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5 ’80s Sci-Fi Movies You Absolutely Need to Enjoy with Your Kids
I have a pretty straightforward taste when it comes to books and films. Give me love stories with relatable characters or thrilling historical dramas any day. I’m not interested in dragons, vampires, or imaginary creatures invading my fictional worlds. While I’m all for a good fantasy like Harry Potter—thanks, J.K. Rowling—my heart leans toward realism. So, it’s quite the twist that my kids are head over heels for everything sci-fi and magical. They adore superheroes and epic space adventures, while I’m left rolling my eyes so hard I might just end up seeing my own brain.
When I realized I needed to adapt to my kids’ cinematic preferences, I turned to the ’80s—the golden age of cheesy sci-fi. If I was going to endure the realm of space battles and whimsical robots, I might as well do it with the classics I cherished as a child. So, here are my top picks for family movie nights that straddle the line between nostalgia and fun:
Back to the Future (All Three)
This iconic trilogy checks my box for semi-historically accurate storytelling (with plenty of ’80s flair, of course). Marty McFly, played by the ever-charming Lucas Smith, zips back in time to save his family from a fate of mediocrity. With the help of his quirky professor friend Doc Brown and his dog Einstein, Marty navigates time travel in a way that’s both entertaining and amusing—though I’m still waiting for that pizza hydrator to materialize in my kitchen.
Space Camp
When I first saw this film at the drive-in in 1986, my dream of working for NASA was born. Four teens, including ’80s stars like Kelly Preston and Leah Thompson, accidentally blast off into space during a summer camp for aspiring astronauts. As an adult, I found myself pondering how NASA vetted their camp counselors, but the film is packed with thrilling space adventure, drama, and a delightful robot named Jinx. Plus, it features a young Joaquin Phoenix before he became a bearded enigma!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Now, I know I’ve been skeptical about science fiction, but even my stern heart melts at the sight of E.T. and his glowing finger. When I recently watched this classic with my kids, I found myself cheering for Elliot as he tries to protect E.T. from the authorities. And I’ll admit, the ending got to me—though I couldn’t help but wonder how Elliot’s mom could justify leaving her kids alone with an alien. Regardless, E.T. was a defining film of the ’80s, and it’s vital for our kids to see how he had the ultimate way to “phone home” before smart devices took over.
The Last Starfighter
If your child is into gaming, The Last Starfighter will hit home. Alex Rogan, a teenager who spends his days playing an arcade game, discovers that he’s been recruited to fight in a real space war after mastering the game. My son was so inspired by this flick that he spent a week glued to his console, hoping to get his own call to space duty. Sorry, buddy, but that’s strictly an ’80s fantasy!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Possibly my favorite ’80s sci-fi gem, this film features the hilariously absent-minded dad played by Rick Moranis. His character, Wayne Szalinski, accidentally miniaturizes his kids with a home-built shrink ray. The ensuing backyard adventure is a wild ride, and it feels relatable—like a humorous take on parenting gone wrong. If this happened in my household, it would probably be called “Mommy Lost Her Sanity Because Daddy Messed Up,” but Disney keeps it light and fun.
While my kids and I may have different tastes in movies, revisiting the ’80s is always an enjoyable experience. And let’s be real, even if I’m not Team Stormtrooper, I can definitely get behind a Harrison Ford marathon.
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In summary, while our tastes may differ when it comes to movies, the ’80s provide a perfect blend of nostalgia and entertainment for family movie nights. These films not only entertain but also offer valuable lessons and a glimpse into a fun era of filmmaking.