Best '80s Movies

Last updated: April 9, 2026

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.

March 26, 1985 1985 G (88 minutes)

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Animated mouse in red jacket and blue hat, city skyline in background.

MOVIE

An American Tail

age 5+

Heartwarming tale of immigrant mouse has some peril.

November 21, 1986 1986 G (81 minutes)

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The Great Muppet Caper Poster Image

MOVIE

The Great Muppet Caper

age 5+

Slapstick action in wonderful retro robbery romp.

June 6, 1981 1981 G (96 minutes)

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The Fox and the Hound Poster Image

MOVIE

The Fox and the Hound

age 6+

Heartwarming tale of friendship, but expect some peril.

January 1, 1981 1981 G (83 minutes)

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The Great Mouse Detective Poster Image

MOVIE

The Great Mouse Detective

age 6+

Clever Sherlock Holmes tribute mixes wit, peril.

July 2, 1986 1986 G (74 minutes)

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The Land Before Time Poster Image

MOVIE

The Land Before Time

age 6+

Original baby-dinosaur buddy tale has scares, sadness.

November 18, 1988 1988 G (70 minutes)

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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.

November 15, 1989 1989 G (83 minutes)

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The Muppets Take Manhattan Poster Image

MOVIE

The Muppets Take Manhattan

age 6+

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

July 13, 1984 1984 G (95 minutes)

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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.

June 11, 1982 1982 PG (115 minutes)

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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.

August 9, 1985 1985 PG (90 minutes)

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The Black Cauldron Poster Image

MOVIE

The Black Cauldron

age 7+

Book-based fantasy is darker than much Disney fare.

January 1, 1985 1985 PG (80 minutes)

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A Christmas Story Poster Image

MOVIE

A Christmas Story

age 8+

Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.

November 18, 1983 1983 PG (98 minutes)

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Labyrinth Movie Poster: David Bowie holds a glass orb

MOVIE

Labyrinth

age 8+

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

June 27, 1986 1986 PG (101 minutes)

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Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi movie poster: Silhouettes of Luke and Darth Vader dueling, with images of other characters around them

MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi

age 8+

Sci-fi violence, peril, deaths in Ewok-filled installment.

May 25, 1983 1983 PG (135 minutes)

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Superman III Poster Image

MOVIE

Superman III

age 8+

Outdated superhero movie may interest older kids.

June 17, 1983 1983 PG (125 minutes)

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The Boy Who Could Fly Poster Image

MOVIE

The Boy Who Could Fly

age 8+

A charming fantasy with a lot of heart.

August 15, 1986 1986 PG (114 minutes)

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The NeverEnding Story Poster Image

MOVIE

The NeverEnding Story

age 8+

Fantasy for book-lovers has scary images, traumatic death.

August 3, 1984 1984 PG (94 minutes)

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The Secret Garden (1987) Poster Image

MOVIE

The Secret Garden (1987)

age 8+

Friendship and teamwork shine in classic book adaptation.

November 30, 1987 1987 PG (100 minutes)

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The Secret of NIMH Poster Image

MOVIE

The Secret of NIMH

age 8+

Fascinating, but very dark with some creepy imagery.

January 1, 1982 1982 G (83 minutes)

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The Journey of Natty Gann Poster Image

MOVIE

The Journey of Natty Gann

age 9+

Compelling adventure too violent for some kids.

September 27, 1985 1985 PG (101 minutes)

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