While I was not born until good ol' 1998, I developed a fondness for the movies of the 1980s at an early age. Whenever I am at a loss for films to watch, it's the decade that I turn back to time after time (ha, get it?). Many people my age don't seem to appreciate this era of film as much as they should, but there are countless absolute classics. Since you've probably lied about having seen some of these already, why don't you actually watch them?

1. The Breakfast Club

"Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?"

"The Breakfast Club" is one of the most quintessential teen movies in existence. The message it gives out still stands today: don't judge a book by its cover. It is very dialogue heavy, so many people give up early on but stick with it. There is an immense payoff in learning the backstories of these characters and seeing how they work together. "

2. The Goonies

"Goonies never say die!"

Another classic tale of friendship, "The Goonies" is one of my personal favorite Spielberg movies. It's nearly impossible to be sad while watching it. The adventure, the innovation, the romance...it appeals to all ages and all types of people. Don't we all wish our childhood could have been like this?

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street

"Come on, Freddy. Can't you catch me?"

Even if slasher movies aren't quite your speed, I suggest trying out "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

for the fact that it is a truly unique film. It's one of those movies where you just can't replicate it (let's not talk about the remakes though). Wes Craven brings to life a film that brings plenty of scares and gore but at the same time a clever, wisecracking villain in Freddy Krueger, a name now infamous in the genre. Bonus: this was one of Johnny Depp's first major film roles.

4. Pretty in Pink

"It's called a sense of humor - you should get one - they're nice."

Long before "The Hunger Games"and "Twilight" were doing it, "Pretty in Pink" gave viewers a go-to 'love triangle' movie. It's still fun to pick a side on your first or tenth watch through. Will you go with rich boy Blaine or funny guy Duckie?

5. Sixteen Candles

"That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call 'em something else."

Another John Hughes movie starring Molly Ringwald (see a pattern here?), "Sixteen Candles"

is, at its core, a movie about growing up, taking place on main character Sam's sixteenth birthday...which everyone forgets about. You may have seen the iconic 'kissing over the birthday cake' scene floating around the internet and to be honest, that's still goals for me. "Sixteen Candles"

perfectly captures teenage life and all the drama that comes with it, and a wide variety of quotes that I, personally, use quite often. What's happenin', hot stuff?

6. The Princess Bride

"Anybody want a peanut?"

You can't say you're a romance movie man if you've never seen "The Princess Bride." Westley's never-ending devotion to Princess Buttercup is bound to make anyone swoon. If that's not really your style, watch it anyway for the sword fighting, the fairytale villains, or the comedy. It's a masterfully crafted film that will continue to remain in our hearts. Just ask Rotten Tomatoes: they give the film a 97% rating.

7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" will fill you with envy as Ferris and his friends traverse the city of Chicago after skipping school. It's a great time that will provide a lot of laughs, as well as some insightful quotes (such as the one I listed above). This movie is a great reminder to make sure you include some fun in your life.

8. Friday the 13th

"Kill her, Mommy! Kill her!"

While by today's standards "Friday the 13th" is a tad campy (pardon my pun) at times, in my opinion, it still delivers. Betsy Palmer gives a horrifyingly creepy performance, and the kills are creative and sufficiently gory. It's something you have to see for yourself. This is one of my favorite horror movies of all times and sparked my love for the slasher genre.

9. Top Gun

"I feel the need...the need for speed!"

If you've ever played Cards Against Humanity, I'm 99% sure the card "a homoerotic volleyball montage" is a reference to a scene in this film. There's a lot of tan, shirtless guys playing volleyball (including Tom Cruise). If you're a fan of that, then I'd suggest this. There's also, you know, all of the aviation.

10. History of the World: Part I

"It's good to be the king."

For anyone who likes comedy and/or history, "History of the World: Part I" is the movie for you. Mel Brooks is one of the kings of comedy, and in my opinion, this is one of his best works. "History of the World: Part I"

takes the audience through different periods of history, as the title implies. It's raunchy, highly quotable, and hilarious.

11. Little Shop of Horrors

"On the twenty-third day of the month of September, in an early year of a decade not too long before our own, the human race suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence..."

A remake of the 1960 film of the same name, "Little Shop of Horrors"

is a fantastically dark, yet heartwarming, movie musical. Protagonist Seymour juggles fame, moral decisions, and getting the girl when he discovers the plant he acquired has a very *special* appetite. With songs, you'll have stuck in your head for the rest of the day, "Little Shop of Horrors"doesn't disappoint.

12. Dirty Dancing

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

Starring a swoon-worthy Patrick Swayze, "Dirty Dancing" is a movie that should be on any romance aficionados must-watch list. Between the love story and the dancing, this still had me looking for a guy like Johnny Castle.

13. Footloose

"Hey, I like that hat, man. They sell men's clothes where you got that?"

Speaking of dancing: "Footloose" takes a different approach to the activity, taking place in a town where dancing is banned and a group of teenagers have to fight to get it back. Okay, yes, a little absurd, but it's a super fun film. You'll have the title theme in your head forever and you'll be tapping your toes along to the music the entire film. Just don't try to watch the 2000's remake.

14. The Shining

"Here's Johnny!"

This one definitely isn't for the faint of heart. Movie royalty Stanley Kubrick delivers an adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name that has garnered huge amounts of fame. It's noted as one of the best horror films of all times and for good reason, including Jack Nicholson's chilling performance as main character Jack Torrance, who is living in an isolated hotel with his family for the winter. If you like analyzing movies, this is perfect for you; there are countless critics today who are still sharing their opinions on some of the film's mysteries.

15. The Outsiders

"Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."

Another film based on a novel of the same name (one I highly recommend, by the way), "The Outsiders"

follows teenage and young adult gang members as they fight with their rich rival gang. While critically this movie isn't very praised, it's worth watching enough just for the cast: it includes young versions of big names such as Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe.

16. Weird Science

"It's a really long story Chet. Gary and I were messing around with the computer Friday night. We decided to make a woman and we did and she went crazy and she messed up the whole house."

Another teenage romp, "Weird Science"

answers the question of 'Can we create the perfect woman?' as two nerdy high schoolers do just that. While not as well known as some of his other films, John Hughes brings a lot of laughs and a great time to the screen as protagonists Gary and Wyatt navigate the consequences of their actions.

17. Spaceballs

"Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made. Spaceballs-the T-shirt, Spaceballs-the Coloring Book, Spaceballs-the Lunch box, Spaceballs-the Breakfast Cereal, Spaceballs-the Flame Thrower."

If you like the Star Wars franchise and don't mind it being poked fun at a little, "Spaceballs" is perfect for you. My second Mel Brooks movie on this list, "Spaceballs"

follows a Han Solo and Chewbacca type pair as they go to rescue Princess Vespa, who has been kidnapped by the evil Lord Dark Helmet. I will probably be quoting this one until the day I die.

18. Say Anything...

"She's gone. She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."

This is the film that got me into John Cusack as an actor. I mean, who doesn't want a guy to hold up a boombox outside of your window to try and get you back? While it is a bit slow-paced at times, "Say Anything" is a lovely little teen romance that is surely worth watching.

19. Heathers

"What is your damage, Heather?"

Recently adapted into a (spectacular) Broadway musical, "Heathers"is the original "Mean Girls," just a lot darker. Have you ever hated someone so much that you wish you could just kill them? Well, as if you didn't already know that was a bad idea, "Heathers" shows audiences why, with biting, dark, humor.

20. Ghostbusters

"Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"

What would an '80s list be without including "Ghostbusters?" Honestly, you probably know a lot of things about this movie by now. If you have yet to actually sit down and watch it, do it. It's a wonderful time.

21. Clue

"Husbands should be like Kleenex: soft, strong and disposable."

Yes, like the board game. I had low expectations for this film as I went into it for the first time. But it's seriously one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. While you may not recognize most of the cast, they do an incredible job of bringing the classic characters to life. All of their distinct personalities come out while trying to figure out who murdered the host of the dinner party they're all attending. But there's so much more than that. See for yourself.

I hope you enjoy these films as much as I do!