
From the neon colors and big hair of the ’80s to the grunge of the ’90s, movies from these decades didn’t just entertain, they also helped shape a generation. These are the movies that defined growing up during that time, embedding themselves into the memories of kids and teens who lived through blockbuster sleepovers and repeat TV airings. Whether you knew the lines by heart or had the VHS permanently in your family room, these films left a mark that still lingers today.
10. The Princess Bride (1987)

Blending romance, adventure, comedy, and fantasy, The Princess Bride was unlike anything else. It appealed to a wide range of viewers, from fairy tale lovers to sword-fighting fanatics. This whimsical tale is absolutely one of the movies that defined growing up for kids raised on VHS and bedtime stories.
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9. Home Alone (1990)

Few kids didn’t fantasize about being left home alone after watching Kevin McCallister’s adventures. Home Alone offered surprising emotional resonance, as Kevin navigates independence, loneliness, and ultimately, forgiveness. The booby traps were legendary, and the holiday setting made it a repeat favorite for years.
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8. My Girl (1991)

My Girl was a tearjerker that surprised many young viewers with its emotional depth. Vada and Thomas J.’s friendship, her journey through grief, and the coming-of-age themes made this film one of the best movies that defined growing up in the ’90s. It tackled love, death, and growing up with honesty, leaving viewers deeply moved.
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7. The Sandlot (1993)

The Sandlot is pure ’90s nostalgia, perfectly capturing summer freedom, neighborhood friendships, and childhood rites of passage. Centered around a group of boys who bond over baseball, the film’s relatable simplicity and warm humor made it an instant classic.
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6. Back to the Future (1985)

Back to the Future didn’t just entertain, it also shaped pop culture’s view of science fiction and teen life. Marty McFly’s journey through time blurred the lines between generations and gave young audiences a skateboarding, guitar-shredding hero to root for. It remains one of the most enduring movies that defined growing up in the ’80s.
5. Matilda (1996)

For every misunderstood or imaginative kid, Matilda was a revelation. This Roald Dahl adaptation showed how intelligence and kindness could overcome cruelty. Matilda’s telekinetic powers and fierce independence were inspirational to countless ’90s kids, and the whimsical tone masked powerful messages about resilience and self-worth.
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4. Stand by Me (1986)

Stand by Me is one of the most emotionally resonant movies that defined growing up. Its focus on friendship and mortality hit home for many viewers. The story of four boys on a journey to find a body is less about the destination and more about what they learn along the way.
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3. Clueless (1995)

A cultural reset for the ’90s, Clueless became a defining coming-of-age comedy that fused fashion, friendship, and finding yourself. Beneath the witty dialogue and wardrobe changes was a sincere exploration of teenage identity and growth.
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2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off defined every teen’s dream of rebellion and freedom. Skipping school never looked cooler. The film offered wish fulfillment while also highlighting the tension between adolescence and authority. Its one-liners, red Ferrari, and parade scene are a staple in pop culture.
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1. The Goonies (1985)

Few movies that defined growing up scream childhood adventure like The Goonies. With its ragtag group of kids searching for pirate treasure and navigating booby traps, this film encapsulated the wild imagination and tight-knit friendships of being a kid in the ‘80s.
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