10. Weird Science by Oingo BoingoFeatured in Weird Science
This is not the last movie to make this list by the late John Hughes. During his heyday he managed to make highly entertaining teenage films with catchy tunes including this 1985 sci-fi comedy about a pair of dorky kids who create the woman of their dreams. Featuring the sounds of Oingo Boingo fronted by cut and paste soundtrack maker Danny Elfman, Weird Science is a silly but sound piece of work.
9. Love on a Real Train by Tangerine Dream
Featured in Risky Business
Teenage sexual exploration and 80's superficial culture gets much needed lampooning in this Tom Cruise vehicle. Enticed by a seductive hooker and egged on by his friend, Joel (Cruise) reluctantly uses his upper crust family house as a brothel. Tangerine Dream provides the tantalizing music for a few of the key scenes. No words, just seduction.
8. Back in Time by Huey Lewis and the NewsFeatured in Back to the Future
Who isn't familiar with this Robert Zemeckis classic. Back to the Future has so many just great songs packed into its 116 minute run time. Still the stalwart little ditty that got into everyones heads as the credits rolled was Back in Time by Huey Lewis and the News. Also featured by them is The Power of Love played by Marty's band in the beginning of the film.
7. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
Featured in Footloose
Need I say more? It's Footloose!
6. Flash Gordon by QueenFeatured in Flash Gordon
This movie is partially saved from obscurity due to Queens epic introduction. Featuring a dull sports hero who saves the planet Mongo from certain devastation from the hands of Emperor Ming, the intro reminds us how truly silly the whole concept is; which is a good thing.
5. The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Featured in Dirty Dancing
This song eventually won an Oscar as it was featured in a pivotal moment between teen heartthrob Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. While the movie might be the quintessential 80's chick-flick one couldn't help but get a little melancholic hearing it after Swayze's tragic death. Patrick, we miss you.
4. Holiday Road by Lindsay BuckinghamFeatured in National Lampoon's Vacation
Part do-wop, part AM pop, Holiday Road is one of those songs that gets in your head and never lets go. Unlike, say Build Me Up Buttercup or the Batman theme song, it isn't much of a bother.
3. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
Featured in The Breakfast Club
This song however is a bit of a bother, but no 80's theme song list can be complete without The Breakfast Club and Simple Mind's memorable Don't You (Forget About Me).
2. Twist and Shout by The BeatlesFeatured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Having fun can be hard work but Matthew Broderick's Ferris Bueller makes it look damn easy. Perched atop a parade float, the titular character moves and groves lip-syncing to The Beatles as the entire city of Chicago gyrates along.
1. Brazil by Geoff and Maria Muldaur
Featured in Brazil
Repeatedly looped into Terry Gilliam's opus, the song Brazil has the asinine catchy-ness and ironic optimism that makes it perfect for this dystopian masterpiece. Not quite a pop sensation, Brazil torments the brain until you end up silently muttering it to yourself whilst dazed out in front of the television.
Honorable Mention
Killer Klowns (From Outer Space) by The Dickies
Featured in Killer Klowns from Outer Space
The movie was awful but trust me when I say the song is good and very 80's
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