11 Adorable Brunette Friends in '80s Films

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

      Occasionally, they even find romance with the lead character.

      Toni Williams in Secret Admirer (Played by Lori Loughlin)

      Credit: C/O

      When Michael Ryan (C. Thomas Howell) gets an anonymous love letter, he 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.

      Due to a series of misunderstandings, the situation escalates, and Michael comes to realize that Deborah is rather shallow and that he truly belongs with Toni. Naturally.

      Boof in Teen Wolf (Played by Susan Ursitti)

      Credit: C/O

      Lisa “Boof” Marconi and Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) are clearly destined for each other. Yet, Scott foolishly pines for the blonde Pamela (Lorie Griffin) — even though Pamela is so superficial she only likes Scott in werewolf form.

      Everything about Lisa embodies the cute brunette friend trope in an ’80s movie, including her charming nickname. It takes a closet party game for Scott and Boof to discover their undeniable chemistry.

      Duckie in Pretty in Pink (Played by Jon Cryer)

      Credit: C/O

      Phil “Ducky” Dale has an impeccable sense of ’80s fashion and is always there for Andie (Molly Ringwald), who is infatuated with the bland, blonde Blane (Andrew McCarthy). Yet Ducky is her true love — at least in his eyes.

      In hindsight, there's something a bit creepy and cowardly about Ducky posing as a platonic friend while secretly wishing to be with her.

      But this dynamic is not uncommon in ’80s films.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Not every film on this list adheres to the typical ’80s movie plot of a hero or heroine chasing after a blonde while disregarding the loyal brunette friend.

      For example, in the wonderfully chaotic Just One of the Guys, female high school journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser, left) disguises herself as a boy for a journalistic story, only to fall for the awkward new student Rick (Clayton Rohner, right).

      She pretends to be his new male best friend to help him fit in, until her deception is uncovered and valuable lessons unfold.

      And before you raise your voice in protest, “What? The title is about Terri, not Rick!” please realize it applies to both of them: Just One of the Guys is a wonderfully complex film that works on several levels.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Walter (John Cusack) and Allison (Daphne Zuniga) are clearly suited for each other, but he obsessively pines for the elusive blonde “Sure Thing” (Nicolette Sheridan).

      Through a series of road-trip escapades, Walter and Allison nurture a close bond that ultimately blossoms into something deeper when Walter realizes he doesn't truly love The Sure Thing.

      Released in 1985, it shares its debut year with the next film on our list.

      Monique in Better Off Dead (Diane Franklin)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Lane Meyer (John Cusack again) and French exchange student Monique are a perfect match, yet he spends time daydreaming about his blonde ex-girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss), while she is busy plotting her escape from a troublesome situation with Lane's neighbor Ricky (Dan Schneider).

      Monique stands out as a fantastic female character in a high school ’80s movie — she is the wisest, coolest, and most resourceful character, skilled in various activities like pitching, fixing cars, and skiing. She's also possibly the best-dressed character on this list, rivaled only by Ducky.

      Additionally, while researching for this gallery, we discovered that Diane Franklin, the actress who portrayed Monique, is not actually French. She’s just that talented. The epitome of cute brunette friends in ’80s films.

      Cassandra in One Crazy Summer (Played by Demi Moore)

      Credit: C/O

      What’s the connection with John Cusack in ’80s movies? In this one, he plays a character similar to Lane Meyer named Hoops McCann, who quickly connects with the cool musician Cassandra (Demi Moore), but ends up dating Cookie (Kimberly Foster), the blonde girlfriend of arrogant blond Teddy Beckersted.

      As noted earlier, 1986’s One Crazy Summer feels somewhat like a sequel to 1985’s Better Off Dead, as both are penned and directed by the talented “Savage” Steve Holland — featuring many returning actors and similar character dynamics.

      And you know what? Kudos. Why change something that works?

      Rona in Oxford Blues (Played by Ally