Greatest High School Movies of the 80s of All Time
Better Off Dead (1985) or Say Anything… (1989)
Pick Your Favorite
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Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Why is it that when we talk about the pinnacle of '80s high school movies, the conversation often narrows down to 'Better Off Dead' vs. 'Say Anything…'? Picture the contrast: one, a surreal comedy steeped in the bizarre challenges of teenage life, the other a straightforward romance encapsulating the earnest, boombox-holding spirit of true love. This battle isn't just about deciding which film lands a higher spot on our GOAT list—it's about what defines our collective nostalgia. Will it be the quirky, comic escapades of Lane Meyer or the heartfelt declarations of Lloyd Dobler? Which lens of the '80s resonates more with our contemporary sensibilities?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Say Anything… (1989) over Better Off Dead (1985) when it comes to the greatest High School Movies of the 80s of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Say Anything… (1989) 96.6% of the time over Better Off Dead (1985).
Across all battles:
Say Anything… (1989) win rate: 38.8%
Better Off Dead (1985) win rate: 25.5%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup in the Greatest High School Movies of the 80s league such a hot debate?
Both Better Off Dead and Say Anything… feature John Cusack tackling very different teenage dilemmas in the late '80s, making this more than just a typical film rivalry. Fans are torn not just over which movie is better, but which Cusack role captures the essence of '80s high school angst more accurately. GOAT List
What's the appeal of Better Off Dead?
Better Off Dead has a quirky charm that really sticks with you. The blend of dark humor and surreal moments, like the singing hamburgers, gives it a unique spot in '80s high school movie lore. Plus, who can forget John Cusack’s comedic yet relatable performance as the lovelorn teen?
Why is Say Anything… winning by so much in its battle with Better Off Dead?
Say Anything… really resonates with fans for its iconic boombox scene and the relatable, heartfelt portrayal of young love by John Cusack. It's the emotional punches and that memorable soundtrack that have fans voting in droves over Better Off Dead, which, while also a classic, might not tug at the heartstrings quite as much.