Netflix has many classic ’80s movies in their streaming library right now. Here are some that are definitely worth a revisit or *gasp* first-time watch this weekend.
Poltergeist
Almost four decades after its release, Poltergeist still remains one of the best ghost/haunted house movies ever made. It takes the horror to the suburbs as a family moves into a house built upon an old cemetery, only to lose their young daughter to a ghostly portal. The performances are top-notch, especially by JoBeth Williams and the late Heather O’Rourke, and the fantastic practical effects are still awe-inspiring.
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Jaws 3
Remember that sweet period during the 1980s when filmmakers got to use fancy new 3D technology, resulting in cheesy scenes of objects flying at the screen? Jaws 3 is one of the best movies from that period, and the hokey 3D scenes are just as entertaining, and unintentionally funny, even without glasses.
Set in SeaWorld Orlando, it seems that the Brody family just can’t shake killer sharks, or resist staying out of the ocean, as the sons from the previous films battle a great white yet again. It is an all-around fun sequel if you don’t think too hard.
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Indiana Jones
Go on an adventure with everyone’s favorite professor of archaeology with the first three films of the Indiana Jones franchise: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. These are classic Spielberg ’80s films and never get old.
Ghostbusters I & II
“Who you gonna call?” The Ghostbusters films acted as a gateway to horror for many genre fans today, introducing us to the things that go bump in the night without being overly terrifying. Well, except for the library scene, because that woman is still scary today. So, whip up some gooey Slimer popcorn, settle in, and watch these two classic films back-to-back in preparation for another sequel.
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Heathers
Heathers is a fantastically dark and twisted story of high school cliques, obsessive love, murder, and suicide. It is one of the early films that made us fall in love with Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, and the original Mean Girls. The film has become a cult classic over the years, and has so many great quotes. “Well, fuck me gently with a chainsaw.”
Christine
Directed by horror master John Carpenter, Christine is based on a 1983 Stephen King novel of the same name. Arnie Cunningham is a high school student who gets his dream car, which also happens to be an evil killing machine. How can you not love a movie that combines both Carpenter and King?
The Terminator
The original film that kicked off the massive Terminator franchise has no shortage of man versus machine action and awesome Stan Winston special effects. While some of the effects, action, and dialogue may seem cheesy now, it never fails to entertain.
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Little Monsters
Little Monsters is another film that could have been considered a “gateway to horror” film for ’80s kids, even though it’s a family film. There are some seriously disturbing and dark moments and mean characters which haunted our childhoods. And, how many of us can admit to trying a peanut butter and onion sandwich at least once out of curiosity? *raises hand*
Harry and the Hendersons
After a suburban family discovers the mysterious Bigfoot, they must save him from law enforcement and hunters alike. Played by the late Kevin Peter Hall (who also donned The Predator suit) and puppeteered by the legendary Rick Baker, Harry the Sasquatch won our hearts.
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Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon
This cult classic martial arts film follows a man named Leroy Green, who wants to be just like his idol, Bruce Lee. Go on the journey of self-discovery with Green as he searches for the truth behind martial arts secrets.
The Breakfast Club
What would classic ’80s movies be without John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club? Five radically different high school students must spend their Saturday in the greatest session of school detention ever, complete with an awesome dance sequence. If this one gets you in the mood for more Hughes and Molly Ringwald, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles are also available on Netflix.
Stripes
If you love Ghostbusters, then Stripes is a must-watch comedy, as it was directed by Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman and co-written by Egon himself, Harold Ramis. The stellar and hilarious cast includes Ramis, Bill Murray, P. J. Soles, Sean Young, John Candy, John Larroquette, Judge Reinhold, and Bill Paxton…just to name a few.
Are you checking out any of these ’80s movies on Netflix this weekend? Let us know!
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