6 Awesome ’80s Summer Movies the Whole Family Can Enjoy

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introduction

Looking to introduce your kids to the movies you loved growing up? There’s something magical about summer films from the 1980s. They’re packed with adventure, heart, and just enough cheese to make it fun. These six picks are full of energy, friendship, and good old fashioned storytelling and best of all, they’re still a blast to watch with the whole family.
So grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a retro movie night your kids will love (and you’ll enjoy just as much).

1. The Goonies (1985)

Plot:
A group of misfit kids finds an old treasure map and sets out to find One-Eyed Willy’s hidden fortune, hoping to save their homes from foreclosure. What follows is a wild underground adventure with booby traps, secret passages, and plenty of heart.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s classic Spielberg-style fun, with humor, teamwork, and just enough suspense to keep older kids hooked. The cast chemistry and sense of adventure still hold up today.
Content notes:
Mild language, some scary moments. Best for kids around 8+.

IMDb Rating: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

2. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

Plot:
When a clumsy inventor accidentally shrinks his kids and the neighbors down to the size of insects, the kids must survive the perils of the backyard as they try to get home.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s imaginative, funny, and loaded with kid-friendly thrills. The special effects may be dated, but the charm and creativity are timeless.
Content notes:
Comedic danger and one “intense” ant scene, but nothing too scary. Great for 6+.

IMDb Rating: 6.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

3. Back to the Future (1985)

Plot:
Teenager Marty McFly accidentally travels back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean, where he meets his teenage parents and risks altering history. With the help of eccentric Doc Brown, he races to fix the timeline and return to the present.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s a sci-fi comedy with smart writing, memorable characters, and an engaging plot. Teens especially love the time-travel twist and fast pace.
Content notes:
Some mild language and suggestive humor. Best for 10+.

IMDb Rating: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

4. Flight of the Navigator (1986)

Plot:
After mysteriously disappearing in 1978, a 12-year-old boy returns eight years later without having aged. He discovers a connection to an alien spacecraft and must help it return home while learning the truth about what happened to him.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s one of the more underrated gems of ’80s sci-fi. The story is mysterious, a little emotional, and full of wonder, especially for kids who love space.
Content notes:
Mild peril. Great for 8+.

IMDb Rating: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

5. The Karate Kid (1984)

Plot:
A bullied teen learns karate from an unassuming master and prepares to face his tormentors in a high-stakes tournament. It’s a story of perseverance, mentorship, and quiet strength.
Why it’s great for families:
This is one of the most iconic underdog stories of all time. It teaches great life lessons about discipline, respect, and standing up for yourself without resorting to violence.
Content notes:
Some fighting and bullying, but with strong moral takeaways. Best for 10+.

IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Plot:
A young boy named Elliott discovers and befriends a gentle alien who’s been stranded on Earth. As they form a powerful bond, Elliott and his siblings must help E.T. return home while keeping him hidden from suspicious adults.
Why it’s great for families:
E.T. is a heartfelt story about friendship, empathy, and wonder. It’s Spielberg at his best and has a timeless message that resonates with both kids and adults.
Content notes:
Emotional scenes and some mild peril. Best for ages 8+.

IMDb Rating: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

Final thoughts

Sharing ’80s summer movies with your kids is a fun way to bond across generations. These films still spark imagination and adventure without the need for CGI overload or constant action. You get memorable characters, heartfelt themes, and the warm fuzzies of your own childhood memories.

So, next movie night, skip the scroll and reach for one of these classics!

Written by the TimeForFam Team
We explore, review, and share the best in family entertainment so you can skip the research and jump straight to the fun.
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