If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if The Goonies met The X-Files and then got a heavy dose of '80s nostalgia, Stranger Things is your answer. This Netflix phenomenon doesn’t just nod to the '80s—it practically lives there, complete with kids on bikes, walkie-talkies, and a soundtrack that could make any synthwave fan weep with joy. The show’s supernatural twists and turns are gripping, but it’s the friendships and small-town charm that keep us hooked. Plus, let’s be real: Eleven’s love for Eggo waffles is the kind of product placement we can all get behind.
What makes Stranger Things so special is how it balances its love letter to the '80s with genuinely compelling storytelling. Sure, the Demogorgon is terrifying, but so is the awkwardness of middle school dances and first crushes. And let’s not forget the adults—Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers is the ultimate stressed-out mom, and David Harbour’s Hopper is the gruff-yet-lovable sheriff we didn’t know we needed.
If you’ve ever wished you could skip the awkward teenage years and wake up as a confident adult, 13 Going on 30 is here to remind you: be careful what you wish for. This charming rom-com takes us on a whirlwind journey through the early 2000s, but it’s Jenna Rink’s obsession with the '80s that gives the movie its nostalgic heart. From her love of Thriller to her childhood dreams of being “thirty, flirty, and thriving” (there’s that word), the '80s are baked into Jenna’s DNA—and the movie’s most memorable moments.
What makes 13 Going on 30 so delightful is how it captures the innocence and optimism of the '80s through Jenna’s wide-eyed perspective. Watching her navigate adulthood with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store is both hilarious and heartwarming. And let’s not forget the iconic Thriller dance scene, which is basically a love letter to every '80s party you wish you’d been invited to.
The '80s were a decade of excess, and no film captures that better than The Wolf of Wall Street. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this wild ride through the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort is a masterclass in indulgence, debauchery, and questionable life choices. From the power suits to the absurdly over-the-top office parties, the movie doesn’t just set itself in the '80s—it revels in the decade’s unapologetic greed and glamour. It’s like watching a financial train wreck in slow motion, but with a killer soundtrack and Leonardo DiCaprio at the wheel.
What makes The Wolf of Wall Street so captivating is its ability to make you laugh, cringe, and gasp all at once. The '80s backdrop amplifies the absurdity, with its cocaine-fueled boardroom antics and yacht-sized egos. And let’s not forget Jonah Hill’s unforgettable performance as Donnie Azoff, whose teeth alone deserve their own award. While the movie is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, it’s also a darkly comedic celebration of the '80s mantra: “More is more.”
Adventureland is the perfect blend of '80s nostalgia and coming-of-age awkwardness, wrapped up in the neon glow of a run-down amusement park. Set in 1987, this indie gem follows recent college grad James Brennan as he takes a summer job at the titular theme park, where the games are rigged, the rides are questionable, and the life lessons come free with every funnel cake. It’s a love letter to the kind of summer where nothing goes as planned, but everything somehow feels life-changing.
What makes Adventureland stand out is its ability to capture the bittersweet charm of the '80s without overdoing it. The soundtrack is a mixtape of the decade’s greatest hits, from The Cure to Lou Reed, and the fashion is delightfully low-key (think more flannel shirts, fewer leg warmers). Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg bring an understated chemistry to their roles, making the story feel authentic and relatable. And let’s not forget Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig as the park’s eccentric managers—they’re the chaotic energy every '80s workplace comedy needs.
While Call Me By Your Name is more of a slow-burn romance than an '80s nostalgia fest, its setting in 1983 Northern Italy gives it a subtle yet undeniable connection to the decade. The film follows the blossoming relationship between Elio, a precocious teenager, and Oliver, a confident graduate student, during one sun-drenched summer. The '80s details are understated—think Walkmans and short shorts—but they add a quiet authenticity to the story, grounding it in a time before smartphones and social media complicated everything.
What makes Call Me By Your Name so unforgettable is its ability to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of first love. The '80s backdrop feels like a simpler, more innocent time, where the biggest distractions were cassette tapes and bike rides through the countryside. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer deliver performances that are equal parts tender and heartbreaking, while the lush cinematography makes every frame look like a postcard. And let’s not forget the music—Sufjan Stevens’ hauntingly beautiful songs blend seamlessly with the era’s classical and pop influences. This is a film that doesn’t shout its '80s setting but whispers it, making it all the more poignant and timeless.
While No Country for Old Men is set in 1980, it’s not the kind of '80s story that comes with neon lights and synth-heavy soundtracks. Instead, this Coen Brothers masterpiece dives into the gritty, desolate landscapes of West Texas, where the decade’s darker undercurrents take center stage. The film follows a cat-and-mouse game between a hunter, a hitman, and a sheriff, with Javier Bardem’s chilling portrayal of Anton Chigurh stealing the show—and your sleep.
The '80s setting here is subtle but significant, reflecting a time of shifting morality and growing disconnection. The lack of cell phones and modern technology heightens the tension, making every decision feel more immediate and dangerous. Tommy Lee Jones’ weary sheriff serves as a poignant reminder of a world that’s changing faster than he can keep up.
Stephen King’s It has always been a story about fear, friendship, and a killer clown, but the 2017 adaptation gave it a fresh twist by setting the Losers’ Club’s childhood in the 1980s. From BMX bikes to New Kids on the Block references, the film leans into the decade’s aesthetic while delivering a terrifying tale of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. It’s like Stand by Me meets your worst nightmare, with a side of '80s nostalgia to soften the blow.
What makes It so effective is how it balances the supernatural horror with the very real struggles of growing up. The '80s setting amplifies the kids’ sense of isolation—no cell phones, no internet, just a group of misfits banding together to face their fears. The cast of young actors brings humor and heart to the story, making their bond feel authentic and relatable. And let’s not forget Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, whose unsettling grin will haunt you long after the credits roll.
Set in the late '80s, American Psycho is a darkly comedic dive into the excess and emptiness of Wall Street culture. Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman is the ultimate antihero—a wealthy, narcissistic investment banker with a penchant for Huey Lewis and, well, murder. The film’s satirical take on the decade’s obsession with status and materialism is as sharp as Bateman’s axe, making it both horrifying and hilariously absurd.
The '80s setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. From the designer suits to the meticulously curated playlists, every detail screams the era’s obsession with appearances. But beneath the slick surface lies a biting critique of the decade’s moral bankruptcy. Bale’s performance is equal parts chilling and captivating, making Bateman a character you can’t look away from, even when you want to.
Netflix’s GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) is a glittery, spandex-clad love letter to the '80s, following a group of misfit women as they form a professional wrestling show. Set in Los Angeles, the series is packed with big hair, bigger personalities, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a story about empowerment, friendship, and finding your voice—whether you’re in the ring or out of it.
What makes GLOW so special is its ability to balance campy fun with genuine emotion. The '80s aesthetic is spot-on, from the neon leotards to the synth-heavy soundtrack, but it’s the characters that truly shine. Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin lead a stellar ensemble cast, bringing depth and humor to their roles. And Marc Maron’s grumpy director, Sam Sylvia, is the perfect foil to the women’s infectious energy.
If you’ve ever wanted to relive the '80s through the eyes of a quirky, lovable family, The Goldbergs is your ticket. This sitcom is a nostalgic romp through the decade, complete with mixtapes, video stores, and plenty of shoulder pads. Narrated by an adult Adam Goldberg looking back on his childhood, the show is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, capturing the chaos and charm of growing up in a loud, loving family.
What sets The Goldbergs apart is its ability to poke fun at the '80s while celebrating everything that made the decade so memorable. The pop culture references are spot-on, from Star Wars debates to Knight Rider obsessions, and the family dynamics are endlessly relatable. Wendi McLendon-Covey’s overbearing yet endearing Beverly Goldberg is a standout, proving that no one loves harder—or meddles more—than a mom in the '80s.
Though it only lasted one season, Freaks and Geeks has become a cult classic for its honest, hilarious portrayal of high school life in the early '80s. The show follows two groups of misfits—the “freaks” and the “geeks”—as they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence. With its authentic characters and sharp writing, it’s a show that feels timeless, even as it’s steeped in '80s culture.
What makes Freaks and Geeks so beloved is its ability to capture the awkwardness and angst of growing up without ever feeling forced. The '80s setting adds a layer of nostalgia, from the rock band posters on bedroom walls to the painfully accurate fashion choices. The cast, which includes a young James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Linda Cardellini, brings depth and humor to their roles, making every episode a mix of laughter and heartbreak.
Espionage, family drama, and the Cold War collide in The Americans, a gripping series set in the 1980s. The show follows two Soviet spies posing as an all-American couple in suburban Washington, D.C., balancing their covert missions with PTA meetings and teenage rebellion. It’s a tense, thrilling look at the complexities of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
The '80s setting is integral to the story, from the political tensions of the Cold War to the era’s clunky spy gadgets and disguises. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys deliver powerhouse performances as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, making you root for them even as they carry out morally questionable missions. The show’s attention to detail, from the music to the fashion, immerses you in the decade without ever feeling gimmicky.
Firefly Lane is a heartfelt drama about friendship, love, and the passage of time, with the '80s serving as a key chapter in its sprawling timeline. The series follows lifelong best friends Tully and Kate as they navigate the ups and downs of life, flashing back to their formative years in the '80s. It’s a story about the bonds that shape us and the moments that define us, all wrapped in a warm, nostalgic glow.
The '80s flashbacks are a highlight of the show, capturing the era’s spirit through its music, fashion, and youthful optimism. Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke bring depth and nuance to their roles, making Tully and Kate’s friendship feel authentic and relatable. Firefly Lane is a love letter to the friendships that stand the test of time, with the '80s serving as a vibrant backdrop.
Inspired by Chris Rock’s childhood, Everybody Hates Chris is a hilarious and heartfelt sitcom set in the 1980s. The show follows young Chris as he navigates life in Brooklyn, dealing with bullies, strict parents, and the everyday challenges of being a teenager. With its sharp humor and relatable storytelling, the series is a nostalgic look at growing up in a decade of big dreams and even bigger hair.
What makes Everybody Hates Chris so memorable is its ability to find humor in the struggles of adolescence. The '80s setting adds a layer of charm, from the music to the fashion, while the show’s witty narration (courtesy of Chris Rock himself) keeps the laughs coming. Tyler James Williams shines as young Chris, bringing both humor and heart to the role.
While This Is Us spans multiple decades, its '80s flashbacks are some of the most poignant moments in the series. The show follows the Pearson family through different stages of their lives, with the '80s serving as the backdrop for Jack and Rebecca’s parenting journey. From family road trips to awkward school dances, the flashbacks capture the joys and challenges of raising kids in a pre-digital world.
The '80s setting is more than just a nostalgic touch—it’s a window into the family’s foundation, showing how their past shapes their present. Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore deliver standout performances as Jack and Rebecca, making you laugh, cry, and everything in between. The show’s attention to detail, from the costumes to the music, immerses you in the era without overshadowing the story.
