Ever notice how the 70s just kind of segues into the 80s when it comes to certain things? The movies are no different save for the fact that instead of making you wait and wait for that feel good moment the movies in 80s kind of dropped hints and very clever moments throughout the movies in order to let you know that you were supposed to feel one way or another about the film and the characters. It’s been said more than once, but the 80s were a transition decade that was basically pulling away from the 70s and somehow getting ready for the 90s by completing a major overhaul of what people knew and recognized within many facets of their daily lives. The movies that came out during this decade were a good indication of that since between the 70s and the 90s the 80s acted as a kind of buffer to get people ready.
At least that’s how it feels. Here are some of the best feel-good movies of the 80s.
5. Stand By Me
Anytime you hear that a story was written by Stephen King and turned into a movie you expect a lot of horror, suspense, thrill, and possibly gore. But this one was surprisingly different, almost as if he was taking a break from the usual story he so enjoyed giving to the public. The tale of four young boys as they travel into the semi-civilized wilderness to find a dead body is one that has a lot of character development and a great deal of heart involved in it. That’s not to mention that they do manage to face certain dangers along the way, not the least of which is a train that could have squashed them like bugs and a guy that would have gladly slit their throats without hesitating.
4. The Breakfast Club
When you come from different backgrounds and get slammed into the same space for a prolonged period of time you might get thoughts of prison, jail, or other locations in your head. High school should be one of those other locations since that’s how a lot of students tend to look at their four years (hopefully only four) spent in a public or private institution. But if you look past your own insecurities and realize that other people have problems that either mirror or compliment your own then you might realize that making friends with people that are your total opposites isn’t as hard as it seems.
3. Back to the Future
This film had a good deal of ham and cheese to it when it came to the plot and the overall relationship between the characters but it worked since it was done on a level that was conducive with the plot and the story line. Marty McFly was the cool kid that rebelled as much as he could and yet wanted things to change so badly that he was willing to do just about anything he could to make it happen. Of course him and a time machine weren’t the best combination but he did manage to fix things to his liking and to the betterment of many people at the end. Though in some ways some people actually felt bad for Biff.
2. The Goonies
If you didn’t feel anything during this movie other than annoyance and disbelief then you need to check your pulse. Sure the movie is hammy, campy, and way over the line when it comes to cheesy, but it’s a part of a lot of our childhoods that doesn’t need to get shoved to the back of the movie aisle or relegated to the dusty corner of the movie collection. The Goonies is a feel-good movie of epic proportions since it’s not only one of the best kid movies ever made but it’s also something that makes you remember in the belief that childhood is something you cherish and friends are the one thing you can’t possibly replace, aside from family of course.
1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
It’s actually hard for some people to feel good about this movie since to be honest Ferris is the ultimate con man and is able to get away with pretty much anything. He doesn’t have a lot of humility and for the most part he just kind of skips through life in a way that suggests he’ll be able to do so for as long as he wants. But the great thing about Ferris is that he does have a heart, it’s just covered over by layers and layers of sarcastic wit and a desire to have fun whenever it’s possible. If you felt anything for Rooney then you might want to reassess your life a bit since the guy meant well in the beginning but was kind of a tool the rest of the time.
Ah yes, the 80s were there to prepare us for the 90s.
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