The characters will always be relatable.
Stereotypes exist for a reason, and John Hughes knew better than anyone how to exploit them to his full advantage. There will always be a brain... and an athlete... and a basket case... and a princess... and a criminal. And who hasn't pined for their unknowing best friend of the opposite sex? Still not buying it? Well, there's a Facebook application that tests what Molly Ringwald character you're most like. So go see for yourself and cross your fingers that you don't get the mom from Secret Life of the American Teenager.

They teach you valuable life skills.
I think everyone should have their kids watch Home Alone at a very young age -- for practical self-defense purposes, of course. Pretty in Pink will teach you to be resourceful and make your own clothes in this worthless economy. The practicality is almost overwhelming!

The soundtracks.
I'm sorry, but anyone who doesn't think that '80s New Wave is one of the greatest genres of all time needs to get off his high horse and pop in that Psychedelic Furs cassette. It's the ultimate feel good music! Plus, the record store that Andie works at in Pretty in Pink is so indie and legit.

The humor is (relatively) wholesome, and still so hilarious.
Sure, Molly Ringwald is constantly tormented by her virgin status and everyone knew that Ferris and Sloane were totally doin' it, but they didn't have to rub it in our faces to make for good entertainment. John Hughes knew that good, old-fashioned hooky-playing antics and bizarre foreign exchange students were (and still are) enough to make us giggle with nostalgia at the awkward teen years.

They give hope to nerds and poor girls everywhere.
Seriously, I bet every reality show gold digger learned her craft from some John Hughes movie that put excessive emphasis on money and social class. And nerd boys everywhere can look to Weird Science or Sixteen Candles to figure out how to get hot girls to like them -- or at least give them their panties.

Your reasons for loving John Hughes movies? Sound off below.