The Best Ten 80s Movies to Watch on Amazon Prime Right Now

Daniel Figaro
Dec 18, 2023
Dec 18, 2023

The 80s was a decade that truly changed the face of cinema, and its influence can still be seen today. Best 80s movies on Amazon Prime like The Goonies, Top Gun, and Ghostbusters were all released in the 80s and have since become cult classics.

Even more impressive is the fact that the 80s was also the decade that gave us the first two installments of the Star Wars franchise, which has gone on to become one of the most successful movie series of all time. The 80s was a time of innovation and creativity, and its movies continue to bring joy to audiences around the world.

Why The 80s Was A Great Decade For Movies

The 80s was a great decade for movies, with classic films such as The Breakfast Club, E.T., and Back to the Future. These movies were groundbreaking in their storytelling and special effects, and they have since become timeless classics. What's even better is that all of these movies are available to watch on Amazon Prime, so you can relive the magic of the 80s anytime you want.

Creative Freedom: The 80s saw a surge in creative freedom for filmmakers. New technologies and distribution platforms allowed for more experimentation and risk-taking in storytelling and visual effects. Filmmakers had the opportunity to push boundaries and explore innovative ideas.
Iconic Pop Culture: Many movies from the 80s became pop culture phenomena, leaving a lasting impact on society. Films like "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," "Back to the Future," and "Ghostbusters" not only achieved immense box office success but also became ingrained in the collective consciousness, influencing fashion, music, and language.
Genre Diversity: The 80s offered a wide range of genres, catering to various tastes and interests. From action-adventures and sci-fi blockbusters to heartfelt dramas and iconic comedies, there was something for everyone. This diversity allowed for a rich cinematic experience and attracted a broad audience.

Memorable Characters: The 80s introduced audiences to unforgettable characters that have become cultural icons. From Indiana Jones and Marty McFly to Rambo and the Ghostbusters, these characters became beloved figures, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Soundtracks: The 80s produced some of the most iconic movie soundtracks. From synthesizer-driven compositions to memorable pop songs, the music added another layer of enjoyment and became synonymous with the films themselves.
Visual Aesthetics: The 80s embraced vibrant and distinctive visual aesthetics. From colorful neon-lit cityscapes to bold fashion choices, the decade's movies had a distinct visual style that captured the essence of the era.

1. The Breakfast Club

"The Breakfast Club" is a coming-of-age film. As they spend the day together, they break through stereotypes and discover that they have more in common than they initially thought. .

"The Breakfast Club" is considered a classic because of its honest and relatable portrayal of teenage life. It resonates with audiences by addressing issues such as peer pressure, parental expectations, and the search for individuality. The film's timeless message of breaking down barriers and finding common ground has made it enduringly popular.

Notable actors and actresses in "The Breakfast Club" include Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald.

2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" revolves around the misadventures of charismatic high school student Ferris Bueller. Determined to make the most of his day off from school, Ferris embarks on a wild adventure through Chicago with his best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane. The film captures their escapades, including dodging the suspicious school principal and enjoying the freedom and thrill of being young.

This film has achieved classic status due to its iconic portrayal of youthful rebellion and the celebration of living in the moment. Ferris Bueller's carefree attitude and ability to seize the day resonated with audiences, and the film's humor and memorable moments have made it a beloved 80s classic.

Notable actors in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" include Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck.

3. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

As Elliott and his siblings attempt to keep E.T. hidden from authorities and help him return home, they form an unbreakable bond with the lovable extraterrestrial.

This film is a classic due to its masterful storytelling, emotional depth, and universal themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of connection. Directed by Steven Spielberg, "E.T." captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, becoming one of the most successful and beloved films of all time.

Notable actors in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" include Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, and Drew Barrymore.

4. The Princess Bride

"The Princess Bride" is a whimsical fantasy adventure that combines romance, comedy, and swashbuckling action. The film follows the tale of Buttercup and Westley, two star-crossed lovers who must overcome various obstacles, including an evil prince, a vengeful swordsman, and fire-swamp-dwelling rodents.

"The Princess Bride" has become a classic because of its clever writing, memorable characters, and delightful blend of romance and comedy. The film's witty dialogue, quotable lines, and endearing performances make it a beloved favorite for audiences of all ages.

Notable actors in "The Princess Bride" include Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, and Andre the Giant.

5. Ghostbusters

"Ghostbusters" is a supernatural comedy that follows a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. As paranormal activity escalates, they must save the city from an ancient Sumerian god's wrath while battling ghosts and a formidable marshmallow man.

This film became a classic due to its unique blend of humor, adventure, and memorable characters. "Ghostbusters" captured the imagination of audiences with its imaginative storyline, iconic theme song, and hilarious performances. It has since become a cultural phenomenon.

Notable actors in "Ghostbusters" include Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver.

6. Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a classic 1981 action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. The plot follows Jones as he attempts to find the lost Ark of the Covenant.

The movie has become a classic due to its thrilling action sequences, witty dialogue, and iconic characters, making it a timeless classic.

Notable actors and actresses in the movie include Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, and Denholm Elliott.

7. The Terminator

"The Terminator" is a science fiction action film that follows a cyborg assassin, the Terminator, sent back in time from a post-apocalyptic future to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead a resistance against the machines.

The film became a classic due to its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and the iconic portrayal of the Terminator by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Directed by James Cameron, "The Terminator" showcased groundbreaking visual effects and explored themes of technology, fate, and the resilience of the human spirit. This is a free 80s movie on Amazon prime.

Notable actors in "The Terminator" include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn.

8. Back To The Future

"Back to the Future" is a science fiction comedy that follows the adventures of Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time to the 1950s in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown. Marty must ensure his parents fall in love to ensure his own existence while finding a way back to the present.

The film is a classic because of its clever and intricate time-travel narrative, memorable characters, and the dynamic performances of Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, "Back to the Future" combines humor, adventure, and heart, captivating audiences of all ages.

Notable actors in "Back to the Future" include Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson.

9. The Goonies

"The Goonies" is an adventure film that follows a group of young friends in a coastal town who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure. As they navigate booby traps, underground tunnels, and encounter a family of criminals, they learn the value of friendship, bravery, and the importance of staying true to themselves.

"The Goonies" became a classic due to its timeless story of friendship, youthful adventure, and a sense of nostalgia. Directed by Richard Donner and with a screenplay by Chris Columbus, the film captured the imaginations of audiences with its relatable young protagonists, humorous dialogue, and thrilling quest for hidden treasure.

Notable actors in "The Goonies" include Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Martha Plimpton.

10. Dirty Dancing

1980s movies on amazon prime - you must see Dirty Dancing is a classic romantic drama from 1987 starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The plot follows Frances "Baby" Houseman, a young woman on vacation with her family at a resort in the Catskill Mountains.

When she meets the resort's dance instructor, Johnny Castle, Baby falls in love and learns to dance. The two must overcome the obstacles of their different social classes and Baby's father's disapproval to be together.

The film is a classic for its iconic soundtrack, memorable dance sequences, and its exploration of themes such as class, gender, and sexuality. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey's chemistry and performances make the film a timeless classic.

More 80s Movies For You To Watch On Amazon Prime

Honorable mentions for 80s movies worth watching on Amazon Prime include The Breakfast Club, starring Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson; Ghostbusters, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver; and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, starring Matthew Broderick.

The Breakfast Club follows five high school students who come together in detention and learn to appreciate each other's differences.

Ghostbusters follows a group of scientists who attempt to rid New York City of ghosts.

Finally, Ferris Bueller's Day Off follows a high school student who skips school and embarks on a day of adventure with his girlfriend and best friend. All three of these movies are classic 80s films and are definitely worth watching on Amazon Prime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of some of the plans available to enjoy 80s movies on amazon prime free. We hope that it has inspired readers to watch some of these classic films and enjoy the nostalgia of the 80s. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we hope you enjoy the 80s movies on amazon prime!

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