Best 80’s Rom Coms of All Time

Not everyone may like rom coms, but a lot of people surely like the 80’s. So if you’re looking for some good sappy love stories for a girl’s night in or to lift your spirits, check out this list. Despite their cheesiness, many of these award-winning movies generated legendary lines, like “I’ll have what she’s having,” “you killed my father, prepare to die” “I’ve had the time of my life” and much more.

While now much older, many of the young actors starring in these sappy love stories are world-famous today, including Tom Hanks, Molly Ringwald and Nicolas Cage. In fact, many actors were brought to fame through their roles in these 80s movies.

So here are some of the best rom coms of all time, definitely considered part of the classics today.

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Even if you haven’t seen When Harry Met Sally all the way through, most have seen the end of this classical, where Harry (Billy Crystal) rushes to confess his love to his dream woman Sally (Meg Ryan) exactly the minute before midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s one of those unforgettable scenes most widely know for its script-writing, thanks to Nora Ephron. Although as many movies have included stories similar to this, this one is fairly predictable. But still, one of the most famous quotes “I’ll have what she’s having” definitely came from this one. Enjoy this movie by yourself or with the friends, you’ll be glad you’ve seen it!

2. The Princess Bride (1987)

If you’re a hopeless romantic, you have most likely seen The Princess Bride. But if not, you’ll definitely want to! You’ve also probably heard the world-famous quotes “you killed my father, prepare to die” from Inigo (Mandy Patinkin) as well as “inconceivable” from the famous Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and let’s not forget “as you wish” from the irresistibly hot Westley (Cary Elwes). While the story takes place during the Middle Ages, it is actually being told by a grandpa (Peter Falk) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). This was no doubt a love story, however, even a young boy was addicted! Everyone should see this Hollywood hit at least once.

3. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Even if you’re not in high school, you’ll love Sixteen Candles! Centered on a young woman turning sixteen (Molly Ringwald), she ogles over her high school crush, Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) while fending off the flirts of geeky freshman Ted (Anthony Michael Hall). Where the story gets the rest of its fame scene is when her family forgets sixteenth birthday. While parts of this movie aren’t as relatable as before, this movie was greatly known for portraying the life of a teenager, hoping to help the audience understand the younger generation.

4. Say Anything (1989)

If you love John Cusack, you’ll love Say Anything! Featuring the two lives of very different people falling in love just before starting college, certainly sounds unoriginal, yet enticing. With the most famous scene being Lloyd standing outside Diane’s house holding a boombox, desperate to be with her, this movie certainly captures the emotions. It’s also known for highlighting the connection between two people with different backgrounds as they find each other not only attractive, but irresistible.

5. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Starring Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman and her dance instructor Johnny Castle played by Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing captures the complex dance moves and lives of two young stars a strong passion for eachother. While Baby’s father is not a fan of the relationship as he wants her to marry an Ivy League graduate, the two manage to impress everyone with their moves and unbreakable bond.

6. Pretty in Pink (1986)

Still considered a classic today, Pretty in Pink is filled with crazy twists. Andie (Molly Ringwald), an outcast at her Chicago school works at an old record store and hangs out with her best friend Duckie (Jon Cryer), who also has a not-so-secret crush on her. But when one of the rich, popular kids at school, Blane (Andrew McCarthy), nonchalantly asks her out, she’s both flabbergasted and ecstatic as she struggles not to show it. But after getting to know this bad boy, the relationship takes a toll as she discovers hanging out with the populars isn’t that easy.

7. Valley Girl (1983)

If you like Romeo and Juliet, you’ll certainly love Martha Coolidge’s best rom com Valley Girl. This story features the tale of two young teens crazy about eachother, driven together by their separate lifestyles. Julie (Deborah Foreman), living in the Valley, falls madly in love with  Hollywood low-life Randy (Nicolas Cage). As the two spend more time together, they receive a strong pushback from both their friends and family; however, they are determined nothing can keep them apart. This rom com classic was not only Nicolas Cage’s first leading role but is known for playing the hit soundtrack “I Melt With You.”

More 1980s Movies with Romantic Twists

While these movies don’t focus on the starring role’s relationship, there are some romantic twists in these 1980s hit movies. You may also enjoy these films for their creativity and powerful storylines.

8. Big (1988)

In Big, 13-year-old Josh Baskin (David Moscow) turns into a 30-year-old man (Tom Hanks) overnight and meets the beautiful Susan Lawrence (Elizabeth Perkins) at his new job at MacMillen Toy Company. As his child-like behavior comes out strongly when “testing” the toys, Susan becomes charmed with his authentic personality. But as Josh experiences more of adulthood’s pressures, he’s driven to return to his younger self, leaving behind his beloved. One of Tom Hanks’ biggest hits, this movie will leave you laughing and glued to the TV.

9. Girls Just Want to Have Fun

In Girls Just want to Have Fun, talented gymnast Janey (Sarah Jessica Parker) never let her Army colonel father down with his hight standards. But as soon as she moved to a new town to meet the beautiful slacker Lynne (Helen Hunt) her dedication to her father’s orders starts to flounder. With a little push from Lynne, Janey decides to join a TV dance competition where she meets the cute dance partner and rival who is focused on having her eliminated from the contest.