Reflecting on my childhood, I often find myself questioning the bizarre humor I developed. However, when I compiled this list of ’80s films that shaped my formative years, it all began to make sense. I watched these movies repeatedly—at least a hundred times each—until they became deeply embedded in my psyche. Each film captivated me with its unique brilliance, and I still feel the same way today. Here’s a rundown of ten movies, presented chronologically, that warped my perspective on life. Can you relate?
1. The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)
A suburban mother begins shrinking to under a foot tall after a reaction to her husband’s toxic perfume. After a near-death experience in the garbage disposal, she’s kidnapped by a mad scientist and forms an unlikely friendship with a gorilla. This definitely changed my view of children’s toys forever.
2. Tootsie (1982)
An out-of-work actor disguises himself as an older woman to snag a role in a male-dominated Hollywood. Because, of course, older women are just overflowing with roles, right? Lucky for him, a determined man in a wig managed to secure the role. Who needs to worry about ageism when you have a comedy twist?
3. The Man With Two Brains (1983)
A widowed neurosurgeon who pioneered “cranial screw-top” surgery marries a gold-digging woman but falls for a brain that he can communicate with telepathically. His wife, envious of his relationship with the brain-in-a-jar, plots to eliminate the competition. A totally normal narrative, right?
4. Flashdance (1983)
By night, she’s a stripper; by day, a welder who dreams of becoming a ballerina. After being courted by her boss, she eventually gets accepted into the prestigious Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance, thanks to her unique dance style. Talk about an unconventional role model!
5. Electric Dreams (1984)
In this quirky love triangle, a man, a woman, and a personal computer vie for each other’s affection. The computer takes control of the man’s home, leading to a series of comedic mishaps, culminating in a shocking suicide attempt by the computer. Not at all traumatizing for young viewers.
6. Ruthless People (1986)
A fashion designer and her goofy boyfriend kidnap her former boss’s wife to extort money, but he’s oddly indifferent and encourages their plot to murder her. The kidnapped wife bonds with her captor over fashion and sheds weight, prompting her husband to want her back. This was certainly a pivotal moment for my understanding of body image.
7. Overboard (1987)
A carpenter seeks revenge on a wealthy heiress suffering from amnesia by convincing her she’s his wife and making her work as a maid. Amidst the deception, they surprisingly fall in love while she helps his children and renovates his home. Nothing like a little kidnapping to spark romance!
8. Raising Arizona (1987)
When a couple learns they can’t have children, they decide to kidnap one of the local quintuplets. As various criminals enter the fray, the film challenges the viewer to root for the unlikely kidnappers. Who doesn’t love a good heist involving babies?
9. Mannequin (1987)
An unemployed man finds solace in a mannequin he falls in love with, who magically comes to life just for him. This odd fantasy somehow resonated with audiences and questioned societal norms regarding relationships.
10. Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Two employees discover their boss has been murdered and must pretend he’s alive during a weekend getaway. With a series of absurd events, including a local woman becoming romantically involved with the corpse, this film takes dark humor to a whole new level.
As the ’90s arrived, the tone of films shifted, but these ’80s classics left a lasting impression.
For those navigating pregnancy and related topics, Women’s Health provides excellent resources, and if you’re interested in boosting fertility, you might find this article on fertility supplements helpful. Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to combat illness, check out this guide on natural remedies.
In summary, these ten films from the ’80s may have had twisted plots, but they shaped my understanding of humor and life in unexpected ways.