Teen movies in the 1980s were a goldmine for producers, with many of them featuring the iconic Brat Pack – a group of young actors who became symbolic of their generation. Ranging from coming-of-age dramas to offbeat comedies, these films remain relevant because they were able to depict youthful rebellion and dreams. So let’s take a journey into the best Brat Pack movies, placing each of them in an order right away from worst to best.
10. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
St. Elmo’s Fire aimed at capturing the feel of college graduates entering adulthood but often felt like a soap opera. This movie had quite an ensemble cast that included Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, however, it had difficulty establishing its tone which was melodramatic at times and characters that could be unlikeable at others; still its dealing with what happens after graduation is classic and its theme song says it all about it being awesome.
9. Blue City (1986)
Blue City is one of the less known films, where Judd Nelson plays a role of man who wants to take revenge on murderer of his father. Compared with other brat pack movies having relatable themes, the film’s gritty tone and crime drama elements were wrongly placed. It has potential but never quite hit that affection in itself which made their films so loved.
8. Fresh Horses (1988)
Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy starred together in this film as it took on amore grown-up storyline involving college student falling for a mysterious girl. Despite good performances, the movie was less memorable because it lacked its usual bright and cherry Brat Pack mood.
7. Oxford Blues (1984)
Rob Lowe plays as an impudent American at Oxford University trying to impress a British aristocrat. Mixing romance with culture clash, “Oxford Blues” has got everything you expect from such movie though it can be predicted easily enough. The single reason why this is worth watching is Lowe’s excellent portrayal of an attractive man.
6. About Last Night (1986)
At the heart of “About Last Night” is a deep exploration of love, commitment, and cohabitation problems. It had mature themes and great performances though it did not have the feel-goodness that characterises other Brat Pack films.
5. The Pick-Up Artist (1987)
This romantic comedy features Robert Downey Jr. and Molly Ringwald. Downey Jr., whose character is charming but not in favour of commitment, meets his match in Ringwald’s character; they make it look fun by their chemistry and witty writing.
4. Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles is an iconic John Hughes movie that hilariously explores the angst-ridden life stages of teenagers. Samantha played by Molly Ringwald has her 16th birthday overshadowed by her sister’s wedding ceremony. This film stands out due to its humour, which people can identify with, as well as unforgettable characters.
3. Pretty in Pink (1986)
This is another John Hughes’ masterpiece, Pretty in Pink, which is about a girl called Andie (Molly Ringwald) who comes from the wrong side of town and wins the heart of a well-to-do boy. The movie has had an enduring effect because of its iconic costumes, unforgettable tunes, and issues pertaining to social stratification. Even today the love triangle of Andie-Blaine-Duckie still remains one of the most discussed within teen genre.
2. Weird Science (1985)
Weird Science is a bizarrely funny and fantastical movie about two teenage boys who create their ideal woman using a computer. The offbeat plot and comedic style render it exceptional among other movies of this type. Thereby, Kelly LeBrock’s performance combines with Anthony Michael Hall’s and Ilan Mitchell-Smith’s capering make for a fun memorable film experience.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Number one on the list is the Breakfast Club, arguably Brat Pack’s definitive film. It was directed by John Hughes bringing together five high school students from different cliques into Saturday detention. This day goes on with them disclosing their weaknesses, aspirations, and universal anxieties that seem to be far-fetched then finding out they are alike more than they supposed ever before. teenage dialogues are smartly written here; every character is memorable; there are quite many touching scenes: all these features account for this film being regarded as one of those masterpieces in teenage genre cinema history.
And so that Brat Pack movies of the 80s are revered for the portrayal of youth. Together, they produced a collection of movies that illuminate the experience of growing up with both honesty and wit, in films that can be light-hearted comedies or poignant dramas. If you are re-watching these cult classics, or even watching them for the first time, the appeal of the Brat Pack era is clear.
