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Cover of Girls Just Want to Have Fun

film

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

1985

Janey is new in town. She soon meets Lynne, a classmate who shares her passion for the local show 'Dance TV'. When a competition is announced to find new Dance TV performers, Janey and Lynne are determined to audition. The only problem is that Janey's father doesn't approve of that kind of thing.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The film has mild peril, a brief fight, rebellious behavior, kissing, bullying, and emotional family conflict, but its PG treatment is generally light and suitable for older children with guidance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects 1980s pop culture and dance trends, but lacks explicit commercial product placement.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language typical of the period.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Catholic school is the setting, and characters mention attending church/choir, but it is not a focus of the plot.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Central teen romance between Janey and Jeff involving kisses and developing feelings.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Mild, comic peril includes a guard dog, escape from home, parental anger, and a brief fight; frightening moments are limited and not intense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild teen flirtation and suggestive dance moves appropriate for the 1980s teen film genre.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown in a club environment, reflecting the setting.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

A brief club fight includes a sucker-punch, and there is some threatening behavior and conflict; violence is limited and not graphically portrayed.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists take creative risks, face parental opposition and social pressure, and persist through the competition despite setbacks.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Dance, choreography, gymnastics, performance, and inventive problem-solving drive the story and its resolution.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Typical 1980s teen cast diversity; character roles are fairly standard.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental value in demonstrating dance techniques and creative problem-solving.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Strong friendship and mutual support between Janey and Lynne.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film supports friendship, teamwork, perseverance, creative self-expression, and standing up to unfair control and coercion.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters display determination, though they occasionally engage in deceitful behavior against rivals.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Girls Just Want to Have Fun would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and what caused that change?
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