If I had to create an '80s DVD collection, and limit it only to 10 DVDs, and also ignore franchise pics (with one exception listed below), I'd have to go with the following:
Back to the Future - the quintessential '80s film, IMO.
The Princess Bride - one of the best fantasy adventure films of the '80s or any other decade.
Heathers - my favorite high-school-is-hell movie, and my Winona crush began here as well.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High - a classic for a reason.
The Goonies - a childhood favorite, I wanted to be Mikey!!!
The Neverending Story - my favorite fantasy movie from this decade, and it still holds up today.
Revenge of the Nerds - it's tempting to simply write this off as a
Porky's wannabe, but this film is so much more. It's funny, crass, sexy, and most surprising of all . . . endearing.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - I'd be remiss if I didn't include at least one John Hughs film on the list, and this is probably the best of the bunch.
Stand By Me - I identified with this movie so much as a wee lad, it's not funny. I
was Gordie.
Say Anything . . . - The best '80s romantic comedy by far.
And three Honorable Mentions:
Risky Business - not only is it funny (Tom Cruise! Bronson Pinchot! Curtis Armstrong!), but this is the first movie that sexually aroused me (TMI?)
Spaceballs - the epitome of silly '80s spoof comedy.
Sixteen Candles - a good example of how a teen film can take its target audience seriously while still being funny.