Everyone loves a good coming-of-age movie, and no decade produced them better than the 1980s. Between the interesting fashion choices, catchy music, and now out-of-date catchphrases, something about ’80s cinema continues to not just age like a fine wine, but continues to influence popular modern works. Coming-of-age films are ones that, in particular, tend to transcend time due to their all-encompassing themes.
As the name suggests, a good coming-of-age film expertly introduces at least one character and allows them to grow from childhood to adulthood, in some sort of capacity, with ease. Plenty have been made throughout the years, but the ’80s did them best. Many of them aren’t just as popular now as they were four decades ago, but are even more celebrated today.
Heathers Was the Original Mean Girls
Before Heathers was adapted into a successful Broadway musical, the iconic film achieved cult classic status post-theatrical release. The coming-of-age film, which doubles as a dark crime comedy, revolves around three high school girls named Heather (Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Frank, and Kim Walker) and a fourth addition to their clique, Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder). When Veronica meets Jason “J.D.” Dean (Christian Slater), the new student at school, it isn’t long before weird things start to happen.
Heathers was technically a box office bomb and only grossed $1 million against a $3 million budget, but this ’80s masterpiece proves that not all popular films benefit from large financial gains. Like the film’s themes suggest, Heathers is serious, yet funny because of how absurd the plot becomes. Ryder dominates the film as Veronica, although Doherty, Frank, and Walker each portray their Heather characters convincingly. Directed by Michael Lehmann and written by Daniel Waters, the 1988 classic is well-regarded today, with plenty of quotes still utilized by the masses.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Took Teens on an Adventure
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a masterpiece directed by, written by, and co-produced by John Hughes. Starring Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, the coming-of-age comedy follows Bueller and his friends, Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) and Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), after they skip school. Throughout the 103-minute runtime, Ferris frequently breaks the fourth wall, talking to the audience directly about the adventures of him and his friends, as well as his thought process.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off made $70.7 million at the box office against a $5 million budget, making it one of the most successful films of 1986. Understandably, given its cult status, a spin-off, Sam & Victor’s Day Off, is currently being developed by Paramount+. Between Broderick’s fantastic performance as Ferris, the heap of comedy featured, the strong ’80s aesthetic, and a massive amount of iconic quotes, Hughes exceeded any and all expectations with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The Breakfast Club Is a John Hughes Classic
Another film directed, written, and produced by John Hughes, The Breakfast Club is almost always one of the first movies mentioned in discussions of ’80s cinema. The coming-of-age film follows six high school students stuck in Saturday detention, played by Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, and Ally Sheedy. Although the group couldn’t be more different, they eventually figure out that they have more in common than they thought.
The Breakfast Club was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2016, and with good reason. Although the story is largely contained in the high school library, the characters and dialogue excellently propel the narrative. The ensemble cast nails each of their characters; the themes of Hughes’s film are timeless, and overall, everything feels authentic to the setting and period.
Risky Business Stars a Young Tom Cruise
Risky Business, the directorial debut of Paul Brickman, grossed over $63 million against a $6.2 million budget and finished as one of the most successful films of 1983. Starring Tom Cruise as Joel Goodson and Rebecca De Mornay as Lana, the coming-of-age comedy film follows Joel’s escapades as he stays home alone without his parents. When Joel and Lana unexpectedly spend the night together, things automatically go sideways for the high school student.
Risky Business packs a tremendous punch for a 99-minute movie, an impact that is still recognized over 40 years later. Cruise and De Mornay’s chemistry is off the charts throughout the comedy film, although it’s Cruise who ultimately steals the show with his charisma, humor, and passion. Brickman’s coming-of-age debut features all the typical themes of the genre, but takes a deeper dive, similar to Mike Nichols’ The Graduate (1967).
Stand By Me Is One of the Best Stephen King Adaptations
Directed by Rob Reiner, Stand by Me is one of the most prolific coming-of-age films of the ’80s. The drama film follows a group of 12-year-old boys in 1959, who attempt to locate the body of a missing (and presumed dead) boy. Told through a flashback perspective by one of the boys involved, the film stars Wil Wheaton (Gordie Lachance), River Phoenix (Chris Chambers), Corey Feldman (Teddy Duchamp), Jerry O’Connell (Ven Tessio), and Kiefer Sutherland (Ace Merrill).
Out of all the films that Reiner has directed over the years, Stand by Me remains one of the best. The coming-of-age story perfectly embodies what it means to move through childhood into adulthood, and as the film is told through flashbacks, the focus on the group’s friendships hits more emotionally. The young cast of boys each nail their roles; the characters are largely relatable in themselves, and there is a clear 1950s aesthetic, which is appreciated.
Footloose was remade in 2011, but the original 1984 version stands as the better rendition. The musical drama stars Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves to a small town from Chicago. When Ren discovers that the town has a ban on dancing, he attempts to change things around. The movie, directed by Herbert Ross, also stars Lori Singer (Ariel Moore) and John Lithgow (Shaw Moore).
Footloose received mixed reviews in 1984, but continues to stand the test of time today. The themes of self-expression, individuality, and musicality remain timeless; Bacon steals the show as Ren, and overall, the film carries a positive vibe that is enjoyable throughout generations. The soundtrack to the original Footloose is catchy and fun, with the dance sequences even better.
Say Anything… was Cameron Crowe’s feature debut; Crowe wrote the screenplay for Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and later created Jerry Maguire (1996) and Almost Famous (2000). Starring John Cusack (Lloyd Dobler) and Ione Skye (Diane Court), the romantic comedy-drama follows Lloyd and Diane’s complex relationship, which develops after their high school graduation due to their differing experiences. Jennifer Connelly was almost cast as Diane, while Robert Downey Jr., Christian Slater, and Kirk Cameron were considered for the role of Lloyd.
Say Anything… is one of those films that has it all, which is why it’s remembered so fondly over three decades later. Lloyd and Diane embody the idea that opposites attract, and while the story is relatively easy to follow, it still features some twists and turns. The most memorable scene of the film, in which Lloyd stands outside Diane’s house to try and win her back, remains one of the most romantic sequences of all time.
St. Elmo’s Fire Is an Ultimate Brat Pack Movie
Directed and co-written by Joel Schumacher, St. Elmo’s Fire stars six members of the ’80s coveted Brat Pack: Emilio Estevez (Kirby Keager), Rob Lowe (William “Billy” Hicks), Andrew McCarthy (Kevin Dolenz), Demi Moore (Julianna “Jules” Van Patten), Judd Nelson (Alec Newberry), and Ally Sheedy (Leslie Hunter). The film follows a group of friends and graduates from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and their struggles and triumphs as they navigate early adulthood.
Despite its abysmal ratings and reviews from critics upon release, St. Elmo’s Fire is now widely regarded as a classic coming-of-age film. While the plot is basic and there aren’t a lot of ups and downs, the characters are compelling in their own individual ways, and have great chemistry as a group. The Georgetown graduates are also relatable to many as they attempt to figure out where to go and what to do after college. The themes of the film (friendship, love, freedom) are timeless, and the aesthetic of St. Elmo’s Fire reeks of the ’80s and some of the general attitudes during the era.
The Karate Kid Spawned a Successful Legacy Franchise
The Karate Kid is the first installment of the Karate Kid franchise; the latest film, Karate Kid: Legends, was released on May 30, 2025, in the United States. Directed by John G. Avildsen with a screenplay by Robert Mark Kamen, the martial arts film revolves around Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). When Daniel moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles, he finds himself targeted by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). To fight back against Johnny and other bullies, Daniel learns karate from Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). The coming-of-age film grossed $130.8 billion against an $8 million budget.
The Karate Kid franchise is good as a whole (especially with Netflix’s Cobra Kai thrown into the mix), but the first 1984 film remains undefeated. The story is heartwarming, with the audience able to truly connect to teenage Daniel and his struggles. The karate sequences are well-choreographed, and the growing relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi is memorable.
Dead Poets Society Has One of the Best Casts
Directed by Peter Weir with an original screenplay by Todd Schulman, Dead Poets Society is a quintessential coming-of-age film. Released in June 1989, the film revolves around a group of private-school-educated boys searching for the meaning of life through poetry. The drama, which grossed a little over $235 million against a $16 million budget, was nominated for dozens of awards, including four Academy Awards. The film stars Ethan Hawke (Todd Anderson), Robin Williams (John Keating), Robert Sean Leonard (Neil Perry), Dylan Kussman (Richard Cameron), and Norman Lloyd (Gale Nolan).
Dead Poets Society is a film that may take some time to fully appreciate, but all the qualities of an excellent ’80s coming-of-age film are there. While there are slightly humorous moments, the movie is quite cynical and depressing as the boys fight for individuality and freedom. While Hawke does well as the main protagonist, it’s Williams who steals the show as Keating, the Dead Poets’ English teacher. Dead Poets Society‘s “Oh Captain, My Captain” scene remains intensely iconic 36 years later.
Source link