Best 80s Movies for Kids to Watch Now

Amanda Banta:  Pirates, treasure, adventure and a group of childhood best friends combine to make up one of the best 80s movies for kids. Today's kids may be amazed by our heroes' lack of tech but they'll forget about phones and iPads as they root for the Goonies to win the race for pirates' gold against a trio of bad guys.

Amanda Banta:  Action, adventure, pirates, sword-fighting, magic, and, yes, kissing all mash up in the fairy tale-esque story of The Princess Bride. It's inconceivable! The story portrays itself as a romance but has such a silly and fun side that, combined with the aforementioned adventure, will keep the kids enthralled. Parents will appreciate the stellar cast that includes some of today's most talented actors like Robin Wright and Mandy Patinkin.

Kristy Pepping:  Although this movie has been redone, I highly recommend the original. This 80s kids movie is about an orphan named Annie who gets adopted by a rich man, Daddy Warbucks. It's a classic with some memorable songs that will get your kids singing along!

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!

Amanda Banta:  80s teen heartthrob Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, who, sporting that signature orange vest, travels back in time to the 1950s in the eccentric Doc Brown's DeLorean. Marty's appearance in 1955 presents a risk to his own history and before he can get back to the 80s he must plot to help his parents, teenagers at the time, fall in love and continue on the course he knows as their love story.

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!

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.

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!

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.:  Introduce your family to one of the most beloved friendships ever portrayed on film. Spielberg's story of Elliott, a boy who discovers a lost alien and must help him return to his home planet, is filled with powerful messages about friendship, compassion, and loyalty. Be aware that the movie contains some scary situations and quite a bit of foul language. And don’t forget the Reese’s Pieces.

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.

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.

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!

Vanessa M.:  Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short are a comedic dream team in this funny 80s family movie. When the stars of the silver screen are invited to perform in a small town in Mexico, they are as surprised as anyone when they find out they've been hired to fight the bad guys for real! This flick is full of laughs and a plethora of quotable lines!