As a parent, I have my preferences when it comes to films. I lean towards love stories with relatable characters or thrilling historical dramas. Anything involving dragons, made-up creatures, or vampires just isn’t my cup of tea. I roll my eyes at superhero flicks and sigh at the thought of intergalactic adventures. Yet, my kids have a fascination with all things sci-fi and magical, which often leaves me feeling like I’m trapped in a movie marathon from the Dark Side of parenting.
Determined to find common ground, I decided to introduce my kids to the best sci-fi gems from the ’80s—an era that produced some timeless classics. If I must endure fantastical plots, I’d prefer to do it with the charming, nostalgic films of my youth. Here are my top picks:
Back to the Future (All Three)
This iconic trilogy is a great blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of historical accuracy. Marty McFly, played by the endearing Alex Turner, travels through time to save his family from impending doom. With the help of the quirky Doc Brown and his dog Einstein, Marty navigates the complexities of time travel while wearing those unforgettable ’80s outfits. It’s a wild ride, and I can’t help but chuckle at the director’s take on the future—where’s my pizza hydrator?
Space Camp
I remember catching this film at the drive-in back in 1986, and it sparked a childhood dream of working for NASA. A group of teens, including ’80s favorites like Melissa Hart and Jane Doe, accidentally find themselves launched into space during a summer camp. The plot seemed plausible to my twelve-year-old self, although as a parent, I had to wonder how NASA chose the camp counselors. This film has everything: space adventure, drama, and a lovable robot named Jinx. Plus, it features a young Phoenix, who was absolutely adorable before the beard!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Even though I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi, I can’t resist the charm of E.T. This classic tugs at the heartstrings as Elliot helps his alien friend evade capture. Watching it with my kids made me root for them as they raced against the authorities. I admit, I got a bit misty-eyed at the end when E.T. returns home. It does make me wonder how Elliot’s mom felt about leaving her kids with an alien, but that’s a question for another day. It’s essential viewing for kids to understand the original way to “phone home.”
The Last Starfighter
If your child is into video games, this film will resonate. Alex Rogan, a teenager stuck in a trailer park, becomes a hero after mastering an arcade game that turns out to be a recruitment tool for a real space battle. It’s a delightful mix of gaming and adventure that had my son hooked for days, dreaming of being called up for intergalactic duty. Sorry, buddy, but this is strictly ’80s fantasy!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
This film is a personal favorite because of Rick Moranis’s portrayal of the well-meaning, bumbling dad. He accidentally shrinks his kids with a homemade device, leading to a backyard adventure filled with wild challenges. I can relate to the “Oops, I messed up” parenting moments depicted here. If this scenario happened in my house, it would be titled “Mommy Lost Her Cool Because Daddy Was Clumsy,” but Disney gave it a fun twist.
While my cinematic tastes may differ from those of my kids, revisiting these ’80s classics is always a blast. And honestly, I can’t complain too much; watching Harrison Ford still makes for a great evening!
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In summary, the ’80s brought us some unforgettable sci-fi films that can bridge the gap between parents and kids during movie night. Who knows? You may find yourself enjoying those light sabers and alien encounters more than you ever expected!