If you don’t know who legendary director John Hughes is, well, It’s never too late.
He helped define a generation with his teen-coming-of-age movies in the 80s. Some of the most memorable characters and stories came from the mind of this teen-movie pioneer.
His understanding of the juvenile mind is uncanny. It could be attributed to his unmatched ability to translate his personal experiences on the silver screen in the most poignant and meaningful way.
Even in this increasingly cynical world, some of life’s lessons from his movies are as time for this generation as ever.
Here are our recommendations for the uninitiated and an introduction to the world of John Huges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gLVqjIvokc
The Breakfast Club (1985)
“Spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people.” – Principal Vernon.
The last thing you want to hear as a kid growing up are sermons from authority figures, but this particular line from the principal holds. Most especially now, the struggle to belong and find your footing as a teenager has become much worse due to social media.
The movie is about five kids from different backgrounds forced to spend a Saturday in detention in school. What happened in those hours of tomfoolery, mischief, and misdirected angst against each other turned into moments of self-discovery and friendships.
The lasting effects of the movie didn’t end in the credits. Not only did the film pioneer the teen movie genre and introduce the “brat pack” —- Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, and Molly Ringwald to the world, Its message remained relevant for kids until this day.
Apart from the theme song Don’t You Forget About Me from Simple Minds, Judd Nelson, with his first in the air, still is the most incredible ending to a movie ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwk1imEpfP8&t=32s
Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)
“I hate feeling ashamed. I hate where I’m from. I hate watching my friends get everything they desire.” – Amanda Jones.
Amanda Jones, played by Leah Thompson—- is the most beautiful girl on campus and is dating the wealthiest and most popular guy, but she also lives by the rail tracks in a poor neighborhood.
It sounds like your typical high school wanna-be, only now the popular kids flaunt their stuff on Instagram. Depression among kids is at an all-time high. There is so much emphasis now more than ever on the material stuff, and GenZees are still trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Mary Stewart Masterson’s “cool chick” character Watts stole the show and ended up with the boy, Keith (Eric Stoltz), though, as it should be.
Be bold and march to the beat of your drum, as they say. These words to live by are better to remember while listening to Flesh For Lulu’s I Go Crazy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDFmRETqKTs&t=15s
Pretty In Pink (1986)
“You said you couldn’t be with someone who didn’t believe in you. Well, I believed in you. I didn’t believe in myself. I love you… always.” – Blane
This line finally won over the girl, Andie (Molly Rinwald) —- who was ditched by Blane because of peer pressure but tried to win her back. Duckie (Jon Cryer), her best friend in love with her this whole time, ultimately had to give way.
If Shakespeare were alive in the 80s and made movies, he’d probably make this one—nothing like another tale about unrequited love to break some hearts.
This movie solidified Molly Ringwald as the teen queen and Andrew McCarthy as one of the top young leading men in Hollywood in the 80s.
Because of this movie’s prom scene, nothing will ever be as good or as romantically cinematic without a great song playing while the main characters profess their love.
If You Leave from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark will always be the greatest prom song ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5XBbLo398s
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
You could miss it if you don’t stop and look around occasionally.” – Ferris Bueller.
Ditching school, persuading your sick best friend to join you while sneaking out his dad’s rare Ferrari to go out to the city while setting in motion reuse to trick the parents and an obnoxious principal.
That covers everything about this gem of a movie except for the fact that there are some valuable takeaways. Seize the day. Enjoy every moment, and if you can have half Ferris’s “joie de vivre,” you won’t be as miserable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jOKNM4z9Zs
The best scene that exemplifies this is the “Twist and Shouts” performance of Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) in a parade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk87Ziq39Ns
16 Candles (1984)
“I want a serious girlfriend. Somebody I can love, that’s going to love me back. Is that psycho?” – Jake
Young people will always undergo an initial phase of figuring out their feelings. It can be the most awkward stage once they become attracted to someone.
The scene where they dance to Spandau Ballet’s True is one of the highlights. We can’t leave out the blowing of the birthday cake. That’s the shot people will never forget in this movie.
And to a certain extent, the Geek (Anthony Michael Hall) showing the other freshmen Samantha Baker’s (Molly Ringwald) panties is also somewhat memorable for its teen humor.
The late John Hughes will always be remembered for playing an essential role in making the 80s the best years to become a teenager.
Now it’s time to pass on the pearls.
