27 Awesome 80s Movies on Netflix You Can Stream Right Now
Craving a retro 80s movie experience tonight but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As of May 1, 2024, the following list of awesome 80s movies on Netflix should satisfy all your nostalgic needs.
We’ve even gone to the trouble of ranking them for you. Need a reminder of what to expect with each film? No worries, it’s been a while since these were originally released. That’s why we included a link to each movie’s trailer (see, we got you). Clicking on the “Youtube trailer” link will open each trailer in a new window.
We’re confident there’s something here for fans of any genre. These rad 80s movies on Netflix are available to stream right now. Enjoy the show!
1. Stand by Me (1986)
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Synopsis: Four friends, Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern, embark on a journey to find the body of a missing teenager. Their adventure becomes a defining moment in their lives as they face personal fears and discover the meaning of friendship.
Cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siemaszko, Gary Riley
2. Scarface (1983)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Synopsis: Tony Montana stakes a claim in Miami’s drug trade after assassinating a Cuban official. As he climbs the ranks of the drug underworld, he becomes the city’s biggest drug lord, but at a great personal cost.
Cast: Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham
3. The Karate Kid (1984)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Sport
Synopsis: After moving to Los Angeles, Daniel becomes the target of bullying by a karate gang. With the help of Mr. Miyagi, he learns martial arts and prepares to face his enemies in a high-stakes tournament.
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka, Ron Thomas
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: High school slacker Ferris Bueller fakes an illness to skip school and explore Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron. Their adventures are threatened by Principal Rooney, who is determined to catch Ferris.
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward
5. Field of Dreams (1989)
Genre: Drama, Sport
Synopsis: Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer, hears a voice telling him to turn his cornfield into a baseball diamond. When deceased ballplayers begin to appear, Ray realizes he’s part of something magical and life-changing.
Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffmann, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster
6. Fletch (1985)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery
Synopsis: Investigative reporter Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher goes undercover to expose the local drug trade. While on the job, he is offered a lucrative deal to commit a murder, leading him into a web of deception and mystery.
Cast: Chevy Chase, Tim Matheson, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Joe Don Baker, Richard Libertini, Geena Davis, M. Emmet Walsh
7. Midnight Run (1988)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Synopsis: A bounty hunter pursues a former Mafia accountant who embezzled $15 million. As he is chased by the FBI, the mob, and a rival bounty hunter, chaos and comedy ensue in this fast-paced adventure.
Cast: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Foronjy
8. Parenthood (1989)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: The Buckman family and their friends face the challenges and joys of raising children. From estranged relatives to rebellious teens, they experience the full spectrum of parenthood’s highs and lows.
Cast: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton
9. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Based on Cameron Crowe’s real-life experiences, this film follows high school students growing up in Southern California. Stacy and Mark search for love while their friends navigate the highs and lows of teen life.
Cast: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, Ray Walston
10. The Land Before Time (1988)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
Synopsis: An orphaned brontosaurus named Littlefoot sets off to find the Great Valley, a place of lush vegetation where dinosaurs can live in peace. Along the way, he meets new friends and faces dangers on his journey.
Cast: Gabriel Damon, Candace Hutson, Will Ryan, Judith Barsi, Helen Shaver, Pat Hingle, Bill Erwin
11. Uncle Buck (1989)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Sloppy bachelor Buck Russell becomes the caretaker of his nieces and nephew after a family emergency. His unconventional approach to child-rearing causes friction, but he ultimately brings the family closer together.
Cast: John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin, Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, Garrett M. Brown
12. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Synopsis: A young beautician moves to a small Louisiana town and finds work at a local salon, where she forms a close bond with a group of women who share their lives, loves, and heartaches.
Cast: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt
13. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Synopsis: After his parents are massacred and he is enslaved, young Conan becomes a formidable warrior seeking vengeance. His epic journey takes him across vast lands as he battles powerful foes and seeks justice.
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Cassandra Gava, Ben Davidson, Gerry Lopez
14. The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Sport
Synopsis: Daniel travels to Japan with Mr. Miyagi, who must confront an old rival. Meanwhile, Daniel faces new enemies and finds a new love as he learns the ways of Okinawan karate.
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Danny Kamekona, Nobu McCarthy, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, Martin Kove
15. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Genre: Drama, War
Synopsis: After being paralyzed in the Vietnam War, Ron Kovic becomes an anti-war activist and advocates for human rights, feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.
Cast: Tom Cruise, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava, Holly Marie Combs, Kyra Sedgwick, Tom Berenger, Rob Camilletti
16. Coming to America (1988)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Synopsis: An African prince goes undercover as an impoverished immigrant in Queens, New York, to find a princess. He quickly falls for a local woman, leading to a hilarious culture clash as he pursues true love.
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Shari Headley, Frankie Faison, Louie Anderson
17. The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Genre: Drama, Family
Synopsis: After his karate school closes, John Kreese joins a ruthless businessman to seek revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Daniel must face his toughest challenge yet in this high-stakes sequel.
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Robyn Lively, Thomas Ian Griffith, Martin Kove, Sean Kanan, Jonathan Avildsen
18. The ‘Burbs (1989)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Ray Peterson and his friends let their paranoia get the best of them when secretive new neighbours move in next door. They start to suspect the newcomers of sinister intentions and launch an investigation. Hilarity ensues as Ray tries to uncover the truth.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, Rick Ducommun, Wendy Schaal, Corey Feldman, Courtney Gains
19. Twins (1988)
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Synopsis: Julius and Vincent Benedict are twins, but opposites in every way. Julius, who was planned, grows to athletic proportions, while Vincent, an accident, is smaller in stature. Their hilarious journey begins when they discover their true identities and look for their mother.
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Kelly Preston, Chloe Webb, Bonnie Bartlett, Marshall Bell, Trey Wilson
20. Silverado (1985)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Western
Synopsis: Four unwitting heroes head to the town of Silverado, only to find it overrun by a corrupt sheriff and his posse. It’s up to them to bring justice back to the town where their family and friends reside.
Cast: Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner, Brian Dennehy, Rosanna Arquette, John Cleese
21. The Money Pit (1986)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Synopsis: After being evicted from their apartment, a couple buys what they believe is their dream home, only to discover it’s a nightmare. Their relationship is tested as they struggle to keep their mansion from falling apart.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Shelley Long, Alexander Godunov, Maureen Stapleton, Joe Mantegna, Philip Bosco, Josh Mostel
22. Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Synopsis: The Bandit goes on a cross-country run to transport an elephant, with Sheriff Buford T. Justice hot on his tail. The hilarious chase unfolds as they race across the South.
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Dom DeLuise, Paul Williams, Sally Field, Pat McCormick
23. Conan the Destroyer (1984)
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Synopsis: Conan is tasked by an evil queen to escort a princess and her bodyguard to retrieve a magical horn. However, he discovers the queen’s sinister plan and must protect the princess and stop a monstrous creature.
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Olivia d’Abo, Grace Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Tracey Walter, Mako, Sarah Douglas
24. Annie (1982)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Music, Musical
Synopsis: An orphan named Annie believes her parents mistakenly left her at a facility run by the mean Miss Hannigan. When wealthy Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks decides to host an orphan, Annie’s life takes a turn for the better.
Cast: Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters, Geoffrey Holder
25. Dragnet (1987)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: LAPD Sgt. Joe Friday teams up with a young, freewheeling detective to solve a series of strange crimes, uncovering a bizarre cult and stumbling through hilarious escapades along the way.
Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Christopher Plummer, Harry Morgan, Alexandra Paul, Jack O’Halloran, Elizabeth Ashley
26. K-9 (1989)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Synopsis: Maverick vice cop Thomas Dooley teams up with police dog Jerry Lee to hunt down a drug dealer after his car is blown up. Their unusual partnership leads to comical and action-packed adventures.
Cast: John Snyder, Mel Harris, Daniel Davis, Ed O’Neill, Cotter Smith, William Sadler, Kevin Tighe, Koton, James Belushi, James Handy, Jim Belushi, Ed O’Neill, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Sherman Howard
27. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Horror, Thriller
Synopsis: Ellen Brody leaves New England after another shark attack, moving to the Caribbean to join her son Michael. However, a great white shark follows her, craving revenge against her family.
Cast: Lorraine Gary, Lance Guest, Mario Van Peebles, Michael Caine, Karen Young, Judith Barsi, Lynn Whitfield
Which one of these awesome 80s movies on Netflix did you decide on? I love talking movies so feel free to drop a comment below. I’m curious which of the 80s movies on Netflix will garner the most attention?
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a rad rest of your day!
FAQ
Are those the only 80s movies on Netflix?
No, but they are honestly the best. There are others, but I’d stick to these 27 if I were you.
Is watching 80s movies on Netflix the same as watching them in their original VHS format?
Nope. These digitized copies are a little bit less grainy and the tracking is pretty smooth. Don’t worry though, the actors, movie making techniques, and music, are still very obviously stuck un the 80s.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.