There are a slew of ’80s films out there that we as movie lovers consider classics and for good reason. Many of these films shaped our childhood and we still quote them to this day and probably will continue to do so on our deathbed.
As much as we love these movies, however, they may not be quite as appropriate for kids as we remember.
Here’s a list of five films we loved and grew up with that you may want to give another viewing before showing to your kids.
This list is not to say these aren’t great films, because some of them are literally my all-time favorite movies, but the content may be a little much for younger audiences and, if you’re like me, you may not have remembered that.
The Goonies
The 1985 adventure movie “The Goonies” is now considered a classic and it’s hard to go a day or two without someone mentioning the truffle shuffle or yelling, “Hey you guys!”
The movie is a blast, but the amount of language and sexual references may surprise you.
The film is rated PG, but OK.com has it rated at an 11+, which still may be a little low.
This is a great movie that your kids will probably enjoy as much as you did, when the time is right.
Gremlins
The 1984 film “Gremlins” is a strange-quirky film that makes me smile to this day.
The movie is odd in just the right way, but what you may not recall is how violent the film is.
The language is fairly minor compared to many other ’80s films, but the violence is surprisingly high for a family film.
The violence is either toward gremlins or perpetrated by them, but they involve death by microwave, blender and decapitation. While these are mainly played for laughs they can definitely be a bit much for little ones.
“Gremlins” is rated PG and has an OK.com rating of 11+.
Three Amigos
1986 gave us many great films, but one of the funniest is “Three Amigos.”
The film stars Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short and it is hilarious. The film will keep you laughing from start to finish and you will be quoting lines until the sun goes down, then you’ll keep going.
This is a film many of us loved years ago but haven’t seen in a long time. The movie is just as funny today as it was 20 years ago, but there may have been a few things we forgot about.
The movie has a PG rating, but there are several references to sex, a fair amount of language and quite a bit of drinking.
If your kids are old enough to watch the film with you, however, I have a strong feeling they’ll find it almost as funny as you. Almost.
“Three Amigos” has an OK.com rating of 11+.
Big
One of Tom Hanks’ best films is 1988’s “Big,” and it’s a movie that’s thoughtful, heartfelt and hilarious.
Hanks is spot on as a 13-year-old stuck in a 30-year-old body. The movie teaches a great lesson about friendship and being thankful for what you have, but it may not be appropriate for your kiddos.
There’s not much violence in the film, but there is some very strong language and a sex scene that could be too much for younger audiences.
“Big” is a movie that is well worth seeing and worth watching again, but make sure you take another look before your kids watch it to make sure you’re comfortable with it.
“Big” is rated PG and has a 10+ on OK.com.
Back to the Future
“Back to the Future” is hands down one of my all-time favorite films and I cannot wait to share it with my kids. After rewatching it recently, however, I realized that my kids aren’t quite ready for it.
The 1985 blockbuster is one of the most fun movies of all time and it’s almost too clever for its own good.
While the film is rated PG, it deals with teen drinking, bizarre and uncomfortable romantic relationships, peeping toms and a fair amount of language.
To me this is a movie everyone should see at some point, but just make sure you’re comfortable with your kids watching it before you throw it in the Blu-ray player.
“Back to the Future” is at a 10+ on OK.com.
This list isn’t an attempt to tell you when you should or shouldn’t show your children movies, but more to try and help out and give a reminder that these films may require another viewing so you can make an educated choice for your family.