Best 80s movies to watch with your kids

Whether it's the school holidays or a neighbourhood movie night, here's the perfect list of popcorn-worthy nostalgia for your viewing pleasure!

While contemporary kids' films most certainly feature amazing production values and special effects, sometimes that's not enough.

Sometimes you need a dose of old-school pop culture. A nostalgic trip back to the movies of your childhood (or your parent's childhood, even!)

Granted they're often a little grainy and lacking in CGI, but they make up for it in so many other ways and are part of a super special shared history - the kind that features friendly giants, beer-loving aliens and green guys that know all the things.

1. Labyrinth
Year: 1986
Rating: (PG)

The Goblin King (David Bowie in tights!) has stolen 16-year-old Sarah's baby brother and this film follows her quest to get him home, safe and sound. This film is packed with amazing characters and adventure.

2. The Princess Bride
Year: 1987
Rating: (PG)

A sick little boy's grandfather shares the fantastic and magical story of The Princess Bride with him. The story is all about a girl (Robin Wright of House of Cards), who is chosen as the princess bride. Alas, she does not love her prince.

3. The Muppet Movie
Year: 1979
Rating: (G)

We are sneaking this 1979 classic in because it features all your favourite Muppets and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! You could follow up with The Great Muppet Caper or Muppets Take Manhattan, perhaps?

4. The NeverEnding Story
Year: 1984
Rating: (PG)

A mythical and timeless tale featuring a giant luck dragon and a schoolboy hero, Bastien. He stumbles across a book called "The Neverending Story," about a fantasy land called Fantasia, and begins reading it in the school attic. But is it really just a story?! Watch and find out.

5. The Karate Kid
Year: 1984
Rating: (PG)

A young boy learns life lessons (and karate) from a master. The Karate Kid is about friendship across generations, working hard and never giving up. Wax on. Wax off!

6. ET
Year: 1982
Rating: (PG)

Drew Barrymore debuts in this classic tale of a boy and his alien pal. Will ET find his way home? Watch to find out.

7. The Land Before Time
Year: 1988
Rating: (PG)

Littlefoot is an orphaned brontosaurus and this film follows his adventures with other nice dinosaurs in the Great Valley.

8. Back To The Future
Year: 1988
Rating: (PG)

The Michael J Fox classic features some pretty great fashion as well as a car/time machine. A delight for the whole family.

9. Annie
Year: 1982
Rating: (PG)

Will the sun really come out tomorrow? Orphan Annie knows and she will sing her heart out about it as she stoushes with her nasty over-seer, Miss Hannigan.

10. Flight of the Navigator
Year: 1986
Rating: (PG)

A young boy goes missing only to reappear eight years later. He hasn't aged and a mysterious flying saucer turns up, too!  The plot thickens...

11. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
Year: 1984
Rating: (PG)

This Star Wars spin-off features cute creatures called Ewoks  who help two shipwrecked children find their parents.  Perfect for Star Wars and film fans alike!

12. The Empire Strikes Back
Year: 1980
Rating: (PG)

In this instalment of the Star Wars franchise Luke Skywalker does Jedi training with Yoda and Darth Vader is after everyone.  Super exciting (watch Star Wars: Episode IV first.)

Big

13. Big
Year: 1988
Rating: (PG)

This 1988 Tom Hanks classic about a shape-shifting young boy who wishes he was 'big' is fun for the whole family.

14. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
Year: 1986
Rating: (G)

This adorable adventure featuring a puppy and a kitten is sure to delight animal lovers. The pair accidentally get separated, but all's well that ends well.

15. Harry and the Hendersons
Year: 1987
Rating: (PG)

After accidentally running over a particularly friendly Sasquatch, the Henderson family take him in, making themselves the target of ruthless 'Bigfoot' hunters.

16. The Secret Garden
Year: 1987
Rating: (PG)

A bratty and privileged girl loses both her parents and goes to live in a mysterious house with a beautiful garden. Will she turn over a new leaf?!

17. The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
Year: 1988
Rating: (G)

The rollickingly fabulous tale of Pippi, a little girl who lives alone (except for a monkey and a horse) and does as she pleases. A classic.

18. The BFG
Year: 1989
Rating: (G)

The eighties animated version of the Roald Dahl book, featuring the delightful orphan Sophie and a trip to Giant Country.

The BFG

19. Honey I Shrunk the Kids
Year: 1989
Rating: (PG)

A scientist accidentally shrinks his kids and their friends. Whoops! The bug sized children have to fight off all kinds of dangers as their dad tries to find them and make them big again.

20. The Fox and the Hound
Year: 1981
Rating: (G)

This sweet animation tells the story of an animal pair who don't realise they're meant to be mortal enemies. A cute tale of friendship and determination.