Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Ahh, the 1980s. A decade of neon leg warmers, big hair, and some of the most memorable family movies ever made! Hollywood churned out box-office hits that still hold their own today and have become embedded in pop culture.
And, as all parents know: one of the joys of parenting is introducing your children to your favorite things, even if they groan at the cheesy 1980s special effects. Take a walk down memory lane with nine of the best family-friendly movies of the decade. From quirky to comedic, heartwarming to adventurous — you'll find them all on this list. Snuggle up in a Minky Couture blanket to make it the perfect family movie night.
E.T. (1982)
Steven Spielberg's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" was the highest-grossing movie of the '80s, beating out installments from mega-franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The movie won four Academy Awards and remains the fourth most-successful movie of all time in the U.S.
Katie McLaughlin writes for CNN that "One of the reasons "E.T." remains timeless is because it wasn't supposed to be an effects-heavy film. Memorable visuals, like the bicycle scene, were seamlessly woven in." Fun fact: while the image of Elliott and E.T. on the bicycle was superimposed over the shot, the iconic moon shot itself was real and not CGI.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Four kids sneak into a bumbling inventor's lab and are zapped by his experimental shrink ray, then accidentally thrown in the trash. Chaos and hilarity ensue as the children go on an adventure to return home, battling yard sprinklers that are more like hurricanes and earthworms as big as elephants. Now the question is, how to get them un-shrunk? You can watch "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" on Disney+.
Hoosiers (1986)
This classic sports movie, partly inspired by a true story, tells the tale of a small-town Indiana High School basketball team that achieves greatness against all odds. "Hoosiers" stars Gene Hackman as a new coach with a lot to prove, and Dennis Hopper, whose role as the basketball-loving town drunk earned him an Oscar nomination.
"Hoosiers" takes you on a journey along with this scrappy team as it teaches messages about community, teamwork, and overcoming adversity, making it a powerful and uplifting family movie.
The Land Before Time (1988)
At just over an hour long and rated G, "The Land Before Time" is the perfect way to introduce younger kids to your favorite '80s classics. Viewers are taken on Littlefoot's exciting and treacherous journey to the Great Valley after his mother dies protecting him from a sinister "sharptooth". Little dino-lovers will be enchanted with all the fun characters like Cera, the feisty triceratops, Petrie, a Pteranodon, and Spike, a gentle stegosaurus.
The Goonies (1985)
"Hey, you guys!" If you didn't just hear Sloth's voice in your head, it's time to rewatch "The Goonies." The classic adventure tale set on the Oregon coast follows a misfit band of kids who find a treasure map in an attic. With a lot of guts (and zero parental supervision), they eventually discover a pirate treasure that saves their neighborhood. You'll laugh and root for the Goonies to beat the bad guys and capture One-Eyed Willie's treasure.
Much of the cast went on to have successful Hollywood careers and are still acting today, including Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, and Ke Huy Quan.
The Karate Kid (1984)
When a scrawny teenager moves to a new town and becomes a target for bullies, he finds a wise karate mentor in Mr. Miyagi and trains to become "the best around." It's the ultimate martial arts movie that has spawned sequels, television show spin-offs, and merchandise. The film's iconic scenes, from "wax on, wax off" to the climactic tournament showdown, are etched in pop culture history. Everyone loves an underdog story!
The Princess Bride (1987)
"The Princess Bride" is a truly clever, tongue-in-cheek take on the typical fairy tale. The delightful story, based on the novel by William Goldman, has everything you need for a swashbuckling adventure: sword fights, quicksand, giants, poison, and true love. The witty dialogue and memorable characters appeal to viewers both young and old, making it a classic that still holds up after almost 40 years. You can find "The Princess Bride" on Disney+.
Big (1988)
"Big" tells the story of 12-year-old Josh Baskin, who makes a wish to be "big" and wakes up the next morning in the body of a 30-year-old. Josh must navigate the adult world with a child's innocence, landing a job at a toy company, where he brings a fresh perspective to those around him. Hanks' charming performance captures the essence of childhood. Audiences laugh and reflect on the magic and heartbreak of growing up. Plus, who could forget the playful piano dance at FAO Schwarz?
Footloose (1984)
Beloved among Utahns for its local connections, "Footloose" is still a timeless family favorite. Set in a fictional small town where dancing is outlawed, newcomer Ren McCormack—played by Kevin Bacon—shakes things up and fights to bring back dancing.
You'll recognize the famous Lehi Roller Mills in more than one scene. According to Lehi Mills, the cast and crew worked closely with mill employees during production, and Ren even works at the mill in the movie. "Footloose" has an infectious soundtrack that is sure to have you embarrassing your children by showing off your rusty 1980s dance moves.
Relax with a Minky Couture blanket
It's still several weeks until the end of summer, so on a hot day or evening, kick back and relax indoors in a sumptuously soft blanket from Minky Couture. These cozy blankets are the perfect companion for your pioneer movie night, adding a layer of comfort to your evening. Explore the full collection at softminkyblankets.com and discover your new favorite way to unwind!
