Straight from the Past: Top 5 Movies That Best Capture the '80s Vibe
It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the decade you've probably never experienced.
Each decade of 20th century American history has its own flavor. If the 1980s is something you'd like to try, here are five movies that best capture the decade's atmosphere.
Less Than Zero (1987, 6.4 on IMDb)
Available on: Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
Loosely adapted from Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same name, the film centers on Clay Easton, a Los Angeles native who goes to college on the East Coast. When he returns home for Christmas, Clay finds that things have not been going well there, as his ex-girlfriend Blair has become addicted to cocaine and is dating Clay's best friend Julian, who is also a drug addict and dealer in trouble with the local thugs. And ironically, there's no one to help them but Clay.
The Legend of Billie Jean (1985, 6.6 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
This action drama revolves around the eponymous character and her brother Binx, two teenage Texans who get in trouble with the law after standing up to the local bully who has been tormenting kids and the confrontation turns violent. Billie Jean cuts her hair boyishly short, becomes a teen icon, and leads a movement against injustice.
Repo Man (1984, 6.9 on IMDb)
Available on: Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
Alex Cox's sci-fi black comedy follows Otto Maddox, a rebellious punk rocker who gets fired from his supermarket job for being rude and finds employment as a repossession agent. Otto is recruited to repossess an enigmatic Chevrolet Malibu wanted by the FBI. As it turns out, the car's trunk contains the body of an alien which incinerates anyone who looks at it.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, 7.1 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
This coming-of-age comedy focuses on four students from the titular school, Stacy, Mark, Linda and Mike, as they go through another school year. Believing they are wiser and more experienced than their peers, the four teens strive for equality with adults, dream of making it big in the world, and enjoy their carefree lives while seizing the moment.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, 7.8 on IMDb)
Available on: Hulu, Paramount+, Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
John Hughs' teen comedy stars Matthew Broderick as the eponymous character, a popular high school student who one spring day decides to break out of school and take his friend and girlfriend on a trip to Chicago where they can enjoy their freedom before exams. Ferris often breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience, explaining his actions and sharing his thoughts, which provides additional comic relief.