10 80s Teen Movies That Were Problematic

The 1980s was a big decade for teen movies, with Hollywood exploring coming-of-age themes that defined an era. However, looking back, many of these films contained scenes, humor, or storylines that are now seen as insensitive or inappropriate. Here are ten classic ‘80s teen movies that had elements raising eyebrows today.

1. Sixteen Candles

While Sixteen Candles is often remembered for its quirky characters and teenage angst, it has elements that don’t hold up. The film includes racial stereotypes and scenes that trivialize serious issues, making viewers question its message. The film’s treatment of certain characters, especially Long Duk Dong, hasn’t aged well.

The jokes about Long Duk Dong lean into caricatures that feel awkward in hindsight, overshadowing the heartfelt moments. Although the movie captured many aspects of ‘80s teen life, these outdated elements make it a problematic watch by today’s standards.

2. Revenge of the Nerds

Revenge of the Nerds celebrated underdog characters fighting for their place, but it did so using jokes and actions that would be considered offensive now. Certain pranks that seemed funny back then are now seen as inappropriate invasions of privacy, making it hard to view the characters as lovable misfits.

One scene, in particular, where a main character tricks a girl into thinking he’s someone else, is now seen as deeply troubling. The movie’s humor crossed boundaries that would never fly today, adding a layer of controversy to this cult favorite.

3. Porky’s

This teen comedy set out to be raunchy fun but included material that feels far from harmless now. Porky’s features scenes that focus on spying on girls in locker rooms and other questionable acts that are not just childish pranks but rather serious invasions of privacy.

While it was meant to be a light-hearted take on teen life, its treatment of boundaries and respect makes it hard to laugh at today. The film’s entire premise, once viewed as comedic, has earned it a controversial spot in ‘80s movie history.

4. Can’t Buy Me Love

Can’t Buy Me Love tells the story of a high school student paying a girl to be his fake girlfriend. While this might sound like innocent fun, the underlying message implies that people can be “bought” or manipulated with money, which raises ethical questions about respect and genuine relationships.

The film paints a light-hearted picture of a complex issue, making it challenging to take the storyline seriously. Although it aimed to highlight the trials of teenage popularity, its approach leaves much to be desired by today’s standards.

5. Weird Science

In Weird Science, two high school boys create a woman through a science experiment. While meant as a fantasy comedy, the film raises issues about objectification and respect. The boys treat their creation, Lisa, as an idealized object rather than a person, which makes parts of the movie uncomfortable today.

The film’s premise focuses more on fulfilling teenage fantasies than on character development or meaningful relationships. Although it was a popular teen comedy, this aspect doesn’t sit well with modern audiences, who expect a more respectful take on relationships.

6. Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink is remembered for its love triangle and the pressures of high school life, but the film includes characters and interactions that are problematic by today’s standards. There are scenes that portray unhealthy relationship dynamics, and certain moments between characters can feel forced or uncomfortable.

While the movie had a major impact in the ‘80s, its view on love and social status feels outdated now. What was seen as quirky or relatable then now raises questions about how relationships were portrayed in ‘80s films.

7. Better Off Dead

Better Off Dead tries to blend humor with a story about a teen struggling with heartbreak, but some jokes come across as insensitive. The film uses dark humor around serious themes, which may leave modern audiences feeling more uncomfortable than entertained.

Although it’s meant to be funny, the way the movie treats heavy subjects seems tone-deaf today. Better Off Dead now stands as a reminder that some topics require a more thoughtful approach, especially when aimed at young audiences.

8. The Breakfast Club

A quintessential ‘80s film, The Breakfast Club tackles high school stereotypes but includes elements that haven’t aged well. Some interactions, especially involving Claire and Bender, feel uncomfortable today due to questionable dynamics that feel more invasive than playful.

While it’s praised for tackling teen issues, the movie’s handling of these dynamics has drawn criticism in recent years. The ways characters interact and push boundaries raise questions about the messages it sends to audiences.

9. License to Drive

This teen comedy about two friends trying to impress their crushes includes reckless driving scenes that play off real dangers as comedy. What was meant to be a fun, rebellious storyline now feels irresponsible, with scenes promoting unsafe choices that are questionable for a teen audience.

Beyond the action, there’s a disregard for consequences that doesn’t resonate well today. Modern audiences expect more responsible portrayals of risky behavior, especially in movies that appeal to young viewers.

10. She’s Out of Control

She’s Out of Control follows a father who becomes overprotective when his daughter starts dating, leading to some controlling and questionable behavior. His attempts to monitor her interactions now come across as invasive, with messages about parent-child relationships that feel outdated.

While the movie tried to present fatherly concern, it often veered into uncomfortable territory. It’s remembered more for the controlling behavior than for light-hearted family themes, making it a movie that’s harder to enjoy today.