Patrick Swayze was a class act.  Most of the films he starred in are classics to all of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s.  Losing a very public battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Swayze was taken from us too soon at the age of 57.  However, his optimism and courage battling this disease was inspiring.

So, last night I started thinking, “What are my favorite Patrick Swayze flicks?”

Here is my list, and I’m sure I share this top 5 with many people.

1. Point Break (1991)

Bodhi, the bleach blonde surfer baddie is one of my all time favorite action villans.  Hey, the dude just wants to have a good time and rob banks, is that so bad? I love him in this movie and will always make time for Point Break if it’s on.

2. Ghost (1990)

Who knew making pottery could be so hot?  Swayze is Sam Wheat, a young man who tragically dies before his time, leaving behind the love of his life (Demi Moore).  As a kid I loved supernatural stories, so even though this was a sappy romance, I loved the ideas in this film (if you died and left Demi Moore you’d stay behind, too).  Plus, the scene where the bad guy gets skewered by a pane of glass is pretty awesome.

3. The Outsiders (1983)

This is one of the best book-to-film adaptations out there.  Here he plays Darrel Curtis, Ponyboy Curtis and Sodapop Curtis’ older brother.  He’s the badass older brother I always wished I could be.

4. Red Dawn (1984)

Wolveriiiiiiiiines! No, this wasn’t referring to the cloning of Weapon X.  This was the battle cry for high school kids taking on the freaking Soviets!!! I always imagined if the Soviets or any Commies would take over I could take them on.

Plus, Swayze (as Jed) had the best quote of the movie:

“C’mon! We’re all going to die, die standing up!”

5. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Johnny Castle (Frank Castle’s pretty boy brother?), the dangerously sexy dance instructer de-flowers the innocent Baby.  In any other context that would be extremely wrong, but in Dirty Dancing it’s so right! C’mon all you “macho” dudes, you have to respect Swayze here.  The dude is ripped and gets the girl, all thanks to the power of dance.  Are you taking notes, yet?

Honerable Mention: Road House (1989)

Patrick Swayze has left us many classic movies that are very fun and re-watchable.  He was an actor that never took himself too seriously, and when he felt himself getting sucked into the Hollywood machine, he was smart enough to distance himself from the craziness and enjoy his life.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lisa Niemi.  He will be missed.