Films from the 1980s and 1990s are more than just relics of the pastโtheyโve shaped much of the entertainment we enjoy today. For Gen Z and Millennials, who might be more familiar with todayโs high-energy, visually-driven movies, these films offer something different: a chance to experience stories and characters that have stood the test of time and still influence pop culture.
Whether youโre curious about the cultural touchstones that have lasted for decades or just want to watch something thatโs a little different from the latest blockbusters, these ten must-watch films are a great place to start.
Directors like John Hughes, who captured the essence of teenage life in The Breakfast Club, and Martin Scorsese, whose Goodfellas provided a raw, unflinching look at ambition and morality, didnโt just make moviesโthey created stories that continue to resonate today.
These films introduced fresh storytelling techniques, explored complex themes, and established new standards for character development and genre norms.
Whether they dive into timeless explorations of identity, freedom, and reality, or offer gripping narratives about the darker sides of human nature, these films have left a lasting mark.
Top 12 Must Watch 80s and 90s Films for Gen Z and Millennials
Watching these classics isnโt just about looking backโitโs about enjoying stories that continue to connect with audiences and seeing why theyโve remained influential for so long.
These films remind us that great storytelling, no matter when it was made, has a way of staying with us and shaping the way we see the world today.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
- Why Watch: The Breakfast Club isnโt just another teen movieโitโs a raw, honest look at the stereotypes and social pressures that define high school life. As five very different students spend a Saturday in detention, they break down the walls between them, revealing struggles that are more universal than expected. This film has stayed relevant for decades because it taps into the core of what it means to feel misunderstood and how important it is to find common ground. Its iconic soundtrack, โDonโt You (Forget About Me),โ perfectly captures the emotion and introspection of those teenage years.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
- Why Watch: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the ultimate guide to living your best life, even if it means bending the rules. Ferris is the kid everyone wants to beโcarefree, charming, and always one step ahead of the game. The filmโs energy is contagious, making it impossible not to smile as Ferris pulls off the perfect day of playing hooky, reminding us all to take a break and enjoy the ride.
3. Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Why Watch: Pulp Fiction is the kind of movie that redefines what you think cinema can be. With its non-linear storyline, unforgettable characters, and dialogue that crackles with dark humor, itโs a film that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Quentin Tarantino doesnโt just tell a storyโhe weaves together multiple narratives that are gritty, intense, and oddly hilarious, making this film a benchmark in modern filmmaking.
4. The Matrix (1999)
- Why Watch: The Matrix blew everyoneโs minds when it hit theaters, and itโs still a jaw-dropper today. This isnโt just an action movie; itโs a deep dive into the nature of reality, asking questions about existence that stick with you long after the credits roll. The filmโs groundbreaking special effects, like the iconic bullet-dodging scene, changed the game for action movies, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves sci-fi or just a great story.
5. Fight Club (1999)
- Why Watch: Fight Club isnโt for the faint of heartโitโs a brutal, visceral look at the emptiness of consumer culture and the search for identity in a world that feels increasingly meaningless. The filmโs raw energy and controversial themes have made it a cultural touchstone, sparking endless debates about its message and what it says about modern life. Whether you love it or hate it, Fight Club is impossible to ignore.
6. Back to the Future (1985)
- Why Watch: Back to the Future is pure cinematic magic, blending time travel, humor, and heart in a way thatโs as entertaining now as it was in the 80s. The filmโs clever plot and lovable characters, especially the dynamic between Marty McFly and Doc Brown, have made it a beloved classic. Itโs a fun, thought-provoking adventure that reminds us how the choices we make today can shape our future.
7. Goodfellas (1990)
- Why Watch: Goodfellas is the ultimate mob movie, showing the rise and fall of life in organized crime with an unflinching eye for detail. Martin Scorseseโs direction is masterful, creating a world thatโs as seductive as it is dangerous. The filmโs gritty realism and memorable performances, especially by Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro, make it a must-see for anyone interested in the darker side of the American Dream.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Why Watch: The Silence of the Lambs is a film that digs deep into the human psyche, exploring the thin line between good and evil. With chilling performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, this psychological thriller is both terrifying and thought-provoking. The tension builds with every scene, making it a gripping experience that keeps you hooked until the very end.
9. The Lost Boys (1987)
- Why Watch: The Lost Boys is what happens when you mix vampires with the rebellious spirit of the 80s. Itโs dark, itโs fun, and it doesnโt take itself too seriously, which is exactly why it works. The film captures the angst and allure of teenage rebellion while delivering some classic horror moments, making it a perfect blend of scares and cool.
10. The Truman Show (1998)
- Why Watch: The Truman Show is a brilliantly conceived film that questions the nature of reality in the most entertaining way possible. As Truman slowly realizes his entire life has been a scripted TV show, the film cleverly critiques media manipulation and the voyeuristic tendencies of society. Itโs both funny and deeply unsettling, leaving you to wonder about the line between reality and fiction in your own life.
11. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
- Why Watch: The NeverEnding Story takes you on a journey into a world where imagination has the power to save everything. This fantasy epic is packed with adventure and emotion, making it a tale that resonates with the dreamer in all of us. The storyโs themes of courage, loss, and hope give it a timeless quality that has kept it beloved for generations.
12. Labyrinth (1986)
- Why Watch: Labyrinth is a one-of-a-kind fantasy film thatโs as weird as it is wonderful. With David Bowieโs iconic performance as the Goblin King and Jim Hensonโs magical puppetry, itโs a visually stunning experience that lures you into a fantastical world. Beyond the surface, itโs a story about growing up, taking responsibility, and finding your way through lifeโs mazeโmaking it a movie that sticks with you long after it ends. And, of course, Bowieโs memorable โMagic Danceโ scene is a standout moment, blending quirky charm and unforgettable music.
13. Clueless (1995)
- Why Watch: Clueless is a quintessential 90s movie that cleverly reimagines Jane Austenโs Emma in the world of Beverly Hills high schoolers. With its witty dialogue, unforgettable fashion, and charming characters, the film captures the trials of teenage life with humor and heart. Cher Horowitz, the well-meaning but somewhat oblivious protagonist, navigates friendships, love, and personal growth in a story thatโs still relatable today.
