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32 Tween & Teen Approved 80s Movies 

80s movies for tweens teens

September 13, 2022 //  by Narciss Greene

Is family movie night on your calendar but you're not sure what to watch? Are you an 80s movie lover but can't seem to get the kids on your side? Check out this fabulous list of 80s movie recommendations for you and your teenager. Snuggle up on the couch with this list of movies. Everything is rated PG or PG-13 so you can rest assured they will be appropriate for everyone watching.

1. One Crazy Summer (1986)

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John Cusack wants to be a cartoon artist. He spends the summer in Nantucket where he meets Demi Moore. This rated PG film is full of comedy, drama, romance, and adventure as you see John Cusack's summer unfold.

Learn More: Amazon

2. Teen Wolf (1985)

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An awkward teenager realizes he can become a werewolf in this movie packed with comedy, drama, romance, and imagination. The transformation gifts Michael J. Fox with athletic powers in this rated PG film.

Learn More: Amazon

3. The Secret of My Success (1987)

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Is your 16+ year old ready for a night of comedy, drama, romance, and deception? Brantley moves to New York City to make big money only to find out he's been placed to start in the mailroom. Watch as he cons his way to upper management.

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4. Oxford Blues (1984)

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This rated PG-13 film starring Rob Lowe will have all the teenage girls at the edge of their seats. Rob Lowe works at a casino in Las Vegas. He joins a rowing team once he starts studying at Oxford University. Watch as comedy, drama, and romance all mingle together in a one-age story.

Learn More: Amazon

5. St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

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After graduating from Georgetown University, a bunch of friends goes through real life together. Watch to find out how a young person's world can take such a change after college. Late teens will enjoy comedy, drama, and romance all woven together as Rob Lowe takes the stage.

Learn More: Amazon

6. For Keeps (1988)

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Molly Ringwald is a responsible high school student who becomes pregnant. This rated PG-13 film starring Molly Ringwald contains comedy, drama, romance, and even some tears.

Learn More: Amazon

7. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)

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Who needs a dance instructor when you have this film? This rated PG-13 film stars Sarah Jessica Parker and other popular girls in this amazing cast. Dancing, music, and fashion coupled with drama, music, romance, and fun are great for any city teenager.

Learn More: Amazon

8. White Water Summer (1987)

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Kevin Bacon is a counselor who teaches the biggest city boy about nature. What will the white water do to this teenage boy who only knows the insides of city walls? Watch this rated PG film to find out what happens on his summer trip.

Learn More: Amazon

9. Bloodhound of Broadway (1989)

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This romantic comedy takes place in the 1920s and is rated PG. Watch Jennifer Grey and Madonna light up the screen in this film about adult life, love, comedy, drama, romance, and adventure. Everything is more exciting and musical on Broadway.

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10. Top Gun (1986)

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Tom Cruise falls in love with his pilot instructor. Will he earn the 'Top Gun award'? Watch this PG film to see if Tom Cruise can win both the woman of his dreams and a hard earn award. This movie is filled with comedy, drama, romance, and suspense.

Learn More: Amazon

11. Weird Science (1985)

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Anthony Michael Hall's all about finding a date, but no one's teenage daughter is into him. In this 80s teen film, two teenagers try to create the ideal girl. Comedy, drama, romance, and silliness are brought to life when John Hughes directs this mature teen film. John Hughes|Stars Anthony Michael Hall.

Learn More: Amazon

12. Mesmerized (1986) 

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An orphan from New Zealand gets married to a much older man in this PG-13 film. He may be rich, but it comes with a price. Can Jodie Foster figure out how to deal with his sex drive in this angsty teen drama film? Also stars John Lithgow.

Learn More: Amazon

13. Johnny Be Good (1988)

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Anthony Michael Hall is a 17-year-old high school student with a great talent for football. College recruits try to lure him in with unethical incentives. Which college will he choose? Will he attend a public or private school? This rated PG-13 film is full of comedy, drama, and romance.

Learn More: Amazon

14. Batman (1989)

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This is not your baby brother's Batman! Here is one of Batman's most original movies with Kim Basinger and Jack Nicholson. Can Michael Keaton save Gotham City from the Joker? Find out if Batman is able to successfully defeat crime.

Learn More: Amazon

15. Tex (1982)

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One of the best teen 80s films starring Matt Dillon. This rated PG film is about a teenager, Matt Dillon, as he goes through various adventures of comedy, drama, romance, and more.

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16. Liar's Moon (1982)

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This rated PG film starring Matt Dillon takes place during the 1940s. Jack goes to Texas and meets Ginny. They decide to get married in Louisiana where 17-year-olds can get married without permission from their parents. Ginny becomes pregnant, but instead of being happy about the new baby, the doctor delivers heartbreaking news that could ruin everything the couple has worked and escaped for.

Learn More: Amazon

17. Men at Work (1990)

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Garbage men Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez find a dead body. They decide to play detective to uncover the killer in this rated PG-13 film directed by Emilio Estevez.

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18. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

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What would you do when your best friend miraculously gets to date Miss Popular? Watch as Mary Stuart Masterson plays a tomboy and realizes she cares for him as more than a friend. PG-13.

Learn More: Amazon

19. Howard the Duck (1986)

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Howard sets out to save earth from demons. He lands on our planet by accident and thinks it's all fun and games until he realizes the Dark Overlord is out to ruin civilization. This rated PG film stars Lea Thompson. Watch Lea Thompson interact with Howard in this fun movie.

Learn More: Amazon

20. Gleaming the Cube (1989)

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Brian's brother was adopted from Vietnam. He meets a Vietnamese countryman who is at war against communists. After his brother is killed, Brian makes it his mission to find the killers. Starring Christian Slater and is rated 16+.

Learn More: Amazon

21. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

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Have you ever thought you were going to fail history class? Bill and Ted are about to until they find a phone booth that allows them to travel back in time. Will they be able to find themselves and discover their strengths in this new realm? This PG film stars Keanu Reeves and is filled with drama, music, romance, and adventure.

Learn More: Amazon

22. Real Genius (1985)

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Super brilliant college students are asked to conduct research on a laser beam. After running experiments, they discover something unreal in their space camp computer lab. Watch the collegiate group as they build a plan to get revenge. This PG film stars Val Kilmer and is filled with drama, music, romance, and adventure.

Learn More: Amazon

23. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

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Harrison Ford plays an archaeologist who takes on the Nazis. Comedy, drama, romance, and, best of all, adventure, are jam-packed in this Indiana Jones film. Will Harrison Ford be able to find the lost ark in time and without injuries?

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24. From the Hip (1987) 

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Attorney Robin Weathers (Judd Nelson) is at the beginning of his career. Things are going great until he takes on a case involving rape and murder. What is the correct moral choice when you realize the person you are defending is actually guilty?

Learn More: Amazon

25. Mannequin (1987) 

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One of the best teen 80s films starring Kim Cattrall! Andrew McCarthy works as a window dresser in a hoity-toity retail store. One day, the mannequin he is working on comes alive. What will this young man do with such a gorgeous woman by his side in this rated PG film?

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26. The House on Carroll Street (1988)

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Emily Crany (Mandy Patinkin) is fired when she decides she does not feel comfortable doing what the House Unamerican Activities Committee is asking of her. After the unfortunate layoff, she finds out Nazis are being smuggled into the United States. Will her ties with the FBI be able to help? Rated PG.

Learn More: Amazon

27. Lean on Me (1989)

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Directed by John G. Avildsen|Stars Morgan Freeman who is the principal at Eastside High. The school is going downhill and kids are all over the place. Students are divided by the colors they wear, walls are painted with graffiti, and the air is filled with rebellious spirits. PG-13.

Learn More: Amazon

28. Racing With the Moon (1984)

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Nash and Nicky are best friends who have been drafted into World War II. What will they do with their last moments before going to war? With a love story woven in, this rated PG film is full of adventure, drama, romance and so much more as Nicolas Cage takes the stage.

Learn More: Amazon

29. Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)

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Roxy Carmichael (Winona Ryder) comes back home to her small town. Everyone, including a surprise visitor, comes to greet her. Could the new woman in town be Roxy's mother? Rated PG-13.

Learn More: Amazon

30. War Games (1983)

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An accidental start to World War III is about to happen when a kid hacker taps into a top-secret computer. Will Russia and the United States go to war as this young boy believes he's just entered a fun space camp? Rated PG.

Learn More: Amazon

31. The Golden Child (1986)

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This rated PG-13 film is one of the greatest movies for kids. The Golden Child has been kidnapped. Will the detective on the case be able to find him? Watch Eddie Murphy in this funny yet suspenseful fantasy film.

Learn More: Amazon

32. Flowers in the Attic (1987)

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What will happen to these four children when their father dies? They move to a family mansion on their mom's side with hopes of receiving an inheritance. Instead, they find a grandmother who is nothing but cruel. Beware: this rated PG-13 film will require a box of tissues!

Learn More: Amazon

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