Lucas (1986)

Starring: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder

Well, I’m afraid… you’ll have to, sir… dick around with me. The Supreme Court, by virtue of the sexual discrimination act says, that if anyone tries out for a team sport has to be given the same chance as everyone else. Now, if you wish to cut me based on my performance, that’s your right, but I’ll take you to court if you try it before.

Lucas

It’s about falling in love. For the first time.

Lucas Blye, a nerdy 14 years old kid from Chicago, falls in love with Maggie, an older girl who moved to town recently. They become friends and spend some time together during summer until school begins. Lucas is a victim of bullying at school, but he has some kind of protection. It’s coming from older student and football player Cappie Roew. In the meantime, Maggie has a growing crush on Cappie, which angers Lucas. It convinces him to join the football team, with disastrous results for him.

This is a great movie and an accurate depiction of high school life. It’s interesting how the movie added extra dimensions to the love triangle. It’s not all black and white where the good guy wins the girl while the bad guy loses. In fact, the Charlie Sheen character has depth that is rare for that kind of bully-type character. He cares for Lucas but he knows he’s hurting him. Same thing for the Maggie character. She knows Lucas’ feelings for her but he has to mature at this point, she doesn’t go out with him out of pity.

Corey Haim gives a brilliant performance in this movie, he is both adorable and annoying. He created a character that is sometimes too mature for his age and sometimes acting as a real 14 years old kid. Also, a great cast, including Kerri Green, who was in The Goonies the year before, and Charlie Sheen. This was the first movie appearance of Winona Ryder, who went on the have a great movie career.

Lucas is a great coming-of-age movie, and one of the finest roles for Corey Haim. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2010 at the age of 38.

Innerspace (1987)

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan, Kevin McCarthy

We’re gonna drink this one to Ozzie. A good man who tried to save my ass by injecting me into yours.

Lt. Tuck Pendleton

This summer take a trip you’ll never forget.

Fighter pilot Lieutenant Tuck Penelton will take part in an experiment. The large science corporation Vector Scope will run it. He will be miniaturized and injected in a rabbit. But some bad guys infiltrate the operation and steal a microchip. This chip makes the miniaturization possible. A scientist named Ozzie manages to escape with a syringe containing Tuck. He injects him into Jack Putter, a hypochondriac cashier at the grocery store. They will then embark on a journey to try to recover the microchip before it falls in the wrong hands. They will also get help from Tuck’s old girlfriend Lydia, a reporter.

A nice movie, a kind of sci-fi adventure comedy, in the spirit of Back to the Future. But it was far less successful at the box-office. The plot is entertaining, with lots of action, humor, and romance, it’s a wild ride. The visual effects are impressive for that era. The scenes inside the human body left me amazed when I saw this movie as a kid. It left a strong impression in my mind, wishing it could be possible to experience that one day.

Joe Dante directed the film. He gave us Gremlins in 1984, a classic of the era, three years before this movie hit the theaters. It features Dennis Quaid in a perfect role for him and Martin Short. The latter steals the show with one of the funniest performances of his career. Also in the movie, a young Meg Ryan at the beginning of her movie career. She would become a star two years later in When Harry Met Sally…

Innerspace is a highly entertaining film that didn’t get the recognition it deserves.

Youngblood (1986)

Starring: Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, Patrick Swayze, Ed Lauter

Wanna go, pretty boy?

Racki

The ice… The fire… The fight… To be the best.

Youngblood is a 1986 sports drama film directed by Peter Markle, starring Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, and Patrick Swayze. The film also features Keanu Reeves in his first feature film role. Set in the world of minor league hockey, the movie follows the journey of Dean Youngblood (Rob Lowe), a 17-year-old farm boy from rural New York who dreams of playing in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Dean’s father disapproves of his aspirations, but his brother Kelly supports him and convinces their father to let Dean pursue his dream. Dean travels to Canada to try out for the Hamilton Mustangs, a minor league team. Despite his impressive offensive skills, Dean’s lack of physical toughness earns him the nickname “Pretty Boy” and puts him at odds with Carl Racki (George Finn), a rival player known for his dirty tactics.

“Youngblood” is a quintessential 1980s sports drama that captures the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. While the film adheres to a well-worn formula, it manages to stand out due to its engaging performances and the unique setting of minor league hockey. Rob Lowe delivers a convincing performance as Dean Youngblood, showcasing both his athleticism and his ability to convey the emotional journey of a young athlete. Patrick Swayze, as the seasoned mentor, adds depth to the film with his charismatic presence.

This is a must watch for any sports fan, a true classic.

The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)

Starring: Helen Slater, Keith Gordon, Christian Slater, Richard Bradford

$608 dollars for the scooter your son trashed. That’s what you owe, and we’re NOT turnin’ ourselves in til we get it. Fair is fair! We didn’t start this, we didn’t mean it to happen, but we’re not givin’ up til you pay. FAIR IS FAIR!

Billie Jean

The last thing she ever expected was to become a hero.

The Legend of Billie Jean is a 1985 American action drama film directed by Matthew Robbins. The movie stars Helen Slater as Billie Jean Davy, a teenager from Corpus Christi, Texas, who becomes an unexpected symbol of justice and rebellion.The story begins with Billie Jean and her younger brother, Binx (played by Christian Slater), enjoying a day out when Binx’s scooter is stolen and vandalized by a local bully, Hubie Pyatt. When Billie Jean confronts Hubie’s father, Mr. Pyatt, to demand the $608 needed to repair the scooter, he attempts to assault her. In the ensuing chaos, Binx accidentally shoots Mr. Pyatt with a gun he finds in the shop, and the siblings, along with their friends Ophelia and Putter, become fugitives.

As they evade the authorities, Billie Jean’s quest for justice transforms her into a folk hero. She cuts her hair short and makes a video demanding fair treatment and the money to fix the scooter. Her message resonates with teenagers across the country, who see her as a modern-day Joan of Arc fighting against injustice.

The film explores themes of fairness, empowerment, and the struggle against systemic injustice. Billie Jean’s catchphrase, “Fair is fair,” becomes a rallying cry for her supporters. The movie also features a memorable soundtrack, including Pat Benatar’s hit song “Invincible,” which underscores the film’s rebellious spirit.

Despite its modest box office performance, The Legend of Billie Jean has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its strong performances, particularly by Helen Slater, and its enduring message of standing up for what is right.

The Accidental Tourist (1988)

Starring: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davis, Amy Wright

Even the most disciplined professional traveler may sometimes stumble across that unexpected item he feels he simply must take home. That’s fine; as long as one is willing to accept the inconvenience and awkwardness that comes with each additional piece of baggage.

Macon

I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s not just how much you love someone. Maybe what matters is who you are when you’re with them.

The Accidental Tourist is a 1988 American romantic drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, based on the novel by Anne Tyler. The film stars William Hurt as Macon Leary, a travel writer who specializes in guides for people who dislike traveling. Macon’s life is turned upside down after the tragic death of his son, Ethan, which leads to the disintegration of his marriage to Sarah, played by Kathleen Turner.

Macon’s grief and emotional detachment cause Sarah to leave him, and he is left alone with their dog, Edward. During this period, Macon meets Muriel Pritchett, portrayed by Geena Davis, an eccentric dog trainer with a sickly son. Muriel’s vibrant and unconventional personality contrasts sharply with Macon’s reserved and controlled demeanor. Despite their differences, Macon finds himself drawn to Muriel, and she helps him begin to heal from his grief.

As Macon and Muriel’s relationship develops, Macon starts to open up emotionally and becomes a father figure to Muriel’s son. However, complications arise when Sarah re-enters Macon’s life, suggesting they give their marriage another try. This creates a conflict for Macon, who must choose between the safety of his past and the uncertain promise of a new beginning with Muriel.

The film explores themes of loss, healing, and the complexities of human relationships. It is noted for its nuanced performances, particularly by William Hurt and Geena Davis, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role. The movie’s contemplative pace and emotional depth make it a poignant exploration of how people cope with grief and find love in unexpected places.

This is a forgotten gem that needs to be rewatched for Geena Davis’s performance alone.

The 80’s had a lot of great duos, mostly coming from Europe. Strangely, this trend declined in the next decades, successful duos are very rare in the 2000s. Here are some of the greatest from the best decade in music.

Hall & Oates

This is the only American duo on the list, it’s also the only one having success before the 80’s started. The Daryl Hall and John Oates association was dominating the airwaves in the early part of the decade. Their blend of pop with blue-eyes soul was irresistible, that led to five number-one hits from 1980 to 1984. They remain one of the most successful artists of the 80’s, and are still somewhat underrated.

Hall & Oates hits:

• Kiss on My List
• Private Eyes
• I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)
• Maneater
• Out of Touch

Eurythmics

The duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart was really influential in the development of the synth-pop sound of the early 80’s. The release of Sweet Dreams in 1983 was the start of it all, helped with the androgynous look of Lennox, perfect for the MTV era. Their three following albums (Touch, Be Yourself Tonight, and Revenge), released on back to back years, were massive successes. They left a legacy of great songwriting and versatility in style.

Eurythmics hits:

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
• Who’s That Girl?
• Here Comes the Rain Again
• Would I Lie to You?
• There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)

Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears was formed in 1981 by childhood friends Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. They started as a New Wave synth-pop band, but evolved to an adult, pop-rock, Beatles influenced band. They are both great musicians and vocalists, but it’s the songwriting and melodies that help them achieve success.

Tears for Fears hits:

• Mad World
• Change
• Pale Shelter
• Shout
• Everybody Wants to Rule the World
• Sowing the Seeds of Love

Wham!

Although the lifespan of Wham! was really short, four years and three albums, the impact was big. The duo of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael became a world phenomenon with the release of their second album Make It Big in 1984. They had the sound, pop music influenced by the 50s and 60s icons, the looks, both young and attractive, and the angelic voice of Michael, who went to have a very successful solo career.

Wham! hits:

• Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
• Careless Whisper
• Freedom
• Everything She Wants
• Last Christmas

Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, is one of the most successful duos coming from England. They classify as a synth-pop group, but their sound is hard to define. Singer Tennant has an unique voice, especially in West End Girls, where he alternates between singing and a spoken voice. That song remains a classic of the decade.

Pet Shop Boys hits:

• West End Girls
• Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)
• It’s a Sin
• What Have I Done to Deserve This?
• Always on My Mind

Roxette

This Swedish duo, consisting of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, became popular at the end of the 80’s. In fact, a few of their hits were released in the 90’s, mainly on the album Joyride from 1991. But it’s the album Look Sharp! (1988) that made them famous. Already a big hit in their homeland, it got some help from an American exchange student who brought the song The Look in an US radio station. The rest is history.

Roxette hits:

• Dressed for Success
• Listen to Your Heart
• The Look
• Dangerous
• It Must Have Been Love

Yazoo

The duo Yazoo, known as Yaz in the US, was formed after keyboardist Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode and joined singer Alison Moyet. The combination of electronic music with soulful vocals proved to be successful. The song Situation became a worldwide dance hit in 1982, it was groundbreaking and influential for the rest of the decade. Unfortunately the duo only lasted for two albums, Moyet went on to have a successful solo career, while Clarke…

Yazoo hits:

• Only You
• Don’t Go
• Situation

Erasure

Here’s a familiar face, keyboardist Vince Clarke, now teaming up with singer Andy Bell to form the duo Erasure. This association would prove to be solid, the duo is still active today. And although their chart success is limited in the US, they were really popular in Europe. They were also really influential in the LGBT community, helped by signer Bell, an openly gay icon.

Erasure hits:

• Sometimes
• Chains of Love
• A Little Respect

Modern Talking

Modern Talking was a German duo consisting of producer Dieter Bohlen and singer Thomas Anders. Although they didn’t have chart success in America, they were huge in Europe. They were a big part of the Europop style, following the legacy of ABBA. The high-pitched falsetto choruses are a trademark of this great duo.

Modern Talking hits:

• You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul
• Cheri, Cheri Lady
• Brother Louie

Soft Cell

Soft Cell is a synth-pop duo formed by vocalist Mark Almond and instrumentalist David Ball. Even though they have twelve top 40 hits in the UK, they are widely considered as a one-hit-wonder in North America. Their cover of Gloria Jones Tainted Love is a classic from the early 80’s. They deserve to be on this list for the legacy of this song.

Soft Cell hits:

• Tainted Love
• Sex Dwarf

Honorable mentions

I need to mention two bands, Air Supply and Wang Chung. These bands are worthy to be on this list but, even though they are currently known as duos, they were technically full bands with more than two members when they were popular.

It’s Halloween in a few days. What better way to revisit some great songs from the 80s about Halloween, from a scary movie soundtrack, or just about being scared. Here are ten songs to put on your playlist for Halloween.

Somebody’s Watching Me

Rockwell (1984)

First on the list is a song that is sometimes mistaken for a Michael Jackson song. While it’s true that the king of pop sings the chorus on this, the song is from the artist Rockwell. His real name is Kennedy William Gordy, he is the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. That probably explains why he and the Jackson brothers were childhood friends. It’s hard to tell if the song would have been a hit without the catchy chorus sung by Michael. But this was the only hit of Rockwell’s short music career.

Nevertheless, even if it’s a definite one-hit-wonder, the song is a classic for Halloween. With its paranoia theme and its spooky video, referencing such horror classics as Psycho and The Dead Zone, it deserves a place on this list.

Dead Man’s Party

Oingo Boingo (1985)

This song was featured in the American comedy Back to School. The band Oingo Boingo can be seen performing that song in a memorable party scene from the movie. But despite this appearance in a movie that is unrelated to the Halloween theme and the ska arrangements, this is definitely a scary song. The lyrics are about a funeral, but with a strong dose of dark humor, this is evident with a title like Dead Man’s Party.

Lead singer Danny Elfman would later get recognition with his work on film scores, especially while teaming up with director Tim Burton. The two are a perfect fit, Elfman’s dark and eerie scores enhance the gothic atmosphere of Butron’s movies. Danny Elfman also wrote the Simpsons theme, the animated series well-known for its Halloween specials. There is no doubt that Elfman and Boingo are not out of place on a Halloween list.

Bark at the Moon

Ozzy Osbourne (1983)

Heavy metal and horror go well together and this song is a great example. This is the title track of the 3rd solo album by the Prince of darkness himself. It’s also the first album released after the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, Ozzy’s previous guitarist on the first two records. This time it’s Jake E. Lee who has the opportunity to showcase his talents on the six-string instrument. Lee was previously in early incarnations of Ratt and Ronnie James Dio’s solo band, but it’s with Ozzy he made a name for himself.

The song is about a beast that was killed, buried, and now coming back to life for vengeance. But the video clip tells a different story, borrowing from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with Ozzy playing the role of a mad scientist. He ingests a substance at his laboratory, causing him to transform into a werewolf. The video clip is cheesy, like most of the early 80s clips (with a few exceptions, like one famous video clip later on this list). But the song is fun, with one of the best intro riff in heavy metal history.

Everyday Is Like Halloween

Ministry (1984)

For most of us, myself included, Ministry is an industrial metal band having great success in the early 90s. But in fact, the band was formed as early as 1981, and it started as a synth-pop act, with a gothic edge. The song was released as a B-Side in 1984. It became the band’s most famous song of the synth-pop era, an anthem for the gothic community.

Ghostbusters

Ray Parker Jr. (1984)

This is one of the most famous movie theme songs of the 80s, it’s a classic that every generation knows. The movie was a massive success, a beloved film from that great decade. It’s a rare occurrence where the movie and the theme are both hits that stood the test of time, they pushed the success of the other, but they would have probably succeeded without the other.

Although Ray Parker Jr. had other minor hits, this is by far his most successful song, he is often referred as a one-hit-wonder. He was asked to create the theme song of the movie in a short period of time, making it really difficult. But he was inspired by a cheap commercial on TV, which gave the song its famous tone, it was a great move that led to an amazing hit.

He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)

Alice Cooper (1986)

Shock rock star Alice Cooper and Halloween is another perfect combo. This song was the first single from the album Constrictor, released in 1986. But it’s more famous for being the theme song from the slasher movie Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. It features the whispered sound effect that is a trademark of the film series.

The song is a bit of a departure for Alice Cooper, most of the rock elements are removed. It’s a synth-heavy arrangement, inspired by the New Wave sound of the early 80s, but with the pop flavor of 1986. It’s a great song of the era, fun and cheesy, and it works perfectly in the movie.

Halloween

Siouxsie and the Banshees (1981)

This is the only song on the list that was not released as a single, but a song dedicated to the night of Halloween needed to be on the list. This is from the 1981 album Juju by the English group Siouxsie and the Banshees. Although they are not really well-known in the pop universe, they are highly influential in the post-punk and gothic rock genres. Lead singer Siouxsie Sioux (Susan Janet Ballion is her real name) has been cited as an inspirational figure by 90s female alt-rock singers such as PJ Harvey, Shirley Manson, and Courtney Love.

The track is energic, full of dissonant guitars. The arrangements by guitarist John McGeoch are brilliant and unique. This underrated musician made his mark in the alternative movement starting at the end of the 70s and through the 80s. He was part of other critically acclaimed bands like Magazine, Visage, Public Image Ltd, and The Sugarcubes. Sadly, he passed away in his sleep at the young age of 48.

Dream Warriors

Dokken (1987)

This song, from the American heavy metal band Dokken, was recorded for the movie A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. It also appears on the band’s fourth album Back for the Attack. This is one of the best of what the heavy/hair metal had to offer in this era. Great and versatile vocals by singer Don Dokken, and amazing work on the six-strings by guitarist virtuoso George Lynch.

The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise is one of the best that emerged from the 80s. The combination of slasher horror and dark humor, with a dose of fantasy, made Freddy Krueger an unforgettable character. The video clip for the song is in the same vein, with scenes from the movie alternating with footage with the band, fighting Freddy, and saving the day. It doesn’t get cheesier than that, but it’s that kind of fun the 80s were all about.

Weird Science

Oingo Boingo (1985)

This is another song from the band Oingo Boingo, but they deserve this second entry on this list. The band’s nature is forever linked to Halloween. As a matter of fact, they used to have an annual Halloween show in California, this lasted until the band disbanded in 1995. Their last Halloween show, called Farewell, was released as a live album and DVD. But, strangely enough, this song was never part of the 3 hours setlist, perhaps it wasn’t really appreciated within the band.

Nevertheless, it was a big hit when it came out, it’s the main theme of the movie with the same name. The John Hugues movie, a teen science fiction comedy, is a funny take on the classic Frankenstein story. The video clip for the song includes scenes from the movie, with other with the band in a laboratory, it’s not a memorable video. It’s the only Boingo clip without input from band leader Danny Elfman. It reached no. 45 on the Billboard 100, the highest-charting single of the band’s career.

Thriller

Michael Jackson (1984)

Last but not the least, can we possibly make a list about Halloween without Thriller by Michael Jackson? This is one of the most iconic songs, artists, and video clips of the 80s and the whole concept is perfect for Halloween. The video clip is a landmark in history, it’s a mini horror movie. It also showed the possibilities and power of the medium.

The song also features and long spoken narration by classic horror movie star Vincent Price, his maniacal laughter ends the song on a scary note. There are sounds of werewolves, the video has a zombie invasion, it’s a perfect recipe for the ultimate Halloween song.