8 reasons why 80’s films are awesome

The Oscar's introduced the award for best special effects in 1981 thanks to the brilliance of those used in An American Werewolf in London. Long before advanced CGI appeared in almost every single movie released, 80's movies were taking pioneering steps in special effects. From the Brundle Fly in The Fly to the likes of Gremlins and E.T., from the outright gore of films like A Nightmare on Elm Street to the brilliant effects used in Michael Jackson's Thriller video, the 80's were testing just how far they could push their effects departments.

Must-see: The Thing (1982)

Complimenting the spirited story lines that were abundant in cinemas of the decade, 80's movie soundtracks were about as memorable as the films themselves. Though hugely varied, the soundtracks featured a huge number of classics. Dance movies of the era brought us the now cheesetastic Footloose-types, classics such as Back to the Future and Ghostbusters bought us Huey Lewis's The Power of Love and Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters whilst the likes of John Williams continued to write their epic scores.

Must-hear: Ghostbusters (1984)

It seems ridiculous to think that there was a time when Indiana Jones didn't exist, a time when Marty McFly wasn't nipping back to future, but there was, and it's otherwise known as the 70's. Whilst cinema has brought us much-loved characters in the years since the 80's, none will be as memorable as those in this iconic decade.

Must-see: Back to the Future (1985)

Fashion has taken some whacky turns in the last century but arguably never more so than in the 80's. Whilst films like Beetlejuice allowed for costume departments to experiment, even the more grounded Brat Pack films pushed the barriers of fashion decency.

Must-see: Pretty in Pink (1986)

Long before Christopher Nolan was bending our minds with contorted stories, the 80's were providing innocent thrills and spills in unique and refreshing ways. Though now part of pop culture, the story lines that appeared in cinemas throughout the 80's were ground-breaking , allowing film-makers free imaginative reign on the page and on sets. An alien that comes to Earth and befriends a young boy? 80's. A rag-tag group of scientists embarking on an entrepreneurial venture capturing ghosts for a living? 80's. A car that can travel through time? They've all got 80's written all over them.

Must-see: E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

Is epicness a word? We don't care, because the word totally applies to the cinematic produce of the 80's. What other decade could a group of kids set off on an epic adventure where they'd find both gold and Sloth in one 114 minute chunk? Many forget that Star Wars Episodes V and VI were children of the 80's and they're nothing if not epic.

Must-see: The Goonies (1985)

Many of the most famous directors made thei name in the 80's. Whilst Jaws and Close Encounters both came out in the 1970's, Steven Spielberg wowed audiences in the 80's with the Indiana Jones trilogy as well as directing E.T. Robert Zemeckis brought us Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the late John Hughes bought us many a Brat Pack movie. Other notable directors from this decade include John Carpenter, David Cronenberg and Rob Reiner.

Must-see: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)