17 Best Cult Classic ‘80s Comedies on Streaming

There’s nothing like a film from the decadent decade of the ’80s. With big hair and even bigger plots, this era has delivered some of the best stories cinema has ever seen. Specifically, ’80s comedies have a particular feel, whether it’s a divisive black comedy or a commercial, fast-paced action romp. Some of these films were instant successes when released, while others took time to develop a following unashamed to profess their love for the movie. No matter which camp it falls into, multiple have become certified cult classics.

Today, cinephiles with an affinity for this decade may feel frustration at the lack of availability of these gems. Streaming platforms understandably focus on newer releases and thus these ’80s films are often overlooked. But that’s not the case for all. A surprising number of cult classic ’80s comedies are available in a quick click of a mouse. Another pleasant surprise? On a few of these streaming platforms, it’s completely free.

17 The Monster Squad (1987)

Pluto, Hoopla

The Monster Squad is a perfect spooky season watch, but honestly can be enjoyed year-round. A group of twelve-year-olds form a group called The Monster Squad to celebrate their love of Universal Monsters movies—including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and more. However, their fascination with these monsters becomes all too real when Count Dracula stalks into their town. He’s after an amulet that can have devastating consequences for the world. The same amulet the children are after. Let the frightening games begin.

Family-Friendly Film

This is one of several instances where a film was not well-received when it first came out into the world but the temperature is a lot different now. The Monster Squad is a feel-good, adventurous movie that is perfect for cozy nights with friends. Whether viewers grew up in the ’80s or not, it will invoke a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to shake. It’s light on the horror, heavy on the laughs, and accessible for free.

16 Midnight Run (1988)

Netflix

Midnight Run is a staple for fans of cop comedies. Starring Robert De Niro, it follows a bounty hunter named Jack Walsh. He is hired to bring an ex-Mafia accountant, Jonathan, to Los Angeles. Jonathan has a long list of enemies from mob bosses, the F.B.I., and a bail bondsman. Walsh has to outrun them all if he wants to land in L.A. before the five-day deadline.

A Perfect Buddy Action Watch

De Niro wasn’t the only legend who took part in this film. The cast list also boasted Dennis Farina (host of Unsolved Mysteries) and Charles Grodin (from Beethoven). Many view this film as a gem within the filmography of these actors. And they are truly what elevates the film to cult classic territory. Midnight Run doesn’t have an incredibly unique plot or the most inventive writing. Still, the chemistry between everyone on-screen makes viewers enjoy this midnight drive.

15 Moonstruck (1987)

Tubi, Pluto

Loretta Castorini (Cher) in Moonstruck is a widow who lives in Brooklyn with her family. Her boyfriend Johnny proposes to her before he leaves for Sicily. While she accepts, Loretta’s feelings toward Johnny aren’t as one would expect for someone recently engaged. To complicate matters further, an attraction grows between her and Johnny’s estranged younger brother, Ronny.

When people think of Cher, it’s her music career that likely pops up first. Yet she has a number of entertaining movies under her studded belt and Moonstruck is no exception. Acting opposite Nicolas Cage as Ronny, this romantic comedy is cheesy in all the best ways. It also lives up to its comedy label in the truest way, as it’ll make viewers physically laugh out loud at Loretta and Ronny’s antics.

14 Airplane! (1980)

Paramount+

Ted Striker in Airplane! used to be a fighter pilot but now works as a taxi driver. His past in the war has scarred him seemingly beyond repair. Today, Ted fears flying, drowns his sorrows in alcohol, and is ruining his relationship with his flight attendant girlfriend Elaine. When Elaine dumps him, Ted buys a ticket on a flight she’s working. And all chaos breaks loose. The crew all become gravely ill and it’s up to Ted to land the plane safely without harming any of the passengers onboard.

Airplane! may make audiences hesitate before buying their next plane ticket, but it’s worth it for the laughs. This film could’ve easily been a serious drama or disaster film. In fact, those are the kinds of movies it’s making fun of. While a war veteran with PTSD stuck on an involuntarily abandoned plane sounds heavy, rest assured Airplane! is anything but.

13 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Paramount+

The ’80s and ’90s were Eddie Murphy’s prime and one of his earliest films that put him on that map was Beverly Hills Cop. The film is an action/comedy that revolves around Axel Foley (Murphy), a detective from Detroit. Axel is on thin ice at his department after a sting operation went wrong. When his childhood friend is murdered and is denied access to the case, Axel heads to Beverly Hills to solve the crime on his own.

A Great Introduction to Axel

Murphy’s best comedic qualities are on display here, starting with his hilarious facial expressions and vocal inflections to his comedic timing. It’s no wonder that he dominated the box office for decades. The best part is once viewers are finished streaming this cult classic, Axel’s story is far from over. The popularity of this first film spawned an entire franchise, the latest releasing on Netflix in 2024. Word on the Rodeo Drive? A fifth one is in the works.

12 Spaceballs (1987)

AMC+

Spaceballs is a goofy comedy that pokes fun at sci-fi juggernauts like Star Wars, Star Trek, and Alien, among others. In the movie, Planet Spaceball is not doing well, as it’s depleted nearly all of its fresh air. President Skroob decides to concoct a plan to steal the atmosphere or nearby Druidia. But Druidia is having its own issues. The king’s daughter runs away to escape an arranged marriage and ends up as President Skroob’s new target.

A Mindless Watch

There’s no way to take Spaceballs seriously, which is the point. It’s filled with so many characters with ridiculous names only rivaled by the ridiculous world-building terms. Princess Vespa, Dark Helmet, Dot Matrix, and Colonel Sandurz, to name a few. But the self-awareness makes this film an enjoyable watch where viewers can turn their brains off. Coincidentally, President Skroob also has his brain off for most of the movie. The film is so loved that even as recently as June 2024 there have been talks of a sequel.

11 Valley Girl (1983)

Tubi, Pluto

Valley Girl is a rom-com that proves opposites most certainly attract. Julie Richman is a quintessential Valley girl. She’s popular. She’s pretty. She’s dating a quintessential Valley boy. But she can’t shake this feeling that something (or someone) is missing from her glossy life. The answer totally couldn’t be Randy, the antithesis of everyone who inhabits her world. He’s a rebel, punk, and absolutely irresistible.

It’s, Like, Totally Swoonworthy

It’s a classic setup. The good girl falls for the bad boy (with a heart of gold). Others don’t understand them, but an invisible pull keeps them coming back for more. Even if viewers can predict the trajectory of the movie, it doesn’t erase its charm. Valley Girl is sometimes omitted from lists of best ’80s romances but has a passionate cult following nonetheless.

10 The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

MGM+, Fubo

The Naked Gun, also known by the ridiculously long title The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is a crime comedy starring Leslie Nielsen. Police Lieutenant Frank Drebin is probably the last guy you’d want investigating your town’s crimes. Despite his incompetence, he becomes involved in cases that could have damning consequences, including a group of the United States’ enemies planning an attack and an assassination attempt on a British royal.

Ushering in a New Era

Some things in The Naked Gun don’t age well, such as O.J. Simpson having a role in the film. However, it’s Nielsen and co-star Priscilla Presley who steal the show. The jokes are so over-the-top but it somehow works since the premise itself is quite ridiculous. The success of this first film led to two sequels starring Nielsen. After much back-and-forth about a fourth film, it’s now confirmed that 2024 will see a reboot of this series with actor Liam Neeson at the forefront.

9 Beetlejuice (1988)

Max

The last few months have seen a surge in Beetlejuice interest since the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was released. This Tim Burton film takes place in Connecticut where Adam and Barbara Maitland live. One day while driving, their car goes off a bridge and into a river. They arrive back home and discover they drowned and are now ghosts. Their house is sold but the Maitlands won’t give it up so easily, thus they contact a bio-exorcist named Betelgeuse to help scare off the new buyers.

More to Come?

Beetlejuice was just Burton’s second film and what a way to kick off a career. It became one of the most successful movies of 1988, established Burton early on as a filmmaker to watch, and helped put Winona Ryder on the map. A lot of heavy lifting for a family movie with a tiny budget. With the success of the 2024 release, the potential for more films in this universe appears strong.

8 Heathers (1989)

Prime Video

Winona Ryder’s next huge ’80s film is a total departure from Beetlejuice. Heathers is a black comedy about a group of teenage girls named Heather, except for Veronica who is both popular and a bit of an outcast. The Heathers treat their peers horribly and while Veronica doesn’t agree with their behavior, she doesn’t try to stop it either. That is, until she meets the new kid, J.D. Together, she and J.D. give all the mean students at Westerburg High School a taste of their own medicine. Until one day, however, when they take things a bit too far.

So Much Happening

Heathers is a movie some viewers love and others are perplexed by. The humor is bleak, crass, and confusing at times. The plot goes in the wildest directions and the characters act so bizarre it’s hard to view them as real people. Yet, for many, this combination of weirdness works. Christian Slater plays the divisive J.D. who can come off as grating or a villain we love to hate. No matter which side a viewer falls on, one thing’s for sure: every absurd minute will hold your attention.

7 Big (1988)

Hulu, Disney+

Big is a dramedy with a touch of magic. Josh Baskin is a twelve-year-old boy who can’t get on a carnival ride due to not meeting the height requirements. Frustrated, he wishes to be “big.” The following day, he wakes up in the body of an adult (Tom Hanks). Josh is run out of his home by his mother who doesn’t recognize him and is forced to get a job. While he enjoys adulthood at the start he begins to yearn for his pre-teen days.

Careful What You Wish For

Nowadays, this concept has been run into the ground. Even at the time Big was released it wasn’t wholly unique. Yet audiences still flocked to the theaters in droves. Hanks had a few films under his belt and Big is among his earlier works that proved he was a force within Hollywood. It’s wild to think the role almost went to Robert De Niro, as Hanks seems to fit so perfectly into the role. He nailed the childlike wonder his character possessed, making the character of Josh sometimes revered and other times shunned.

6 Coming to America (1988)

Paramount+

Akeem Joffer (portrayed by Eddie Murphy) in Coming to America is the prince of an African country called Zamunda. He’s become disillusioned by his life of luxury and privilege. As the issue of marriage comes up, he states his desire to find a wife who loves him for who he is on the inside. The place to find such a woman? In America. New York City, in particular.

Critics and Audiences Don’t Agree

Coming to America is a classic fish-out-of-water tale. Akeem, as well as his friend and personal aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall), are totally out of their element while in the Big Apple. Viewers see them get jobs, attempt to make friends, and the point of their journey, find a partner for Akeem. The film was met with split reactions between critics (who by and large hated it) and the public (who by and large enjoyed it). Nevertheless, it’s an iconic Black comedy with a long-awaited sequel that came in 2021.

5 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Disney+

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a live-action/comedy blend with major noir vibes. Eddie Valiant is a private detective living in L.A. in the 1940s. In this world, cartoons (or simply toons) and humans coexist. But not if Eddie had a say. After a toon killed his brother, he’s sworn them off. But a new gig investigating a potential affair by a toon’s wife comes calling, and Eddie decides to take it. Little did he know, it’d thrust him into a murder investigation that could destroy all toons and perhaps his career.

Why It’s Earned Cult Classic Status

This film has it all. Crime. Romance. Musical numbers. And, of course, lots of comedic moments. Because Eddie is so down on his luck at the start, much of the humor comes from the toons. Not just from the titular Roger Rabbit. There are cameos from Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky the Pig, Tweety, and more. By the end, Eddie loosens up and even he is showing his silly side. With three Academy Awards earned and preservation in the National Film Registry, it’s incredible that Disney+ subscribers have access to it.

4 Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)

Prime Video

Girls Just Want to Have Fun isn’t just a catchy Cyndi Lauper tune. Turns out, the finger-snapping pop single inspired the title of this 1985 comedy starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and Shannen Doherty. Janey Glenn has recently moved to Chicago which also happens to be the home of her favorite show Dance TV. One of her fellow classmates Lynne also shares Janey’s love for dance and Dance TV. They want to audition for the show, but Janey’s father disapproves. However, that won’t stop these girls.

A Cheesy, Popcorn Watch

Be forewarned: this film will encourage you to bust a move or two. The soundtrack is great, the all-girls Catholic school setting gets Janey and Lynne into a lot of trouble, and there’s a dash of romance. No one would’ve thought Girls Just Want to Have Fun would someday reach cult classic status. It didn’t do well at the box office and critics largely slammed the movie as cliché and cheesy. However, over time it became a guilty pleasure and now it’s one viewers can indulge in on Prime Video.

3 Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1985)

Netflix

’80s teen movies sure were different and nowhere is that more apparent than in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The movie follows a group of teens who attend Ridgemont High in the San Fernando Valley. Stacy, Mike, Brad, Jeff, Linda, and Mark are all dealing with typical teen issues. Ending and starting romantic relationships, desires to explore their sexuality, struggles with motivation and direction, and overall figuring out who they are and who they want to be. Essentially, the definition of a coming-of-age story.

Fast Times Is a Fast-Paced Flick

This film couldn’t be more ’80s if it tried. From the scenes in the local mall that was packed with people to the clothing and hairstyles to the lingo. When it came out in 1982, not everyone was a fan. Some believed it was too vulgar for a teen movie, with its swearing and sexual content. Others felt in an accurate portrayal of many teens’ lives. Modern analysis has even praised the movie for being ahead of its time in certain aspects. But you don’t have to dive deep into the implications of the movie’s content to enjoy it.

2 Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)

Fubu, MGM+

Roberta Glass is a housewife from New Jersey who feels her life is mundane. She gets entertainment from reading about the love affair between Susan Thomas and her lover in the newspaper. Roberta becomes fixated on seeing Susan in the flesh, heading to New York and putting out Desperately Seeking Susan ads in the paper. And she’s not the only one looking for Susan. The enigmatic lady is on many people’s radar after her connection to a mobster’s death.

A Cultural Moment

Desperately Seeking Susan was Madonna’s first film role. As Susan, she played opposite Rosanna Arquette who took on the role of Roberta. Just as much as the substance of the movie, audiences ate up the aesthetic. The fashion, hair, and makeup struck a chord with a huge swath of viewers. It did well in theaters, it did well on videotape, and now, millions can access it via streaming platforms.

1 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Paramount+, AMC+

An entire generation imagined playing hooky and having the wildest day thanks to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In the film, the eponymous protagonist pretends he’s sick to get out of going to school. His parents buy it, but his older sister is on to him. Ferris recruits his actually sick best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane. The three take off into Chicago to enjoy their class-free day, but Ferris’ sister, as well as the principal, are determined to catch him.

A Skipping Blueprint

Pure, unadulterated fun is the best way to describe Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, but even that only scratches the surface. It has a distinct feel to it that’s reminiscent of other John Hughes movies from the ’80s. Over the course of a single day, Ferris gets into all sorts of trouble, and viewers are happy to tag along for the ride. While the movie attempts to touch on deeper topics, particularly with Cameron and his home life, it never loses its lighthearted spirit.