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Lawrence Picks: Brat Pack 101

In the 1980's, the term Brat Pack was a moniker given to a group of young actors that appeared together in several films with a coming-of-age theme. There are are three categories of Brat Pack qualifying actors, beginning with the Core Members: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore. Then Brat Pack Adjacent: C. Thomas Howell, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey, Jr., James Spader. And those deemed Brat Pack by Association: Kevin Bacon, Matthew Broderick, Jon Cryer, John Cusack, Jami Gertz, Mary Stuart Masterson, Sean Penn, Kiefer Sutherland, and Lea Thompson. (Also, noted below are John Hughes credentials associated, thus, demonstrating how prolific a writer and director he was during this era.) These films may prove relatable for some, provide examples of interesting life choices for others, or make you laugh until you cry. These films are classic time capsules of the highest order with recognizable catch phrases and soundtracks that will haunt you for the rest of your days.

Lawrence Public Library

10 items

  • [1982/Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe] Follow the questionable antics a group of Southern California high school students courtesy of a few sub plots! Popular senior, Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold), thinks his life…
    DVDUniversal City, CA : Universal, c2004. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY FAST TIM
  • [1983/Directed by Francis Ford Coppola; adapted from the novel by S.E. Hinton] The Outsiders centers on two teen gang rivals in rural Oklahoma, the Greasers and the Socials. When Greasers' Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny (Ralph…
    DVDBurbank, CA : Warner Bros. Entertainment : Distributed by Warner Home Video, c2008. — DVD MOVIE DRAMA OUTSIDER
  • [1983] A high school student, David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) unwittingly hacks into a military supercomputer while searching for new video games in this cold war drama. After starting a game of Global Thermonuclear War, Lightman leads…
    DVDSanta Monica, Calif. : MGM Home Entertainment, [c2008]. — DVD MOVIE ADVENTURE WARGAMES
  • [1984/Written and directed by John Hughes] Samantha (Molly Ringwald) finds herself facing her 16th birthday with apprehension as it is overshadowed by her sister's upcoming nuptials. As if her life couldn't get more complicated, she pines…
    DVDUniversal City, CA : Universal Home Video, c2003. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY SIXTEEN
  • [1985/Written, directed and produced by John Hughes] Five high school teenagers from different walks of life show up for what should be a typical Saturday detention. However, what happens when these teens combine, under the watchful eye of…
    DVDUniversal City, CA : Universal, c2008. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY BREAKFAS CLUB
  • [1985/Written and directed by Joel Schumacher] Recent Georgetown graduates embark on a series of unfortunate events in the real world. Kirby (Emilio Estevez), a waiter that is a wannabe lawyer; Kevin (Andrew McCarthy), moody writer who…
    DVDBurbank, CA : Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, c2001. — DVD MOVIE DRAMA SAINT EL
  • [1986/Written by John Hughes] Andie (Molly Ringwald), an "outcast", with a penchant for sewing, at her high school in Chicago, enjoys hanging out with her older, but cool boss, Iona (Annie Potts) (who owns the record store where she…
    DVDHollywood, Calif. : Paramount, c2002. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY PRETTY I
  • [1985/Written and directed by John Hughes] Two teen misfits, Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith), design what they believe to be their ideal woman on their computer. Seems harmless fun until a freak electrical…
    DVDUniversal City, CA : Universal, c2008. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY WEIRD SC
  • [1986/Written, directed, and produced by John Hughes] Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has a talent for getting away with and getting out of just about anything. As graduation approaches, Bueller, alongside his girlfriend, Sloane (Mia…
    DVDHollywood, Calif. : Paramount, c2006. — DVD MOVIE COMEDY FERRIS B
  • [1987/Written by John Hughes] Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz), an artsy high school outcast, makes an attempt to secure a date with popular girl, Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson), with assistance from best friend, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson).…
    UnknownHollywood, Calif. : Paramount, c2006. — DVD MOVIE DRAMA SOME KIN