Many films are all about the Hollywood ideal, albeit the grandest house, the hero, and… your friends? With this list of the top power groups to have ever graced the big screen, we can all aspire to these ultimate squad goals – whether that’s in fashion, coolness, or just plain friendship.
Side note: Yes, these films are all 80s. Let’s just assume that was when squad goals reigned supreme.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
And John Hughes is back! Clumping together the high school stereotypes, this films is all about friendship overcoming differences. Packed with one-liners you’ll be quoting for the rest of your uni days, a questionable dance routine, everything 80s, and some rather spunky characters, you’ll be wishing you could join them on their Saturday detention too. (****)
Diner (1982)
For all those friendship groups based around food, this is the one for you. Set in the cosy realms of the all-American diner, you have the pleasure of hanging out with Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon and a few other well-known faces as they tackle the pains formally known as our twenties. Full of laughs, drinking, questionable sexual antics, and bizarre approaches to marriage (football and ‘I do’ are a lot closer linked than you think…) this is perfect for a night in. (*****)
Ghostbusters (1989)
For those friendship groups prepping to face the supernatural (and I’m sure there are many), the Ghostbusters are your guys. Teaching you that all you really need are some matching uniforms and Bill Murray, this classic does deal up the ultimate squad goals – teamwork, a little bit of craziness, and simply saving the world. Easy to copy, right? (***)
The Goonies (1985)
Apologies to all the die-hard fans of this disappointment-to-cinema film, but I’m afraid its squad goals are questionable. Yes, they form a cute group called The Goonies, and yes Josh Brolin is involved, but that’s where the magic ends. The adventurous journey is rather dull, the jokes are boring, and the film is painfully dated. One to watch if you love a bit of silliness and fancy a return to childhood, but if I were you, I’d stay away. (**)
Stand By Me (1986)
Following a group of four boys in search for a dead body on the railway tracks, this is all about the ‘journey’. Stand By Me tests and celebrates their friendships as they face their fears, go from boys to men, and get attacked by leeches… With the film’s nostalgic qualities, you and your squad will be grabbing your Converse and setting off on your own journey in no time. (*****)