Cinematic Hits from the Eighties
The 80s was a time in which Ronald Reagan was elected as president of the United States. The world got introduced to the first personal computers but at the same time had to say goodbye to John Lennon. Children and their parents welcomed an alien into their homes, as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial became the highest-grossing movie of the decade. Whenever you feel the need of the 80s spirit just read along, because here are five movies from the 1980s that will get you that feeling in no time.
Back to the Future (1985)
Doc Brown invents a time-travelling DeLorean and accidentally sends 17-year-old Marty McFly thirty years into the past.
Whenever you feel like you have made a wrong decision in your life, think about this film. Just imagine being one of the 44 people who rejected the script before it was finally green-lit and gained a worldwide gross of more than $388.000.000.
The same Ronald Reagan as mentioned before had a small mention in this film. The script was not particularly positive about the president and therefore the White House had to approve it at first. The president, however, said he got a real kick out of it. God bless America.
Available on: Prime Video, Pathé Thuis, Google Play, iTunes and Ziggo.
Die Hard (1988)
Director John McTiernan introduced Bruce Willis as NYPD officer John McClane. He tries to save his wife and other hostages from German terrorists after they infiltrated a Christmas party in Los Angeles.
The introduction of an action hero, the introduction of a villain, but most importantly the introduction of a franchise. That is because during the years Die Hard has earned itself no less than four sequels! Rumour even has it that Disney got involved in a possible Die Hard 6 that may or may not be on the way. No matter how many films Die Hard may get, the original one will always remain an 80s classic. Yippee ki-yay.
Available on: Pathé Thuis, Rakuten TV, Google Play and iTunes.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
In Dirty Dancing, Frances “baby” Houseman spends the summer at Catskills resort with her family, but instead of a typical family holiday she falls in love with the dance instructor.
The timeless summer love story made the world fall in love with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The duo had perfect chemistry. Unfortunately Swayze passed away in 2009, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He will always be remembered as being that good-looking dance instructor who had the time of his life.
Available on: Netflix, Pathé Thuis and iTunes.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Troubled child Elliot helps his alien friend to escape planet Earth and return to his home world.
A movie based on that scenario has won four Oscars. It also must have gained director Steven Spielberg a terrible pain in the back. He shot most of the film from the eye-level of a child. This is because he wanted to further connect with Elliot and his not so furry friend. Although it has all been worth it, as E.T. had the longest ever theatrical run. It was shown in cinema for over a year. A Boy’s Life, the working title for the film, was not released on home video until 1988. Good thing we nowadays have streaming services to relive the 80s with this absolute must-watch classic. I wonder what E.T. would have done with smartphones.
Available on: Netflix, Prime Video, Pathé Thuis, Rakuten TV, Google Play and iTunes.
The Shining (1980)
A family spends the winter in an isolated hotel. The father gets very violent. The son sees horrific forebodings from the past and future. Perfectly normal?
No, it’s not. And that is no wonder, as this film was based on the book written by Stephen King and the director was named Stanley Kubrick. In fact, Danny Lloyd (yes, that kid on the bike) was highly protected by the director and did not know this was a horror film until several years after filming. At the time of filming Lloyd was just six years old. He only got to see the full version of the film when he was seventeen. Good guy Kubrick.
Available on: Pathé Thuis, Rakuten TV, Google Play and iTunes.
Got interested? Watch the trailers here:
Dirty Dancing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIcmQNy9FsM
Die Hard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaJuwKCmJbY
Back to the Future - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvsgGtivCgs
The Shining - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S014oGZiSdI
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYAETtIIClk
