Best '80s Movies

A lot of people associate the 1980s with John Hughes movies and high school hijinks, but many other great films came out of the decade, too. From underground comedies and uplifting family films to groundbreaking action franchises and beyond, this list includes some of our favorites from the '80s. Although some might be edgier than you remember, these classics stand the test of time -- like, totally for sure! Grab your Rubik's Cube and Aqua Net and settle in for some rad picks for all ages. For more fun throwback films, check out the Best '90s Movies for Kids.

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Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird Poster Image
MOVIE

Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird

age 4+

Big Bird finds his true home in this warm tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
An American Tail Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Tail

age 5+

Heartwarming tale of immigrant mouse has some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
The Great Muppet Caper Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Muppet Caper

age 5+

Slapstick action in wonderful retro robbery romp.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1981)
The Little Mermaid Movie Poster Image: Ariel sits on a rock, looking up, Flounder beside her
MOVIE

The Little Mermaid

age 6+

Superb, entertaining animated musical has some scary stuff.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1989)
The Fox and the Hound Poster Image
MOVIE

The Fox and the Hound

age 6+

Heartwarming tale of friendship, but expect some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1981)
The Great Mouse Detective Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Mouse Detective

age 6+

Clever Sherlock Holmes tribute mixes wit, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
The Land Before Time Poster Image
MOVIE

The Land Before Time

age 6+

Original baby-dinosaur buddy tale has scares, sadness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
The Muppets Take Manhattan Poster Image
MOVIE

The Muppets Take Manhattan

age 6+

'80s Muppet musical has some mild innuendo, smoking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1984)
The Black Cauldron Poster Image
MOVIE

The Black Cauldron

age 7+

Book-based fantasy is darker than much Disney fare.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image
MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure Poster Image
MOVIE

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

age 7+

Just as charming and curious as it was in 1985.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
The Boy Who Could Fly Poster Image
MOVIE

The Boy Who Could Fly

age 8+

A charming fantasy with a lot of heart.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
A Christmas Story Poster Image
MOVIE

A Christmas Story

age 8+

Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1983)
Labyrinth Movie Poster: David Bowie holds a glass orb
MOVIE

Labyrinth

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Jim Henson puppets.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
The NeverEnding Story Poster Image
MOVIE

The NeverEnding Story

age 8+

Boy bibliophile becomes part of fantasy tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1984)
The Princess Bride Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess Bride

age 9+

Witty, winsome fairy tale has violence, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1987)
The Secret Garden (1987) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret Garden (1987)

age 8+

Friendship and teamwork shine in classic book adaptation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1987)
The Secret of NIMH Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret of NIMH

age 8+

Fascinating, but very dark with some creepy imagery.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Star Wars: Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi

age 8+

Ewok-filled finale less Force-ful than previous.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1983)
Superman III Poster Image
MOVIE

Superman III

age 8+

Outdated superhero movie may interest older kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1983)