Greatest High School Movies of the 80s of All Time
The Karate Kid (1984) or Say Anything… (1989)
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Why This Battle Matters
Who holds the crown for the quintessential '80s high school experience? Is it the underdog-turned-champion narrative of The Karate Kid or the unconventional romantic defiance of Say Anything…? Here we see a clash not just of storylines but of cultural footprints: Miyagi's Eastern philosophies soaked into Western suburbia versus Lloyd Dobler’s boombox serenade under Diane's window, a symbol of teenage defiance and love. This battle isn’t just about who wins; it’s about which values resonate more deeply with us today. Will it be resilience and discipline or authenticity and heart?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer The Karate Kid (1984) over Say Anything… (1989) when it comes to the greatest High School Movies of the 80s of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick The Karate Kid (1984) 100.0% of the time over Say Anything… (1989).
Across all battles:
The Karate Kid (1984) win rate: 80.0%
Say Anything… (1989) win rate: 0.0%
Fan FAQs
Why do fans adore Say Anything…?
Say Anything… is celebrated for its iconic boombox scene alone! Beyond that, its portrayal of sincere teenage love and the struggles of post-high school plans strike a real chord with fans who appreciate deep, relatable storytelling combined with a dose of '80s charm.
What makes The Karate Kid stand out among the greatest high school movies of the '80s?
The Karate Kid captures the underdog spirit like no other, with its compelling blend of martial arts and life lessons. Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san's mentor-student relationship, coupled with unforgettable catchphrases, really resonate with fans who adore tales of perseverance and growth.
Why is this matchup between Say Anything… and The Karate Kid so evenly split?
It's all about the nostalgia and diverse themes! Say Anything… tugs at the heartstrings with its romantic underdog story, while The Karate Kid inspires with its overcoming-the-odds narrative. Fans just can't decide which '80s classic had the bigger impact on their hearts.