Ever find yourself stuck for something to watch? Tired of scrolling through Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming sites looking for inspiration? Well worry no more as I will be recommending 7 different movies every week, from movies per decade to different genres, from acclaimed directors and actors, there will be something for everyone.
Every week I will include a variety of movies from light-hearted, easy to watch, to something substantial to get your teeth into. I will also provide a brief description of the movies and why I feel they are a must-watch. I will be excluding franchises unless specified as I feel recommending a single movie from a franchise takes away from the experience.
Now for this week’s recommendations:
1980s Movies
- 1. Overboard (1987) Directed by Garry Marshall
A cruel, but beautiful heiress mocks and cheats a hired carpenter. When she gets amnesia from being thrown overboard, he decides to introduce her to normal life by convincing her that they are husband and wife.
Overboard is a funny and sweet rom-com starring real-life couple Goldie Hawn (Death Becomes Her) and Kurt Russell (Guardians of the Galaxy, vol 2). The chemistry between the two leads is authentic and touching, making you root for them to have a successful romance from the start. Add four unruly sons into the mix and it’s a recipe for a perfect, light-hearted rom-com.
- 2. Beetlejuice (1988) Directed by Tim Burton
Recently deceased couple Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) watch on as a tasteless, snobby couple (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffery Jones) move into their home, along with their strange and unusual daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder). The Maitland’s seek help from a malicious spirit to drive the family out of their home.
Beetlejuice is a superb fantasy-comedy movie by Tim Burton. Its all-star cast is rounded off with Michael Keaton playing the titular character, in what many describe as his stand-out role. This is an easy-going movie that’s filled with laughs from the very start and filled with wacky and zany characters that you will fall in love with.
- 3. Labyrinth (1986) Directed by Jim Henson
From the wonderful mind of Jim Henson, Labyrinth is a magical whimsical fantasy-adventure movie that’s filled with laughter, music, drama, and suspense. It’s these qualities that make Labyrinth a timeless family classic.
The movie stars music legend David Bowie as Goblin King Jareth who captures Sarah’s (Jennifer Connelly) baby brother Toby. We follow Sarah, as she tries to navigate her way through the labyrinth to rescue Toby, and meet some colorful characters along the way e.g. Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo.
- 4. The Great Mouse Detective (1986) Directed by Ron Clements & John Musker
The Great Mouse Detective is based on the book ‘Basil of Baker Street’ by Eve Titus & Paul Galdone, which in turn is based on the Arthur Conan-Doyle ‘Sherlock Holmes’ book series. This movie is funny for both children and adults alike, has some catchy songs, and a story to keep kids engaged and possibly intrigued by the original stories.
For me, this movie is one of Disney’s underrated classics and deserves to be enjoyed by a modern audience. It’s a great recommendation for parents that are tired of Moana and Frozen and is a nice change of pace from the average Disney movie.
- 5. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Directed by Martin Brest
Beverly Hills Cop stars Eddie Murphy (Daddy Day Care) as detective Axel Foley. Following a murder investigation from Detroit to Beverly Hills comes with its fair share of challenges, as our protagonist soon finds out.
This is the role that shot Eddie Murphy to international stardom, earning itself Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. I recommend this movie as a nice, easy-going watch. It has easy laughs, is action-packed, and is enjoyable to watch, no matter the situation.
- 6. Stand By Me (1986) Directed by Rob Reiner
Stand By Me is a coming-of-age story based on the Novella ‘The Body’ by Stephan King. The movie stars Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), River Phoenix (My Own Private Idaho), Jerry O’Connell (Kangaroo Jack), and Corey Feldman (Gremlins) as a group of pre-teen boys who go looking for adventure and glory. They get into mishaps, bond, and grow as characters throughout.
I am recommending this movie because the story is interesting and keeps you engaged, the characters are lovable and relatable, as are the experiences that they share. All in all, this is a timeless classic that resonates with many different people, and despite some of the more serious themes, it is a relatively easy watch.
- 7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Directed by Wes Craven
A Nightmare on Elm Street is considered a must-watch for any self-respecting horror fan. While the effects are dated, and the acting over the top, it was revolutionary in how modern horror movies are made.
The movie center’s on a group of teenagers trying to escape the grasp of the spirit of serial killer Freddy Kruger, who haunts the teens’ dreams. If the teens die within the dream that Freddy haunts, they die in real life too. Robert Englund stars as the iconic Freddy Kruger and this is the film debut of acclaimed actor Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands).
This movie is recommended for die-hard horror fans, people looking for a minor adrenaline thrill, or people looking to laugh at how the people of 1984 found this movie scary.
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