FOR THE LOVE OF THE 80'S -- MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS

The 80s was a special era, no doubt. Obviously, those who grew up in that decade – and the next – hold the 80s in nostalgic regard. Even millennials who have discovered the culture of the 80s have fallen in love with it. From fashion (which is wonkily cool) to music to TV shows to movies…





Ah, the movies... 80s movies may lack the super effects that modern flicks have, but there are films from that era that one must simply see.

There are too many to mention, but if you have to watch a handful, these are the 80s movies you’ll want to see. The list is a hodgepodge of genres, so there’s something for everyone.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Cop movies were a big thing in the 80s, and they were so much fun. To get a taste for this type of flick, go for Beverly Hills Cop featuring Eddie Murphy.

If Eddie Murphy’s name is not enough to convince you, try the plot: a Detroit cop in the middle of a murder investigation gets transported to Beverly Hills out of necessity.

Culture shock much?

Ghostbusters (1984)

Normally, Ghostbusters wouldn’t have been part of this list as everyone knows about it. With the reboot featuring female stars coming up, though, we thought it would be a good time to recommend re-watching the movie. 

If you haven’t seen it yet, then what are you waiting for???

Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun is an iconic 80s movie, bound to be recognized even by the younger generation; but that is exactly why this movie is a must-watch. 

As cheesy and corny the movie is, seeing Tom Cruise in his heyday is an experience. And there’s Kelly McGillis.

If you’re a fan of 80s music, then you’ll revel in the soundtrack. You can even close your eyes and just listen if you want to.

Platoon (1986)

Platoon is a classic when it comes to war movies, so if you’re into that, this is a must-watch (if you haven’t already).

The story revolves around the life of a young soldier in the Vietnam War who faces the stark reality of war, human nature, and experiences a moral crisis because of it.

It’s as good as a war movie gets.

Good Morning Vietnam (1987)

Another awesome war movie, Good Morning, Vietnam has a lot of things going for it. First off, two words: Robin Williams.

Then there’s the story, which offers a slightly different take on the usual war movie. It’s about a radio personality stationed to the U.S. Armed Services Radio Station in Vietnam, where his flippant personality ruffles a few feathers.

Oh, and the soundtrack is brilliant. You can listen to it over and over again without getting tired of it!

Rain Man (1988)

No, we’re not big fans of Tom Cruise, but Rain Man is such a great movie that it deserves to be recommended every time 80s movies come up. Dustin Hoffman co-stars in the movie, playing the role of Tom Cruise’s savant brother. Not surprisingly, Tom Cruise plays the role of a spoiled, selfish yuppie.

It’s got a happy ending, though. A good family movie, actually.

Batman (1989)

If you’re a Batman fan, then you don’t need to read this. You either love this movie, or you detest it.

If you’re not a hardcore Batman fan, you may be wondering why this particular movie is in the list. That’s because Tim Burton’s Batman may very well be one of the best Batman movies ever. 

Yes, it’s dark – it’s Tim Burton! Yes, some say that Michael Keaton is not a good Batman (we disagree, by the way).

But no one can deny that Jack Nicholson’s The Joker is absolutely brilliant!

Bio: Kelvin Dang is part of the Digital Ideation team at Pure Costumes. He loves to keep up with technology and movies. He can usually be found tinkering with his transformers or playing video games. Over the last eleven years Kelvin has helped build several web platforms for Pure Seasons Inc., which is the parent company of PureCostumes.com.