Skip to Content

13 Best '80s Movies on Netflix to Watch When You're Feeling Nostalgic

Watch them while you still can!

By and
best '80s movies on netflix annie
TCM

There's so much to love about the '80s. If you were a teenager in the '80s (Ree Drummond was!), you know that there was something special about the movies that came out of the decade. That's why we rounded up the best '80s movies you can watch on Netflix right now. Consider these classic flicks the comfort food of entertainment: You just know you can rely on them again and again. When you're looking for one to watch, start here to help you take a walk down memory lane.

Western movie lovers should check out The Long Riders, while those looking for a classic love story will fondly remember The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love. (Plus, a good romantic movie from the '80s hits all the right spots.) If historical movies are more your cup of tea, then fear not: Too Young the Hero is ready for viewing. With comedy movies and horror films also on this list, there's something for just about everyone!

1

Stand By Me

best '80s movies on netflix stand by me
IMDB

These four Oregon boys had everyone talking in the ‘80s. The classic movie, based on a novel by Stephen King, also features a young Wil Wheaton, Jerry O'Connell, River Phoenix and Corey Feldman.

STREAM NOW

2

Top Gun

best '80s movies on netflix top gun
IMDB

"I feel the need, the need for speed!" Before Top Gun: Maverick is released (!!!), revisit the classic Tom Cruise drama.

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Annie

best '80s movies on netflix annie
IMDB

Annie is the gutsy and spirited young orphan loved by many households. The whole family will love singing along to the movie's famous tunes!

STREAM NOW

4

Christine

best '80s movies on netflix christine
IMDB

You probably don't want to get into a fender bender with this set of wheels...

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Blade Runner: The Final Cut

best '80s movies on blade runer
IMDB

Harrison Ford plays a detective, but not like one you’d imagine. His peculiar job is to hunt down a group of synthetic humans. The uncut version on Netflix makes for an enthralling sci-fi classic.

STREAM NOW

6

A Nightmare on Elm Street

best '80s movies on netflix a nightmare on elm street
IMDB

This film is perfect for those who don't mind losing some sleep at night. Don't say we didn’t warn you. 😳

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Full Metal Jacket

best '80s movies on netflix full metal jacket
IMDB

These men want nothing more than to be U.S. Marines. Stanley Kubrick's classic follows their quest as they become soldiers in the Vietnam War—and the long-term impact it had on them.

STREAM NOW

8

The Long Riders

best '80s movies on netflix the long riders
IMDB

Cowboys. Action. Adventure. Crime. Pretty much sums up this flick, plus it stars brothers Robert, Keith, and David Carradine!

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

The Blue Lagoon

best '80s movies on netflix the blue lagoon
IMDB

Being stranded on a deserted island sounds like a complete nightmare—yet, these two teens (played by Brooke Shields and Christophe Atkins) somehow find romance amid a frightening situation.

STREAM NOW

10

Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story

best '80s movies on netflix quiet victory the charlie wedemeyer story
IMDB

Grab the tissues: This movie, based on a true story, is about a beloved football coach diagnosed with ALS and given one year to live. Despite the news, he shows the power of perserverence as he continues to lead his team.

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Too Young the Hero

best '80s movies on netflix too young the hero
IMDB

How did a 12-year-old boy manage to join and serve the Navy during World War II? This film answers the burning questions about this remarkable true story.

STREAM NOW

12

Pet Sematary

best '80s movies on netflix pet sematary
IMDB

One more spooky flick, but it’s the last one… promise! Based on the novel by Stephen King, this film takes a shocking turn after a family’s cat comes back to life after being buried.

STREAM NOW

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

She's Gotta Have It

Poster, Movie, Album cover, Font, Advertising,
IMDB

Spike Lee's first film earned rave reviews. It follows a young Brooklyn woman as she tries to juggle the men in her life.

STREAM NOW

Headshot of Josiah Soto
Josiah Soto
Digital Content Producer

Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs. 

Headshot of Kelly O'Sullivan
Kelly O'Sullivan
Senior Editor
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
Watch Next 
best '80s movies on netflix annie
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below