Check out our roundup of the best 80s movies for kids, and introduce your family to some of your own childhood favorites! Classic characters, epic adventures, and plenty of laughs are in store for your next family movie night.
Keep in mind that the PG-13 rating was introduced in the mid-80s, so earlier PG movies might be less appropriate than you would expect. We welcome parent reviews about content in the comments for each movie, so be sure to check those out!
This list is made up entirely of parent recommendations, so please add yours! What kids 80s movies have you enjoyed watching with your family?
The Land Before Time (1988)
Kelly R. said: At just over an hour in length, this cute and classic 80s kids movie is a great one to revisit with your dinosaur-loving toddlers or preschoolers who aren't interested in sitting still for very long!
Rated G
2 reviews
Three Amigos (1986)
Vanessa M. said: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short are a comedic dream team in this funny 80s family movie. When the stars of the silver screen are invited to perform in a small town in Mexico, they are as surprised as anyone when they find out they've been hired to fight the bad guys for real! This flick is full of laughs and a plethora of quotable lines!
Rated PG
2 reviews
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Kelly R. said: In the first of the series of Indiana Jones adventures, our archaeologist hero goes on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before his Nazi foes, who plan to abuse its mythical powers. It's a slightly scary and action-packed story that makes a fun movie for tweens and teens.
Rated PG
1 review
Labyrinth (1986)
Kelly R. said: An imaginative and delightfully weird movie where a teenage girl has to rescue her baby brother from a Goblin King (David Bowie) in a fantasy world loaded with amazing Muppet puppetry.
Rated PG
1 review
Harry And The Hendersons (1987)
Kelly R. said: A warm-hearted and funny 80s movie about a family that hits a bigfoot with their car, brings him home, and discovers that he isn't dead after all. My kids loved it, we loved the nostalgia of seeing it again after so many years, and it has great lessons about not judging others by appearances. Plus, the usual genius from John Lithgow!
Rated PG
1 review
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
Kelly R. said: Pee-Wee's zany quest to discover his stolen red bicycle was a hit with my elementary-aged kids. Yes, the eye-popping scene with Large Marge is still creepy, but overall the movie is wholesome and fun.
Rated PG
1 review
Primary photo: Alex Munsell on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
