The 1980s was a decade of big hair, neon colors, and a booming economy. It was a time of significant cultural shifts, and many trends from that era still hold a special place in people’s hearts. Here are 24 things that were popular during that time:
#1. Pac-Man
The iconic video game was a huge hit in the 1980s, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the decade.
#2. Rubik’s Cube
The colorful puzzle toy was a craze in the 1980s, with millions of people trying to solve its challenging combination.
#3. Walkman
Sony’s portable cassette player revolutionized music listening on-the-go in the 1980s, and it became an iconic symbol of the decade.
#4. Miami Vice
The hit TV show, with its pastel-colored suits and sleek cars, was a defining moment of 1980s pop culture.
#5. Jane Fonda Workout Tapes
Fonda’s exercise tapes were a huge hit in the 1980s, as people tried to get in shape with her guidance.
#6. MTV
The launch of MTV in 1981 changed the music industry forever, with music videos becoming a crucial part of artists’ marketing strategies.
#7. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop’s music and style dominated the 1980s, with hit songs like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” becoming cultural touchstones.
#8. Cabbage Patch Kids
The popular dolls were a huge hit in the 1980s, with people lining up to adopt them as if they were real children.
#9. VHS Tapes
The introduction of VHS tapes in the 1980s revolutionized home entertainment, as people could now rent movies to watch at home.
#10. Atari
The video game company was a significant player in the 1980s, with hits like Space Invaders and Asteroids captivating players.
#11. The Breakfast Club
The iconic John Hughes movie about high school students became a cultural touchstone of the 1980s, with its themes of teenage angst and self-discovery.
#12. Madonna
The Queen of Pop’s music and style were defining aspects of the 1980s, with her hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl” becoming anthems of the decade.
#13. Nintendo Entertainment System
The NES revolutionized the video game industry in the 1980s, with iconic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
#14. Ghostbusters
The hit movie about a team of ghost hunters became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, spawning sequels, merchandise, and a catchy theme song.
#15. Bon Jovi
The rock band’s music and style captured the spirit of the 1980s, with hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
#16. Reebok High-Tops
The classic basketball shoe became a fashion statement in the 1980s, with people wearing them as a symbol of coolness and athleticism.
#17. E.T.
Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming movie about a friendly alien became a huge hit in the 1980s, capturing people’s imaginations with its themes of friendship and acceptance.
#18. Leg Warmers
The fashion trend of wearing leg warmers with workout clothes became a craze in the 1980s, with people wearing them for both fashion and function.
#19. The A-Team
The hit TV show about a team of ex-military operatives became a cultura
#20. New Wave Music
The genre of music that emerged in the 1980s was defined by its use of synthesizers, catchy melodies, and quirky fashion styles.
#21. Magnum P.I.
The hit TV show starring Tom Selleck as a private investigator was a defining moment of 1980s pop culture, with its iconic Hawaiian shirts and mustache.
#22. The Smurfs
The beloved cartoon about the tiny blue creatures living in a mushroom village captured the hearts of children in the 1980s.
#23. Ray-Ban Wayfarers
The classic sunglasses became a fashion statement in the 1980s, with people wearing them as a symbol of coolness and style.
#24. Fame
The hit TV show about students at a performing arts high school captured the spirit of the 1980s, with its catchy theme song and dance routines.
The 1980s was a decade of innovation, cultural shifts, and popular trends that are still celebrated and remembered today.
From iconic movies like The Breakfast Club and E.T. to groundbreaking technology like the Walkman and VHS tapes, the 1980s will always hold a special place in pop culture history.
The post 24 Things That Were Popular With Boomers in the 1980s But Gen Z Will Laugh At originally appeared on Career Step Up.