As a proud product of the ’80s, I have an unwavering affection for everything about that iconic decade. I still remember my towering hair, thanks to an excessive amount of Aqua Net, and how I sported multiple pairs of socks with my white Keds. My beloved jean jacket remains part of my wardrobe, and I shamelessly dance to “Hangin’ Tough” by New Kids on the Block in public places, like grocery stores.
Nothing compares to cozying up to watch the classic movies that defined 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.
Since becoming a parent, I couldn’t wait to share my cherished ’80s films with my kids. I wanted them to experience the same intensity of feelings I had when John Cusack held that boombox high or when Jake Ryan winked at Samantha in Sixteen Candles. I was eager for them to love Steel Magnolias as much as I do.
When my children were finally old enough, my husband and I decided to kick off our ’80s movie marathon with Spaceballs, thinking our son would appreciate Rick Moranis’s goofy portrayal of Dark Helmet, especially since he was obsessed with Star Wars. We settled into the couch, popcorn ready, and then it hit us: we had made a grave error.
I had completely forgotten about the abundance of swearing and inappropriate jokes in Spaceballs! By the middle of the film, my husband and I exchanged uneasy looks as our kids bombarded us with questions about chastity belts. What was once one of our favorite comedies had suddenly turned into a parenting misstep—my kids were particularly amused by the word “asshole.” Thanks for that, Rick.
It quickly dawned on us that ’80s movies should come with a special advisory for parents—something that highlights the unexpected sex education that might accompany the laughter. Parents need to be aware of how many times their kids might hear explicit language while choosing an ’80s classic for family movie night. Here are a few warnings based on our experiences:
Doc Hollywood
A charming romcom featuring Michael J. Fox as a plastic surgeon who takes a wrong turn, but be warned: your child might witness full nudity when the female lead emerges from a lake, taking far too long to cover up. My kid’s innocent question about why my body didn’t look like hers was a bit much.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
We’ve all had chaotic family road trips, but unless you want your kids to see Chevy Chase’s wife striptease or Christie Brinkley go skinny-dipping, you might want to save this one for another day.
Stand By Me
A coming-of-age classic that I adore, but it revolves around four boys searching for a dead body. Seriously, what were our parents thinking?
Edward Scissorhands
If you’re okay with your kids waking up from nightmares featuring a gothic man with scissors for hands, then this is the movie for you.
Ghostbusters
How could I forget that Dan Aykroyd gets a lap dance from a ghost? Watching my teenage son chuckle at a particular scene was awkward, to say the least.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
While I love the idea of a clever school skip day, the heavy theme of deception and the swearing caught me off guard.
The Breakfast Club
I love the characters, but I’d like them to serve some detention for their crude humor and racy discussions in front of my tweens.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A film about a lovable alien seems harmless until Elliott hurls the phrase “penis breath” at the dinner table. Clutch your pearls!
Our generation produced some of the best (and, let’s be honest, the worst) movies around, and it’s hard not to want to share that nostalgia. Watching my kids connect with scenes I adored brings me back to my own childhood days. But it’s a little bittersweet knowing that I might have to wait until they’re older to share my beloved films without a cringe.
For anyone interested in similar parenting experiences, you might find helpful insights in this blog post on home insemination kits. Also, if you’re looking for reliable information, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, revisiting ’80s films with my kids has been a hilarious yet eye-opening journey. While I cherish sharing these classics, I’ve learned that some movies are better saved for a more mature audience!