I may be biased, but I believe that the 1980s were a golden age for kids movies. The kind of films parents still quote, hum, and remember renting on VHS. There’s something about the best ’80s kids movies that captures a sense of adventure the whole family loves.
I say this because it’s absolutely true and also because I idealize my childhood. One where there were no scheduled playdates, MTV was everything, and nobody knew what gluten was.
This list of the best ’80s kids movies is designed for real families watching together in 2026. We didn’t just round up nostalgic favorites. We organized them by age range, tone, and what parents should know before pressing play.
Why ’80s Kids Movies Still Work for Family Movie Night
We are in the middle of a nostalgia frenzy. Parents are longing for simpler childhoods for their kids, movies full of adventure, bike rides, and magic. There’s nothing like an ’80s family movie to encourage kids to get outside, get dirty, and put down their screens. Trust me, I have a 9-year-old who is obsessed with The Goonies, and it’s brought a sense of adventure to his childhood he might not have known.
Can Kids Watch All of These ’80s Family Movies?
Even decades later, many of the best ’80s kids movies still hold up thanks to their humor, adventure, and genuinely memorable storytelling. But parents revisiting these classics are often surprised by how emotional, intense, or downright weird some PG movies from the era can feel compared to modern family films.
A PG rating in ’80s and ’90s family movies may look more like a PG-13 rating by today’s standards (the PG-13 rating was introduced in 1984). That’s why we organized these movies by age and included notes to help you pick the right fit for your kids.
The best ’80s kids movies aren’t just nostalgic—they’re surprisingly fun to watch with kids today. From adventurous classics to gentler picks for younger kids, these are the ’80s family movies that still hold up in 2026.
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The Best ’80s Movies for Kids, According to Parents
- Best overall: The Goonies
- Best for younger kids: The Little Mermaid
- Best funny family movie: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- Best adventure movie: The NeverEnding Story
- Best for tweens: Back to the Future
- Best nostalgic rewatch for parents: E.T.
’80s Movies for Preschool & Early Elementary Kids (Ages 3–7)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Rated: G
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 5+
In this beloved Disney classic, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel is fascinated with life on land. During one of her visits to the surface—which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton—she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with sea witch Ursula to become human for only three days—but the star-crossed lovers’ plans soon go awry. When you’re finished, be sure to catch the live-action remake!
The Land Before Time (1988)
Rated: G
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 4-7
Littlefoot, a young plant-eating dinosaur, is orphaned after his mother perishes while protecting him from a vicious carnivore. With her last breath, she tells him how to get to the legendary Great Valley, where he will be reunited with others of his kind. Along with his friend Cera, Littlefoot sets out on an adventure to this mystery land and meets a variety of new friends along the way.
An American Tail (1986)
Rated: G
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 4-8
In this heartfelt adventure, a young mouse named Fievel and his family move from Russia to the United States. But Fievel is thrown from the ship by a fierce storm during the trip, separating him from his family. Luckily, he manages to sail all the way to New York in a bottle, where he meets an Irish mouse named Bridget, an Italian mouse named Tony, and a friendly cat named Tiger who are ready to help him reunite with his loved ones.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Rated: G
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 4-7
After his mother passes away, Tod the fox is taken in by the kindly Widow Tweed, and he soon befriends the neighbor’s new hound dog, Copper. The two are inseparable, but their friendship is hampered by their masters and the fact that they’re enemies by nature. The friends must work together to overcome their differences and salvage their friendship.
More kid-friendly animated movies from the ’80s:
Children’s movies from the ’80s often had darker and more adult themes compared to today’s productions.
- The Secret of NIMH — G (1982)
- All Dogs Go to Heaven — G (1989)
- Oliver and Company — G (1988)
- Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (And Don’t Come Back!) — G (1980)
- The Great Mouse Detective — G (1986)
- The Last Unicorn — G (1982)
- The Black Cauldron — PG (1985)
’80s Classic Family Adventures (Ages 6–12)
The Goonies (1985)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 7+
As far as nostalgic family movies goes, Goonies has it all. Treasure maps, pirates, booby traps, secret caves, the beautiful backdrop of Astoria, Oregon—this movie has it all. This ultimate adventure flick follows a group of kids on a quest to save their hometown from developers by finding the hidden treasure of “One-Eyed Willy.”
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 7-11
On his way to school one day, Bastian ducks into a bookstore to avoid some bullies and ends up sneaking away with a book called The NeverEnding Story. As he begins to read it later on in his school’s attic, he learns it’s about a fantasy land that needs the help of a human child to survive an evil darkness threatening its existence.
Back to the Future (1985)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Best for Ages: 12+
Great Scott! Back to the Future is a timeless sci-fi adventure that has captivated audiences for decades. The story follows Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back to the 1950s in a DeLorean time machine invented by the eccentric Doc Brown. Marty must navigate the past to ensure his parents fall in love, securing his own existence. With its blend of action, humor, and heart, this film is a perfect choice for family movie night. The iconic characters and thrilling plot make Back to the Future a must-watch for kids and adults who love a good adventure.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 7-12
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, it’s discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott, who gives it the name “E.T.” After bringing the creature into his home and introducing it to his brother and younger sister, they decide to keep its existence a secret. But when E.T. becomes sick, things get tricky. ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ and other animated movies from the ’80s and ’90s tackle mature themes, presenting important societal questions through engaging storylines.
Laughs and Family Warmth: ’80s Moves for Kids 6-12
The Princess Bride (1987)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 9+
“As you wish!” The Princess Bride is a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that has enchanted families for generations. The film tells the tale of Westley, a young man who embarks on a daring quest to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the clutches of the dastardly Prince Humperdinck. With its swashbuckling action, memorable characters, and witty dialogue, this movie is a treasure trove of entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of romance, comedy, or epic adventures, The Princess Bride has something for everyone, making it a perfect pick for family viewing.
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 6-11
When a couple kids sneak into an inventor’s lab to retrieve their rogue baseball, his experimental shrink ray accidentally shrinks them to teeny-tiny size. When the inventor returns, he destroys the device and throws it in the trash—throwing the kids out along with it. Now, the four children must survive the treacherous journey back to the house through a yard where sprinklers are more like rainstorms and worms are giant monsters.
Big (1988)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 8+
When 13-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish on a Zoltar machine at a fairground, he doesn’’t expect his wish ““to be big”” to come true. In this hilarious and heartwarming film, a young Tom Hanks plays a teenager in a man’’s body. With the help of his best friend, Billy, he discovers the reality of being a grown up—from working at a toy company to navigating the complexities of adult relationships, much like an adult Peter Pan who navigates the complexities of adult life while retaining his childlike wonder.
Annie (1982)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Best for Ages: 6-12
This classic tale of little orphan Annie offers musical energy and sing-alongs for the whole family. We love the story of Annie and Daddy Warbucks and the way they become a family. Be prepared to explain some of the set up to kids as the orphanage and Ms. Hannigan can confuse kids.
’80s Movies for Teens and Tweens (10+)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Paramount Plus and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 10+
It doesn’t get much better than watching Ferris have the time of his life on his day off! Watch this with older kids so you can explain responsibility and
Karate Kid (1984)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Best for Ages: 10+
You can tell by this list that 1984 may have been the best year for ’80s movies! Daniel LaRusso’s story has many lessons to teach. From learning to stand up for yourself, to developing unlikely friendships, and resilience. This is an important watch if your older kids have already started Cobra Kai.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Rated: PG
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV
Best for Ages: 12+
In this beloved rom-com, angsty teenager Samantha is absolutely dreading her 16th birthday. While her family’s focus is on her sister’s wedding. Another classic ’80s movie that captures the essence of teenage life and nostalgia is The Breakfast Club.
A note for parents: This movie includes high school drinking, brief nudity, and racial stereotyping.
Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
Rated: PG-13
Where to Watch: Disney+
Best for Ages: 10+
What should be a quiet night of babysitting turns into an unexpected adventure when high school senior and babysitter Chris Parker takes the Anderson kids into downtown Chicago to rescue her best friend who just ran away from home.
A note for parents: There are quite a few swear words and scenes you might need to explain to younger kids, which explains the PG-13 rating.
More kid-friendly adventure and drama movies from the ’80s:
- Willow — PG (1988)
- Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark — PG (1981)
- WarGames — PG (1983)
- SpaceCamp — PG (1986)
- The Empire Strikes Back: Episode V — PG (1980)
- Top Gun — PG (1986)
- Field of Dreams — PG (1989)
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit? — PG (1988)
- The Muppets Take Manhattan — G (1984)
- Beetlejuice — PG (1988)
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun — PG (1985)
- Harry and the Hendersons — PG (1987)
- Short Circuit — PG (1986)
- Teen Wolf — PG (1985)
- One Crazy Summer — PG (1986)
- Troop Beverly Hills — PG (1989)
- The Explorers — PG (1985)
FAQ About ’80s Movies for Kids
What are the best ’80s movies for younger kids?
Movies like The Little Mermaid, My Neighbor Totoro, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids are often better entry points for younger children than some darker ’80s fantasy classics.
Are ’80s PG movies OK for kids?
Many parents are surprised that PG movies from the 1980s can include scarier scenes, mild language, smoking, or emotional themes that feel more intense than modern family movies.
What ’80s kids movies still hold up today?
Classics like E.T., Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, and The Goonies remain popular because the stories, humor, and adventure still resonate with kids and parents alike.
What’s the best ’80s movie for family movie night?
The Princess Bride is one of the safest crowd-pleasers for mixed ages because it blends comedy, adventure, romance, and fantasy without feeling too scary. But my family always bets on The Goonies.
Why were ’80s kids movies so weird?
Many ’80s family films leaned heavily into practical effects, fantasy storytelling, and darker emotional themes, which makes them feel very different from modern animated kids movies.
Gabriela Garcia, Contributing Writer
Gabriela is a former Senior Commerce Editor at Well+Good, where she oversaw content strategy across all platforms. Previously, she was the Senior Beauty Editor at Editorialist, leading the vertical through expansive growth. Her work can be seen in Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, InStyle, Remezcla, The Pioneer Woman, and more. Gabriela has a Substack called Modern Brown Girl where she writes about product discovery, beauty and lifestyle trends, and conducts interviews with industry leaders.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
