Trendy throwbacks

In an age where anything vintage is trendy and cool, streaming services have created a renewed appreciation for films and television shows from the 1980s and ‘90s. Their popularity stems from the retro fashion, slang and the different filmmaking styles of the era.  

The Breakfast Club

This John Hughes film became an instant classic after its release in 1985. The movie chronicles a Saturday morning of five high school misfits. All of their teen angst and personal struggles makes “Breakfast Club” relatable even after its transition from the big screen to Netflix. Most students can recall a time where they were stuck in detention and wanted to be anywhere but there, making this movie transcend time.

Back to the Future

This 1985 movie is the quintessential throwmovie that is available on Hulu. 17-year-old Marty McFly travels from 1985 back to 1955 and forward to 2015. This film captures the essence of ‘80s fashion and slang giving modern viewers a taste of what was popular at the time. Because Marty travels to 2015, “Back to the Future” is even more appealing to current teenagers, as we look to see what previous generations thought our lives would look like. “Back to the Future” can be viewed on Youtube, iTunes, Google Play or Amazon Prime Video.


This classic TV show reigned supreme over all other sitcoms from the 90s to the early 2000s. The over-the-top characters and idealistic view of New York makes “Friends” still entertaining long after its run. The show is now living through a new medium, Netflix. This accessibility makes “Friends” easy to binge for teenagers today.


Known for plaid skirts and the protagonist’s uncomfortable relationship with her ex-stepbrother, this 1995 teen romance has recently returned to pop culture. The film was the main theme of Iggy Azalea’s 2014 music video for her song “Fancy.” This music video propelled “Clueless” back on the radar of teens after two decades. The main lead of this flick is Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a spoiled 16-year-old girl from Beverly Hills, who is trying to find a perfect boyfriend. After a broken car, house party and prom, Cher ends up with her ex-stepbrother, Josh. “Clueless” is available for streaming on sites such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.

Romeo + Juliet

The tragic whirlwind romance of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and “Juliet” is rehashed in ‘90s Mexico City in “Romeo + Juliet.” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo Montague and Clare Danes as Juliet Capulet, this film has been capturing the hearts of young girls since its initial release in 1996. Even though the tale of the young lovers from Verona is universally known, Luhrmann’s version gives new life to the story. “Romeo + Juliet” can be streamed on Google Play and Youtube.