Ranking Each Of The 12 Brat Pack Movies
Remember the 1980s?
That magical decade gave us some of the most unforgettable teen movies ever made, all featuring a special group of young actors known as the Brat Pack.
These films captured what it really felt like to be young, confused, and trying to figure out where you fit in.
Here’s a ranking of all twelve iconic movies to see which ones still hold up today and which ones deserve a little more love than they get.
Disclaimer: This article reflects subjective editorial perspectives on Brat Pack films and should not be interpreted as definitive fact or universal consensus.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five students walk into Saturday detention as total strangers.
A brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal spend nine hours together and discover they’re more alike than different.
Director John Hughes created something magical here.
Every conversation feels raw and real, like eavesdropping on actual teenagers working through their deepest fears.
This movie remains the gold standard for coming-of-age cinema.
2. The Outsiders (1983)
Greasers versus Socs in 1960s Oklahoma sounds like just another gang story, right? Wrong.
Francis Ford Coppola turned S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel into a stunning exploration of class warfare and brotherhood.
Young stars like C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, and Patrick Swayze delivered performances that still hit hard decades later.
When Ponyboy whispers “Stay gold,” you’ll feel it deep in your chest.
3. Pretty in Pink (1986)
Andie works at a record store and makes her own clothes because money’s tight.
She falls for rich kid Blane, but their different worlds threaten to tear them apart.
Molly Ringwald shines as the underdog we all root for, while Jon Cryer steals scenes as her loyal best friend Duckie.
Though the ending sparked controversy (Team Duckie forever!), the movie handles class differences with surprising honesty.
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
What happens when the coolest kid in school decides to skip class?
Pure comedy gold, that’s what.
Matthew Broderick plays Ferris with such charm you can’t help rooting for him even though he’s basically lying to everyone.
His adventure through Chicago with girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron becomes a celebration of living in the moment.
Breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to viewers was revolutionary back then.
5. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Keith works hard to save money for college but spends it all on a date with the popular girl.
Meanwhile, his tomboyish best friend Watts secretly loves him from the sidelines.
This John Hughes script flips typical romance tropes beautifully.
Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson create chemistry that feels genuine and earned, not forced.
Unlike Pretty in Pink, this one gets the ending right by celebrating real friendship over shallow attraction.
6. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
College just ended and now what?
Seven friends try navigating jobs, relationships, and responsibilities in Washington D.C. with mixed results.
Rob Lowe’s Billy plays his saxophone and avoids commitment like it’s a sport.
Demi Moore’s Jules spirals while pretending everything’s fine.
Honestly, this movie feels messy because life after college IS messy.
Not everyone loves it, but the performances from the all-star Brat Pack cast make it worth watching at least once.
7. Young Guns (1988)
Billy the Kid and his gang ride through the Old West causing chaos and dodging lawmen.
This western features Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Charlie Sheen as outlaws with attitude.
Sure, historical accuracy takes a backseat to style and action here.
But watching these young actors bring energy to a classic genre makes the whole thing ridiculously fun.
The soundtrack rocks harder than most westerns too.
8. Footloose (1984)
City kid Ren moves to a small town where dancing is literally illegal. Yes, you read that right.
Kevin Bacon fights against outdated rules while teaching uptight townspeople to loosen up and enjoy life.
The soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, and that warehouse dance scene where Ren works out his frustration still slaps.
Though not technically a pure Brat Pack film, its rebellious spirit fits perfectly with the era’s other teen classics.
9. Lucas (1986)
A brilliant but tiny freshman named Lucas falls for a beautiful older girl named Maggie.
Corey Haim gives a heartbreaking performance as the kid who’s too smart for his own good but too young to understand some harsh realities.
When Lucas tries out for football to impress Maggie, you’ll want to look away.
This movie treats its characters with uncommon gentleness and respect.
Charlie Sheen’s jock with a heart of gold subverts every stereotype you’d expect.
10. The Lost Boys (1987)
Two brothers move to California and discover their new town has a serious vampire problem.
Kiefer Sutherland leads a gang of undead bikers who look cooler than any villain has a right to.
This horror-comedy hybrid blends scares with laughs perfectly, creating something totally unique for its time.
Corey Haim and Corey Feldman became “The Two Coreys” thanks to their chemistry here.
Sleep all day, party all night?
Sounds like the ultimate teenage fantasy until you realize you’re drinking blood.
11. Taps (1981)
Military school cadets take over their academy when they learn it’s closing down.
What starts as a peaceful protest escalates into something far more dangerous and tragic.
Timothy Hutton leads, but young Tom Cruise and Sean Penn steal attention with intense performances.
This early Brat Pack film explores loyalty, honor, and what happens when idealism crashes into reality.
Darker and more serious than most teen movies of the era, it showcases these actors before they became household names.
12. Young Guns II (1990)
Billy the Kid returns for another round of outlaw adventures in the Wild West.
This sequel brings back the gang for more shootouts and swagger, though it never quite captures the original’s lightning-in-a-bottle energy.
By 1990, the Brat Pack era was fading, and you can feel it.
Still, if you loved the first movie, this one offers enough action and camaraderie to satisfy.
