L.A. film lovers, consider your Thanksgiving weekend plans handled: the American Cinematheque is celebrating the legacy of the late Drew Struzan with a triple-feature marathon of some of the most beloved films he ever illustrated. On Saturday, November 29, the Egyptian Theatre will screen Back to the Future (1985), The Goonies (1985), and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) in an all-day cinematic time capsule to the 1980s.
Coming at a moment when ’80s nostalgia is booming this marathon offers a rare chance to revisit the films that shaped a generation. If you can’t wait to see Sadie Sink, Millie Bobby Brown, and Finn Wolfhard back on screen in Stranger Things Season 5, why not spend the long weekend reliving the original ’80s classics that inspired the show?
So if you’re looking for things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in L.A. look no further— we’ve got you covered.
Back to the 80s: the movies that inspired today’s nostalgia obsession
Few lineups capture the magic of ’80s cinema quite like these three. Back to the Future, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, reshaped blockbuster storytelling with its mix of sci-fi charm and comedic heart. The Goonies, produced by Spielberg delivered pure treasure-hunt energy—turning Sean Astin, Ke Huy Quan, and Josh Brolin into instant icons. And E.T., Spielberg’s masterpiece of friendship and childhood wonder, became the highest-grossing film of the decade.
Together, they’re a crash course in the decade’s imagination and emotional punch—and a perfect prelude for binge-watchers counting down how many episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 are coming on Netflix.
Honoring Drew Struzan: the artist behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable posters
Struzan, who passed away in October 2025, leaves behind a visual legacy that shaped modern blockbuster cinema. His posters for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and dozens more remain the gold standard for cinematic illustration.
This tribute marathon at the Egyptian Theatre honors that legacy by celebrating the films most synonymous with his style.
🎥 Where: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
📅 When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 — marathon begins midday
🎟️ Tickets: Available via American Cinematheque here
🍿 Discover more L.A. screenings and events happening this Thanksgiving weekend here.