10 Films That Influenced My Childhood—And Will Inspire My Daughter Too

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When I think back to my childhood in the 1980s, I can’t help but smile at the countless hours spent in front of the TV. These days, my 9-year-old daughter doesn’t mind a movie night every now and then. Our routine involves popcorn, digging for candy in my hidden stash, and of course, a fizzy drink to wash it all down (I know, I’m totally winning the Father of the Year award here). Once the lights go out and we hit play, it’s a special time together—even if it means I’m often the one giving her a foot rub. It’s funny how those little moments add up.

For the first part of her life, I didn’t have much say in what we watched. But things started to shift about six months ago after she caught Pitch Perfect on cable. To my surprise, she loved it, and now my opinions are starting to hold some weight. We’re definitely catching Pitch Perfect 2 together when it hits theaters—our little secret!

For those of you who grew up as Gen Xers like me, certain films have left an indelible mark on your youth. You can probably quote them word for word. It’s these classics that I yearn to share with my daughter, hoping she’ll find the same joy I did. But let’s be honest; it can be a gamble. Have you ever loved a movie so much that you just had to share it with someone, only for them to give you a lukewarm response? Yeah, that can be tough. I aimed to focus on the 1980s, but a few early ’90s gems snuck in too.

Here’s a list of ten films I’d love to watch with my daughter:

Movies to Watch Right Now

1. Free Willy (1993): Finding friendship in unexpected places. I remember going to see this movie with my friend Sarah under the condition we wouldn’t tell anyone. It turned out to be a touching story of a delinquent boy and a killer whale who form an unlikely bond. With my daughter’s love for animals, I suspect this will tug at her heartstrings.
2. The Goonies (1985): Dream big! Can you believe this film is nearly 40 years old? It’s the ultimate adventure flick about a group of kids trying to save their neighborhood. I can almost taste that Baby Ruth candy bar just thinking about it.
3. E.T. (1982): A timeless tale of homesickness. I remember crying during my first viewing. The bond between a boy and an extraterrestrial is heartwarming and filled with adventure, reminding us that there’s no place like home.
4. Big (1988): The rush to grow up. Who hasn’t wished they could be an adult overnight? This hilarious film starring Tom Hanks teaches us that being grown-up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Movies to Watch in a Few Years

5. Stand By Me (1986): It’s about the journey, not the destination. This coming-of-age film, adapted from Stephen King’s novella, portrays the trials of growing up in a realistic way.
6. The Outsiders (1983): Challenging stereotypes. This film dives deeper than financial class struggles, offering a glimpse into the humanity of those often labeled as “the bad guys.”
7. The Breakfast Club (1985): The classic that shows how we perceive one another. I believe my daughter will resonate with each character, and that’s precisely the point.

Movies to Watch a Few Years Later

8. Heathers (1988): The harsh truth of popularity. This quirky cult classic opened my eyes to independent films. It’s a wild ride, and it highlights how we all deal with insecurity.
9. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982): The risks of premature adulthood. I hesitated to include this one due to some content, but I have a plan for when we do watch it together—I’ll conveniently step out during the most awkward scenes.
10. The Silence of the Lambs (1991): A psychological thriller that’s not for the faint of heart. I’ll save this film for when she’s older, but it’s a masterpiece that will leave you questioning your choices.

Honorable Mentions:

The Karate Kid, Coming to America, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Top Gun, Gremlins, Poltergeist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Sixteen Candles, Raising Arizona, Aliens, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Shining, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

And just for the record, I’ve never seen Dirty Dancing.

In summary, these films not only shaped my childhood but also serve as a bridge to connect with my daughter. They offer lessons, laughter, and a glimpse into the challenges of growing up. Each of these movies holds a special place in my heart, and I hope they will resonate with her too, creating memories we can cherish together. If you’re interested in reading more about parenting and family life, check out one of our other blog posts here. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, you can find reputable products like an insemination syringe kit that can help on your journey. For a deeper dive into fertility treatments, visit this excellent resource.