As someone who grew up in the ’80s, I’ve always had a deep affection for everything from that incredible decade. Back then, my hair was defying gravity thanks to an excessive amount of Aqua Net, and I was known to wear multiple pairs of socks with my trusty white sneakers. I still hold onto my beloved denim jacket, and I have zero shame when I break out in dance to classic hits like “Hangin’ Tough” by New Kids on the Block while shopping.
There’s nothing quite like revisiting the ’80s movies that were integral to my childhood. The moment I hear the opening notes of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, I’m transported back to Judd Nelson’s unforgettable role in The Breakfast Club.
Once my kids came along, I eagerly anticipated sharing the iconic films of my youth with them. I wanted them to feel the same thrill I experienced during John Cusack’s epic boombox scene or the joy of Jake Ryan’s sweet gesture towards Samantha in Sixteen Candles. I particularly hoped they would fall in love with Steel Magnolias as much as I did.
When the time finally came, my husband and I were thrilled to introduce our kids to Spaceballs as the inaugural film in our ’80s movie marathon. Our son was a huge Star Wars fan, and we figured Rick Moranis’s hilarious portrayal of Dark Helmet would be the ideal introduction. We settled in with popcorn and blankets, only to quickly realize we may have made a grave error.
I had completely forgotten how much swearing and inappropriate humor was packed into Spaceballs. By the middle of the film, my husband and I exchanged concerned glances as our children asked questions about chastity belts. It became clear that one of our favorite films had turned into a significant parenting misstep; our kids found the term “asshole” particularly amusing. Thanks for that, Moranis.
It dawned on us that ’80s movies might need an additional warning label, one meant for parents, detailing just how much of a crash course in sex education their kids would receive. Parents should definitely be aware of how many times their little ones might hear the F-bomb when selecting a classic for family movie night. Thankfully, I have a few heads-ups:
Doc Hollywood
This charming rom-com featuring Michael J. Fox as a plastic surgeon takes a turn when he finds himself in the Deep South. However, if you’re not prepared for a scene where the female lead emerges from a lake in full nudity, you might want to skip this one. Trust me, when your child asks why your body doesn’t look like that, it’s a conversation you don’t want to have.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
Who hasn’t experienced a chaotic family road trip? But unless you’re ready for kids to see Chevy Chase get a lap dance from his wife or catch Christie Brinkley going skinny-dipping, you might want to hold off on this one. John Candy is hilarious, but the adult content is hard to overlook.
Stand By Me
This coming-of-age classic features four boys on a quest to find a dead body. Seriously, what were our parents thinking letting us watch this?
Edward Scissorhands
If you want your kids to wake up screaming from nightmares about a man with scissors for hands, then this film is a winner.
Ghostbusters
I must have blocked out the scene where Dan Aykroyd gets a lap dance from a ghost. Watching my son laugh at a Ghostbuster’s unexpected reaction to a supernatural encounter was undeniably awkward.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
While I’d love to make a prank call to Ed Rooney just like everyone else, realizing this film glorifies skipping school and lying to parents is a bit disappointing. Seriously, Ferris had a mouth on him that I don’t remember.
The Breakfast Club
I had to remind myself that the characters’ dialogue is full of profanity and explicit conversations—definitely not suitable for my tweens.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
You might expect a film about a cute alien to be safe for kids, but when Elliott yells “penis breath” at the dinner table, you’ll be left in shock.
Our generation has undoubtedly produced some of the best and most questionable films. Watching my kids react to these movies is a nostalgic thrill, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. It’s bittersweet to realize that you need to wait until your kids are older to enjoy these classics together.
For more insights, check out this privacy policy to stay informed. If you’re looking for expert guidance on home insemination, visit Cryobaby’s home intracyrical insemination syringe kit combo for reliable resources. Additionally, this Healthline article provides excellent information on intrauterine insemination.
Summary
Revisiting ’80s movies with children can reveal just how lenient the ratings were, filled with adult themes and language that may come as a surprise to parents. Films like Spaceballs, Doc Hollywood, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off might carry nostalgic weight, but they also present challenges when it comes to age-appropriate content.