For many of us who grew up in the 80’s our most valuable life lessons didn’t come from school, parents, friends or even the Church. They came through the wisdom and insight of modern day philosopher, John Hughes and his band of loyal disciples including Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, John Cusack and even Judd Nelson.
The films of John Hughes defined a new genre, the teen film. Through his movies, many of us were forewarned about the cutthroat social divide that is high school. We learnt that it’s okay to be a nerd, that even the cool kids have it tough and that all of life’s problems will be resolved in approximately 90 to 100 minutes.
Like going to a high school reunion, it’s not easy to revisit the films that shaped your worldview. What if Judd Nelson in the Breakfast Club is not cool anymore? What if Molly Ringwald is just annoying and ugly? and if I was wrong about that what else am I wrong about?
Rather than have you dear reader go through this existential crisis we have sat down and viewed all of these classic films to see if they have withstood the test of time. Sure, it’s easy to make fun of the fashion and hair but we are on a quest to see if like all true classics they are still entertaining regardless of the nostalgia factor.
We have compiled the ultimate top ten of 80’s teen films according to how they have aged, going from best to worst. Some are still brilliant and others are incredibly racist and homophobic but all have shaped a generation of filmgoers and for that, they deserve our respect.
10. Pretty in Pink
This one has not aged well. The girl (Molly Ringwald) from the poor suburb and the rich guy (Andrew McCarthy) fall in love, but society just won’t let them be. Molly is a whiny annoying know it all plus the ending is absurd, feels incredibly forced and contradicts most of the film. Also John Cryer is really annoying as Duckie, and I mean really annoying.
9. Weird Science
Supposedly, John Hughes wrote this screenplay in one night, and it shows. It’s still fun to watch the 80’s understanding of the wonders of computer technology plus Anthony Michael Hall looks wasted throughout the entire film.
8. Some Kind of Wonderful
They are all so brooding, all the time. It’s okay as a film but a smile here or there would have been great. Best scene is this clip where Mary Stuart Masterson gets some excellent synth drum sounds from a real drum set.
7. Sixteen Candles
Still somewhat amusing but it’s incredibly racist in its depiction of token Asian, Long Duk Dong. Also Jake and Samantha have zero chemistry but Anthony Michael Hall is pretty funny as the quintessential lovable geek.
6. Adventures in Babysitting
Otherwise known as A Night on the Town or Adventures Whilst Babysitting, it’s still an innocent enough entry into the teen movie genre. It actually has its moments.
5. Footloose
Kevin Bacon is really grumpy throughout the film but this clip alone makes the film a classic.
4. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Watching this again makes you appreciate how much this movie shaped teen films for years to come. It’s funny, entertaining and it has Sean Penn in his best role, he peaked early.
3. Say Anything
John Cusack is cool, no two ways about it.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
John Hughes and Matthew Broderick’s shining moment.
1. The Breakfast Club
This is still an excellent film by any standards. Except maybe that scene where Emilio breaks the glass, what the hell was that about. Cast to perfection, well written, and acted. This is truly a modern classic.
by Sebastian Cordoba