verge of failing their class, set out on a quest to make the ultimate school history report after being presented with a time machine.
Director: Stephen Herek | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Terry Camilleri
Votes: 141,645 | Gross: $40.49M
I love the Bill and Ted movies and the first one is a classic. It's one of the best time travel movies, the duo of reeves and winter have great chemistry. This film is just so much fun, the way they develop the people they have plucked from the past, the running jokes, it's all excellent!!
Grade: A-
31. Radio Days (1987)
PG | 88 min | Comedy
A nostalgic look at radio's golden age focusing on one ordinary family and the various performers in the medium.
Director: Woody Allen | Stars: Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Mike Starr, Paul Herman
Votes: 36,316 | Gross: $14.79M
Inspired by Woody Allen's Childhood mixed I with Radio Vinnetes, short films for his era that he was nostalgic for. A box office bomb and one of his most unknown films.
Grade: A-
32. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
PG | 117 min | Animation, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Votes: 182,512 | Gross: $0.50M
Similar to castle sky follows teen character. One of the best anime films of the 80s and similar in tech and tone to castle in the sky. Great dub voice cast that include Shia and Patrick Stewart. As well as Uma Thurman.
Grade: A-
33. Dead Poets Society (1989)
PG | 128 min | Comedy, Drama
Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.
Director: Peter Weir | Stars: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Votes: 545,883 | Gross: $95.86M
Grade: A-
34. The Idolmaker (1980)
PG | 117 min | Biography, Drama, Music
Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
Director: Taylor Hackford | Stars: Ray Sharkey, Tovah Feldshuh, Peter Gallagher, Paul Land
Votes: 1,503
An incredibly underrated film. First performance of Peter gal hanger and joe pantilo who are both great here. Two actors who are also great in this film paul land and ray sharky( who won a golden globe for this). Both sadly died young but the whole cast is amazing. Loosely based of Frank avallion and Fabian. Great production design.
Grade: A-
35. Mask (1985)
PG-13 | 120 min | Biography, Drama
A teenager with a massive facial skull deformity and biker gang mother attempt to live as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.
Director: Peter Bogdanovich | Stars: Cher, Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott, Estelle Getty
Votes: 32,532 | Gross: $48.23M
Mask is a beautiful, poignant, and sad film. Eric Stoltz, Cher, Sam Elliot, and laura dern are all great here. The ending with Rocky's death is so sad. The makeup is also great. When it comes to 80s teen movies this film is not talked about enough.
Grade: B+
36. Repo Man (1984)
R | 92 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A young punk, recruited by a car repo agency, finds himself in pursuit of a Chevrolet Malibu with a huge, $20,000 bounty--and something otherworldly stashed in its trunk.
Director: Alex Cox | Stars: Harry Dean Stanton, Emilio Estevez, Tracey Walter, Olivia Barash
Votes: 41,072 | Gross: $3.57M
Nothing like I've ever seen. A cult film that is able to mash up multiple genres from punk to Scfi . Great performances from Emilo and harry statnan. Makes the most of it's small budget and very unique. Funny, dark, message on society, weird.
Grade: B+
37. Rumble Fish (1983)
R | 94 min | Crime, Drama, Romance
Absent-minded street thug Rusty James struggles to live up to his legendary older brother's reputation, and longs for the days of gang warfare.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane, Dennis Hopper
Votes: 37,675 | Gross: $2.49M
My favorite of the SE Hilton Matt Dillon films. It's funny that outsiders is the most known of the three because I think tex and Rumble fish are both better. Mickey Rorque, Dennis Hopper, Chris Penn, a young Nic Cage, Diane Lane, and Fishbourne round out this impressive cast.
Grade: B+
38. Hairspray (1988)
PG | 92 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
A 'pleasantly plump' teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.
Director: John Waters | Stars: Sonny Bono, Ruth Brown, Divine, Debbie Harry
Votes: 23,441 | Gross: $6.67M
Great ensemble cast and production designs better than the 2007 remake
Grade: B+
39. Tex (1982)
PG | 103 min | Drama
After their mother dies and their father leaves them, teenage brothers Tex and Mason McCormick struggle to make it on their own.
Director: Tim Hunter | Stars: Matt Dillon, Jim Metzler, Meg Tilly, Bill McKinney
Votes: 2,448 | Gross: $7.00M
Amazing lead performance from Matt Dillion and the actor who played mason was also great. Dark, realistic, raw. Also an se Elliot addition like rumble fish and outsiders.
Grade: B+
40. Dirty Dancing (I) (1987)
PG-13 | 100 min | Drama, Music, Romance
Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle.
Director: Emile Ardolino | Stars: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes
Votes: 256,378 | Gross: $0.62M
Grade: B+
41. Hoosiers (1986)
PG | 114 min | Drama, Sport
A coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the state championship in 1950s Indiana.
Director: David Anspaugh | Stars: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley
Votes: 51,074 | Gross: $28.61M
Although Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper are what most remember from this film. The teens (aka the team) the audience roots for. Although conventinal this sports drama is elevualted by great performances.
Grade: B+
42. The Lost Boys (1987)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Horror
After moving to a new town, two brothers discover that the area is a haven for vampires.
Director: Joel Schumacher | Stars: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Barnard Hughes
Votes: 161,123 | Gross: $32.22M
Joel Schumacher was always hit or miss as a director, but this film was one of his best. This film has a great cast full of iconic 80s teen actors- Kiefer Sutherland, the Corey's, Jason Patric, Alex Winter, and Dianne Wiest. Not only does this film have a great cast, it does a great job of mashing genres, has cool lore, a great villain, and a bunch of cool fights. The Lost Boys is a classic!
Grade: B+
43. Sixteen Candles (1984)
PG | 93 min | Comedy, Romance
A girl's "sweet" sixteenth birthday is anything but special: her family forgets about it, and she suffers from every embarrassment possible.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Michael Schoeffling
Votes: 126,325 | Gross: $23.69M
Much of Sixteen Candles has not aged well, but it's a classic. Anthony Michael Hall gives his signature performance as the geek, more mature that other films like it at the time, the ending it sweet, it's an iconic, fun, at times deep film.
Grade: B+
44. Pretty in Pink (1986)
PG-13 | 97 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A poor girl must choose between the affections of dating her childhood sweetheart or a rich but sensitive playboy.
Director: Howard Deutch | Stars: Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Harry Dean Stanton, Annie Potts
Votes: 88,573 | Gross: $40.47M
Molly Ringwald could do no wrong in the early to mid-80s. This is the most overlooked of her three 80s teen classic, but this is a great romance film and it gives her the most too work with. John Cryer is iconic as Duckie. Fans can argue on which ending they like more. This film is sweet, has great characters, is another classic from John Hughes, and an update of a classic story.
Grade: B+
45. Heaven Help Us (1985)
R | 104 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A new transfer student to St. Basil's Boys' Prep School tries to fit in while romantically pursuing a troubled young girl.
Director: Michael Dinner | Stars: Donald Sutherland, Andrew McCarthy, John Heard, Mary Stuart Masterson
Votes: 4,982 | Gross: $6.07M
Set in the 1960s one of the most underated teen movies ever great supporting cast Donald Sutherland and John heard. A young Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dillion is fantastic, and Andrew McCarthy is amazing. A box office bomb McCarthy would later say “ it was the favorite of his films from that era” better than his other teen films like less than zero maybe even better than the cult classic pretty in pink. Deserves a second look. Mary Stuart matterson Is also good
Grade: B+
46. My Bodyguard (1980)
PG | 102 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
When a boy comes to a new school and gets harassed by a bully, he acquires the services of the school's most feared kid as a bodyguard.
Director: Tony Bill | Stars: Chris Makepeace, Adam Baldwin, Matt Dillon, Paul Quandt
Votes: 10,839 | Gross: $22.48M
Unlike other teen films of this era, my Bodyguard is more realistic, emotional, and the teens actually look like teens. All the performances are great: Chris Makepeace as the sweet clifford, his cooky family- ruth gordon is great, Adam Baldwin as the gentle giant, young cocky matt Dillon, young Joan Cusack, and Paul Quandt who never acted again after this movie steals scenes. It's a nice little film with an emotional climax. A great 80s teen movie that will bring a smile to your face.
Grade: B+
47. Better Off Dead (1985)
PG | 97 min | Comedy, Romance
After his girlfriend ditches him for a boorish ski jock, Lane decides that suicide is the only answer. However, his increasingly inept attempts bring him only more agony and embarrassment. Filled with the wildest teen nightmares.
Director: Savage Steve Holland | Stars: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Kim Darby, Demian Slade
Votes: 49,369 | Gross: $10.30M
This is not an average 80s teen film. It's one of the wittiest, smartest, and underrated. Dark and clever, but not as dark and clever as someone another unconventional teen movie's on this list like River's edge and Heathers. Better off Dead flips 80s tropes on their heads or turns them up to 11. Instead, of having the protagonist mope around after a breakup, he actually tries to kill himself, but it's played off as jokes. A foreign exchange student romance, who does not speak English. An Ex GF who breaks up for silly artificial reasons. A mother who can not really cook, and they show like live animals. The use of claymation and drawings is fresh. The humor is dark and sly. Killer newsman and a father who is conventional, and a parody of himself at the same time. This movie pokes fun at the genre, it also falls into to, it's dark, it's weird, that burger moment. The way how they speak English to her. Darkly comic and underrated. The explosion at dinner, such a weird fun film. Ahead of its time. Not everything works, and it's not as enjoyable to watch as other films on this list. Oh and the racing stuff is hilarious.
Grade: B+
48. Smooth Talk (1985)
PG-13 | 92 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller
A free-spirited 15-year-old girl flirts with a dangerous stranger in the Northern California suburbs and must prepare herself for the frightening and traumatic consequences.
Director: Joyce Chopra | Stars: Treat Williams, Laura Dern, Mary Kay Place, Margaret Welsh
Votes: 3,387 | Gross: $0.02M
Based off a short story and clearly inspired by badlands. Laura dern first lead performance after a supporting turn in mask. Made only 16k at the box office a forgotten gem. And one of the more serious films on this list.
Grade: B+
49. The Outsiders (1983)
PG | 91 min | Crime, Drama
In a small Oklahoma town in 1964, the rivalry between two gangs, the poor Greasers and the rich Socs, heats up when one gang member accidentally kills a member of the other.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze
Votes: 97,523 | Gross: $25.60M
( the complete novel 2021 directors cut)
A vast improvement over the original theatrical cut. This director cut fills in the gaps and is more faithful to the book. This 80s teen movie classic takes place in the 1960s. This film has an all star cast and is full of great performances, especially from Matt Dillon. The new music in this film also greatly improves the films atmosphere. It's also shot beautiful and new 4k restoration looks great
Grade: B+
50. Valley Girl (1983)
R | 99 min | Comedy, Romance
Julie, a girl from the valley, meets Randy, a punk from the city. They are from different worlds and find love. Somehow they need to stay together in spite of her trendy, shallow friends.
Director: Martha Coolidge | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Deborah Foreman, Elizabeth Daily, Michael Bowen
Votes: 18,434 | Gross: $16.80M
Great performance from young Nic Cage in his starmaking role. I like how they get the valley speak down in this. An adaption of shake sphere. That does a good job of fleshing out the friends and parents, which many 1980s teen films fail to do. Same director of another teen classic that subverts and thrives in its genre trappings in Real Genius. What I appreciate about valley girl is that it has a more authentic and indie feel than many movies from this era, which even the good John huge ones can feel overly glossy at times. For example, Randy's feelings after the breakp, the cursing, etc.
Grade: B+
51. The Last American Virgin (1982)
R | 92 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Pizza delivery boy Gary, loudmouth David and hunky Rick are three high school students out to lose their virginity any way they can. Gary falls for transfer student Karen, who gets involved with Rick.
Director: Boaz Davidson | Stars: Lawrence Monoson, Diane Franklin, Steve Antin, Joe Rubbo
Votes: 9,778 | Gross: $5.83M
One of the most realistic and underrated teen movies of the 80s. Most of the actors did not get big, but it does have Diane Franklin who was in this, Bill and Ted, and Better off Dead. I enjoy all the characters- I feel like the romance between Gary and Karen could have been better. Like he justs loves her and we're supposed to expect it. All of the cast especially- Rick and David, are all good. Great soundtrack, it's a remake of Lemon Popsicles. One of Cannon Group-best films, this movie is cut from the 80s, timeless, feels predictable, and starkly different from other teen films of the time. Clashing of tones- dark=sexplotation. The last 20 minutes after eric gets with Karen- is where the movie changes- it gets way darker, the abortion, the fight between best friends, and that ending- ( to Karen with love), such a sad, but realistic ending.
Grade: B+
52. The Manhattan Project (1986)
PG-13 | 117 min | Sci-Fi, Thriller
A high school prodigy builds an atomic bomb with stolen plutonium to win the 45th National Science Fair and expose a nuclear weapons lab posing as a nuclear medical research facility in Ithaca, NY.
Director: Marshall Brickman | Stars: John Lithgow, Christopher Collet, Richard Council, Robert Schenkkan
Votes: 6,864 | Gross: $3.90M
A forgotten fun film with a neat premise from this genre. 18 million budget only made roughly 3 and was not given great reviews by critics (50 RT). However, Roger Ebert gave it a (4/4). Anyway I found this film to be fun. Jon Ligthow is creepy and great as always. Christopher Collet starred in a trio of underated 80s teen films in firstborn, sleep away camp, and Manhattan project. Here he is charismatic. Post Watergate 70s and 80s movies were full of paranoia thrillers. To do this genre in a teen setting is a nice change of pace. The second hour is tense, thrilling, and ligthow is warm and great.
Grade: B+
53. The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
PG | 113 min | Action, Family, Sport
Daniel accompanies his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, to Miyagi's childhood home in Okinawa. Miyagi visits his dying father and confronts his old rival, while Daniel falls in love and inadvertently makes a new rival of his own.
Director: John G. Avildsen | Stars: Pat Morita, Ralph Macchio, Pat E. Johnson, Bruce Malmuth
Votes: 98,877 | Gross: $115.10M
Initially had this lower, but better on a rewatch- the empire strikes back of the franchise. It's dark, it looks beautiful in japan, Chozen is a good villain, and Daniel learns the importance of mercy. It's the biggest sin is what it did to Allie, however, that was out of the producer's hand. They change up the formula of the 1st one and make an underrated darker sequel.
Grade: B+
54. Racing with the Moon (1984)
PG | 108 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
In 1942 California, two young men await induction into the U.S. Marines and say goodbye to their girlfriends.
Director: Richard Benjamin | Stars: Sean Penn, Elizabeth McGovern, Nicolas Cage, John Karlen
Votes: 5,247 | Gross: $6.05M
Young Cage and Penn in both one of their early lead films are great here. I love the 1940s setting. The constumes, cars, setting all looked great (6.5 million budget)- sadly only made 6 million. Completely forgotten another forgotten was from this subgenre. Today many film pundits have criticized the 80s as a decade talking about of course the serious of 70s films. Which are credited in starting (the new teen movie genre with American Graffiti). Although there was Rebel without the cause (a top 5 teen movie ever ) years earlier the genere needed a revival. Anyway the 80s and 80s teen films have been mangled unfairly. Although there was many bad films from this genere I hope this list shines attention to what I think are the best of what i have seen including the classics and the underated gems. Except teen wolf Too I enjoy everything on this list. This film was actually nominated for AFI 100 year list for top 100 romance films in 2002. Outside of that it doesn't getting talked about or praised only 10 reviews on RT. Crispin Glover and Michael Madsen also make fun small scenes.
Grade: B+
55. Real Genius (1985)
PG | 108 min | Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
An uptight teenage prodigy enters a top engineering college, but feels awkward among the freewheeling students. When a professor aims to turn their laser project into a military weapon, he and his offbeat roommate plot to ruin the plan.
Director: Martha Coolidge | Stars: Val Kilmer, Stacy Peralta, Daniel Ades, Andres Aybar
Votes: 37,743 | Gross: $13.00M
One of the most underrated teen movies of the 1980s. Val Kilmer is great here, the film takes place in college, has a fun weird premise, and that popcorn scene. A smart teen film that deserves more recognition. This film also has an important message about how to use your mind/ talents.
Grade:B
56. Less Than Zero (1987)
R | 98 min | Crime, Drama
A college freshman returns to L.A. for the holidays at his ex-girlfriend's request, but discovers that his former best friend has an out-of-control drug habit.
Director: Marek Kanievska | Stars: Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, Robert Downey Jr., James Spader
Votes: 22,118 | Gross: $12.40M
RDJ shines and spader is also great. One of the darker films on this list perfectly captures the era
Grade: B
57. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
PG | 93 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.
Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman, Kristine Sutherland
Votes: 166,319 | Gross: $130.72M
Grade: B
58. Chances Are (1989)
PG | 108 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
A reincarnated man unknowingly falls in love with his own daughter from his previous life. Once he realizes this, he tries to end their relationship before angels erase his memory.
Director: Emile Ardolino | Stars: Cybill Shepherd, Robert Downey Jr., Ryan O'Neal, Mary Stuart Masterson
Votes: 13,843 | Gross: $16.28M
Grade: B
Main character our college students. Also romance with older characters, but id still consider an 80s teen film.
59. Star 80 (1983)
R | 103 min | Biography, Drama
A successful young model finds trouble when her obsessive manager-turned-husband becomes dangerously jealous.
Director: Bob Fosse | Stars: Mariel Hemingway, Eric Roberts, Cliff Robertson, Carroll Baker
Votes: 8,140 | Gross: $6.47M
May not come to mind when think teen movie. But lead character is 19
60. Shag (1988)
PG | 98 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Summer of 1963. Carson is getting married to her boyfriend so her friends Melaina, Pudge and Luanne take her to Myrtle Beach for one last irresponsible weekend.
Director: Zelda Barron | Stars: Phoebe Cates, Bridget Fonda, Scott Coffey, Annabeth Gish
Votes: 4,893 | Gross: $6.96M
Am underrated teen film with great period setting and bolsterd by strong performances from the cast.
Grade: B
61. The Flamingo Kid (1984)
PG-13 | 100 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A recent high-school graduate unsure of his future gets a summer job at the Flamingo beach club, and meets the charismatic Phil Brody.
Director: Garry Marshall | Stars: Matt Dillon, Hector Elizondo, Molly McCarthy, Martha Gehman
Votes: 6,082 | Gross: $23.86M
Grade: B
Great lead performance by Matt d who did a string of good 80s teen films
62. The Pick-up Artist (1987)
PG-13 | 81 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A womanizer meets his match when he falls for a woman in debt to the mafia.
Director: James Toback | Stars: Molly Ringwald, Robert Downey Jr., Dennis Hopper, Danny Aiello
Votes: 7,849 | Gross: $13.29M
Not the typical Molly 80s teen film. Funny but also dark and witty. Young RDJ shines and a stacked supporting cast of Harvey kitel, and Dennis hopper. A young tony sirco is also solid
grade: B
63. Teen Wolf (1985)
PG | 91 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
An ordinary high school student discovers that his family has an unusual pedigree.
Director: Rod Daniel | Stars: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine
Votes: 59,659 | Gross: $33.09M
In 85, Michael J Fox could do no wrong! This film is raunchy, has a fun premise, 80s hijinks, it's just a blast. Sure, it's cheesy and preediciblee. But, it's a fun very watchable movie and Fox is great here.
Grade:B
64. Can't Buy Me Love (1987)
PG-13 | 94 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
An outcast secretly pays the most popular girl in school one thousand dollars to pretend to be his girlfriend for a month.
Director: Steve Rash | Stars: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson, Courtney Gains, Tina Caspary
Votes: 41,982 | Gross: $31.62M
Another Patrick Dempsey teen movie, this movie made him a teen heartthrob. An underrated teen film that has since gain more love. This film has a silly troubling premise but is so much fun. The two leads are great, it pokes fun at clicks, and teen dynamics. A classic teen film. With a goofy great ending.
Grade: B
65. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
PG-13 | 95 min | Drama, Romance
When Keith goes out with Amanda, the girl of his dreams, Amanda's ex-boyfriend plans to get back at Keith. Meanwhile, Keith's best friend, tomboy Watts, realizes she has feelings for Keith.
Director: Howard Deutch | Stars: Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, Lea Thompson, Craig Sheffer
Votes: 34,654 | Gross: $18.55M
Grade: B
A reworking of pretty in pink with different genders some kind of wonderful might be predictable but has great performances and characters you care about.
66. In the Mood (1987)
PG-13 | 98 min | Comedy, Romance
A 14-year-old nicknamed the 'Woo Woo Kid', is a teenage casanova who has affairs and runs away to marry two older women, mothers themselves, fascinating the public and the media with his romantic prowess.
Director: Phil Alden Robinson | Stars: Patrick Dempsey, Talia Balsam, Beverly D'Angelo, Michael Constantine
Votes: 1,097 | Gross: $1.00M
A crazy true story, Patrick Dempsy is known for a few good teen movies from the 80s. People talk about Cant Buy me love and Loverboy, but this film is an underrated gem. Amazing lead performance by Patrick Dempsy, awesome production design, made for 7 million but did not even crack a million. Article below tells all the facts. Fun underrated teen genre film.
Grade: B
https://clickamericana.com/topics/love-marriage/14-year-old-woo-woo-kid-gets-married-1944
67. Just One of the Guys (1985)
PG-13 | 100 min | Comedy, Romance
Terry feels discriminated against when the summer jobs at the Sun Tribune go to two guys. She decides to do something about it. She dresses like a guy and gets a haircut. Will students at the other high school notice? Girls notice "him".
Director: Lisa Gottlieb | Stars: Joyce Hyser, Clayton Rohner, Billy Jayne, Toni Hudson
Votes: 17,851 | Gross: $11.50M
The other 80s William Zabka teen movie, this movie has actually gained a cult following over the years. Joyce Hyser gives a great performance, gender bender, ahead of it's time, what she's the man wishes to be.
Grade: B
68. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
PG-13 | 102 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
A babysitter must battle her way through the big city after being stranded there with the kids she's looking after.
Director: Chris Columbus | Stars: Elisabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp
Votes: 49,113 | Gross: $34.37M
Elizabeth Shue is great here, more family-friendly, but still has that 80s charm and humor. Different from other films on this list. This film has a solid set up and is just a bunch of fun to watch. It's not as deep as some of the films below, but it's just a solid watch. Chris Columbus brings the same energy and wit here, he brought to other 80s classics.
Grade: B
69. The Boys Next Door (1985)
R | 91 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Roy and Bo leave their small California town the weekend after graduation for a short road trip to Los Angeles. Soon, they find themselves lashing out and leaving a trail of bodies behind them. The violence escalates throughout.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Maxwell Caulfield, Charlie Sheen, Patti D'Arbanville, Christopher McDonald
Votes: 3,615
A forgotten early Charlie Sheen film. Maxwell Caulfield, of grease 2 fame, is also good here. The film follows two cynical teens. However, unlike more glossier films from this genre/ decade. This film is one of the darker and grimiest on this list. A young Christopher Macdonald is solid here. Like Over the Edge (1979), Valley Girl, and badlands shows the negative side of calforina teenager, as well as Cool opening, bombastic finally, underated, it's a shame Caulfield career never took off because he's great here.
Grade: B
70. The Stepfather (1987)
R | 89 min | Horror, Thriller
After murdering his entire family, a man marries a widow with a teenage daughter in another town and prepares to do it all over again.
Director: Joseph Ruben | Stars: Terry O'Quinn, Jill Schoelen, Shelley Hack, Charles Lanyer
Votes: 18,189 | Gross: $2.49M
Great performance from Jill scholan, effective thriller with a solid teen side plot.
Grade: B
71. Vision Quest (1985)
R | 107 min | Drama, Romance, Sport
A high school wrestler in Spokane, Washington has trouble focusing on his training regimen when a beautiful young drifter takes up temporary residence at his home.
Director: Harold Becker | Stars: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Ronny Cox
Votes: 10,250 | Gross: $12.90M
Mathew modine had a good 80s run with full metal jacket and birdy. Here he gives a good performance. An unconventional mature romance. Some solid supporting work from 80s stalwarts like cooch. And even a young forest Whitaker. The best wrestling movie? Surprisingly poignant.
Grade: B
72. Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986)
PG-13 | 108 min | Comedy
Eugene, a young teenage Jewish boy, recalls his memoirs of his time as an adolescent youth. He goes through the hardships of puberty, sexual fantasy, and living the life of a poor boy in a crowded house.
Director: Gene Saks | Stars: Blythe Danner, Jonathan Silverman, Stacey Glick, Lisa Waltz
Votes: 3,863 | Gross: $11.96M
The first movie in the EUGENE trilogy great production design, sweet performances
Grade: B
73. Weird Science (1985)
PG-13 | 94 min | Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Two high-school nerds use a computer program to literally create the perfect woman, who promptly turns their lives upside-down.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly LeBrock, Bill Paxton
Votes: 97,419 | Gross: $23.83M
Classic John Hughes film, not as good as some of his other teen films, but still a lot of fun. This is an iconic, silly teen movie.
Grade:B
74. The Chocolate War (1988)
R | 104 min | Drama
The Vigils are a gang of students at Trinity Catholic School... part of the tradition. They control the other boys by intimidation and the threat of violence.
Director: Keith Gordon | Stars: John Glover, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Wallace Langham, Doug Hutchison
Votes: 2,445 | Gross: $0.30M
Much different than the book, dark, underrated, and overlooked. The film stars Ilan Mitchell-Smith, from weird science. Much different than book
Grade: B
75. The Loveless (1981)
R | 85 min | Drama
Trouble ensues when a motorcycle gang stops in a small southern town while heading to the races at Daytona.
Directors: Kathryn Bigelow, Monty Montgomery | Stars: Willem Dafoe, J. Don Ferguson, Robert Gordon, Marin Kanter
Votes: 2,823
Not much under the hood, but makes up with It with slick style, a good performance from Dafoe, sturdy direction from a young kb. Great music and costumes. Cleary made for next to nothing. It's teen elements/ characters are aimeless throughout the film. Interesting little film. the 50s elements make it worth a watch.
Grade: B-
76. Loverboy (1989)
PG-13 | 98 min | Comedy
Randy is still unfocused after 2 years in college. When his dad refuses to keep paying his tuition, he gets a job delivering pizzas. Several alluring cougars pay him $200 for pizza delivery and "services rendered." As for their husbands.
Director: Joan Micklin Silver | Stars: Patrick Dempsey, Kate Jackson, Robert Ginty, Nancy Valen
Votes: 8,796 | Gross: $3.96M
Patrick Dempsey is a good lead, the premise is hilarious, low production, kind of predictable, but has that 80s cheese charm.
Grade: B-
77. The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
PG | 112 min | Action, Drama, Family
Ostracised villain John Kreese attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the help of a Vietnam War comrade, the wealthy owner of a toxic waste disposal business.
Director: John G. Avildsen | Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Robyn Lively, Thomas Ian Griffith
Votes: 69,159 | Gross: $38.96M
Terry Silver, John Kreese, Mike Barnes are all fun overtop villains. The stuff with Daniel joining Cobra Kai is good. It's dark, violent, over the top, silly, cheesy, bad but so enjoyable to watch. Hardcore fans point out it's bright spots. The romance and tree stuff is whack. Repetitive from the first and all the actors look too old, but it's 80s fluff.
Grad: B-
78. Three O'Clock High (1987)
PG-13 | 101 min | Comedy
A nerd gets himself in hot water with the new bully, a quiet bad boy who challenges him to fight on the grounds of their high school after the day's end.
Director: Phil Joanou | Stars: Casey Siemaszko, Annie Ryan, Richard Tyson, Stacey Glick
Votes: 13,172 | Gross: $3.69M
Casey Siemaszko is great here as is Richard Tyson as the bully. They carry this simple but fun film. Even Philip Baker Hall, Jeff Tambor, and Paul feig show up.
Grade: B-
79. Uncle Buck (1989)
PG | 100 min | Comedy
Laid back commitment-phobe Buck babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute younger brother and sister.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: John Candy, Macaulay Culkin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann
Votes: 107,710 | Gross: $66.76M
Not what comes to mine when someone think's about a teen movie. But, it's a family movie with teen main characters. One of John Candy's iconic films and John Huges less films, it's fun, cute, but nothing special.
Grade: B-
80. 1969 (1988)
R | 95 min | Drama, War
Two friends living in a small town during the 1960s, run away to enjoy their freedom during the Vietnam War, thus disappointing the father of one of them. When they return to town, they realize the importance of family unity.
Director: Ernest Thompson | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, Bruce Dern, Mariette Hartley
Votes: 3,997 | Gross: $5.98M
Powerful performances from a stack cast improve script and some of it's hokey ideas. But a solid forgotten film
Grade: C+
81. Firstborn (1984)
PG-13 | 103 min | Drama, Thriller
A teenager must protect his family when his mother's sinister new boyfriend begins exerting his authority in their home.
Director: Michael Apted | Stars: Teri Garr, Peter Weller, Christopher Collet, Corey Haim
Votes: 2,943 | Gross: $6.25M
Corey him first film, rdj first film, Christopher coolet made some good 80s teen films. Peter Weller is also good. Michael Apted's most overlooked film good performance from Peter Weller.
Grade: C+
82. Teen Wolf Too (1987)
PG | 95 min | Comedy, Fantasy
Todd Howard is a struggling college student. Nothing seems to be going very well for him, until he turns into a wolf.
Director: Christopher Leitch | Stars: Jason Bateman, Kim Darby, John Astin, Paul Sand
Votes: 12,451 | Gross: $7.89M
Grade: 50- the first teen wolf is a cheesy classic this one if pretty bad.
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