You’ve seen the conversation-starting X or Instagram posts:

“One day, my dad sat me down on the couch, and showed me a movie meant to change my life.”

Right now my husband, a teacher, and 16-year-old daughter are home for summer and watching one of those films right now. Actually there have been three movies they’ve watched so far that reach into our memory bank:

Fandango (1985)

An early Amblin Entertainment film offering, and one of few things Kathleen Kennedy was involved with before she lost her mind. This was an under-the-radar post-college road trip film that remained intelligent. Of course, it was filmed all over West Texas where I grew up. My older brother was a stand-in in the film, and my husband and I have pilgrimaged to DOM rock, but even if you don’t know the area, the sentiment was still great. It’s a good look at the intersection of youth and responsibility, with some hilarious scenes in between. If for no other reason, the parachute segment is worth the watch.

Red Dawn (1984)

I try to forget that 2012 remake ever existed, because this original 80s Cold War era classic made you proud to be an American teen. Of course, my husband had to mention that we used to work for the little paper in Las Vegas, NM where the movie was filmed. The ending scene park was right across the street from our office, and the big “Calumet Says Howdy” mural was a tourist attraction. This movie not only celebrated the patriotism and know-how of teenagers back in the day (or at least the know-how we thought we had), but it gave us a new battle cry: Wolverines!!!!

Tombstone (1993)

My own dad took me to see this one in the theatres, when I was home from college, and it was a great memory for me. It was also one of the last movies my dad and I saw together before I went off and got married. Not completely historically accurate, but certainly fun. My dad would be proud that his son-in-law has officially passed the torch of enjoying one of the most quotable westerns around to his own daughters. Admit it, you still know half the lines by heart.

So here’s let’s keep this going, readers. What movie did your dad or grandpa show you that you still cherish for that reason. Likewise, what movie are you showing your impressionable teens to give them a better perspective of your own youth?

There’s always at least one.