11 Adorable Brunette Friends in 1980s Films

      Adorable brunette friends are a key element in ’80s films, and occasionally, they end up in relationships with the lead characters.

      Toni Williams in Secret Admirer (Played by Lori Loughlin)

      When Michael Ryan (C. Thomas Howell) discovers an anonymous love letter, he mistakenly believes it's from his blonde crush, Deborah (Kelly Preston). However, it's actually from his close friend Toni, who, in an unexpected twist, is a brunette. Misunderstandings mount, leading Michael to realize that Deborah is rather superficial and that he truly belongs with Toni.

      Boof in Teen Wolf (Played by Susan Ursitti)

      Lisa “Boof” Marconi and Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) are clearly meant for each other. Yet, Scott foolishly longs for blonde Pamela (Lorie Griffin), who only likes him for his werewolf persona. Lisa embodies the cute brunette friend trope in ’80s cinema, complete with her charming nickname. It takes a closet party game for Scott and Boof to recognize their strong chemistry.

      Duckie in Pretty in Pink (Played by Jon Cryer)

      Phil “Ducky” Dale showcases impeccable ’80s style and is always supportive of Andie (Molly Ringwald), who harbors feelings for the bland, blonde Blane (Andrew McCarthy). Ducky, however, views himself as her true love, a sentiment he holds in secret. Reflecting on it now, Ducky pretending to be only a friend while wanting more feels a bit unsettling, yet this dynamic is not uncommon in ’80s films.

      Rick Morehouse in Just One of the Guys (Played by Clayton Rohner)

      Not every movie in this list adheres to the typical ’80s plot where the lead character overlooks the loyal brunette friend for a blonde. In Just One of the Guys, female journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser) poses as a boy for a story and ends up falling for the awkward new student Rick (Clayton Rohner). She masquerades as his male best friend to help him fit in until her disguise is uncovered and valuable lessons emerge. The title, "Just One of the Guys," alludes to both characters, making it a multi-layered film.

      Allison Bradbury in The Sure Thing (Played by Daphne Zuniga)

      Walter (John Cusack) and Allison (Daphne Zuniga) are a perfect match, yet he daydreams about the mysterious blonde referred to as the “Sure Thing” (Nicolette Sheridan). Through a series of misadventures on a road trip, Walter and Allison's bond deepens, ultimately leading Walter to understand that he doesn’t have true feelings for the blonde.

      Monique in Better Off Dead (Diane Franklin)

      Lane Meyer (John Cusack again) is clearly meant for French exchange student Monique, but he pines for his blonde ex-girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss), while Monique tries to escape a tricky situation with Lane’s neighbor Ricky (Dan Schneider). Monique stands out as a strong female character in an ’80s high school film—smart, skilled in various areas, and impeccably dressed, she's the epitome of the cute brunette friend.

      Cassandra in One Crazy Summer (Played by Demi Moore)

      In another John Cusack film, he plays Hoops McCann, who quickly connects with musician Cassandra (Demi Moore) but ends up dating Cookie (Kimberly Foster), the girlfriend of a cocky blonde. One Crazy Summer, released in 1986, shares similarities with Better Off Dead, having many returning actors and characters that feel like reimagined versions from the earlier film.

      Rona in Oxford Blues (Played by Ally Sheedy)

      In Oxford Blues, Nick Di Angelo (Rob Lowe) is infatuated with Lady Victoria Wingate (Amanda Pays) but grows close to coxswain Rona (Ally Sheedy), another American. Predictably, both ladies are brunettes.

      Allison Reynolds in The Breakfast Club (Played by Ally Sheedy)

      One year after Oxford Blues, Ally Sheedy portrays another cute brunette friend and unrecognized love interest in this 1985 classic by John Hughes. In detention, Allison and Andrew (Emilio Estevez) find common ground, which leads to a makeover and a romantic kiss as they part.

      Dez in Desperately Seeking Susan (Played by Aidan Quinn)

      When Dez meets Roberta (Rosanna Arquette), he mistakenly thinks she's off-limits as she's believed to be the girlfriend of his best friend, Susan (Madonna). Roberta is married to the unfaithful Gary (Mark Blum). The two share adventures in New York as she deals with amnesia but eventually succumb to their undeniable chemistry.

      Linda in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Played by Phoebe Cates)

      Many remember Fast Times for Sean Penn's role as Jeff Spicoli or Phoebe Cates' pool scene