8 Totally Tubular Netflix Titles Set in the 80s
Pull up your mom jeans, re-adjust your scrunchie, and get comfortable, because these 80s throwbacks will have you binge-watching for days.
GLOW
So. Much. Glitter! Loosely based on the real-life show of the same name, this Netflix original follows the making of the show and the people involved in the process. It will have you both laughing and crying, all in the span of an episode. The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling are, like, totally tubular, man.
The Eighties
Documentary fans, this is one is for you. “The Eighties” is a seven-part docu-series that explores everything from Reagan to Bon Jovi and their impacts on pop culture. It’s perfect for history buffs or people who just want to learn a little more about the raddest decade in American history. Plus, it’s produced by Tom Hanks!
Heathers
What’s your damage, Heather? “Heathers” is the story of Veronica (played by 80s icon Winona Ryder) and her popular posse, all of whom are named Heather. Think “Mean Girls,” but with a few more shoulder pads and way more murder.
Gremlins
“Gremlins” is one of those movies that is notoriously hard to put into one genre. Is it a Christmas movie? A comedy? A horror film? What I do know is that it’s a good watch and definitely worth your time. I’m also willing to bet you didn’t know Howie Mandel voices Gizmo, so watch “Gremlins” for that if nothing else. Never feed him after midnight!
Rain Man
Simply put, this is a great movie. Tom Cruise plays the money driven hot-shot wonderfully, and Dustin Hoffman as his secret, genius older brother makes the pairing perfect. “Rain Man” will pull at your heartstrings and make you laugh, but its most special quality is that it stays with you. It’s definitely worth a watch and more than deserving of the accolades it received in 1988.
Pulp Fiction
Okay, okay, so maybe this one isn’t set in the 80s, but maybe it is — Tarantino, am I right? It’s supposed to be ambiguous as to when it takes place, but there are a few clues that point to the year being 1982. If you can find them amidst all the blood and confusion about what’s going on, kudos to you! You might need to re-watch this one a time or two in order to fully understand it, or maybe even partially understand it, but it’s worth a watch. Beware, though — you’ll be left wondering what’s in that briefcase!
Caddyshack
This movie will make you laugh. It’s not particularly smart or artistic, but it sure is hilarious, and that’s all you can ask for from a film with both Chevy Chase and Bill Murray.
Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” has it all. Humor, drama, depth, sci-fi, romance, horror, and nostalgia all wrapped up in three totally rad seasons. The fashion! The music! The eighties! It’s all there, and it’s all wonderful. If for some reason you haven’t seen “Stranger Things” yet, what are you still doing here? Go watch it right now.
Next time you're aimlessly scrolling through Netflix, remember to pull up this list for inspiration. We hope you'll enjoy these fab features! If we missed a title, let us know in the comments, or tag us on social media @AuburnCampusRec.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Hannah S.
Creative Director
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Hannah’s decision to attend Auburn came as a nasty shock to her Alabama-loving family. They’ve since come around, though she suspects her mom will never remove her crimson license plate from her car. Hannah is a junior studying visual media and minoring in marketing, and, like her mom and her license plate, you’ll never see Hannah without her Canon in tow.
Hannah’s likes include her roommate’s homemade cookies, true crime podcasts, and Auburn Basketball. Besides The Rec, Hannah works as an extra on film and TV shows — she has played everything from an elf to a bomb victim, and her eternal fun fact is that she was in Stranger Things. Hannah’s dream is to one day make her own movies, and she’s already written her acceptance speech for Best Director at the Oscars.
