The 16 Best Family Movies of the 80s
In general, every era of cinema has a particular tone and style. In the 1980s, filmmakers embraced fantasy, adventure, coming-of-age stories, and new and innovative technologies.
Movies from the 1980s look just as distinctive as those from the 30s or 50s. However, the 1980s set itself apart from the crowd with how much family films dominated the industry.
With so many produced, the finest stand out for their high-quality storytelling and unique visual styles.
1. The Little Mermaid (1989)
The film that ushered in a new Renaissance in Disney animation, The Little Mermaid, ended the decade on the highest of notes. The story takes inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy, infusing it with color, vitality, exceptional music, and a blend of contemporary and traditional sensibilities.
Audiences everywhere especially fell in love with the mermaid Ariel, who longed to be human, and the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken music that gave the animated film a Broadway structure. The film has grossed over $200 million worldwide, won two Oscars, and remains one of the most beloved Disney films in studio history.
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
No one should ever forget or deny the phenomenon that E.T. became in 1982. After the success of Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, director Steven Spielberg gave audiences his first true family film — and it’s still one of his finest.
The movie tackles themes of friendship, courage, and family with a wondrous and poignant story about three children who encounter an alien and help him return home. From the touching performances to John Williams’ iconic score, the fantasy film captures the essence of childhood wonder and unspoiled bravery in the face of challenges out of their control.
E.T. does not receive as much attention as it did upon release. Still, it retains its juggernaut status as the fourth highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation and one of the most successful and heartfelt family films.
3. The Goonies (1985)
Adventure and family movies went hand in hand in the 1980s. The Goonies remains the funniest, most quotable, and most adventurous of them all. The story follows a group of teenagers who go on a treasure hunt for infamous pirate One-Eyed Willie’s “rich stuff,” hoping to save their home from foreclosure.
The young cast shines with believable and hilarious chemistry, the set pieces astound, and the score aids in the lively atmosphere. Like an updated Hardy Boys adventure, The Goonies has an edge that makes it more appropriate for older kids.
Ultimately, it’s only gained popularity over time because of its timeless humor, spirit, and belief in the impossible.
4. The Princess Bride (1987)
Though initially unsuccessful upon release, over the years, viewers have grown to rightly appreciate The Princess Bride’s genius. Its brilliance stems from its blending of genres and creative narrative framework.
In the film, a grandfather visits his sick grandson. He reads him The Princess Bride, a story he promises will be filled with fighting, fencing, giants, true love, and miracles. As he reads Buttercup’s (Robin Wright) and Westley’s (Cary Elwes) story, it plays out as the boy imagines it. The hilarious, adventurous love story charms him — and viewers — to no end, making it a multi-generational experience that never grows old.
5. A Christmas Story (1983)
A Christmas Story follows the misadventures of young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), set in 1940s Indiana. He must contend with bullies, has a vivid imagination, and dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The nostalgia story balances cozy, heartwarming moments with hilarious ones, examining what it feels like to be a kid.
The film has become a family holiday staple for many, with TBS airing it for 24 hours straight. It may be a period film, but the feelings it evokes remain timeless. After all, who hasn’t been dared to do something potentially dangerous, accidentally swore in front of a parent, or had that one present they dreamed of getting?
A Christmas Story takes that authentic experience and turns it into one of the funniest Christmas and family movies ever made.
6. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Underrated and often forgotten, children of the 1980s who knew Flight of the Navigatorfinally found a science-fiction film they could relate to. In the movie, 12-year-old David (Joey Cramer) goes into the woods one night looking for his brother. He falls, wakes up, and discovers eight years have passed. When NASA discovers a spaceship nearby, they endeavor to find out where David has been.
Family films where kids find the courage within themselves will always be popular because they give children a sense of purpose and power they rarely experience. These types of fantasies dominated 80s cinema. Flight of the Navigator offers audiences one of the best with its humor and sci-if flair.
7. An American Tail (1986)
The 1980s saw animation expand beyond Disney for the first time in a significant way. Don Bluth rose to modest fame and acclaim with his films, most significantly An American Tail. The story follows Fievel, the mouse, who gets separated from his family on the boat from Russia to America. As he tries to find them, the naïve Fievel gets caught up in one scrape after another, including a fight against cats who terrorize his fellow mice.
With shades of Pinocchio, An American Tail has charm, heart, and adorable characters. The movie also captures the optimism of immigrants while shedding light on harsher realities. Though this may seem heavy-handed for a family film, it gives the movie the authenticity children deserve.
Though underrated, An American Tail still holds a special place for those who grew up on the film.
8. The Neverending Story (1984)
When people think of 1980s family films, fantasies like The Neverending Story typically spring to mind first. After all, these movies have that quintessential 80s look and feel. This film follows young Bastian, a boy who flees to a library attic to escape bullies. He begins to read an intriguing book that draws him in and makes him part of the story.
Dark and existential, The Neverending Story explores themes of depression (in the form of The Nothing), trauma, death, and courage. Though not lighthearted, it never feels hopeless. Instead, it leads to a poignant and triumphant conclusion. It also features one of the best theme songs — one that Stranger Things fans got to relive in a fantastic way.
9. The Wizard (1989)
Upon release, The Wizard became known as the “Nintendo movie.” Today, many still think of it by these terms. In truth, the assessment remains somewhat accurate. The film involves two brothers who travel cross-country to a video game competition at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
However, The Wizard brings much more to the table than video games. They merely serve as the fun backdrop for a more moving story than one may expect. In the film, Cory (Fred Savage) wants to prove his stoic and traumatized younger brother, Jimmy (Luke Edwards), should not be in a home for troubled children. After discovering Jimmy’s natural and impressive knack for video games, the two embark on a journey with their new friend, Hayley (Jenny Lewis).
Many will come for the Nintendo and road-trip elements, which gives it a unique and memorable style. They will stay for the heartfelt look at a broken family mending itself.
10. The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
The funniest Muppet movie and finest from the decade, The Muppets Take Manhattan, sees Kermit and his friends travel to New York in hopes of producing their show Manhattan Melodies for Broadway. After many failed attempts, they go their separate ways. Kermit, on the other hand, keeps the dream alive.
As with most Muppet films, the irreverent, sophisticated humor remains family-friendly but offers something more than banal, immature jokes and gags. In the heart of their popularity, this movie stands out with its theme of never giving up, incredible songs, and a slew of memorable cameos from Joan Rivers, Dabney Coleman, Liza Minnelli, Elliot Gould, Gregory Hines, James Coco, and Brooke Shields.
11. Follow That Bird (1985)
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A somewhat forgotten family film, anyone who grew up with Sesame Street should revisit or watch this gem for the first time. The movie sees a misguided and mean social worker tell Big Bird that he should live with his “own kind.” After living a miserable week with a family of Dodos, Big Bird runs away to get back to Sesame Street, getting lost in the process. So his friend set out to give him.
Like Muppets films, Follow That Bird features several fun cameos (John Candy, Chevy Chase, Waylon Jennings), upbeat songs, and plenty of heart. The humor, though not as irreverent as the Muppets, does not talk down to the young viewers. Follow That Bird delights kids, while older audiences can still find joy in its sweetness and hilarious characters.
12. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A sweet, zany scientist whose invention accidentally shrinks his children feels like a quintessential 1980s premise. Although numerous other films have dealt with such offbeat science feature concepts before, none have the heart and family aspect like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
This film works so well because it takes a wacky conceit and grounds it with believable peril and natural chemistry from its young cast. As Wayne Salinski, Rick Moranis showcases his lovable, nerdy, underdog charm that viewers adore.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids epitomizes the family film category because all ages can enjoy it, each getting something different. Kids see a wild adventure and imagine themselves in the lives of the young leads. Parents see a fear play out with a sense of relief at the end.
13. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit represents entertaining and technologically advanced filmmaking at its very best. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film combines live-action and animation in astounding ways. Although films like Mary Poppins and Dangerous When Wet combine both, Roger Rabbit does so throughout the entire film with the most seamless and believable integration ever seen.
Of course, a movie should also include an engaging story. Who Framed Roger Rabbit combines a detective story, film noir, and family comedy.
Clever, creative, and featuring animated characters from all studios, seeing Mickey and Mouse and Bugs Bunny skydive together, or Donald and Daffy Duck have a piano competition gives this movie its colorful and unique appeal that will likely never be matched.
14. The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Period family films like The Journey of Natty Gann deserve so much praise. The film follows teenager Natty Gann (Meredith Salinger), who runs away from her guardian to be with her father, who’s left to find work. In the dangerous journey, she befriends a wolf and fellow loner named Harry (John Cusack), who all find comfort and safety together.
Gritty and darker, The Journey of Natty Gann has the tone that many 80s movies possess, and all the better for it. The film proves that more severe aspects can exist in a family film without getting overly violent or depressing. On the contrary, it uplifts and inspires.
15. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Zany, frightening, and funny, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure follows Pee Wee Herman and his journey across the country to find his stolen bicycle. He encounters various bizarre characters, from a group of bikers to the infamous “Large Marge.”
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure defies convention, making it the perfect film for anyone who’s felt like an outsider. This film champions individuality with a cartoonish but innocent flair.
16. The Chipmunk Adventure (1987)
Frequently overlooked by animation fans, The Chipmunk Adventure brings the popular television series to the big screen. The story sees the Chipmunks and Chipettes enter a hot-air balloon race, unaware that they’ll smuggle diamonds along the way.
The Chipmunk Adventure has an audacious and energetic spirit and incredible songs that feel like the era. The 1980s did not dumb down its humor or storytelling, and this film proves no different. It’s a feel-good movie that any Chipmunks fan should revisit.
