11 Adorable Brunette Friends in Films from the '80s

      Adorable brunette best friends are a staple of '80s films.

      At times, they even become romantically involved with the main protagonist.

      Toni Williams in Secret Admirer (Played 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’s actually written by his close friend Toni, who, in an unexpected twist, is a brunette.

      Misunderstandings ensue, and Michael comes to realize that Deborah is a bit superficial and that he is truly meant for 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 one another. Yet, Scott foolishly longs for the blonde Pamela (Lorie Griffin), who is so shallow that she only likes him when he’s a wolf.

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

      Duckie in Pretty in Pink (Played by Jon Cryer)

      Credit: C/O

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

      In hindsight, it seems somewhat creepy and cowardly that Ducky pretends to be just a platonic friend to Andie while secretly hoping to be more. However, this dynamic isn’t uncommon in ’80s films.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Don’t fret; not every movie on this list adheres to the familiar ’80s plot of a hero or heroine yearning for a blonde while neglecting the supportive brunette.

      For instance, in the delightfully chaotic Just One of the Guys, high school journalist Terri Griffith (Joyce Hyser, above left) goes undercover as a boy for her journalistic investigation and eventually falls for awkward new student Rick (Clayton Rohner, above right).

      Naturally, she pretends to be his new male best friend to help him fit in, before her disguise is uncovered and important lessons are learned.

      And before you incredulously exclaim, “What? The title refers to Terri, not Rick!” note that it indeed refers to both: Just One of the Guys is a surprisingly complex film that operates on multiple levels.

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

      Credit: C/O

      Walter (John Cusack) and Allison (Daphne Zuniga) are clearly perfect for each other, yet he’s captivated by the elusive blonde “Sure Thing” mentioned in the title (Nicolette Sheridan).

      Through a lengthy series of misadventures on a road trip, Walter and Allison cultivate a close bond that eventually evolves into something deeper when Walter realizes his feelings for The Sure Thing are not genuine.

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

      Monique in Better Off Dead (Played by Diane Franklin)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Lane Meyer (John Cusack again) is clearly meant to be with French exchange student Monique, but he spends his time longing for his blonde ex-girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss), while Monique is busy contemplating her escape from a messed-up situation with Lane’s neighbor Ricky (Dan Schneider).

      Monique stands out as an exceptionally strong female character for a high school '80s film — she is the smartest, most stylish, and capable character, excelling in various activities. She might be the best-dressed character here, possibly rivaled only by Ducky.

      Interestingly, we discovered during our research for this article that Diane Franklin, the actress playing 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 is it about films featuring John Cusack in the '80s? In this one, Cusack plays Hoops McCann, who instantly bonds with the cool musician Cassandra (Demi Moore) yet ends up dating Cookie (Kimberly Foster), the blonde girlfriend of arrogant blonde Teddy Beckersted.

      As previously mentioned, One Crazy Summer from 1986 somewhat resembles its predecessor, Better Off Dead, as both works are penned and directed by the remarkable “Savage” Steve Holland. Many actors from the first film return, and some characters feel like variations of those in Better Off Dead.

      And you know what? Hats off to them. Why fix what isn