If you're similar to me and love coming-of-age
stories then you should look no further than the 80s. John Hughes mastered the
genre with a constant stream of successful films, which usually
featured one or more of the core members from the ‘Brat Pack’.
This was the name given to a collection of
actors/actresses from teen movies in the 1980s, predominantly those who appear
in ‘The Breakfast Club’ and/or ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’. Molly Ringwald is one of the
most definitive teen actresses from this period, alongside Anthony Michael Hall
and Emilio Estevez. Aside from John Hughes, directors/writers like Joel
Schumacher and Cameron Crowe were also known for producing some of the classic
80s high school films.
Whether or not these films can really be
considered ‘cult’ is debatable. They were hugely successful commercially and
critically in their time, which would usually exclude them. However, recent midnight showings of these films have resulted in a surge of fanatical popularity pushing them into the 'cult' subgroup. This is a prime example of how nostalgic our generation has become, even
if none of us actually lived through the 80s! This throwback to the 1980s, in fashion tastes, music and cinema, has made
these films 'cult' just due to massive fan followings and revived cinema
screenings.
My reason for including this collection of
high school films is because, quite simply, I love the 80s. I love the cheesy
lines, music montages’ and ridiculous clothes. John Hughes, in particular,
perfectly captured the misunderstood, rebellious feeling that all teenagers
encounter. The romances are sweet and
naïve and the stereotypes are so well played out. These films just have these amazing scenes in them that you want to play over and over again. Below is one of my personal favourites.
This scene from 'Pretty in Pink' is so brilliant, and makes every girl question why Andie didn't pick the loveable Duckie at the end of the film. Jon Cryer is hilarious - cannot believe he went on to star in Two and a Half Men after this.
Aside from John Cusack in 'Say Anything', the other 80s male lead I fell in love with was Matthew Broderick in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'. Something about his uncaring confidence made him irresistible to me when I was 14. Especially when he sings...
These films have some great music and dance numbers, that keep the tone uplifting and fun. The 80s were all about having a blast, and thats what makes them awesome. There are too many teen 80s films for me to do a post on each separately so instead I've just comprised a list of my favourites from the era.
The 80's (High School) Films You Should See (in my opinion)
The Breakfast Club (duh..)
Sixteen Candles
Pretty in Pink
Weird Science
Some Kind of Wonderful (more unknown, still great)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Say Anything.. (potentially one of my favourite films of all time!)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Back To The Future (even though this one isn't really a 'high school' film as such - its still awesome)
And with that, I'll just leave you with a clip of one of the most famous 80s dance scenes of all time. Enjoy!
