If you have a thing for golden oldies and classic films, then you should definitely avail yourself to Netflix’s range of random 80’s Movies. Some of them are cult classics, some are just plain weird, and there is even something for the South African’s who wish to exercise their newly granted right to privacy if you catch our drift.
The Full Metal Jacket – 1987
In this Vietnam war movie, a U.S. Marine watches the dehumanizing effects the war has on his friends and fellow recruits. This is a pretty serious Stanley Kubrick movie that was nominated for 1 Oscar. Staring: Mathew Modine, R. Lee Ermly, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
The Untouchables – 1987
This is a period drama is the archetypical crime movie in which Eliot Ness will stop at nothing to take down the legendary Al Capone. If you haven’t heard of Al Capone then it’s about time you got your film-o-cation updated and watch this movie! Starting: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith
Weird Science – 1985
A teen comedy about two geeky guys who create a woman, Lisa, using their hyped-up computer skills. They enlist their creation to help them boost their sad social status, but needless to say, things don’t go exactly according to plan. Staring: Anthoney Michael Hall, Kelly LeBrock, Ilan Mitchell-Smith.
Good Fellas – 1990
Okay, so technically this is from the 90’s, but only just. Good Fellas is the gangster crime movie of an era. It follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a criminal who managed to capture the attention of the top mobsters and the FBI – making for some tense times. Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci.
Indiana Jones – 1984
The adventure scientist guy who never says “die”. Jones and his sidekick unwittingly embark on an epic adventure when they go to India to recover a missing magical stone. Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Amrish Puri
Jaws – 1975
Also, not technically from the 80’s, but worth a watch. With summer coming, why not get ready to avoid the ocean (and maybe even your bathtub) with this classic thriller about a great white shark that terrorizes an island, an oceanographer and a grizzled shark hunter. Starring: Roy Schneider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Howard the Duck – 1986
It doesn’t much weirder than this. An extraterrestrial duck comes to earth where he falls for a pretty singer. The couple’s happiness is threatened when government officials intervene. Starring: Lea Thompson, Jeffery Jones, Tim Robbins
Cheech and Chong – 1980
The classic stoner comedy adventure. Cheech and Chong have long since been the go-to comedy guys for the stoner at heart. With South Africa’s new court rulings around the right to privacy in the home – and the use of certain plants – this should be on your watch list for the weekend.
The Shining – 1980
No 80’s movie list would be complete without this Stephen King classic. Not for the faint-hearted, the Shining follows Jack Torrances’ descent into madness. He terrorizes his wife and small son during a stint where all three of them are looking after an eerie deserted hotel in its winter off-season.
Ferris Buller’s Day Off – 1986
Ferris convinces his entire school that he’s at death’s door, then hits the streets of Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend for a day of fun. Starring: Mathew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
Enjoy your 80’s movie binge!
