Best 80s Movies for Date Night In (Parents Only!!)

We have always been a big date-night in couple. With the cost of things constantly rising, or the little years when it was just hard to schedule time (or have the energy) to go out of the house in the evening, we got pretty good at planning date-night ins together!

Over the years, we have leaned into retro date night in themes and especially love creating 80s movie night ideas! I am not sure about you and your husband, but we found so many of the newer movies were just “too much”—it is almost like they are looking for this extra shock value from people these days, or thinking that you need to be kept extra stimulated to stay interested!

Compared to the action movies of the 80s that were both slow and had amazing (or cheesy, depending on how you look at it) special effects, these classic 80s films just bring back so much nostalgia. There’s something about a nostalgic 80s movie night—even the action thrillers feel calmer and more fun to watch as adults or parents.

If you want a list of fun movies from 80s romantic comedies, 80s comedy movies, or just those classic 80s movie vibes, I have a list that covers it all—perfect for couples or parents looking for the best 80s movies for date night.

I am confident that I left out a few good ones, so please feel free to drop your favorite 80s movies for date night in the comments so others reading can get even more ideas for their own retro movie night!

Want to make your date night in even more special?

Before you dive into the 80s movie list, explore these handpicked date night round-ups for parents and couples looking for creative, fun, and affordable ways to connect at home:

How to Keep the Romance Alive in the Little Years – Date Night In Ideas: Real-life ways we stayed connected during the early years of parenthood (and still do!)

Date Night In Dinner Ideas : Although I am all for some takeout for a date night in, if you are trying to keep to a budget these days, it might be better to make the meal at home. Doing that together is also an activity to bond over in itself! Check out these ideas for making a romantic dinner at home.

Date Night Desserts: Quick, romantic treats to make together for your movie night (or anytime you want a sweet dessert!).

80s Rom Coms

• Dirty Dancing

• When Harry Met Sally

• Sixteen Candles

• The Princess Bride

• Romancing the Stone

• Overboard

• Say Anything

• Working Girl

• Splash

• 9 to 5

• Coming to America

That Full 80s Throwback Vibe

A little comedy, some emotional bits, a little action, and light sci-fi

• Top Gun

• Back to the Future

• Back to the Future Part II

• Weekend at Bernies

• Ghostbusters

• Beverly Hills Cop

• Raiders of the Lost Ark

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

• The Naked Gun

• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

• The Burbs

• Cocoon

• Spaceballs

• Batman

• Clue

• Risky Business

• Caddy Shack

• Fast Times At Ridgmont High

• The Money Pit

• Footloose

Parents-Only Action & Thriller

These are not for a family movie night, and just for the two of you!

• The Terminator

• Alien (technically 1979, but including here!)

• Aliens

• Die Hard

• Lethal Weapon

• Predator

• RoboCop

• Scarface

• Fatal Attraction

• Blade Runner

James Bond Movies of the 80s

• For Your Eyes Only

• Octopussy

• A View to Kill

• The Living Daylights

• License to Kill

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