1986 Film That Turned a '60s Soul Hit Into an '80s Teen Anthem Ranked Among Best Rock Movies
Pretty in Pink is a John Hughes essential crafted from two of his legendary trademarks: unforgettable characters and an even better soundtrack. Released in 1986, the teen rom-com blends synth-pop, new-wave energy and soulful classics in a way that helped define an entire era of coming-of-age movies. So much so thatUltimate Classic Rock saw the film worthy of an "honorable mention" in its list of best rock movies for every decade.
After the outlet named Ferris Bueller's Day Off the best rock movie of 1986, it shared some love for the film starring Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer, and more, writing, "Where to begin with the others for 1986? Let's start with another Hughes classic, Pretty in Pink, with a soundtrack filled with synth-pop (OMD's ‘If You Leave' becoming the breakout hit)."
Written for the film at the request of Hughes, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's "If You Leave" underscores the film's iconic prom scene and emotional final moments. The song is the perfect climactic choice for a star-crossed teen romance about a working-class girl (Ringwald), her wealthy boyfriend (McCarthy), and the oddball (Cryer) who gets left behind.
Another iconic scene - easily our favorite - comes way earlier in the film when Cryer's Duckie breaks into an incredibly theatrical lip-synched rendition of "Try a Little Tenderness" - originally written in the 1930s but made famous by Otis Redding in 1966. Of course, Redding needs zero help cementing any sort of legacy, but the wildly entertaining scene solidified his song as an '80s teen anthem and a fixture in modern pop culture.
Choreographed by Kenny Ortega, the music-and-dance scene also caused renewed interest in the soul classic, with younger generations discovering it for the first time. The soundtrack itself - also featuring Psychedelic Furs, INXS, and New Order - shot to No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and was reissued on pink vinyl in March to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary.
"It was a very strong soundtrack, and we were in great company, without a shadow of a doubt," Peter Hook of New Order told SPIN.
The outlet added that Hughes mentioned his film's music in the liner notes, writing, "The music in Pretty in Pink was not an afterthought. The tracks on this album and in this film are there because [director] Howie Deutch and I believe in the artists, respect the artists, and are proud to be in league with them."
Pretty in Pink is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 4:29 PM.