The most memorable characters from the films of the Brat Pack

Let's start by saying that 1985's St. Elmo's Fire is the quintessential Brat Pack film, since six of the eight members of the group co-star in the movie. The problem is that absolutely none of the characters they portray in the film are likable. Demi Moore's Jules just might be the least tolerable character in the entire movie, which makes her memorable. Jules got a high-paying finance job right after graduating from Georgetown, then proceeds to go in debt through needless lavish spending. She also sleeps with her boss, becomes dependent on booze and coke, and is obsessed with her dying stepmother.

This was Rob Lowe's first lead feature role as conniving All-American boy Nick Di Angelo, who heads to England looking to draw the fancy of a beauty who attends Oxford University. Though not among the best Brat Pack movies, 1984's Oxford Blues is more digestible than some of the others, even if the whole plot is rather unrealistic. That said, Nick is actually one character that is fun to watch. However, the middling response to the picture kind of kept Lowe off the radar, coloring him as (maybe unfairly) being able to hold a film together by himself.

It's hard to pick a star from St. Elmo's Fire among the Brat Packers involved, but Rob Lowe, who played the directionless Billy, might be a good call. A good chunk of the story features Billy's inability to take responsibility for anything post-college. He's a terrible husband, non-existent father, can't hold a job, is a so-so sax player, and takes advantage of Mare Winningham's wholesome Wendy on just about every front. However, Billy is responsible for some of the movie's funnier moments, which really isn't saying much.

Here, we highlight the first of the two co-stars from this popular 1986 romantic comedy-drama about young professionals falling in love in Chicago. Deb (Demi Moore) has no trouble picking up guys, and could be branded promiscuous by some more moralizing audiences. However, one-night stands were still a thing during the mid-1980s. We should give Debbie credit, though, since she tries her best to balance a busy advertising job with the domestic aspects of trying to have an adult relationship. 

Debbie's About Last Night ... significant other would be Danny (Rob Lowe). He's good-looking, athletic and does extremely well with the ladies (must be the double headphone move). Both were attracted to each other from the start, and a few days of whirlwind sex leads the couple moving in together. Danny, though, didn't seem ready for such an adult relationship as a twenty-something. He still wants to party, stay out late and have a good time. Eventually, Danny realizes he didn't know what he had until it was gone, and tries to make amends.

More from Lowe. He's one of two Brat Packers to co-star amid a celebrated ensemble cast of young Hollywood actors and actresses from the 1983 film version of S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel of the same name. This was actually Lowe's first screen role, and t's memorable for the character's name alone. Sodapop is one of three brothers who hang with fellow "Greasers" in 1960s Oklahoma, trying to survive after their parents were killed in a car accident. Plus, audiences get to see Lowe without a shirt on.

Emilio Estevez is the other Brat Pack member to be featured in this coming-of-age classic. Estevez's beer-for-breakfast, Mickey Mouse-loving "Two-Bit" Mathews is actually quite the scene-stealer as one of the "Greasers." He provides most of the comedic moments in the film, but is also ready to defend his buddies and start a fight at the drop of a hat. Though only a supporting role, "Two-Bit" is actually one of the best things about an already great movie.

Teen bad guys don't come much sleazier than rich-boy Steff from this 1986 classic. Of course, James Spader is one of the best at playing the antagonist. The first non-Brat Packer to earn a mention on the this list, Spader was a presence in several of these types of films during the 1980s, and should receive honorary Brat Pack status. The sleaze alert is high with Steff, who is rude, demeaning, and downright despicable. At the end of the day, Steff seems to realize all of that himself.

There have been plenty of notable performances from the fictional adults in Brat Pack films, and the great Annie Potts' from Pretty in Pink is among the best. Her fashion-conscious Iona is the feisty, sassy record-shop owner who is a rebel that steals many a scene. She's also an important sounding board for the movie's female lead (more about that in a bit). And, we certainly don't want to shoplift in her store, lest we face the wrath of her staple gun. 

The Breakfast Club (1985) should be considered the gold standard of Brat Pack films. The five main characters are all part of the group, with Anthony Michael Hall's Brian considered the "brain" among those stuck in Saturday detention at Shermer High. Brian is a typical introvert, does things by the book, and gets good grades to make his parents proud. He likes his soup out of a thermos and can get a little wacky when under the influence. Deep down, though, Brian would love to be accepted socially — or least feel safe amid the high school jungle.

The movie version of The Outsiders is mostly told through the eyes of soft-spoken, sensitive teen Ponyboy. C. Thomas Howell, whose performance in the role was praised and remains the highlight of his career, was on the outskirts of the Brat Pack. However, when it comes to memorable characters from movies that fall under the Brat Pack genre, Ponyboy needs to be on that list and consistently celebrated. 

Ally Sheedy's Allison is dubbed the "basket case" of the detention dwellers. We understand why, since she sports a combination homeless/goth look, likes to put candy on her sandwich, and makes strange noises. As we also come to learn, Allison wasn't actually sentenced to detention, she showed up of her own free will to solve a case of apparent boredom. But after the group got to know each other, Allison received a makeover and might have found a boyfriend. This should still be considered Sheedy's career-defining role. 

The athlete with an apparent mischievous tendency (he taped a fellow classmate's buns together to earn his detention), Andrew (Emilio Estevez) is the typical high school jock. He has a relatively short fuse, likes to eat a lot, and eventually finds a special friend in the aforementioned Allison. It can be argued that Andrew is the least interesting of the five main characters from The Breakfast Club, but his subtle antics are rather humorous and he also has some pretty notable lines.

Like C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio earned his association with the Brat Pack due to this poignantly memorable role from The Outsiders. Johnny was a nervous wreck, a scared teen who only felt comfortable and safe while in the company of his fellow Greasers. One of the most tragic characters in literature and 1980s films of this kind, Johnny doesn't deserve the cards he's been dealt during his young life. Macchio was stellar, but his eventual work with The Karate Kid franchise still overshadows this brilliant performance. 

It's questionable whether to even consider Matt Dillon an associate of the Brat Pack. However, just about any of the young talent cast in The Outsiders were lumped in with that particular gang because of this movie. Dillon, however, was a budding star by the time he earned the role of bad boy Dallas Winston, the anti-hero Greaser who shunned authority to live a poor man's James Dean existence. Still, Dallas is probably the most memorable character from the movie — Brat Pack or not.

Andrew McCarthy might have some inconsistently bad hair in Pretty in Pink, but that's not the only thing that is annoying about one of his most notable Brat Pack characters. Blane, not the name of a major appliance, is a rich kid who falls for a poor girl in high school. Sadly, he's not self-confident enough to shun his fellow arrogant and elitist friends who don't approve of the relationship. Eventually Blane comes to his senses, but there are more likable Pretty in Pink characters — as we'll see.

This was the role that turned Molly Ringwald, who previously made somewhat of a name for herself while a cast member during the first season of The Facts of Life, into a 1980s teen film star. Samantha Baker hopes for a special sweet 16. Unfortunately, everybody she cares about forgets it's her birthday. Hilarity ensues the whole time, much to Sam's dismay. Now, Samantha is certainly a memorable character from this John Hughes classic, but as we'll see, there are others who truly stand out. 

There's usually one high school teacher or administrator who likes to abuse his authority and thinks he's above all, or that his job is more important than it is in reality. That would be Mr. Vernon (Paul Gleason), the assistant principal at Shermer High, who makes $31,000 per year and threatens the students with "cracking skulls." Vernon is all about satire, and he plays the stereotype to the hilt. He's by far one of the most memorable characters within the John Hughes' universe of films — and perhaps the 1980s, for that matter.

Michael Schoeffling has made just 11 movies during his career, and none since 1991. Sure, he enjoyed decent success with his supporting roles in Vision Quest and Mermaids. However, his career will always be defined as Jake Ryan, the heartthrob, high school big man on campus, who happens to be the object of one Samantha Baker's obsession. Jake is beyond cool. He's apathetic about his relationship with the prom queen and didn't seem to care that his family's home in an affluent Chicago suburb was completely trashed. He drives a hot car and talks to underclassmen. Girls wanted him and guys wanted to be him. Bow to Jake Ryan.

Gedde Watanabe has enjoyed a solid acting career, but to most movie fans of a certain age, he will always be Long Duk Dōng, the out-of-his-element foreign exchange student, who adds to the terrible experience that is Samantha Baker's 16th birthday. Dōng is in town for roughly two days and manages to score a girl, get drunk and destroy a car. That's a pretty good high school career for the typical teen. Consider the "Dōnger" an overachiever, and one of the most iconic characters from a Brat Pack film who is not part of the group. And, one who probably would not see the screen today.

Another gem from Molly Ringwald, the undisputed queen of these Brat Pack films. Now, Ringwald's reign was limited to these pictures, with most of those roles earning her much praise — and even icon status in some cases. Take Claire, known as a "princess." She came off as stuck up and prissy from the start, but eventually proved she could relate to the commoners once she's called out for her elitist attitude. Then we learn that Claire might actually be a pretty strong individual. 

Obviously, it can be argued that the aforementioned Claire is Ringwald's most prominent Brat Pack role. However, when it comes to strong, independent and mostly confident teenagers, Andie is the tops among Ringwald's Brat Pack roles. Andie is a stylish, but poor girl courted by "richie" Blane (McCarthy). The tale is common, but this version is relatively genuine as written by the great John Hughes. Andie also happens to the adult in the household with only her seemingly lazy single father around. She's one of the great fictional female role models of the '80s.

Freshman "Farmer" Ted (Anthony Michael Hall) aims to get lucky at a high school dance, and sets his sights on previously mentioned sophomore Samantha Baker. There are breakout performances, and then there is the effort Hall delivers. Ted is non-stop fun, a goofball in the best sense of the label — "the king of the dips%*ts." He's a fantastic dancer, prioritizes fresh breath and actually ends up becoming a high school legend without really trying.

There are those fictional slackers who audiences can't help but root for and become beloved over time. No doubt, Duckie Dale falls into the latter category. A poor student with a good sense of humor, Duckie (Jon Cryer) is a hopeless romantic who is in your face, quick-witted, and an outsider within the confines of the American high school. The only thing that motivates Duckie is Andie (Ringwald), his best friend and the object of his obsession. He's also responsible for most of Pretty in Pink's most memorable moments.

Bender would be "The Criminal" among the five students subjected to Saturday detention at Shermer High. He's the token bad boy/rebel, but as we see throughout this John Hughes coming-of-age classic, there is a softer side to Mr. Bender (Judd Nelson). The wise-cracking troublemaker has something about him that attracts people, even if they initially can't stand him. Bender is more intelligent than he appears and has a warped, but intoxicating sense of humor. He's the bad egg boys admired, and good girls wanted to date to tick off their parents.