Family films are an incredible selection, perfect for every family member. Regardless of age, you will enjoy these 15 Best 80s Family Movies.
We searched many sites to find the most incredible film fit for everyone. Through the different rating websites, we compiled this list of films for you to enjoy.
Filled with many mixes of genres, the list has horror, fantasy, and action; there is something for anyone. You can ensure an excellent movie marathon to enjoy with your loved ones.
1. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Japanese 1h 26m IMDb
Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Hitoshi TakagiNoriko HidakaChika Sakamoto
My Neighbor Totoro is a classic anime from Studio Ghibli. With its imaginative and excellent animation, you can enjoy a very whimsical take on the story. This anime is a perfect magical film for the family, with high ratings and excellent reviews.
The story revolves around two sisters new to the area. The children are forced into a new home with their ailing mother in the hospital. However, their pleasant rural stay is chaotic when a friendly neighborhood spirit starts to like the two.
2. The Princess Bride (1987)
English 1h 38m IMDb
Rob Reiner
Stars: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright
The Princess Bride is a romantic fairytale through and through, perfect for some family movie marathon. You can ensure a magical watch with beautiful shots and an excellent cast. The incredible music of the film is also a point for many people.
The story follows the love story between Westley and Buttercup. With the death of her parents, Buttercup is coerced into marrying the prince of Florin. With his lover gone, Westley sets out on an epic journey to rescue her.
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
English 1h 55m IMDb
Steven Spielberg
Stars: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
A classic 80s film, E.T by Steven Spielberg is a certified must-watch. Be ready to cry, laugh, and move through the extraordinary friendship between an alien and a young boy. This is a perfect movie for everyone looking for an excellent film about friendships.
The story follows Elliot, a young boy who befriended a strange alien named E.T. With E.T. struggling to return to his home planet, Elliot and his siblings must do everything to help. However, things become more challenging when the government gets involved.
4. The Goonies (1985)
English, Spanish, Cantonese, Italian 1h 54m IMDb
Richard Donner
Stars: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
The Goonies is a certified cult classic from the 1980s. Director Richard Donner explores the childish and comedic adventures the kids embark on. You can ensure an excellent story wrapped in a fun flick with a side of drama.
The film tells the story of “The Goonies,” a small group of young local boys. Follow as they embark on a journey to find a pirate’s treasure. Although childish in works, the boy’s intent to get their homes out of foreclosure will indeed move and inspire anyone who’ll watch this movie.
5. The Karate Kid (1984)
English, Japanese 2h 6m IMDb
John G. Avildsen
Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Karate Kid has been a hit ever since its release. Revolving around the sense of self through martial arts, you will get an inspirational and action-packed tail when you watch this film. Being the highest-grossing movie in the year of its release, The Karate Kid is a success.
The film follows the relationship between Daniel, a rough teenage boy, and Mr. Miyagi, a local old Asian man who is excellent in karate. With bullies harassing Daniel as new, he turns to the older men to study the complex martial art.
6. Labyrinth (1986)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Jim Henson
Stars: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
Labyrinth tells the story of Sarah, a young yet brave girl. With her little brother getting caught in the hands of the Goblin King, she must face a labyrinth to save him. As the challenges become more dangerous, she must use her wits to make it out.
You can ensure a fun time with its mix of adventure and magical elements. With its very charming cast, this is an excellent movie for any age will enjoy. This is perfect if you want a fantasy twist to your family flick.
7. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
English 1h 42m IMDb
Wolfgang Petersen
Stars: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach
Magical twists with a side of escapism, get ready to delve into a fantastical world of Fantasia. The NeverEnding Story follows Bastian, a bullied boy who loves reading. His dreary day turns to something new when he stumbles into a book with specific magical properties.
The film is a children’s film classic that has captivated many people since its book form was in circulation. With its simple yet powerful story, the timeless theme of never giving up will resonate with viewers of every age. The stunning visual of the film also adds an elevated experience to the film.
8. The Dark Crystal (1982)
English 1h 33m IMDb
Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Stars: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz
The Dark Crystal is a classic from the 80s that is popular through the excellent artistry in the set. With its superb puppetry and practical effects, you will see the love for the art within every frame. Many kids and families will enjoy this unique film with themes of goodness and friendship.
The story follows Jen, one of the last remaining Gelflings. The Gelfling kind is on the verge of extinction due to an evil race draining their life force. With a mission to find the Dark Crystal, he must team up with other Geiflings to save his loved ones.
9. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
English 1h 30m IMDb
Randal Kleiser
Stars: Joey Cramer, Paul ReubensCliff De Young
Imaginative and full of science themes, Flight of the Navigator is a film from the Disney catalog. Filled with moving scenes and incredible storytelling, you will enjoy good-old unique music prevalent in the period.
The film follows David, a young boy abducted by a mysterious alien aircraft. As eight years have passed, he comes back unaged. With modern advances and a spacecraft at bay, he must find the answers to the circumstances of his disappearance.
10. Back to the Future (1985)
English 1h 56m IMDb
Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
This award-winning film from Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future, is not just a classic from the 80s but to the cinema. It was a success commercially and also did well within the cinema sphere. The film is a recipient of many awards, including an Oscar.
The story follows Marty McFly, a teenager with an everyday 80s life. However, Marty’s life changed when he was sent down thirty years to the past. With the presence of his parents, he gets to know them in a new and more profound way.
11. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
English, French 1h 31m IMDb
Tim Burton
Stars: Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton
Starring Paul Reubens and with the direction of Tim Burton, you can ensure a very eccentric and unique experience within every frame. The man-child character is a source of chaos and fun in every scene. If you want a side of comedy to your family film, this wacke flick should be on your list.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventures tells the titular character’s story and his marvelous misadventures. When his bicycle is stolen, he must set on a cross-country journey to find the thief. Through his eccentric nature, his journey is as chaotic as it could be.
12. Beetlejuice (1988)
English 1h 32m IMDb
Tim Burton
Stars: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton
This Oscar-winning flick by Tim Burton is a certified classic from the mid-80s. Although the film received a mixed review then, it still cemented itself as a cult classic. With the fun use of practical effects and unique storytelling, this family film provides a horror twist to the genre.
Beetlejuice follows Lydia, a young girl struggling with her grief. As she moves to a new home, the ghosts of a deceased couple are set on scaring and getting them out. With their shenanigans getting weirder and more dangerous, a demon offers to lend a hand.
13. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Japanese 2h 5m IMDb
Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Mayumi TanakaKeiko YokozawaKotoe Hatsui
Another classic from Studio Ghibli, Castle in the Sky, is a must-watch for any age. Filled with stunning visuals and fluid animation, this is a must-watch if you love an anime fit for everyone. This award-winning film is a successful audience with varying demographic.
A massive change in Pazu’s life is set on the moment he sees a girl floating from the sky. With no memories of her life, the two children set on to find a legendary floating island in the sky. Unfortunately, some people are also set on doing the same.
14. Stand by Me (1986)
English 1h 29m IMDb
Rob Reiner
Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
With the story coming from the mind of Stephen King, you can ensure a mix of more mature themes with Stand by Me. However, you can find many cleaner cuts for the film, perfect for any young audience. This film is heralded as King’s good novel adaptation, nailing its general theme and ambiance.
Stand by Me follows the story of four boys on their way to find a dead body of a missing child. With their journey through the different parts of their local area, they find something more about themselves.
15. Gremlins (1984)
English, Spanish 1h 46m IMDb
Joe Dante
Stars: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
Cute yet chaotic, Gremlins is a film that might spark many minds of the kids who saw it in the 80s. You can enjoy and get spooked with an incredible horror twist to a childish theme. Gremlins serve as an excellent introduction to horror for many children.
The story follows Billy, a young man struggling with the adult world. With the addition of a new pet called Mogwai, his timid nature shakes to the core when he unleashes something chaotic in the city. Violating the rules, the pet is set on severe destruction.
In Summary
This 15 Best Family Movies list will surely provide excellent movie marathon material. There is something here for someone to enjoy with every age or demographic. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your loved ones and start to unwind.