The 1980s were a golden era for movies, giving birth to some of the most iconic, genre-defining films of all time. Whether you were into heartwarming rom-coms or full-throttle action flicks, the decade had something for everyone.
Now, we all know that when it comes to remakes, most of the time they don’t exactly live up to the originals (looking at you, Ghostbusters 2016). But every now and then, we get a remake that absolutely nails it— where it be It (2017) that brought Stephen King’s classic back to life or Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) that gave the original a astoundlingly extravagant update.
That being said, not every ’80s gem has had its time in the remake spotlight. And if done right, there are definitely a few movies from that era that could get a modern twist while still keeping that nostalgic magic we all love.
Let’s dive into 10 ’80s movies that we reckon would make for fantastic remakes in the 2020s:
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
What’s the plot? This charming tale follows Harry and Sally over a span of 12 years as they navigate the tricky waters of friendship, love, and everything in between. It’s a delightful exploration of whether men and women can truly be just friends.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan was electric, and the witty dialogue became an instant classic. The film’s ability to capture the nuances of relationships, combined with its memorable scenes (like the famous diner moment), made it a beloved staple.
Why it could work in the 2020s: In today’s world of dating apps, social media, and constantly shifting relationship dynamics, the story would take on fresh relevance. A remake could dive deeper into the complexities of modern communication and how technology impacts relationships, while still maintaining the humor and heart that made the original unforgettable.
2. Sixteen Candles (1984)
What’s the plot? Samantha Baker is dealing with the chaos of turning sixteen, from family neglect to an unrequited crush on the school’s most popular guy. It’s a quirky, coming-of-age story with a lot of heart and humor.
Why it worked in the ’80s: Directed by John Hughes, the film captured the awkwardness and emotional intensity of teenage life. It resonated with teens who felt like they were stuck in a world of social pressure and family drama.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A modern version could explore the pressures of social media on teen self-image, along with the changing landscape of teen romance, identity, and inclusion. With a talented cast, it could be both nostalgic and relevant to today’s youth.
3. The Lost Boys (1987)
What’s the plot? After moving to a new town, two brothers find themselves drawn into the world of vampires. As they try to unravel the mystery of the strange happenings in town, they must face off against a gang of vampires led by a charismatic leader.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The Lost Boys combined youthful rebellion with supernatural thrills, mixing horror and comedy in a way that resonated with the era’s fascination with both vampires and rock ‘n’ roll. The film had a sense of cool, with a soundtrack and characters that defined the youth culture of the time.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A modern version could explore themes of outsider culture, generational divides, and how rebellion looks in the age of social media and shifting societal norms. The vampires could symbolize modern-day “outsiders” or people who feel disconnected from society’s expectations, giving the film a fresh emotional depth while still embracing the thrill of the supernatural.
4. Blue Thunder (1983)
What’s the plot? In this high-stakes action thriller, a Los Angeles police officer is assigned to pilot a state-of-the-art helicopter called Blue Thunder. As he uncovers a conspiracy involving the military, he must use his skills to stop a dangerous operation before it’s too late.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The combination of cutting-edge technology, tense action, and conspiracy thrills made it a standout in the early ’80s. The film’s portrayal of high-tech weaponry and government overreach was very timely during the Cold War era.
Why it could work in the 2020s: Today, a remake could modernize the technology (perhaps with drones or advanced surveillance tools) and explore more contemporary themes like the militarization of law enforcement, privacy concerns, and the ethical use of surveillance. It would offer a fresh spin on the political thriller genre, making it just as relevant today as it was in the ’80s.
5. Lethal Weapon (1987)
What’s the plot? This buddy cop film follows a suicidal, unstable cop, Martin Riggs, and his more methodical partner, Roger Murtaugh, as they take on a dangerous drug cartel. It’s an action-packed ride with emotional depth and humor.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The film had the perfect combination of action, comedy, and camaraderie. The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover was undeniable, making their dynamic one of the most iconic in action movie history.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A remake could explore the evolving dynamic between law enforcement and the public, adding more relevant social commentary to the mix. The action would benefit from modern technology, and the characters could be updated to reflect today’s society.
6. Spaceballs (1987)
What’s the plot? A parody of Star Wars and other space operas, Spaceballs is a hilarious romp through the cosmos, where Princess Vespa and her team must escape the evil Dark Helmet and his army.
Why it worked in the ’80s: Mel Brooks’ genius for satire, coupled with over-the-top performances and ridiculous jokes, made Spaceballs a fan-favorite. It was a perfect spoof of the sci-fi craze that was sweeping the decade.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A remake could parody the massive blockbusters of today, like the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. With an updated sense of humor, poking fun at the overwhelming nature of modern pop culture could result in a fresh and hilarious take.
7. Airplane! (1980)
What’s the plot? A spoof of disaster films, Airplane! follows Ted Striker, an ex-fighter pilot, as he must save a flight full of passengers after the crew falls ill. The film is packed with absurd gags and puns.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The fast-paced, slapstick humor and countless visual gags made it a revolutionary comedy of its time. The film’s influence on the spoof genre is still felt today.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A modern remake could poke fun at current global issues like air travel mishaps, bureaucracy, and technology. With a fresh cast and updated visual effects, the nonsensical humor could feel just as sharp as it did in the ’80s.
8. Escape from New York (1981)
What’s the plot? Set in a dystopian future where Manhattan has become a maximum-security prison, Snake Plissken is sent in to rescue the U.S. president after his plane crashes in the city.
Why it worked in the ’80s: The gritty, dystopian vision of New York as a prison island was both a product of its time and a chilling prediction of a future society. Kurt Russell’s Snake became a symbol of anti-hero cool.
Why it could work in the 2020s: A modern version could explore themes of societal breakdown, surveillance states, and the consequences of political corruption. The story could reflect modern anxieties about the disintegration of public institutions, urban decay, and the fear of a growing “us vs. them” mentality.
9. They Live (1988)
What’s the plot? A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to see the world as it truly is: controlled by aliens who are manipulating humanity through mass media and advertising.
Why it worked in the ’80s: They Live blended action, science fiction, and social commentary in a way that felt ahead of its time. It was a sharp critique of consumerism and corporate control, delivered through a genre lens.
Why it could work in the 2020s: In a world where the influence of media and corporate interests is more apparent than ever, a modern remake could explore the growing impact of surveillance, media manipulation, and societal control, possibly even tying in modern conspiracy theories. It could also comment on the growing divide between the elite and the masses in today’s global economy.
10. Streets of Fire (1984)
What’s the plot? Set in a stylized, neo-noir world, Streets of Fire follows a rock-and-roll singer who is kidnapped by a gang, and her ex-boyfriend, a mercenary, is hired to rescue her. It’s a visually striking film that blends action, romance, and music.
Why it worked in the ’80s: Directed by Walter Hill, the film’s blend of rock music, gritty action, and comic-book-like visuals made it feel unique and stylish for its time. The mixture of genres gave it a cult following, even if it wasn’t a massive box office hit.
Why it could work in the 2020s: Today, Streets of Fire could be reimagined to explore themes of fame, identity, and rebellion in the modern age. With a focus on contemporary music, bold visuals, and an updated soundtrack, it could strike a chord with today’s audience while keeping its retro energy intact. The merging of action, music, and love stories could appeal to multiple genres, making it a dynamic remake for modern viewers.
Do you agree with our picks, or is there another ’80s classic you think deserves a modern remake? Drop your favorites in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going—who knows, maybe your suggestion will be the next big remake!
