7 Classic 80s Movies You Can Watch for Free in February 2024
There's something for everyone, no cash required.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Where to Stream: Plex, Vudu
Is this the most quotable movie of all time? 'As you wish…' 'You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.' And of course: 'Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.'
If you've somehow missed out on The Princess Bride all these years (it flopped at the box office but became a huge hit on VHS), you simply must watch it. It's a fairy tale with a wicked sense of humor, an incredible cast, and the greatest sword fight ever put to film.
Die Hard (1988)
Where to Stream: Tubi
Want to enjoy the greatest Christmas movie of all time? No problem.
When NYC cop John McClane travels across the country to visit his estranged wife on Christmas, he arrives at her office building shortly before it's taken over by terrorists. Led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in his breakout role), the terrorists have a complicated plan that takes a while to unfold. Meanwhile, John is the only one they weren't planning on – and the only one who can save the hostages.
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
Where to Stream: Tubi, Crackle
Jim Varney's recurring idiot Ernest (Ernest Goes to School, Ernest Goes to Jail)... started out here, as a lovable buffoon of a handyman who dreams of becoming a camp counselor.
Ernest gets his chance when a member of staff breaks his leg, but he is quickly in over his head when a mining company schemes to take over the camp.
If lowbrow humor is your beat, then Ernest is your man.
Ghostbusters ( 1984)
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Where to Stream: Tubi
Who you gonna call?
No amount of sequels, reboots, or merchandising can steal the glory of the original Ghostbusters. The all-star cast (Bill Murray! Sigourney Weaver! Dan Aykroyd!) quips and cracks their way through this comedy classic about a team of scientists who wage a war on the supernatural and stumble into a gateway to a new dimension.
Back to the Future ( 1985)
Where to Stream: Tubi, Plex, FreeVee
Marty McFly is a small town teen with a bully problem, a poor family, and a best friend who is a middle aged mad scientist (you know, typical teen stuff).
When Doc Brown – the aforementioned scientist – creates a time machine, Marty is accidentally flung back to the 50s, where he meets his parents and gets hit on by his mom (you know, typical 50s stuff).
Marty's appearance in the 50s has altered the course of history, and he now must work to ensure his parents get together, or else he will cease to exist. Also on the to do list: save the life of Doc Brown, and get back to the future.
The Terminator ( 1984)
Where to Stream: Plex, Vudu
Workaday waitress Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is just going about her business when she is intercepted by Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn). Resse has been sent from the future to protect Sarah from a cyborg assassin (Arnold Schwarzenegger), also sent from the future and coming to destroy her.
Sarah will one day give birth to a savior, a boy who will stop the robot uprising from destroying humanity. But in order for that to happen, she will have to survive The Terminator.
When Harry Met Sally ( 1989)
Where to Stream: Tubi
Still one of the best romantic comedies of all time, When Harry Met Sally follows the friendship of Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan). Over the course of decades the two opposites meet, separate, become each other's supporters, and slowly come to realize that they might be perfect for each other.