We asked parents what their favourite ’80s family movies were, and you sent us flying down memory lane! There are so many fantastic films from that decade that have stood the test of time, so we’ve pulled together our list of cult classics and family favourites to watch with your kids.
The special effects may not match today’s blockbusters, but there’s so much to love about a good flashback to the ’80s — the adventure, the humour, and the stories that still hold up decades later. Which one is your family’s favourite?
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Don’t Miss These ’80s Family Movies!
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
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Rating: PG
The first of the Indiana Jones movies was a sure-fire hit full of action, suspense, snakes, treasure and the always cool Harrison Ford.
The Karate Kid (1984)
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Rating: PG-13
Mr Miyagi teaches new-kid-in-town Daniel how to master karate in the ultimate martial arts movie.
Annie (1982)
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Rating: PG
The tale of feisty orphan Annie is a fantastic family movie, complete with plenty of sing-along opportunities.
The Princess Bride (1987)
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Rating: PG
What’s not to love — sword fights, giants, magic, quicksand, a love story, and plenty of classic fairy tale action.
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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
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Rating: PG
This is an easy-to-watch family movie with a fun concept and some special effects the kids will love — be sure to look out for the hitchhike on a bee.
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)
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Rating: PG-13
A geek-to-chic comedy with a young Patrick Dempsey longing to be accepted by the cool crowd.
The Land Before Time (1988)
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Rating: U
Dino-fans will love this one! Full of gentle dinosaur adventure and endearing characters, it tells the tale of Littlefoot, Cera and friends as they journey to find the Great Valley.
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Back to the Future (1985)
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Rating: PG
Marty McFly and Doc begin their time-travelling adventures in the first of the Back to the Future series.
Big (1988)
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Rating: PG-13
In this Tom Hanks classic, 12-year-old Josh wishes to be “big” and wakes up the next day as an adult, with hilarious consequences — imagine a pre-teen decorating a New York City apartment for a start.
Gremlins (1984)
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Rating: 15
While Gizmo might be cute, not all the little Mogwais are — especially not when they get wet.
The Flight of the Navigator (1986)
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Rating: PG
A really fun sci-fi adventure with surprisingly good special effects for the time.
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The NeverEnding Story (1984)
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Rating: PG
The whole family will enjoy the special effects and story in The NeverEnding Story — it’s the ultimate fantasy movie.
Three Men and a Baby (1987)
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Rating: PG-13
This movie brought three big ’80s stars together — Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg — for a cute and watchable comedy. The sequel, Three Men and a Little Lady, is also worth a watch.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
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Rating: PG-13
Teenage crushes and trying to fit in with the “cool kids” are the main themes in another Molly Ringwald and John Hughes combination.
Spaceballs (1987)
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Rating: PG-13
One of the most popular spoof movies ever made, Spaceballs takes on Star Wars in a goofy, sometimes cheeky, classic Mel Brooks style.
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Beetlejuice (1988)
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Rating: PG-13
A dark fantasy comedy from Tim Burton, Beetlejuice has a stellar cast that bring this wonderfully strange story to life.
Ghostbusters (1984)
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Rating: PG
Action, adventure, comedy and tons of slime — a perfect family watch.
Uncle Buck (1989)
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Rating: PG
Another John Hughes comedy makes the list, with John Candy in truly inimitable form as Uncle Buck, the loveable, irresponsible uncle brought in to take care of three unruly kids.
Short Circuit (1986)
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Rating: PG
Kids will love Number Five, the robot with very human characteristics, who escapes from a military compound and needs to be kept safe by the scientists who created him.
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
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Rating: 15
The epitome of ’80s teen movies, following Ferris Bueller and his determined avoidance of school.
Labyrinth (1986)
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Rating: PG
A true fantasy adventure, packed with imaginative, otherworldly scenes — and, of course, David Bowie as the Goblin King.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
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Rating: PG-13
One of the first animation and live-action hybrid movies, this hilarious caper also won four Oscars for its animation and special effects.
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
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Rating: PG
An evil toymaker, played by John Lithgow, threatens the magic of Christmas in this heart-warming festive movie.
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The Goonies (1985)
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Rating: PG
This absolute cult classic follows a misfit group of friends who discover a pirate treasure map and embark on a series of adventures along the way.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
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Rating: U
Spielberg’s tale of a wrinkly little alien looking to return to his own planet is a true family classic.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
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Rating: 15
John Hughes’ hilarious ’80s high school comedy is another Molly Ringwald classic.
Stand By Me (1986)
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Rating: 15
This Stephen King adaptation tells the story of four young boys on a coming-of-age adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ’80s family movies to watch with your kids?
Classics like The Goonies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, The Princess Bride and Ghostbusters are among the most-loved ’80s family movies, alongside sentimental favourites like The NeverEnding Story and Big.
Are ’80s family movies suitable for young children?
It varies by film. Many, like E.T. and The Land Before Time, are gentle enough for younger children, while others carry a PG-13 or 15 rating and suit older kids and teens better. Always check the certification and a few reviews before watching with younger children, as attitudes to what’s suitable have shifted since these films were made.
Are these movies still easy to find and watch today?
Many of these titles are widely available on streaming services or for digital rental, though availability changes regularly depending on your region and provider. It’s worth checking your usual streaming platforms closer to movie night.
What makes ’80s movies special for a family movie night?
Part of the charm is the nostalgia — many parents grew up with these films, and sharing them with their own kids becomes a lovely way to bond. They also tend to lean on storytelling and practical effects rather than fast-paced action, which can make for an easier watch with younger audiences.
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Planning a Rainy Day Movie Marathon?
Bookmark this list for your next rainy day at home — it’s the perfect ready-made line-up when the kids need something to do and the weather isn’t playing along. Save it, share it with another parent, or come back to it whenever you need family movie night inspiration.
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