Hey fellow human,
I hope your 2021 is going well so far. It kinda feels to me like we’re getting back on track to real life, but have a ways to go still. Maybe that’s why I’m indulging in a bit of nostalgic escapism all the sudden.
I hadn’t really planned on making this post, but I just stumbled into an 80’s appreciation kick and thought you might like to share in it. I just started obsessing a little over 80s movies, music, and gear. There’s just something about it that’s so addictive. The ’80s are like a mythical time for all those that didn’t live it. It’s more of a feeling than reality, and for some reason, we just really seem to like it.
Can we talk about the San Junipero (Black Mirror episode) aesthetic, or Stranger Things, or even Cobra Kai (TV show) and the dude that is mentally stuck in the 80s? So good. All of it.
Maybe it’s because many of the entertainment “icons” younger generations grew up knowing really hit their stride in the 80s so it’s associated with a certain kind of time-tested epic-ness. Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Prince, Aerosmith, AC/DC. Love ’em or hate ’em, we know the names.
The same could be said for movies. Between just those two categories, you already have a recipe of nostalgia for a time many never even lived, but feel a connection to nonetheless. Back To The Future and gated reverb abound.
The 80s were like…. 40 years ago, guys. IKNOWRIGHT???
This post features some awesome 80s movies to watch, quintessential 80s music, and even some stuff you can get if you wanna bask in that retro 80s aesthetic glory.
10 hit songs from the 80s to add to your playlist
- Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi (1986)
- The Safety Dance – Men At Work (1982)
- Rock You Like A Hurricane – Scorpions (1984)
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves (1983)
- We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister (1984)
- You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates (1981)
- Love Shack – The B-52’s (1989)
- Red Red Wine – UB40 (1983)
- Betty Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes (1981)
- The Boys of Summer – Don Henley (1984)
5 Addicting 80’s Playlists on Spotify
Some fun 80s stuff you can get online
A boombox. I cannot tell you how much I love this.
Say what you will about leg warmers, but I will always love them.
An actual Stranger Things cassette tape.
I dunno man, this stuff just kinda makes me happy, what can I say?
12 great movie’s from the 80s
- Breakfast Club (1985)
- The Goonies (1985)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- The Lost Boys (1987)
- Labyrinth (1986) – apparently this is actress Emma Stone’s go-to comfort movie.
- Footloose (1984)
- Dead Poet Society (1989)
- 3 Men and a Baby (1987)
- Stand By Me (1986)
- Willow (1988)
- Friday the 13th – Original (1980)
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Want some more movie lists?
32 of my personal favorite movies
31 great horror movies for horror fans (like me!)
Good-vibe movies to watch on lazy days
Modern movies that have an 80s vibe
A few more recent movies that either take place in the 80s or have a classic 80s vibe to them.
Take Me Home Tonight
It Follows
Hot Summer Nights
Final Girls
Honestly, I could go on with all this 80s love, but I’ll leave it here for now. Please leave any 80s movies and music suggestions you have in the comments!
