Growing up in the ’80s was quite the experience. We craved perfectly teased bangs for our mall outings, while the back of our hair was all about that party vibe. Leg warmers were a must, but we made a fashion statement by cutting our sweatshirts. Our outfits often screamed neon, paired with lace accents and stonewashed denim, and we weren’t afraid to stack our Swatch watches. Honestly, we were just figuring it out as we went along—it’s a miracle I survived those years at all.
As girls, we took our cues on relationships and social life from the likes of valley girls, Diane Court, and the brilliant world of John Hughes. But what happens when the pretty in pink phase fades? A quick search for ’80s movie icons reveals a list dominated by male characters, with only three women standing out: Alex Forrest from Fatal Attraction—a psychotic mistress; Veronica Sawyers from Heathers—a misfit turned bully; and Jessica Rabbit, a cartoon seductress. The rest of the list includes a talking dog and a creepy doll.
Despite the narrow representation, there were remarkable women who pushed boundaries and inspired me as a teen. Here’s my tribute to five fierce females from the decade who helped me transition into the ’90s:
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Alex, Jane, and Sukie from The Witches of Eastwick
Okay, I’m bending the rules a bit with three powerful women. Alex (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon), and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) are small-town outcasts who find themselves in a rut—until they unwittingly summon a devilish force in the form of Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson). Their journey of seduction turns into a quest for empowerment, especially after that memorable scene involving a church lady and cherry pits. They taught me: You don’t need a man to feel complete, and anyone who claims they do is trouble. -
Ann from Sex, Lies, and Videotape
Andie MacDowell shines as Ann, a repressed housewife caught in a dull marriage, while Peter Gallagher plays her self-absorbed husband. Enter James Spader as Graham, who films women discussing their sexuality, adding complexity to this infidelity tale. Ann evolves into the strongest character, illustrating that sometimes the loudest voices aren’t the most powerful. Plus, let’s face it—James Spader was a heartthrob. -
Elizabeth from 9 ½ Weeks
The sizzling chemistry between Kim Basinger’s Elizabeth and Mickey Rourke’s enigmatic John is unforgettable. Their relationship is a gripping exploration of eroticism and emotional turmoil, with Elizabeth ultimately regaining her strength and independence. The lessons? Embrace your desires and recognize when love is merely an illusion. -
Annie Savoy from Bull Durham
Susan Sarandon makes a return as Annie, a savvy baseball fan who finds herself torn between the charming Ebby LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) and the seasoned Crash Davis (Kevin Costner). She effortlessly balances romance and her love for baseball, showing that being sexy and smart is a winning combination. Her message? Enjoy your sexuality—it’s yours to own. -
Ellen Ripley from Aliens
There’s only one Ellen Ripley, portrayed by the iconic Sigourney Weaver. After surviving the horrors of the first Alien, Ripley returns to face her fears head-on. This time, she’s not just a survivor but a fierce warrior, protecting her newfound family against terrifying foes. Her mantra? As a leader, do what’s right; as a protector, fight fiercely for those you love.
In essence, these independent women exemplified strength, sexiness, and resilience. But let’s be real—I would still happily move into that house with my besties and Daryl Van Horne, if only for the incredible pool!
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