It’s Labor Day weekend here in the United States. What better time than to binge watch some of our favorite vintage movies, perfect for this holiday.
What is Labor Day?
Celebrated on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is a national tribute to American workers who have added to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Labor Day-Themed Movies
Here’s a quick peek at ten of our favorite vintage movies featuring American workers.
Norma Rae (1979)
A young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved.
Favorite Quote: [Norma Rae Webster] “Who’s this? Dylan Thomas?”, [Reuben Warshowsky] “He was a poet. A genius and a drunk.”
9 to 5 (1980)
Three female employees of a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot find a way to turn the tables on him.
Favorite Quote: [Roz] “Here, Violet, you can put this up on the bulletin board.” [Violet] “Thanks, Roz, I know just where to *stick* it.”
Trading Places (1983)
A snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.
Favorite Quote: [Billy Ray Valentine – on his first day of work] “What if I can’t do this job, Coleman? What if I’m not what they expected?” [Coleman] “Just be yourself, sir. Whatever happens, they can’t take that away from you.”
Working Girl (1988)
When a secretary’s idea is stolen by her boss, she seizes an opportunity to steal it back by pretending she has her boss’ job.
Favorite Quote: [Tess McGill – in the bar] “I have a head for business and a body for sin. Is there anything wrong with that?” [Jack Trainer] “Uh, no. No.”
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
An examination of the machinations behind the scenes at a real estate office.
Favorite Quote: [Ricky Roma] “I subscribe to the law of contrary public opinion… If everyone thinks one thing, then I say, bet the other way…”
The Firm (1993)
A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover that it has a sinister dark side.
Favorite Quote: [Mitch McDeere] “Hey Ray, wouldn’t it be funny if I went to Harvard, you went to Jail and we both ended up surrounded by crooks.”
Silkwood (1983)
A worker at a plutonium processing plant is purposefully contaminated, psychologically tortured and possibly murdered to prevent her from exposing worker safety violations at the plant.
Favorite Quote: [Drew Stephens] “Sweetheart, it’s like you’re two people. I’m in love with one of them. But the other one is just…” [Karen Silkwood] “A real pain in the ass.”
Broadcast News (1987)
Take two rival television reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one Producer, female. Mix well, and watch the sparks fly.
Favorite Quote: [Aaron Altman] “Ok, I’ll meet you at the place near the thing where we went that time.”
Office Space (1999)
Three company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.
Favorite Quote: [Bob Porter] “Looks like you’ve been missing a lot of work lately.” [Peter Gibbons] “I wouldn’t say I’ve been *missing* it, Bob.”
Erin Brockovich (2000)
An unemployed single mother becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply.
Favorite Quote: [Ed Masry] “What makes you think you can just walk in there and find what we need?” [Erin Brockovich] “They’re called boobs, Ed.”
Which movie is your favorite? Share in a comment below!