10 Films Every UK Child of the 70s and 80s Remembers
For kids growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, a trip to the cinema (or later, popping a VHS into the player) was pure magic. These were the films that sparked our imaginations, made us laugh, sometimes made us cry, and gave us characters we’ll never forget. Whether it was a Disney re-release at the local Odeon or a brand-new sci-fi adventure, these movies defined a generation of childhoods.
Here are 10 unforgettable films that every UK child of the 70s and 80s will remember.
1. Star Wars (1977)
When Star Wars hit cinemas in 1977, it changed everything. Lightsabers, droids, Darth Vader, and the Millennium Falcon — it was the ultimate adventure and instantly became a playground obsession. Kids acted out battles with makeshift lightsabers and begged for the toys that quickly filled shelves.
The film also sparked a tidal wave of merchandise, from lunchboxes to pyjamas. Watching it in the cinema was jaw-dropping, but even catching it on VHS felt like stepping into another universe. For children of the late 70s, it was more than just a film — it was a cultural revolution.
2. Superman: The Movie (1978)
Christopher Reeve made us believe a man could fly. Backed by John Williams’ soaring theme and unforgettable moments like Superman catching Lois Lane mid-fall, it was the ultimate superhero fantasy. For many children, it was their first experience of seeing a comic-book hero on the big screen.
Reeve’s warmth and charm made him the perfect Superman. Kids came out of cinemas with tea towels tied around their necks, convinced they could fly too. For a whole generation, Christopher Reeve will always be the definitive Man of Steel.
3. Grease (1978)
Set in the 1950s but released in the late 70s, Grease swept through schools and discos everywhere. Kids and teens alike knew all the songs — “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want” were belted out at every party. Parents may have frowned at the cheeky lyrics, but for most children, it was just pure fun.
The dancing, costumes, and energy made Grease unforgettable. Even younger kids who didn’t understand the full story loved the characters and catchy music. For many, it was their first taste of a musical, and it stuck with them for life.
4. The Muppet Movie (1979)
Jim Henson’s creations leapt from the TV screen to cinemas, and The Muppet Movie quickly became a family favourite. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo made kids laugh and sing along, while “The Rainbow Connection” became one of the most memorable songs of the era.
Seeing the Muppets in a full-blown adventure felt magical. Packed with jokes, cameos, and charm, it delighted children and adults alike. For many kids, this was their very first cinema trip — and what a way to start.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Few films captured childhood innocence like E.T. The story of a lonely boy who befriends a stranded alien made us laugh, cry, and dream of our own alien pal. The flying bicycle scene remains one of the most magical moments in film history.
From “E.T. phone home” to the glowing fingertip, the movie became a cultural touchstone. Kids who saw it never forgot the mixture of wonder and heartbreak, and it still tugs at the heartstrings today.
6. The Dark Crystal (1982)
The Dark Crystal was unlike any other children’s film of the time. Jim Henson and Frank Oz created a dark, mysterious fantasy world filled with strange creatures like the Gelflings and the menacing Skeksis. For many kids, it was both terrifying and enchanting.
Its puppetry and visuals were groundbreaking, creating a world that felt rich and otherworldly. It proved that children’s films could be bold, challenging, and even unsettling, and that’s why it remains unforgettable.
7. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Although released in 1968, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang became a holiday staple thanks to TV repeats and cinema re-releases in the 70s and 80s. The flying car, Dick Van Dyke’s catchy songs, and colourful adventures made it a firm favourite with families.
But the film also had its darker side, with the terrifying Child Catcher haunting many childhoods. It was the kind of film that mixed wonder with fear, and that combination made it stick in our memories forever.
8. The Goonies (1985)
“Hey you guys!” The Goonies was every child’s dream adventure. A gang of misfit kids follow a pirate treasure map, outwit villains, and survive a maze of booby traps, all while sticking together as friends. It was funny, exciting, and endlessly quotable.
Each character felt relatable, from Mikey’s determination to Chunk’s clumsy charm. And of course, Sloth became a cult hero. The Goonies perfectly captured the thrill of believing that an adventure might be waiting just around the corner.
9. Back to the Future (1985)
With Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and a DeLorean time machine, Back to the Future had everything. Part sci-fi, part comedy, and part adventure, it defined the blockbuster spirit of the 80s. Kids loved the skateboards, gadgets, and the idea of seeing their parents as teenagers.
It wasn’t just about time travel — it was about friendship, bravery, and reshaping destiny. Funny, clever, and endlessly entertaining, it became an instant classic that children (and adults) watched over and over.
10. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The NeverEnding Story pulled children into a world of pure fantasy. Bastian reads a magical book and discovers he has the power to save the land of Fantasia, encountering the luckdragon Falkor, the warrior Atreyu, and the terrifying Nothing.
The story was thrilling but also heartbreaking, especially the scene where Atreyu loses his horse, Artax, in the Swamp of Sadness. It was a mix of wonder, fear, and tears — and that’s exactly why it’s still remembered as one of the most powerful childhood films of the 80s.