Join me on a journey back to the righteous ’80s, where we’ll explore some iconic movies that, despite their mediocrity, were miraculously transformed into greatness by their infectious soundtracks and groovy theme songs.

In a time when popped collars were all the rage and teen movies were practically synonymous with John Hughes, the 1980s possessed a whimsical charm all its own. Those movies captured our teenage hearts, filling our minds with dreams of endless possibilities. If Molly Ringwald could conquer the world, surely we could too. But alas, seeing those beloved movies through the lens of adulthood, a shocking revelation dawns upon me: many of those so-called iconic films were, well, let’s just say “generically extraordinary.”

Without the enchantment of music, they might’ve fizzled into oblivion. Despite the questionable acting, the cheesiness of the dialogue, and plots that were more predictable than your Aunt Mabel’s meatloaf recipe, these ’80s movies ascended to the lofty realm of pop-culture royalty, all thanks to their epic soundtracks.

So, my fellow time travelers, strap on your parachute pants, pull up those leg warmers, fire up the DeLorean, and rev that engine to a mind-boggling eighty-eight miles per hour.

The Karate Kid 2

Get ready to wax on and wax off as we embark on our first adventure through the ’80s movie landscape. Our first stop is none other than “The Karate Kid 2,” where we reunite with the lovable Daniel San and his wise mentor, Mr. Miyagi. Released on June 20th, 1986, this movie is like a funky fusion of cultures, blending awkward fighting styles and aiming its charm at the white adolescent male audience.

In the original film, we witnessed Daniel’s incredible transformation from a bullied teen to a hopping and kicking karate sensation. But in part 2, get ready to be whisked away to the majestic land of Okinawa, Japan.

Mr. Miyagi, accompanied by our trusty hero Daniel, embarks on a journey to pay his final respects to his ailing father. Little do they know, this trip will also rekindle a long-lost love affair and force Mr. Miyagi to confront his once-best-friend-turned-rival, Sato. And of course, in true ’80s fashion, Daniel finds love and, as expected, manages to make a brand new enemy along the way.

Now, I’ll be honest, this sequel might not be as mind-blowingly awesome as the original (in my humble opinion, of course). But hey, it does bring a touch of extra brutality to the table.

What it lacks in comparison, it compensates with a deeper exploration of Mr. Miyagi’s character, revealing new layers and unearthing hidden depths. Sadly, our beloved protagonist, Daniel Russo, remains a tad one-dimensional, but hey, we still root for him with all our nostalgic might hoping he’ll crane kick our way to victory.

Being an already established franchise helped push the film to the top of the box office on its opening weekend. But here’s the real kicker — the secret to its skyrocketing success wasn’t just its recognizable name. Oh no, my friends, it was the magical power of its companion soundtrack that truly stole the show, transforming this mediocre sequel into a shining star and securing its spot as the second-highest-earning gem in the franchise’s crown.

Imagine catchy tunes like “The Glory of Love,” penned by none other than the masterful Peter Cetera, a maestro behind some of the most iconic melodies of the ’80s. This musical gem, with its irresistible hooks and lyrics, was on rotation on every radio station. And voila, Just like that, our lackluster sequel, initially presumed to be “dead on arrival,” magically blossomed into a global sensation, raking in over a staggering 130 million dollars worldwide.

The song was so good, it earned itself a coveted nomination for an Oscar, vying for the title of Best Original Song the very next year. Can you believe it? A melody so irresistible, it caught the attention of the Academy, bringing a dose of glitz and glamour to the film.

Dirty Dancing

Step into a world where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey take center stage, swaying and twirling their way through a summer to remember. Meet Francis “Baby” Houseman, a spirited soul spending her vacation at a lively resort with her family. Little did she know, her life was about to take a mesmerizing turn as she succumbed to the enchantment of dance and found herself falling head over heels for the charismatic Johnny Castle, the camp’s very own dance maestro.

Now, my friends, don’t let the Romeo and Juliet comparisons fool you — there’s no tragic ending in sight. This is a tale of two kindred spirits from different worlds, defying conventions and dancing their way into each other’s hearts. It’s a story of love, passion, and, of course, some seriously smooth moves. Forget the dying part, this is all about living and embracing the rhythm of life.

When Dirty Dancing burst onto the scene in 1987, it faced a lukewarm reception from the critics. But fear not, for the magic was just beginning to unfold. Like whispers in the wind, word of mouth began to spread, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences everywhere. And guess what? It wasn’t just the captivating performances or the enchanting story — it was the irresistible soundtrack that set the dance floor ablaze.

This soundtrack, my friends, soared to unimaginable heights, going multi-platinum and igniting a musical frenzy. Its infectious beats and soul-stirring melodies led to a string of hit singles, shimmying their way into the top ten of the Billboard 100 chart. And let’s not forget the iconic theme song, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” which triumphantly claimed the number one spot on the pop chart, sweeping the nation off its feet.

The Dirty Dancing soundtrack pays homage to the 1960s with songs most of the film’s audience grew up listening to. It resulted in a refreshing rebirth of popular songs from that era. “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” the theme song, complements the plot’s basic concept beautifully; it’s about accepting oneself, even if it means going against one’s class and traditions.

From the montage of Johnny teaching Baby the dance routine to the rousing climactic third act, each song in the movie matched perfectly with the scene it played in. This marriage of song and scene transformed a run-of-the-mill dance film into a confluence of ecstasy and bacchanal because “Nobody puts baby in a corner.” The soundtrack took the movie from the corner of ordinariness and danced its way into the hearts of millions.

Footloose

Dancing, Rebellion, and Magic Feet. Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer take center stage in a movie that captures the essence of high school dudes who look like they’ve already been through a whirlwind of marriages, juggling alimony payments like seasoned pros. No other film encapsulates this quintessential ’80s vibe quite like Footloose.

From the moment those feet break loose in the opening scenes, and John Lithgow delivers a fiery sermon straight out of a “sinners in the hands of an angry god” playbook, you just know you’re in for an epic ride of outrageous proportions!

The plot unfolds like your typical tale of a new guy in town, shaking up the established order, and giving a rebellious spirit to the oppressed teenagers, all while teaching the uptight adults a lesson in relaxation. But here’s the real magic, my friends — Footloose takes this overly used concept, throws in some slick dance moves, and adds a pinch of enchantment.

Suddenly, you find yourself transported to a world where all your problems can vanish with a series of perfectly choreographed dances. It’s like a whimsical remedy for life’s troubles, where the power of movement and music conquers all.

And let’s talk about that legendary soundtrack, shall we? Brace yourselves for a mind-blowing fact: the Footloose soundtrack, with its foot-tapping beats and irresistible melodies, became the most successful movie album of the entire ’80s.

It went nine times platinum in the United States alone. Not only did it gift us with two chart-topping, number-one songs, but it also delivered the iconic title track, “Footloose,” which instantly became an anthem for all the dancing souls across the globe.

With its phenomenal soundtrack, Footloose twirled its way into the annals of dance film greatness, leaving a trail of joyful memories in its wake. It showed kids everywhere that when life knocks you down, all you need to do is unleash a burst of synchronized dance moves, and watch your worries melt away like an ice cream cone on a hot summer’s day. It’s a testament to the power of music, movement, and the sheer whimsy of the ‘80s.

The Bittersweet Ballad of The Last American Virgin

Where love lessons were learned the hard way and heartbreak hit like a ton of glittery bricks, Buckle up for The Last American Virgin, a movie that dared to defy the feel-good norms of its era and delivered a reality check wrapped in a gut-punching package.

It’s 1982, and Lawrence Monoson and Diane Franklin take the lead in this Americanized adaptation of the Israeli film “Lemon Popsicle.” Now, hold on tight, because this movie is not your typical sugar-coated teen flick. Oh no, my friends, it’s a rollercoaster of unrequited love, shattered dreams, and the harsh truth about the whims of teenage hearts.

While others may call it cruel, we see it as a valuable lesson for all the young dreamers out there. The Last American Virgin reminded us that not all love stories have happy endings. Sometimes, the good guys finish last, and life just isn’t fair. It taught us that rejection can sting like a mosquito bite at a summer picnic, leaving us with nothing but shattered dreams and a one-way ticket to heartacheville.

Released in an era where raunchy humor and teenage hormones ruled the silver screen, this movie delved into the complexities of youthful desire and the painful realization that not all infatuations lead to fairy tale romance. It may not be the fluffiest of narratives, but it bravely confronted the hard truths about love-sick teenagers and their crushed fantasies.

But fear not, my friends, for amidst the tears and heartache, there was solace to be found in the magnificent soundscape of The Last American: the melancholic melodies of REO Speedwagon, the soul-stirring harmonies of Journey, and the funky beats of The Commodores — these tunes had teenagers across the land sobbing into their pillows.

Yet, there was one song that encapsulated the film’s essence like no other, a heartfelt gem from Quincy Jones and James Ingram: “Just Once.” This magical song reminded us that heartbreak, though painful, is only temporary, and that eventually, everything will be alright. It’s like the film’s theme distilled into a single, soul-soothing melody.

Back to the Future

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd take center stage in a tale of old Dr. Emmett Brown and his quirky connection with a teenager named Marty McFly. It’s a story where time travel mixes with teenage turmoil, as Marty accidentally messes with his parents’ love story by venturing back in time. It’s a wild ride that’ll have you laughing, cringing, and gasping all at once.

Sure, it might be mediocre, and Michael J. Fox may have been pushing 30, but he rocked that high school kid vibe with flair. Nonetheless, It’s a sci-fi gem that spawned not one, but two sequels, and became a beloved part of ’80s pop culture.

Now, there’s one thing we can all agree on — the music. Ah, the power of love, my friends. Huey Lewis and the News blessed us with the incredible theme song aptly titled “The Power of Love.” It’s a tune that gets stuck in your head and transports you straight to the heart-pumping moments of the film. And let’s not overlook the end credit track, “Back in Time,” which completes the magical journey of “Back to the Future.”

Those great music were a hit, earning “The Power of Love” the prestigious title of favorite single and video single at the Music Awards. With its infectious energy and catchy melodies, the soundtrack truly elevated “Back to the Future” to greater heights.

So, despite the occasional chaos in the plot and some eccentric character choices, “Back to the Future” captured the hearts of viewers and remains a beloved favorite to this day.

Calling All Ghostbusters

Me the zaniest squad of supernatural defenders as we venture back to June 8, 1984, when Ghostbusters took the world by storm. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lead the charge in this delightful mishmash of science fiction, horror, comedy, and action that defies categorization in the most spectacular way.

Now, let’s be honest — this film is a wild ride through the realms of the supernatural, but finding its place within a specific genre? Nah, it’s too busy busting ghosts and making us giggle to worry about fitting in. And if a ginormous marshmallow wreaking havoc on the streets of New York City doesn’t make you chuckle, then, my friend, your funny bone needs some serious tickling.

Sure, the plot may have been a tad unconventional, but let’s face it, no amount of script doctoring could contain the sheer awesomeness of Ghostbusters. Not even the sci-fi goddess herself, Sigourney Weaver, could tame the chaos that unfolded. But fear not, for in the midst of this menagerie of genres, there were two shining beacons of brilliance: the theme song and the dry humor of Bill Murray.

Ah, the iconic theme song, aptly titled “Ghostbusters” by the talented Ray Parker Jr. It’s a tune that embodies the essence of the film like no other, crafting a melody that’s as infectious as a ghostly giggle.

With its toe-tapping beat and lyrics that stick in your head like ectoplasm, this plot-specific song pulled people to the theaters in droves. It climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it camped out for three glorious weeks.

The Magical Misadventures of Mannequin

Step right up, folks, as we enter the fantastical world of Mannequin, a film that has been dubbed the “most lifeless” gem of the 1980s. Starring Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy, this 1987 fantasy romantic comedy isn’t here to steal anybody’s hearts.

Jonathan Switcher, a quirky artist with an eye for design, lands a gig as a window wizard at a department store. Little does he know that his artistic escapades will lead him to an unexpected love affair with a mystical mannequin, who happens to come alive when they’re alone. Talk about a twist of fate that’s more enchanting than a pixie’s giggle.

Now, some folks might say this film is just a tired reinterpretation of an overused, Eurocentric fable about love’s transformative power. But hey, we’re here for the magic, the whimsy, and the sheer fun. Mannequin may have turned a frog of a concept into a full-blown rom-com extravaganza, but that’s what makes it so endearingly mediocre.

Sure, it might have benefited from a sprinkle of Disney’s fairy dust, but let’s not overlook the charm of our misfit cast. They may have seemed like they collided on purpose, but their offbeat chemistry adds a dash of unpredictability to this peculiar tale.

And guess what? Despite the critics’ raised eyebrows and the movie’s blatant “Judy” fetishism, Mannequin had the last laugh at the box office, debuting at number three on its opening weekend. Take that, naysayers.

As if that wasn’t enough, the cheeky filmmakers even went on to create a sequel that surpassed the absurdity of the original. Now, that’s a feat in itself. But fear not, dear friends, for there’s a glimmer of hope amidst the mannequin madness.

The one shining star in this Pinocchio love fest is none other than the film’s infectious theme song, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” performed by the legendary band Starship. It soared to the coveted number one spot on America’s Hot 100 Billboard list, infusing new life into an otherwise lifeless film.

And there you have it, folks, some of my favorite mediocre 80s movies that are made better by their soundtracks.

These films, despite their lack of substance, had some great soundtracks that were on par with, if not better than, many of the standard albums of the 80s, elevating these movies to pop-culture royalty.