Five Fun 80’s Movies I Can Enjoy with my Teenager
And Bonus: Some of These Even Pack in a Life Lesson or Two
*Lauren M Hayes Originally published in Modern Women · 5 min read · Sep 19, 2023
This One’s for all those 80’s babies out there who are mothers of teenagers now.
Finally, my daughter is a teenager and I can enjoy watching my very favorite films from my very favorite era with her— The 80’s!
Why the 80’s? It was only the best decade ever! The best music, clothes, toys, TV shows and movies of all time!
Now, full disclosure, whenever I bring up the 80’s, my 13-year-old daughter cringes. And it breaks my heart every time. “That’s so lame, so old, just no Mom!” is what I get. But these 80’s picks I’ve chosen, I can almost guarantee your teenager won’t turn her nose up. They’re that good.
Here goes in no particular order…
Pretty In Pink
Didn’t we all want to be Molly Ringwald at one point or another? This is the story of a poor girl being raised by a single father, who falls for the rich boy at her school. But said rich boy falls prey to peer pressure and decides to break her heart even though he really does love her. Drama ensues. And so does a pretty killer lip-synched performance of Try a Little Tenderness by Duckie. Best part of the film, hands down.
What I like about this film is that Andie, played by Molly Ringwald, was always true to herself and never let what anyone else’s thoughts or opinions about her stop her from speaking her mind or standing up for herself and her friends.
Some Kind Of Wonderful
People have often said that this film is just Pretty in Pink in reverse, which I get. It features a classic love triangle, only this time between two girls, Amanda, Watts and our hero, Keith.
What I like about this one is the scene where Keith stands up to his dad about his life choices, and argues how he’s old enough to make his own decisions, good or bad.
Parents, by definition, tend to mold their kids into being tiny replicas of themselves. We can’t help it. We don’t know any better. But we have to remember that our kids are individuals with individual thoughts, feelings and desires in life. And they may not want to take our life advice, which is a tough pill to swallow. Because honestly, sometimes us parents may think we know everything, but sadly we don’t. Not always anyway.
The Sure Thing
This film is probably not as popular as my previous picks, but it’s still a beloved classic, full of excellent acting and laughs for days. Two complete opposites end up in a cross country road trip together, initially unable to stand one another, but then finally learn to depend on each other and maybe even fall in love on the way.
There was no lesson in this film really. I just enjoyed it and found it to be well-directed and funny. Pick this one for a rad Friday night hang.
Beetlejuice
It’s almost Halloween time baby and what better Halloween family film than this crazy, weird, completely original, life after death limbo adventure?
The ensemble cast is to die for. As a kid, the shrimp scene freaked me out big time. And remember when this was even turned into a Saturday morning cartoon? *sigh*. I miss those times.
What I liked about this one is Lydia’s journey. She was a touch depressed in the beginning, but found parent figures she cared for and ultimately fought for. Plus Michael Keaton is genius in this.
Say Anything…
This film to me, is the ultimate love story. Even the supporting characters were fully fleshed out and not just there as sounding boards for the main ones.
And that boombox scene is so iconic. If you got the DVD for this one, some of the cut scenes show Lloyd with the boombox next to him or in other positions. But ultimately what worked wonders was having that boombox straight up over head. It was the only way that scene worked. Kudos to Cameron Crowe.
What I liked about this one is the journey of Diane Court. She had strong values that she firmly stood by, and even when her loyalty was tested by her father, she found forgiveness. Because letting things go is what truly sets us free.
I grew up on these movies. They will forever be in my heart. Each one truly shows us what it’s like to grow up being awkward and unsure of ourselves and yet also shows us to show up for ourselves and speak the truth even when it’s scary.
These are lessons I try to instill in my daughter everyday.
This crazy journey of imperfect people raising more imperfect people that we collectively call parenting, has been both rewarding and stressful. Filled with WTF moments as well moments that fill my heart with unmatched joy. I watched this baby who looks just like me grow from a beautiful baby girl into a beautiful young adult.
If my daughter Solaris ever decides to read this one one day, it has been my honor and privilege to share my life with you.
To all the other mothers out there in the same boat, I know it can be hard, but just know that it’s worth it. And if we can enjoy an hour and a half sharing our favorite films with our little girls, that’s just the icing on the cake.
Happy Parenting!
*Please note that this article was first published on Modern Women, a Medium publication here.
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