Image: Walt Disney Pictures
About This Quiz
Remember “big hair” and leg-warmers? Do you know who the members of the ‘80s “Brat Pack” were? This ‘80s movie quiz will have you yearning for the days of skipping school with Ferris Bueller or dancing into the wee hours of the morning in “Footloose” fashion! Take a trip down memory lane to call out iconic movies from the decade of “The Outsiders,” “The Color Purple,” and “E.T.”
From crafty gophers to ghostly infestations, the decade of the 1980s provided movie-goers with a motley crew of antagonizers. Do you remember who Principal Rooney tried so hard to catch in the act? What technological nightmare from the future could not be conquered? These movies also brought characters who dared to dream, like steelworker Alex Owens who longed to be a ballerina, or the idealistic English teacher, Mr. Keating, of the “Dead Poets Society.” A strong line-up of kids and young adults also flooded the spotlights of the ‘80s. “The Outsiders” brought together a powerhouse of big names. So did “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Stand By Me,” and “The Breakfast Club.”
So hold onto your jigo-watts and “feel the need for speed” as you exclaim “Oh, what a feeling!” when you cruise through questions on films of the ‘80s. Eradicate the trivia ghosts of the cinema past with your very own Ecto-Containment Pack of answers to these questions on the decade that is like gnarly fun!
This 1988 movie debuts a duet played by Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia performing "Chopsticks" on an oversized keyboard. Which is it?
"Splash"
"The Money Pit"
"Big"
Elizabeth Perkins played Hanks' love interest in this sentimental story of a boy who wishes to be an adult and his wish is granted. Hanks' character becomes a toy tester and makes an impression with his two-step on the keys.
"The Burbs"
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In this thriller starring Glenn Close and Michael Douglas, a pet rabbit is found stewing in a pot. Which is it?
"Nightmare on Elm Street"
"Romancing the Stone"
"The Shining"
"Fatal Attraction"
Glenn Close's character, Alex Forrest, becomes crazed and obsessed after a one-night stand goes horribly wrong. "A bunny boiler" in pop culture now refers to someone who is a stalker.
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"No one puts Baby in a corner" is stated toward the end of this 1987 musical blockbuster.
"Dirty Dancing"
"Baby" (Jennifer Grey) falls in love with a guy (Patrick Swayze) from the wrong side of the tracks, but they overcome the social barriers and her father through song and dance.
"Flashdance"
"Footloose"
"Desperately Seeking Susan"
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At the end of "Trading Places," Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd's characters make a fortune on Wall Street by investing in what commodity?
Wheat
Orange juice
Winthorp (Ackyroyd) and Valentine (Murphy) get the ultimate revenge when they turn the tables on the millionaire Duke brothers by making them lose all of their wealth by monopolizing the juice!
Corn
Pork bellies
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Two tear-jerkers of the 1980's, "Terms of Endearment" and "Steel Magnolias," both starred this actress. Who is she?
Julia Roberts
Dolly Parton
Darryl Hannah
Shirley MacLaine
"Terms of Endearment" (1983) brought MacLaine her first Oscar award for Best Actress after several nominations in previous years. Her famous half-brother is Warren Beatty.
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Which song was NOT featured in this 1984 summer hit starring Prince?
"Little Red Corvette"
Prince's "Little Red Corvette" pre-dates "Purple Rain" by one year; it was a hit in 1983.
"Take Me With You"
"Purple Rain"
"Jungle Love"
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Which movie featured Tom Cruise in his underwear dancing to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll"?
"Top Gun"
"The Color of Money"
"Rain Man"
"Risky Business"
In his shades and underwear, college-bound Joel (Cruise) celebrates his new-found freedom when his parents leave him home alone. He later becomes a successful entrepreneur in a prostitution venture.
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The supernatural comedy, "Ghostbusters," is comprised of a motley crew of parapsychologist heroes. Who is NOT one of the original trio?
Stantz
Venkman
Spengler
Zeddmore
Winston Zeddmore (played by Ernie Hudson) joined the trio when the ghost removal business grows. Eddie Murphy was asked to play the role but he was too busy at the time.
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Meryl Streep earned Oscar nominations for several films in the 1980s. Which of these movies won her an Oscar?
"The French Lieutenant's Woman"
"Silkwood"
"Out of Africa"
"Sophie's Choice"
Streep plays a Polish immigrant who survived the Nazi concentration camps. She struggles with relationships in dealing with her past.
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In "The Breakfast Club," what are some of the types of high school students represented in detention?
A wealthy and snobby girl, a jock on the wrestling team, and a trouble-making non-achiever
Molly Ringwald plays the snob; Emilio Estevez plays the jock; Anthony Michael Hall plays the nerd; Ally Sheedy plays the alienated girl; Judd Nelson plays the rebel. John Hughes' works often cast members of the "Brat Pack."
A female saxophone-playing band geek, a neurotic freshman boy, and a blonde cheerleader
A blind boy with a sense of humor, the valedictorian, and a female track star
The class president, the captain of the football team, and an anti-social girl
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The "Brat Pack" of the 1980s included a group of actors who appeared in many coming-of-age films. Molly Ringwald was among this group. In which '80s movie did she NOT appear?
"16 Candles"
"St. Elmo's Fire"
Ringwald worked with director John Hughes in "16 Candles" and "The Breakfast Club." Hughes contributed writing for "Pretty in Pink."
"The Breakfast Club"
"Pretty in Pink"
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Which iconic 1983 film included many famous actors playing the roles of "Dallas," "Soda Pop," and "Ponyboy Curtis"?
"Stand By Me"
"E.T."
"The Outsiders"
This film directed by Francis Ford Coppola was based on the popular young adult book by S.E. Hinton. It helped start careers for actors like Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, and others.
"The Big Chill"
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Oprah Winfrey teamed up with Whoopi Goldberg in the story of a woman's struggle against racism and sexism in her search for the truth about herself. What movie is it?
"Purple Hearts"
"The Color Purple"
The movie was based on the novel by Alice Walker. Whoopi Goldberg received an Oscar nomination for her role as Celie; Winfrey made her debut as an actress playing Sofia.
"The Purple Rose of Cairo"
"Purple Rain"
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The memorable line, "I'll be back" is uttered by Arnold Schwarzenegger in which 1984 movie?
"Conan the Barbarian"
"Predator"
"The Terminator"
Schwarzenegger plays a futuristic cyborg on an assassin's mission who won't quit until he is successful. This James Cameron-directed film followed with several sequels.
"The Running Man"
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"Stand By Me" recalls a childhood summer where four close friends make a discovery. What is it?
Two of the boys are actually brothers.
They find a dead person.
This tale was originally titled "The Body" from a collection of short stories written by Stephen King. Rob Reiner directed River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell who play the childhood friends.
There is a treasure hidden in the mountains.
They witness a murder.
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This film starring Robin Williams emphasizes the idea of "carpe diem" and includes an act of defiance where students stand on chairs. Can you name it?
"Goonies"
"Back to the Future"
"Dead Poet Society"
Robin Williams plays English teacher John Keating who was asked to leave the all-boys prep school for his unorthodox teaching methods. He is saluted by his grateful students in this poignant scene.
"Karate Kid"
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Teacher, Mr. Hand, holds student, Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) accountable for passing his history class in what teen classic?
"Big"
"Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure"
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Penn plays a "surfer dude" type who is late for class and even orders a pizza during one of Mr. Hand's lectures. The emotional traumas of high school are emphasized in a dramatic but humorous way.
"Field of Dreams"
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This popular trilogy spawned a highly successful soundtrack with several songs by Huey Lewis and the News beginning in 1985. What was the first movie called?
"Nightmare on Elm Street"
"Terminator"
"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
"Back to the Future"
This highly successful franchise starred Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox. The four time periods covered in the original and sequels are 1885, 1955, 1985 and 2015.
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One of the warnings in this film is "Don't ever get him wet!" What is the title?
"Tremors"
"Gremlins"
The Gremlins are cute adorable creatures until they get wet. The other two rules are to avoid bright light and don't feed him after midnight.
"Spaceballs"
"Rambo"
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Bill Murray faces a formidable foe on the golf course in the 1980 movie, "Caddyshack." What is it?
A gopher
The gopher outsmarts the groundskeeper (Murray) countless times. In addition to Murray, Harold Ramis also directed fellow comedians Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield.
A crocodile
A squirrel
A German shepherd
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Meryl Streep and Robert Redford starred in a film based on a novel by Isak Dinesen. What is it?
"Kramer vs. Kramer"
"Out of Africa"
Set in Kenya, this is an autobiographical account of an independent plantation owner (Streep) who has an affair with an adventurous hunter (Redford).
"The Natural"
"A River Runs Through It"
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The iconic scene of children on flying bicycles is in which movie?
"Goonies"
"The Outsiders"
"E.T."
A boy (Eliot) finds himself in the care of a strange alien and when the government wants to study it, Eliot and his friends make a run for it with E.T. on their bikes in this 1982 film directed by Steven Spielberg.
"Aliens"
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A female steelworker with a dream to dance is the focus of the film, "Flashdance." What fashion trend did this film inspire?
"Big" hair
Skinny ties
Leg warmers
Actress Jennifer Beals took the lead role in "Flashdance" while still a freshman attending Yale. The tagline "Take your passion and make it happen" comes from the popular theme song sung by Irene Cara, "What a Feeling!"
Shoulder pads
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"As You Wish" is the hallmark phrase of this 1987 Rob Reiner-directed movie based on a novel by William Goldman.
"This is Spinal Tap"
"The Princess Bride"
The story uses a frame narrative where a grandfather (Peter Falk) plays a grandfather telling his grandson (Fred Savage) the story of Buttercup and her love, Wesley. "As you wish" is what Wesley always replies with to Buttercup; this is also what Falk's character says to his grandson when asked if he can read the story again.
"Terms of Endearment"
"Throw Momma from the Train"
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Two friends set out to prove a friendship can remain a friendship without romantic involvement in "When Harry Met Sally." Who did it star?
Tom Hanks and Ally Sheedy
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan
Rob Reiner adds this to his list of successful directorial roles for the 1980s. The late Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are featured as close friends of the main characters, Harry and Sally.
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick
Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher
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Which of these is a 1984 mockumentary?
"Amadeus"
"Spaceballs"
"Mannequin"
"This is Spinal Tap"
"Spinal Tap" is the fictional heavy metal band at the center of this pseudo-chronicle. The film satirizes the loud music, the groupies, the road trips of rock bands.
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Which movie begins with the discovery of a human ear?
"Platoon"
"Blue Velvet"
Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) finds an ear in a field that spurs a secret investigation. Director John Lynch received mixed reviews from critics but the film has since obtained a cult following.
"Scarface"
"Poltergeist"
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In "Rain Man," Dustin Hoffman played a savant with very strict routines which included this...?
Sprinkling sugar on his toothbrush
Wearing yellow socks
Eating black licorice with his dinner
Watching "Wheel of Fortune"
Ray (Dustin Hoffman) is under the care of his brother, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), and engages in routines like watching "The People's Court," going to bed by 11 p.m., and refusing to fly on an airplane. The film won Best Actor, Best Film, Best Writing, and Best Director Academy Awards.
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This movie inspired four sequels and is known for the phrase "Yippie Ky Yay..." uttered by the protagonist, John McClane. Name the film.
"Tremors"
"Rocky"
"Star Wars"
"Die Hard"
Bruce Willis plays McClane, an NYPD cop who goes up against terrorist Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman. Hostages are taken and things get blown up in this cat and mouse plot.
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This Australian actor starred in the "Crocodile Dundee" films and is known for the line "That's not a knife...THAT's a knife!" Who is it?
Russell Crowe
Paul Hogan
A hunter (Hogan) from the Outback is a fish out of water when he's brought to New York City by an American reporter played by Lynda Kozlowski. Hogan married Koslowski in 1990.
Hugh Jackman
Heath Ledger
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Jeff Bridges was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a space alien in "Starman." Who was his co-star?
Karen Allen
Karen Allen enjoyed career successes in the '80s with her appearances in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "The Glass Menagerie," and "Scrooged." She reprised her role in 2008 as Marion Ravenwood in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
Jessica Lange
Cybill Shepherd
Michelle Pfeiffer
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A group of misfit kids come up against some criminals when they compete in a treasure hunt. Sean Astin and Corey Feldman star in this '80s film. What is it?
"The Sandlot"
"Pee Wee's Big Adventure"
"The Karate Kid"
"The Goonies"
This was an early film of Martha Plimpton who is the daughter of actor Keith Carradine. Plimpton has more than 60 movie and television credits to her name and continues to act.
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In "Top Gun," Tom Cruise's character, Maverick, feels the "need for" what?
Home cooking
Speed
Pilot Maverick is a daredevil show-off in training and seeks attention from his classmates and his instructor. He wrestles with his pride and arrogance as he tries to be the "top gun" and get the girl.
Greed
Silver
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Rob Lowe's character, Billy Hicks, in "St. Elmo's Fire" plays what instrument?
Electric guitar
Saxophone
Many members of the "Brat Pack" star in this film: Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, and others. The saxophone music is featured throughout.
Piano
Trumpet
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"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" focuses on Ferris who evades parents and the principal as he skips school. Who was his best friend?
Abe Froman
Edward Rooney
Cameron Frye
Ferris Bueller, his best friend, Cameron, and his girlfriend, Sloane, skip school for a day of joy rides, a museum visit, baseball, and more. Matthew Broderick (Ferris) gives the movie's thematic line, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Sloane Peterson
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