When it comes to my favorite films and literature, I prefer stories grounded in reality. I’m not a fan of dragons, mythical creatures, or vampires stumbling through plots. Instead, I lean towards romantic tales featuring relatable characters or thrilling historical narratives. I firmly believe that vampires aren’t real, so they shouldn’t invade my favorite movies—though I might let Harry Potter slide, because let’s face it, J.K. Rowling knows her stuff.
Ironically, my children are totally enthralled by everything I shy away from in films. They’re eager to dive into superhero stories, and I often roll my eyes at the idea. If a movie involves space travel, robots, or creatures from the imagination, my kids are all in. For me, Family Movie Night can feel like a challenge.
Realizing that my kids were enamored with this whimsical world, I decided to take charge. I turned to the magical decade of the ’80s for guidance, hoping to introduce them to some classic sci-fi gems that I loved as a child. If I have to witness oversized furry beings wielding lightsabers, it might as well be in the cheesy, nostalgic style of ’80s cinema. So, here are my must-watch picks:
Back to the Future Trilogy
This iconic sci-fi series caters to my need for reasonably accurate fiction. While it may not be perfectly historical, it comes close enough, all while showcasing some seriously wild ’80s fashion. Marty McFly, played by the charming Michael J. Fox, travels back in time to save his family from a dark fate. With the help of his quirky friend Doc Brown and his adorable dog Einstein, Marty navigates the twists and turns of the space-time continuum. It’s an entertaining ride, though I still wonder when that pizza hydrator will finally grace my kitchen.
Space Camp
When I first saw this film at the drive-in in 1986, I dreamed of working for NASA, or at least attending their summer camp. The plot follows four teens, including ’80s stars Kelly Preston and Leah Thompson, who accidentally launch into space on a real shuttle. As a twelve-year-old, I found the premise totally believable, although as a parent, I couldn’t help but question how NASA vetted the camp counselors. This film has everything a sci-fi lover could ask for: space exploration, high-stakes drama, and even a quirky robot named Jinx. Plus, it features a young Joaquin Phoenix before he became a Hollywood star.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Despite my initial reservations about sci-fi, even I can’t resist the heartfelt charm of E.T. and his glowing healing finger. Watching this classic with my kids, I found myself cheering for Elliot as he evaded authorities with E.T. in a bicycle basket. The emotional ending left me misty-eyed, though I did wonder how Elliot’s mom felt about leaving her children alone with a potentially radioactive alien while she went to work. No judgment—just a curious thought. E.T. captured the hearts of countless viewers in the ’80s, and it’s vital for our kids to understand that before the age of smart homes, E.T. had the ultimate method to “phone home.”
The Last Starfighter
If your child adores video games, The Last Starfighter is a perfect pick. Teenager Alex Rogan escapes his mundane trailer park life by playing an arcade game called Starfighter. When he manages to beat it one night, he discovers that the game was designed to recruit skilled pilots for a space war. Naturally, Alex rises to the occasion and becomes a hero, much to the delight of the gaming community. After watching this with my son, he became obsessed with gaming, hoping he’d be called for space duty. Sorry kid, that only happens in ’80s movies!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
This is perhaps my favorite ’80s sci-fi film, mainly because Rick Moranis portrays the best absent-minded dad ever. His character, Wayne Szalinski, accidentally shrinks his kids with a homemade shrink ray. The story takes viewers on an adventurous journey as the kids navigate their oversized backyard, while Wayne scrambles to rectify his blunder. If this had happened in my home, the film would be titled “Mommy Lost Her Cool Because Daddy Messed Up,” but thankfully Disney delivered a much more family-friendly narrative.
While my kids and I may not always agree on what makes a great movie, revisiting the ’80s is always a fun experience. And to be honest, while I struggle to embrace Team Stormtrooper, you don’t need to use the Force to convince me to watch Harrison Ford for a few hours.
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In summary, the ’80s are a treasure trove of sci-fi movies that can bridge the gap between generations. Whether it’s time travel or extraterrestrial friendships, these films offer timeless entertainment that both kids and parents can enjoy together.