Nostalgia for the golden days and a love for all things vintage have been trending lately. The ’80s, in particular, are making a strong comeback. Many adults who grew up in that era are fondly reminiscing about their youth. The 1980s were marked by extravagance, boldness, and a fearless embrace of individuality – a spirit that still resonates with Generation Z today.
The ’80s were iconic not only for their unique aesthetic but also for their unforgettable films. If you’re eager to relive the magic of that decade, beyond just embracing its fashion, diving into its cinematic treasures is a perfect way to do so. To help you satisfy your nostalgia, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best ’80s movies on Netflix. These timeless classics are essential viewing for any film enthusiast and a fantastic way to experience the bold creativity of the era.
Please note that some titles are only available with a Netflix ad-free subscription.
During a Saturday detention, the athlete, the brain, the bully, the princess, and the loner shatter high school stereotypes, discovering unexpected common ground. As they share their stories, perceptions shift, leaving them to wonder if their school dynamic will ever be the same.
No film captures and elevates the teenage experience of the 1980s quite like John Hughes’ iconic high school dramedy, The Breakfast Club. Widely regarded as the archetype coming-of-age movie, it introduced the world to the Brat Pack, a group of talented young actors who became synonymous with the era’s teen films. The movie moves beyond simplistic stereotypes to reveal the complex individuals beneath, reminding us that we are far more than the labels others impose on us.
Ferris Bueller possesses an uncanny talent for skipping classes and getting away with it. Determined to take one last day off before graduation, Ferris fakes an illness, “borrows” a Ferrari, and sets off on a whirlwind one-day adventure through the streets of Chicago. Hot on his trail is his high school principal, Mr. Rooney, who is equally determined to catch Ferris in the act and put an end to his antics.
Another classic from John Hughes, this film became one of the highest-grossing movies of the year. What sets this movie apart is its charming and innovative approach of breaking the fourth wall to allow viewers to hear Ferris’ thoughts. Among all of Hughes’ teen-centric movies set in the Chicago area over the span of a decade, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has undoubtedly endured the best and remains enjoyable even today.
After discovering that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four boys from Oregon set out on a journey to find the body. Along the way, they face challenges, including a mean junk man and a treacherous marsh filled with leeches. As they navigate these obstacles, they also learn more about one another and the stark differences in their home lives. What begins as a simple, adventurous lark soon transforms into a pivotal experience that leaves a lasting impact on each of them, shaping their understanding of life, friendship, and themselves.
Considered one of the best “kids-on-an-adventure” movies, this film stands out because it delves deep into each of the boys’ personal struggles, tackling some weighty adult themes, yet always returning to the enduring strength of their friendship that carries the story. The movie is wise and nostalgic with the trials and tribulations of growing up. It stirs memories, especially if you’ve experienced childhood friendships evolving over time. “I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.” Stand by Me is a simple yet powerful film that resonates long after.
Bounty hunter Jack Walsh’s easy payday turns into a chaotic cross-country ordeal when he’s tasked with locating and delivering ‘The Duke,’ a mob accountant. With the FBI and the mob hot on their trail, Jack must not only evade capture but also manage The Duke’s increasingly erratic behavior.
A classic buddy movie formula is taken to new heights by exceptional performances. Driven by the captivatingly antagonistic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, Midnight Run stands out as an unusually delightful odd-couple comedy filled with thrilling action sequences. This film’s clever, understated humor places a strong emphasis on character development, ensuring that the audience remains engaged, amused, and enthralled from start to finish.
Driven by a mysterious voice, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield, where the ghosts of baseball legends come to life. However, as Ray soon discovers, the “field of dreams” holds a deeper, more personal meaning than he initially imagined.
Field of Dreams is sentimental in the best way, blending elements of a fairy tale, baseball, and family togetherness. This tale is not just about a passion for baseball but also the drive to make the most of our one precious life, despiting the skepticism of others. The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, drawing viewers in with its steadily building drama. If you’re someone who views each at-bat as a fresh opportunity and believes that life can be filled with goodness and miracles, then this classic baseball story is a must-see.
At the heart of a small Southern town, six women form an unbreakable bond at the local beauty parlor, sharing gossip and offering unwavering support. Through life’s inevitable ups and downs, they face both hardship and happiness, their friendships growing stronger with each passing year.
Based on a stage play by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias is a heartfelt tale that explores the themes of friendship, love, marriage, parenthood, illness, and the abrupt endings of life. While the film is often credited with catapulting Julia Roberts into stardom, it’s Sally Field’s performance that truly shines. Steel Magnolias is undeniably a compassionate film, offering a humble and warm-hearted testament to the enduring strength of female friendships.
Prince Akeem escapes his wealthy African kingdom to find a wife who loves him for himself. Accompanied by his persnickety sidekick, Semmi, he flees to America and poses as a foreign student working in fast food. As he falls for Lisa, he also faces a dilemma—how to reveal his true identity to her and convince his father, the king, of his choice for a bride.
Charmingly old-school in many aspects, yet still full of memorable quotes, this film combines humor with unwavering dedication to its central character’s heartfelt mission. It’s a surprisingly sweet and well-balanced romantic comedy. Upon its release, it stood out as a unique film featuring a broad, all-black cast in its time. Eddie Murphy delivers one of his most satisfying performances, making every moment of this classic movie thoroughly enjoyable.
A family emergency forces Cindy and Bob to leave their kids with the only available babysitter: Bob’s carefree brother, Buck. His laid-back approach wins over the younger kids, but he faces a greater challenge in winning the trust of their teenage sister, Tia, forcing him to change his bachelor lifestyle.
This movie is delightful and heartwarming to watch every time! It falls into the category of warm, funny films centered around relationships with kids, offering straightforward humor and a feel-good conclusion. John Candy’s great comedic timing and charismatic performance steal the spotlight, while the talented young actors portraying the children infuse depth and relatability into their characters. It’s the film that introduced most Americans to the endearing charm of young Macaulay Culkin before Home Alone. It follows the classic ’80s formula, complete with a generous dose of “all-American” cheese.
A group of teenagers navigates the challenges of growing up in Southern California, balancing school, part-time jobs, relationships, insecurities, and the realities of sex.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is famous not just for Sean Penn’s iconic performance but also for its authentic portrayal of school, work, and teenage life. It’s among the best in a genre known for its boldness and effectively captures the style and attitudes of the ’80s. This film brilliantly, humorously, and sometimes provocatively explores teenage life in the early 1980s. In many respects, it defined a generation of young Americans excited about the future.
After his village is destroyed by the ruthless necromancer Thulsa Doom, young Conan is orphaned and forced into slavery, enduring years of grueling labor pushing “The Wheel of Pain.” As an adult, Conan seeks revenge, hunting the man who killed his family and stole his father’s sword. With the aid of warrior Valeria and archer Subotai, he confronts the supernatural evil that Doom commands.
Conan the Barbarian is undeniably the quintessential 1980s fantasy epic, a spectacular sword-and-sorcery adventure. It’s the film that indisputably forged the legend of Austrian muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger, paving the way for iconic roles like the Terminator. While Conan himself is a somewhat stoic figure motivated by vengeance, what truly enriches the story is the vibrant characters around him. Whether it’s the despicable snake priest Thulsa Doom or the theatrical presence of Max von Sydow, these supporting characters breathe life into the immersive world of Conan.
Netflix downloads are limited to subscribers of ad-free plans, and they can only be downloaded on specific devices from the Netflix app. These downloads also have expiration dates and access restrictions. Some titles expire 48 hours after you first press play.
However, if you’re looking to download ’80s movies from Netflix with an ad-supported membership or watch them offline on other devices you prefer, you can use Pazu Netflix Video Downloader.
Pazu Netflix Video Downloader is a desktop program for Netflix users to download Netflix videos without the Netflix app. It can bypass the DRM from Netflix and download movies and TV shows from Netflix to MP4 and MKV formats. The converted files can be preserved in high quality as 1080p after a fast download. Also, subtitles and audio tracks can be kept 100% the same as the original video. Moreover, it eliminates all Netflix download limitations, such as expiration issues, device quantity limits, etc.
With Pazu Netflix Video Downloader, you can enjoy your favorite ’80s movies from Netflix offline, even with an ad-supported membership, and play them on your Mac or TV without any hassle.
Download Netflix movies & TV shows to MP4 with HD quality.
Download, install, and launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows. Log in to your Netflix account.
Click the key icon and enter your registration code to unlock the full version of the downloader if you have purchased a registration. If you haven’t, go ahead with the free trial version.
Search for a show or movie you want to download from Netflix.
Click the gear icon on the top right corner to choose the video formats and settings such as:
Click the Download icon on the right of the title you want to download.
As you can see from the screenshot, all episodes are checked by default. Uncheck those episodes you don’t want to download if there are any.
You can also click the three lines and gear icon to choose audio/subtitle languages for each episode. To close the window, click the OK button.
Click the Download button on the bottom right corner. The downloading begins.
After downloading, click History and find the video in MP4 format. You can now transfer the downloaded videos and watch them whenever you want.
Download Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4/MKV on your PC/Mac