While rom-coms (romantic comedies) are the movie of choice for most date nights and girls nights, most people tend to stick with the classic Nicholas Sparks film adaptions. I'm here to tell you that this is the wrong choice. Instead of wasting a few hours watching the same plot line with the usual characters, choose a film from this list, where I have compiled and ranked my favorite romantic comedies from the '80s.
1. "Working Girl" (1988)
This movie has such strong characters with witty dialogue, and it's feminist AF. Besides wanting to marry Harrison Ford, this movie has led me to be ambitious and to never apologize for going after what I want. Best line: "I am not steak! You can't just order me." You tell 'em, Melanie Griffith.
2. "When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
Easily Meg Ryan's best film (you can fight me on it). This movie has the iconic scene where she fakes an orgasm in the middle of a diner, resulting in the memorable line: "I'll have what she's having." It might have given me unrealistic expectations for my friendships, but it's totally worth it.
3. "Pretty In Pink" (1986)
I am not a Molly Ringwald fan. At all. But if I had to pick a movie starring the '80s version of Kristen Stewart, it would not be "The Breakfast Club" or "Sixteen Candles." It would be "Pretty In Pink." If only I could skip every scene where she awkwardly fumbles through her lines like an angsty teen, and just watch the scenes where Ducky is the star.
4. "Can't Buy Me Love" (1987)
Young Patrick Dempsey. That's all I have to say. The outfits in this movie give me life and have truly inspired me. If you've seen "Easy A" starring Emma Stone, the scene where they ride off in the lawn mower at the end is taken from this very film. You gotta love the kitschy romance.
5. "Heathers" (1989)
Okay, so this one isn't as romantic as the others, but it's too amazing to leave off the list. Winona Ryder is wonderful, and her dark humor makes this movie a thrill to watch. The first time I saw it, I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a comedy or not, as some of the themes are quite dark, but this movie is a work of art.
6. "The Princess Bride" (1987)
The eighties wouldn't be complete without this movie. It is so random and quirky and romantic, that I'll forgive it for not being set in the eighties like the other films on this list. I still don't know if inconceivable was ever used in the correct context during the movie.
7. "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985)
Bending the rules yet again to put this one on the list, as it is more of a romantic drama than comedy, but there are still some comedic moments within this heartwrenching film. I thank filmmakers everywhere every single day for not casting Molly Ringwald in this movie. Would have ruined the whole thing.
Most of these movies are available on Netflix, but even if they aren't you're all clever enough to watch them somehow. Pick any one for your girls night next weekend and you won't regret it.
