In the realm of cinematic storytelling, I find myself drawn to narratives steeped in reality, eschewing fantastical creatures, dystopian futures, and extraterrestrial locales. Give me a heartfelt romance or a gripping historical thriller any day. While I take a firm stance against the presence of vampires in my viewing experience—though I’ll make an exception for Harry Potter, whose creator is undeniably brilliant—I have found myself in a rather ironic predicament. My children, however, are utterly enraptured by the very elements I typically disdain.
When they beckon me to join them for a superhero flick, I can barely suppress my exasperation. Space travel, robots, and mythical beings are their cinematic bread and butter, while I dread Family Movie Night as a personal trial. Yet, upon realizing that my offspring were venturing deeper into this realm of cinematic absurdity, I recognized the necessity to regain control. Thus, I turned to the golden era of filmmaking—the ’80s—hoping to steer their interests toward a more palatable version of sci-fi. If I must endure epic battles with giant furry creatures, at least I would do so with the charmingly cheesy sci-fi films of my youth.
Here are my top five must-watch selections:
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Back to the Future Trilogy
This quintessential ’80s sci-fi saga meets my desire for at least semi-accurate historical fiction. Sure, the time travel elements come with their own quirks, but who can resist a flying car? Michael J. Fox’s endearing portrayal of Marty McFly takes us on a thrilling ride through time, supported by the eccentric Doc Brown. Together, they navigate the complexities of the space-time continuum, all while Marty aims to prevent his parents from making regrettable life choices. It’s a delightful romp, even if I still long for the pizza hydrator depicted in the future. -
Space Camp
Watching this film at a drive-in in 1986 inspired my dream of working for NASA—or at least attending their summer camp. The plot follows four teens, including ’80s icons Kelly Preston and Leah Thompson, who unintentionally launch into space on a real shuttle. While I once found the premise entirely plausible, I now question how NASA vetted the camp counselors overseeing such an adventure. This film is packed with thrilling space exploration, high stakes, and even a charming robot named Jinx. Plus, it features a young Joaquin Phoenix before his transformation into a modern-day enigma. -
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Despite my general aversion to science fiction, E.T. manages to warm even my icy heart. Recently, I watched this classic with my children and found myself cheering for Elliot as he evaded authorities with E.T. nestled in his bicycle basket. I admit I even shed a tear at the film’s conclusion, pondering how Elliot’s mother balanced parenting with her job while leaving her children with a potentially hazardous extraterrestrial. E.T. captured the hearts of many in the ’80s, and it’s essential for our kids to appreciate how, long before smart technology, E.T. had the ultimate method for “phoning home.” -
The Last Starfighter
For kids enamored with video games, this film is a treasure. Teenager Alex Rogan spends hours mastering an arcade game called Starfighter, using it as an escape from his mundane trailer park life. Upon conquering the game, he discovers it was designed to recruit exceptional pilots for an ongoing space conflict. Naturally, Alex rises to the challenge, becoming a hero in the gaming community. My own son became so captivated that he gamed tirelessly, hoping for his own chance at interstellar glory. Unfortunately, such adventures are strictly confined to the ’80s. -
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
This film is perhaps my favorite from the decade, largely due to Rick Moranis’s portrayal of the hapless inventor. His character, Wayne Szalinski, accidentally shrinks his children with a homemade invention, setting off a wild backyard adventure. While my version would likely be titled “Mommy Lost Her Mind Because Daddy Messed Up,” Disney’s take offers a delightful family-friendly narrative.
While my cinematic tastes may differ from my children’s, revisiting the ’80s proves to be an enjoyable journey. And if I’m honest, I may not fully embrace the world of Stormtroopers, but I can certainly relish a few hours spent with Harrison Ford.
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In summary, these five ’80s sci-fi films provide a perfect blend of nostalgia and entertainment for families, ensuring that even parents can find something to appreciate amidst the magical and fantastical.
Keyphrase: 1980s sci-fi movies to watch with kids
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