Anthony Michael Hall Amazed John Hughes Was Able to Write Trilogy of ‘Powerful’ Films

As several of his now-iconic teen movies celebrate a major milestone, Anthony Michael Hall is reflecting on his time working with the late writer and director behind those projects, John Hughes.

Only a teenager at the time, Hall first appeared in National Lampoon’s Vacation in 1983. The family comedy led by Chevy Chase was written by Hughes, but he and Hall wouldn’t meet until their next collaboration. The breakout star then followed up that performance with a trio of teen comedies — 1994’s Sixteen Candles, as well as 1985’s The Breakfast Club and Weird Science — that were written and directed by Hughes, who was in his 30s while helming those projects.

The Breakfast Club, which reunited Hall with Molly Ringwald and also starred Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy, first debuted in theaters on Feb. 7, 1985. A few months later, on Aug. 2, Weird Science starring Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly LeBrock, Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr. was another hit at the box office.  

For Hall, now 57, those years working with Hughes were a formidable time for the young actor. “We did all three of those — you know, the trilogy — within two years,” he tells PEOPLE. “I’m just kind of amazed — now that I’m at the age I’m at — that he had the self-awareness to write something that was so powerful.” 

In the decades since their release, the three movies have left a lasting impact on audiences — especially young viewers who grew up during the heyday of Hughes’ work, which also included hits like Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Some Kind of Wonderful and Home Alone.

The Breakfast Club became regarded for its emotional depiction of high school students, while Weird Science and Sixteen Candles captured the essence of being an outcast. Reflecting on the former, Hall adds, “The question becomes, I just wonder if he knew, you know? He was really such a brilliant guy, and that film has evolved in its meaning and impact and significance over the decades.” 

When it comes to his own on-screen work, including adult roles in Foxcatcher and Halloween Kills as well as TV’s The Dead Zone and Reacher, Hall knows where his work with Hughes falls in order of importance and impact. 

“I’ve had decades to reflect upon the significance and the meaning of the Hughes films for me,” the actor says. “It’s kind of surreal. I’m in my 50s now, and in the last couple of years, I’ve been very proud to celebrate these movies reaching their 40th year.” 

“It’s really great and it’s amazing to me,” Hall continues, adding he’s been enjoying getting to celebrate these milestones, either at convention cast reunions or through one-on-one interactions with fans. “These are just little reflections on my career that I never would’ve dreamed or imagined.” 

When it comes to honoring Weird Science, specifically, Hall and costar Judie Aronson paid tribute to the movie and cast in a joint Instagram post shared on Sunday, Aug. 3. “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since I was part of this iconic film! Watching Weird Science continue to inspire, entertain, and bring laughs across generations has been a blast!” Aronson, 61, wrote. 

The actress added, “I love my Weird Science family beyond words! After all these years, we still keep in touch, share laughs at cons, and even exchanged anniversary wishes in our group text today. How cool is that?!”