Best 80s Movies for Kids to Watch Now

Pirates, treasure, adventure and a group of childhood best friends combine to make up one of the best 80s movies for kids.

Alexandra F.:  I'll never forget when I first watched this movie with my then 9- and 11-year-olds, and seeing their faces mirror Fred Savage's exactly as they began to hear the love story unfold - wary and more than a little skeptical. Never fear! Though it is indeed a story about true love, it is also filled with adventure, sword fights, giants and pirates. Oh. And R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size). This movie is hilarious - your tweens & teens will love it.

Kristy Pepping:  Although this movie has been redone, I highly recommend the original. This 80s kids movie is a classic with some memorable songs that will get your kids singing along!

Kelly R:  Sprinkle some Reese's Pieces on your popcorn and you have the perfect spooky family movie night. There's some iffy language and some pretty frightening situations, but my kids first saw it and loved it when they were 4 and 7.

Vanessa M.:  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids makes a great family movie night film! Rick Moranis stars as the spacey inventor who creates a shrinking machine. When his children, along with the neighbor's kids, accidentally shrink themselves, they go on a wild backyard adventure where blades of grass loom high over their heads, bees are the size of helicopters, and an ant makes a trusty steed to ride on. Full of suspense, humor, and heart, this movie will become a classic in your family too!

Tim Ponisciak:  A great movie... and lots of fun details to look for when watching the movie a second or third time!

Beth Wood:  Big is the heartwarming story of a 12 year old boy who is turned into a 35 year old man when he makes a wish at a carnival wishing machine. This is one of our family favorites and always gets a good laugh!

Katie G.:  Although my kids like to make fun of the 80s style in this movie, it's still a family favorite. You can't help but root for Daniel throughout the entire movie. Also this is definitely a must-watch if you are ready to delve into the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai.

The NeverEnding Story is a classic 80s family movie about the adventure of a young boy named Bastian, who one day escapes bullies by hiding in a book shop where he discovers a very old book. This book is about a fantasy land threatened by a dark force that destroys everything it contacts. The kingdom, called Fantasia, needs a hero, and Bastian realizes the hero is him as he is sucked into the adventure that awaits.

Kelly R:  I was nervous to share the Muppet movies that I had loved as a kid with my family, but thankfully my kids love them (almost!) as much as I do. The Muppets Take Manhattan was always my favorite, where the gang tries to make it in show business in the big city, but they've all gone over really well.

Kristy Pepping:  When mom heads back to work, dad becomes a stay-at-home dad who knows nothing about school drop off, baths or the labor-intensive stay-at-home caretaker role. It's a funny 80s family movie that everyone will enjoy!

Amanda Banta:  The original crew of Ghostbusters must save New York City from supernatural beings that are haunting apartments, museums and buildings all over the Big Apple. Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man are the right amount of silly to be laughable and not too scary for the kids.

Beth Wood:  A great Christmas movie to watch with your family around the holidays! Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story tells the hilarious story of a 9-year-old boy named Ralphie who only wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Ralphie is determined to convince his parents and teacher that it's the perfect gift for a 9-year-old. Follow along on Ralphie's adventures leading up to the "big day" (Christmas morning) to see if his wish comes true.

Lisa R:  Based on the beloved books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, this humorous movie for all ages follows the adventures of a supernaturally strong young girl named Pippi Longstocking and her pet monkey. While the books have been the subject of numerous screen adaptations since 1945, this 80s version is particularly enjoyable for today's parents who remember it from their own childhood.

Kelly R:  At just over an hour in length, this cute and classic 80s kids movie is a great one to revisit with your dinosaur-loving toddlers or preschoolers who aren't interested in sitting still for very long!