As a physician and a parent, I often find myself in a tug-of-war between my preferences and my children’s tastes when it comes to film. I tend to lean towards realistic narratives, steering clear of fantastical elements like dragons, vampires, or dystopian landscapes. Instead, I gravitate towards compelling love stories or riveting historical dramas. While I firmly believe in the nonexistence of vampires, I must admit that J.K. Rowling’s magical world has earned a special place in my heart.
The irony is not lost on me that my kids are fascinated by all the elements I usually avoid. When they request to watch films filled with superheroes or intergalactic escapades, I often find myself internally groaning. However, I realized that if I wanted to keep my sanity during Family Movie Night, I needed to find a middle ground. Thus, I turned to the ’80s, a golden era of cinema, to find sci-fi gems that would both entertain my children and not drive me completely bonkers. So, without further ado, here are my top picks:
Back to the Future (All Three Films)
This iconic trilogy is a blend of time travel and ’80s fashion that manages to tickle my historical sensibilities. In this series, Marty McFly, played by the charming Michael J. Fox, travels back in time to ensure his family’s future. With the help of his eccentric friend Doc Brown and his loyal dog Einstein, Marty navigates the complexities of the space-time continuum. Admittedly, I do wonder when we’ll see a pizza hydrator in our kitchens, but it’s still a delightful ride.
Space Camp
Watching this film in 1986 ignited my childhood dream of working for NASA. Four teenagers—including stars like Kelly Preston and Leah Thompson—accidentally find themselves launched into space. While the plot seems a bit outlandish as a parent, it still captures the wonder of space exploration and features an adorable robot named Jinx. Plus, you get to see a young Joaquin Phoenix before he became the enigmatic figure he is today.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Even someone who typically avoids sci-fi can’t resist the charm of E.T. With his glowing finger and heartfelt story, I found myself rooting for Elliot as he evades authorities with his alien friend in a bicycle basket. I may have raised an eyebrow at how Elliot’s mom left her kids alone with an extraterrestrial, but the emotional impact of E.T. is undeniable. This classic reminds us of simpler times before smart homes, showcasing the power of friendship.
The Last Starfighter
For kids obsessed with video games, this film is a must-see. Alex Rogan, a teenager stuck in a trailer park, spends his days playing an arcade game called Starfighter. When he achieves a high score, he learns that the game was a recruitment tool for an intergalactic battle. Watching it with my son led him on a week-long gaming spree, convinced he’d soon be called to save the universe. Sorry, buddy, but that’s a fantasy exclusive to the ’80s!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
This film is a personal favorite, largely due to Rick Moranis’ portrayal of a well-meaning but bumbling dad. He accidentally shrinks his children with a homemade shrink ray, leading to a wild backyard adventure. If this were my household, it might have been titled “Mommy Lost It Because Daddy Made a Mess,” but Disney’s version is much more family-friendly and entertaining.
While my kids and I may not always agree on what makes a great film, revisiting the ’80s is an enjoyable compromise. And while I might still struggle with the idea of Stormtroopers, I can certainly appreciate watching Harrison Ford in action for a couple of hours.
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Summary
The ’80s produced a wealth of sci-fi films that are perfect for family movie nights. From time travel in “Back to the Future” to the heartwarming tale of “E.T.,” these movies offer a blend of nostalgia and entertainment that appeals to both parents and children. While preferences may differ, these classics provide a fantastic way to bond and enjoy cinematic adventures together.