Cute brunette best friends are a staple in ’80s films.

      At times, they even find themselves romantically involved with the lead character.

      Toni Williams in Secret Admirer (Portrayed by Lori Loughlin)

      Credit: C/O

      When Michael Ryan (C. Thomas Howell) gets an anonymous love letter, he thinks it's from his blonde crush, Deborah (Kelly Preston).

      However, it turns out to be from his close friend Toni, who, in an unexpected twist, is a brunette.

      As a result of several misunderstandings, the situation intensifies, leading Michael to realize that Deborah is somewhat shallow and that he belongs with Toni, naturally.

      Boof in Teen Wolf (Portrayed by Susan Ursitti)

      Credit: C/O

      Lisa "Boof" Marconi and Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) are clearly perfect for each other. Yet, Scott foolishly longs for blonde Pamela (Lorie Griffin) — despite her superficial affection for him only when he's in wolf form.

      Boof embodies the quintessential cute brunette friend in an ’80s film, as evidenced by her charming nickname. A closet party game helps Scott and Boof discover their undeniable chemistry.

      Duckie in Pretty in Pink (Portrayed by Jon Cryer)

      Credit: C/O

      Phil "Ducky" Dale boasts exceptional ’80s style and is always there for Andie (Molly Ringwald), who is infatuated with the pale, lackluster Blane (Andrew McCarthy). However, Ducky believes he is her true love.

      In retrospect, Ducky pretending to be just a friend while secretly desiring more might seem a bit creepy and cowardly. Yet, this dynamic is fairly common in ’80s cinema.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Not every movie on this list adheres to the classic ’80s formula of a hero or heroine longing for a blonde while neglecting the brunette who's always been there.

      For instance, in the wonderfully chaotic Just One of the Guys, female high school journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser) goes incognito as a boy for journalistic purposes and falls for new student Rick (Clayton Rohner).

      Of course, she masquerades as his male friend to help him fit in, before her secret is uncovered and vital lessons are learned.

      And before you uncontrollably exclaim, “What? The title refers to Terri, not Rick!” keep in mind that it applies to both: Just One of the Guys is intriguingly multifaceted.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Walter (John Cusack) and Allison (Daphne Zuniga) are undeniably compatible, yet he finds himself fixated on the enigmatic "Sure Thing" (Nicolette Sheridan).

      As they embark on a series of misadventures on their road trip, Walter and Allison's affection blossoms and eventually deepens when Walter realizes he lacks real love for The Sure Thing.

      This film was released in 1985, the same year as the following entry on our list.

      Monique in Better Off Dead (Portrayed by Diane Franklin)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Lane Meyer (John Cusack once more) and the French exchange student Monique are clearly made for each other, yet he spends his time longing for his blonde ex-girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss), while she plans her escape from a situation with Lane’s neighbor Ricky (Dan Schneider).

      Monique stands out as a remarkable female character in a high school ’80s film — she’s the smartest, coolest, and most capable character, excelling in pitching, car repairs, skiing, and more. She also has one of the best wardrobes on this list, possibly rivaling Ducky.

      Additionally, during our thorough research for this gallery, we discovered that Diane Franklin, who played Monique, isn't actually French. She's simply that talented, representing the gold standard of cute brunette friends in ’80s films.

      Cassandra in One Crazy Summer (Portrayed by Demi Moore)

      Credit: C/O

      What is it about ’80s movies starring John Cusack? In this film, he portrays a character similar to Lane Meyer, named Hoops McCann, who quickly bonds with cool musician Cassandra (Demi Moore) but ends up dating Cookie (Kimberly Foster), the blonde girlfriend of arrogant Teddy Beckersted.

      As previously noted, 1986’s One Crazy Summer seems like a sequel to 1985’s Better Off Dead — both penned and directed by the great “Savage” Steve Holland — since many actors reprise their roles and some characters feel like variations of those from Better Off Dead.

      And honestly? Kudos. Why change a winning formula?

      Rona in Oxford Blues (Portrayed by Ally Sheedy)

      Credit: C