There’s something about the vibe in an ‘80s movie that screams comforting.
It’s people all living in the moment. No cell phones, no smart devices, no distractions, just pure escapism. Combine the old-school lighting, audio design, and shooting style, and you can’t help but wonder if movies were indeed better back in the day.
Now, I’m not here to argue that way or another; that’s a topic for another day. Instead, let’s talk about classic 80s films that are the ultimate comfort movies. Some of these you know quite well. Others, however, you may not.
Better Off Dead
The John Cusack teen comedy film has blossomed into a cult classic following mixed reviews upon release in 1985.
It follows Lane Meyer, played by Cusack, as he deals with the aftereffects of being dumped by his girlfriend for the far more popular kid, who also happens to be a bully. It’s a nice mix of a coming-of-age story and absurdist humor that has aged quite well.
Return of the Living Dead
No, it’s not from the classic horror film franchise, though the name does indeed sound familiar.
Return of the Living Dead is a “morbid punk comedy” where two teenage punks, along with a warehouse owner, accidentally unleash a zombie horde on their town. Despite being a comedy first and foremost, the film did introduce several tropes to the zombie genre, such as their desire to eat brains.
Heathers
The 1988 satirical comedy boasts a strong cast, featuring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and Shannen Doherty. Yet despite that star power, it’s often forgotten in favor of other 1980s comfort movies.
It’s a dark comedy, for sure, and one that is content to push boundaries. By pushing those boundaries, though, it helped shake the constant youth optimism of other ‘80s films with satire, leading to more cynicism that would become commonplace in the ‘90s.
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Now, here’s a classic ‘80s comedy that is anything but forgotten.
Ferris Bueller is pure escapism, an absolute delight that is John Hughes at his very best. It’s optimistic, so a stark contrast from something like Heathers, but it’s also non-stop fun from start to finish. Sometimes, that’s all we need in life.
Major League
On the surface, Major League is an expertly paced comedy that soars on the strength of its characters, notably Charlie Sheen’s Ricky Vaughn and Wesley Snipes’ Willie Mays Hayes.
There’s a lot of heart here, too, and it’s all centered around Tom Berenger’s Jake Taylor. He’s the glue that holds everything together, from the film’s comedic moments to its more serious scenes as well.
Turner & Hooch
Tom Hanks in a buddy cop film where his partner in crime is a dog. What’s more comforting than that?
Despite not resonating with critics, Turner & Hooch was a huge box office success and would even help launch a full-blown franchise. Nothing matches the quality and comfort of the original film, though.
Tango & Cash
Speaking of buddy cop films, let’s talk about one that’s not as beloved.
I’m not saying that Tango & Cash is high cinema. Far from it. That’s not what we’re looking for. We’re looking for something fun and comforting, and that’s what Tango & Cash is. It’s far from a perfect movie, but there’s a certain nostalgia to it that can’t be denied.
Can’t Buy Me Love
Before he was Dr. McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey was making a name for himself in the 1980s in movies such as In The Mood and Meatballs III.
His breakout role, though, came in the 1987 romantic comedy Can’t Buy Me Love, where he plays a nerd who pays a popular cheerleader $1,000 to be his girlfriend.
Re-Animator
Based on the novel “Herbert West–Reanimator” by H.P. Lovecraft, Re-Animator is a horror film about a student who discovers he’s invented a substance that can reanimate dead bodies.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: how can a horror movie be comforting? There’s a certain charm about Re-Animator that helps it transcend the traditional horror genre. It’s a little bit campy, plenty stylish, and surprisingly fun.
They Live
Speaking of horror films having style, is there any better example than John Carpenter’s They Live?
Not only are its themes extremely relevant today, but like with the rest of Carpenter’s work, it oozes personality that still holds up today. I know everyone loves to talk about Halloween and The Thing, but They Live is right up there with them.
A Fish Called Wanda
Few 1980s comedies have as impressive a cast as A Fish Called Wanda.
Not only do you have two Monty Python alums in John Cleese and Michael Palin, but there’s also Jamie Lee Curtis, who proved herself great in a comedic role with Trading Places. Despite that, it’s Kevin Kline who steals the show, even winning an Academy Award for his performance.
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